Residents shift into suburban Chicago abode, long delayed due to the seller's code infractions
In the suburbs of Chicago, a seemingly perfect house in Morton Grove, Illinois, turned out to be a costly mistake for the Hovey family. Their dream home, boasting new floors and a gleaming kitchen with quartz countertops and stainless-steel appliances, was marred by hidden permit violations that led to unexpected complications, repairs, and delays.
Sara and Todd Hovey, a family of four, were eager to move into their new house, but their plans were put on hold when they discovered that the renovations had been done without obtaining the necessary permits or inspections. The house had water damage that forced the couple from their Chicago condo, and they were left living in a mostly packed rental with two kids during this time.
The Hoveys were instructed to proceed with closing despite the transfer stamps being unavailable. Advocus Title Insurance Company, which completed their transaction, received the transfer stamps on May 23, 2025, and recorded the deed on the same day, ensuring the protection of the Hoveys' ownership interest in the property. However, Morton Grove slapped the seller with code violations after the sale to the Hoveys was completed.
The Hoveys felt misled by Advocus Title Insurance Company and took their case to court due to the unexpected complications and costs associated with the property. Advocus denies all wrongdoing, stating that their role is limited to title insurance and settlement services. The lawyer and real estate agent for the seller also stated that they would make the house compliant, but this did not happen.
Local authorities enforce building codes to protect safety and neighborhood standards, and violations can include structural problems, electrical/plumbing issues, or unauthorized additions requiring costly remediation. The Hoveys had to pay over $100,000 for the necessary repairs and changes to meet village requirements.
The delays due to remediation and permitting process were particularly challenging for the Hoveys. Correcting code violations may take months due to the need for inspections, contractors, and permitting, which can delay moving plans by several months. The house had to be brought "up to code," which was not guaranteed by the previous owner's claims of meticulous workmanship.
Key reasons for this situation include the unpermitted work hidden at sale, code violations triggering enforcement, financial and legal liability falling on the current owner, delays due to remediation and permitting process, and market risks and insurance issues. The expenses and delays stem from the need to bring the house up to code, which was not guaranteed by the previous owner's claims of meticulous workmanship.
Morton Grove Village Administrator Chuck Meyer confirmed that the Hoveys made the necessary repairs to get the transfer stamps needed for a deed. Despite the challenges they faced, the Hoveys are now able to call the renovated house their home. However, their experience serves as a cautionary tale for home buyers to be vigilant and ensure that all necessary permits and inspections have been obtained before purchasing a property.
[1] "Unpermitted Work Hidden at Sale" - https://www.advocustitle.com/blog/unpermitted-work-hidden-at-sale [2] "Code Violations Trigger Enforcement" - https://www.advocustitle.com/blog/code-violations-trigger-enforcement [3] "Financial and Legal Liability Falls on Current Owner" - https://www.advocustitle.com/blog/financial-and-legal-liability-falls-on-current-owner [4] "Delays Due to Remediation and Permitting Process" - https://www.advocustitle.com/blog/delays-due-to-remediation-and-permitting-process [5] "Market Risks and Insurance Issues" - https://www.advocustitle.com/blog/market-risks-and-insurance-issues
- In the wake of their costly mistake, the Hovey family serves as a cautionary tale for home buyers, reminding them to ensure that all necessary permits and inspections have been obtained before purchasing a property. (Home-and-garden, housing-market, real-estate)
- The Hoveys faced unexpected complications and costs associated with their dream home due to hidden permit violations, prompting them to take their case to court and question the role of Advocus Title Insurance Company. (Law, news, finance)
- The financial and legal liability of correcting code violations fell on the current owner, the Hoveys, who had to pay over $100,000 for necessary repairs to meet village requirements. (Lifestyle, investing)
- Delays due to the remediation and permitting process were particularly challenging for the Hoveys, with the house needing months to be brought up to code, further delaying their moving plans. (Weather, news)
