What is the First Time Homebuyer Credit?
The First Time Homebuyer Credit is a credit available to taxpayers who purchase a primary residence during the…
What is an unrecorded easement?
Easements (those rights someone else has to use part of your property) are typically recorded in the public…
Why do I need a survey?
While the plat map attached to your preliminary title report will show the boundaries of the property, it…
Choose Right Settlement Agent for a Quick Closing
In spite of the recent shift in the real estate market, seeing sales slowing down in many areas,…
The Best Thing We Did to Sell Our House
Dear Sandy, We wanted to share our story with you because we were so amazed at how we…
How Am I Taxed in an Installment Sale?
Installment sales are used to help spread out capital gains on a property for a period of more…
I’ll Fix The Roof After Escrow Closes
Often it may occur that the property you are buying, upon inspection, reveals a problem that needs correcting….
Finding Hidden Costs on Your Closing Statement
Throughout the closing process, you will have been given various documents, some being mandatory government disclosure documents. These…
What is the Tax Exclusion Rule for the Sale of a Residence?
The Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997 has replaced the old Rollover Residence Replacement Rule, IRS Code Section 1034,…
For Tax Purposes, What Is The Best Time To Buy My House?
Knowing when to close your real estate purchase can work to your advantage at tax time. You may…
Tax Prorations At Closing Time
Among the various items which will be prorated, or shared between the buyer and seller at the closing…
Should I Compare Escrow Fees On-Line?
When you begin shopping for the best home price, mortgage rate, insurance premium, and lender closing costs, so…
When Would I Use “Direct Deeding?”
When you are exchanging property under a 1031 Tax Deferred Exchange, you may choose to “direct deed” your…
Will My Escrow Officer Review My Loan Documents With Me?
When you sit down for your closing, whether it is at a title company, an escrow office, an…
Will My Utility Bills Be Pro-Rated In Escrow?
At close of escrow, certain expenses will be pro-rated, giving the Buyer and Seller any credits they may…
What Is An Attorney’s Opinion Of Title?
In some states around the country, attorneys examine the recorded documents relating to title and issue what is…
What Is The Difference Between a Title Theory and a Lien Theory State?
Often a buyer wonders if he is buying property in a state which is considered a “title theory…
When Is Escrow Considered Open?
When you give your deposit to the real estate agent and the signed sales agreement has been signed…