Blog Kristi Jenkins May 19, 2026
At its core, a title contingency gives the buyer time to review the property’s title report and ensure everything is clear.
That means confirming:
Legal ownership
No unresolved liens
No unexpected claims or restrictions
It’s one of those behind-the-scenes steps that most people don’t think about, until something shows up.
And occasionally, it does.
Over the years, I’ve seen situations where:
Old liens were still attached to a property
Easements weren’t clearly understood
Ownership details needed clarification
None of these are necessarily deal-breakers.
But they do need to be addressed.
And having a title contingency in place gives us the time and structure to handle it properly, without putting unnecessary pressure on the transaction.
This is something a lot of people don’t realize.
A clean title isn’t just about the buyer feeling confident, it protects the seller too.
Because the goal is a smooth closing where:
Ownership transfers clearly
No unresolved issues carry forward
Everyone walks away knowing it was handled correctly
The experience matters on both sides.
What I love about this part of the process is that it allows for thoughtful problem-solving.
If something comes up, we’re not reacting, we’re working through it.
That might look like:
Clearing a lien before closing
Clarifying recorded documents
Working with the title company to resolve questions
And when it’s handled early, it keeps everything moving forward.
In competitive situations, there’s sometimes pressure to waive contingencies.
And while every situation is different, this is one where careful consideration really matters.
Because without it, you may be taking on risk that isn’t immediately visible.
And those are the kinds of surprises we always want to avoid.
A title contingency may not be the most visible part of a real estate deal, but it’s one of the pieces that keeps everything grounded.
It protects the process.
It protects the people involved.
And it allows us to move forward with clarity.
That’s the goal every time.
More articles:
7 Real Estate Decisions That Matter Most
A Local Guide to the Gardens & Nurseries to Visit This Spring in the Eastside
Living in Sammamish, WA: What It’s Really Like (And Why So Many Buyers Are Moving Here)
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With a 20-year total of more than $100M in sales, her experience shines through. Whether she’s working with first-time home buyers or seasoned investors in a complex deal, Kristi walks through each stage of the home sale and makes sure you feel supported and understood.