How to Protect Your Home from Title Fraud (Often For Free)
Title theft is a type of crime where scammers replicate your signature to create a fake deed, loan…
Why Is My FICO Score So Important in Getting a Mortgage?
Most lenders rely on a credit score, called a “FICO score” to determine a Borrower’s creditworthiness when applying…
When Selling a House, Avoid Awkward Misunderstandings Over Fixtures and Furnishings
State-of-the-art appliances, sleek lighting fixtures and tasteful window treatments can all make a memorable impression on potential home…
6 Tips to Ensure a Smooth House Closing
Real estate closings can be fraught with complications and setbacks, but they can go smoothly and quickly —…
How Much Can I Borrow?
Depending on your annual income, cash reserves, creditworthiness, and the appraised value of the property, you may be…
What States Have No State Income Tax?
There are currently nine states which do not require you to file a state income tax return. States…
Do I Live In A Community Property State?
Holding title to real property as Community Property is a type of ownership available to married couples only….
These Common Title Problems Can Snag Your Home Closing
In almost all real estate transactions, there are title issues that must be cleared up in order to…
State by State Closing Guide
Here is a summary of closing practices for each of the United States. This is a general reference guide. Local practices within your city or county may differ.
How Will My Loan Be Handled in Escrow?
Once you have opened escrow and given the escrow officer the details of your purchase, you will next…
State by State Sales Tax Rates
This map indicates individual state sales base-line tax rates. Local sales taxes are collected in 38 states. In…
Is Title Insurance A Worthy Investment?
Evelyn Hunter wanted to deed a small condominium apartment in Pasadena, Ca., to her grandchildren. Because this property…
Trust Distribution of Assets: Is There a Way to Save on Income Taxes?
If you are a Beneficiary of a Trust and the Trustee will be distributing the assets towards the…
How to Find Open Permits
on the Property You Want to Buy
As a potential Buyer, you may have have no reason to suspect that an outstanding permit exists on…
How to Find Unrecorded Liens And Open Permits on a Property
With all the many tasks necessary to ensure a smooth closing, there is one area of concern that…
Don’t Let Easements Restrict Use Of Your Property
You may think of an easement as just a right of way that is given over your property…
How to Compete Against an “All-Cash” Buyer
Let’s assume that you are in the category of buyers who need to find a property now and…
State By State Income Tax Guide
As of 2021, seven states — Alaska, Florida, Nevada, South Dakota, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming — levy no…