Phoenix S. Ayotte, Attorney at Law

09/09/2026

"As-is" doesn't mean "anything goes"

This is one of the most misunderstood phrases in real estate, for buyers and sellers alike.

An as-is sale means the seller won't be making repairs before closing. It doesn't mean they're excused from disclosing defects they're already aware of, like a known foundation issue or an old roof leak. That part of the law doesn't change just because the listing says "as-is".

Understanding what "as-is" really waives, and what it doesn't, helps everyone go into the deal with the same expectations.

Buying or selling as-is? Contact Future Counsel to make sure everyone's on the same page before anyone signs!

09/07/2026

Wishing you a happy Labor Day! Today, we recognize and appreciate the hard work, dedication, and contributions of workers in our communities.

Our offices are closed today in observance of Labor Day and will resume regular hours tomorrow.

09/03/2026

Are you buying or selling without a realtor? Here's what still needs to happen ↓

Whether you're selling for sale by owner or you found your next home without an agent involved, skipping the commission doesn't mean skipping the legal side of the deal.

FOR SALE BY OWNER: You're handling your own disclosures, contract terms, and negotiations - which means you're also the one on the hook if something in them is wrong or missing. A quick legal review before you list (or before you accept an offer) catches problems while they're still easy to fix.

BUYING WITHOUT AN AGENT: Found the place yourself? Nobody's automatically reviewing that purchase agreement to make sure it protects you. Don’t sign until a lawyer has looked it over. That’s exactly the gap we fill.

Doing it alone doesn't mean going in unprotected.

Under contract or about to be? Send it our way before you sign!

07/27/2026

As more families navigate wealth transfers across generations, disputes over wills are becoming increasingly common.

This Financial Times article explores how these conflicts are becoming more frequent as populations age. While every family's circumstances are different, one thing remains consistent: clear, thoughtful estate planning can help reduce uncertainty and minimize the potential for future disputes.

It's a worthwhile read for anyone thinking about protecting both their assets and their family's peace of mind.

Read here:

Loss of mental capacity is a sad situation for anyone, aggravated by unhappy relatives

06/03/2026

Join Equity Title and Escrow for a webinar on Selling Real Estate from Decedents' Estates & FinCEN Compliance, presented by Claudia Bennett, Managing Director, and Phoenix Ayotte, Title Counsel at Equity Title and Escrow.

This session will provide an informative discussion on selling real estate from decedents' estates and understanding FinCEN reporting requirements. Attendees will learn about key legal, title, and compliance considerations that may impact these transactions.

📅 DATE: June 10, 2026 (Wednesday)
⏰ TIME: 12:00 - 01:00 PM
📍 LOCATION: Virtual through Zoom

Register now! www.etetitle.com/webinar-registration

05/13/2026

Nobody wants to think about their family fighting over their estate, but it happens more often than you'd think.

The Financial Times tackled this tough question head-on: How can we prevent our children from fighting over our estate?

Here are 4 practical steps mentioned in the article:
✅ Provide for each child in your will — and explain any unequal treatment in a letter of wishes
✅ Honor (or address) any promises you've made to a child about specific assets
✅ Account for past gifts — clarify how prior financial support factors into the estate
✅ Appoint a neutral or professional executor to avoid any perception of bias

And perhaps most importantly? Have the conversation with your family now, while you still can.

Contact Future Counsel to make sure your estate plan is clear, fair, and built to keep the peace.

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We worry they will fall out over their inheritance

05/11/2026

Only 2 days left to register for our webinar!

Join us for a webinar on Getting Grants for Your Clients, where we’ll walk identify available programs, guide clients through eligibility requirements, and position transactions to take advantage of available funding.

Featuring Shannon Leydig at Vellum Mortgage , along with Claudia Bennett and Phoenix Ayotte of Equity Title and Escrow.

📅 May 13, 2026 (Wednesday)
⏰ 12:00 – 1:00 PM
📍 Virtual via Zoom

Register now to join us!
🔗 https://www.etetitle.com/webinar-registration

05/08/2026

For many sellers, especially those handling a For Sale By Owner transaction, the process can feel overwhelming without the right guidance in place.

We’re thankful to have been part of this client’s first home sale journey and appreciate the trust placed in our team throughout the transaction.

Planning a FSBO transaction? Future Counsel can help guide you through the process!

05/06/2026

The Wall Street Journal just published a timely reminder: estate planning isn't just for the wealthy. If you're over 18, you should read this!

A 2025 Pew Research Center survey revealed that only 32% of adults have a will — that means most people are leaving major decisions about their assets, medical care, and even their children up to the courts.

Here's what every adult should have in place:
✅ Will
✅ Durable Power of Attorney
✅ Healthcare Power of Attorney
✅ Living Will
✅ HIPAA Authorization

Without these documents, your family could face lengthy and costly court proceedings just to pay your bills or make medical decisions on your behalf.

We've got your back! Contact us to create or update your estate plan — and make sure YOUR wishes are the ones that get followed.

Read the full article, "The Five Documents You Need to Have in Your Estate Plan" by Robyn A. Friedman in The Wall Street Journal:

These will let you have a say in your medical care, as well as what happens with your assets after you die.

05/04/2026

One of the biggest things holding buyers back right now isn’t credit or income, it’s not knowing about the grant opportunities that could help them get there. Many buyers qualify for assistance but never take advantage of it simply because they don’t know where to look or how to apply.

Understanding how these programs work is where many agents can add real value.

Join us for a webinar on Getting Grants for Your Clients, where we’ll walk identify available programs, guide clients through eligibility requirements, and position transactions to take advantage of available funding.

Featuring Shannon Leydig at Vellum Mortgage, along with Claudia Bennett and Phoenix Ayotte of Equity Title and Escrow.

📅 May 13, 2026
⏰ 12:00 – 1:00 PM
📍 Virtual via Zoom

Register now to join us!
🔗 https://www.etetitle.com/webinar-registration