In almost all real estate transactions, there are title issues that must be cleared up in order to transfer ownership of the home from the seller to the buyer. Does the seller have the legal right to sell the property? … Continue reading →
A recent effort by the federal government to make the home closing process smoother and more transparent for buyers has instead turned into a quagmire of inconsistency and confusion, according to title companies and real estate agents. Now, the agency … Continue reading →
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.
Continue reading →By Sandy Gadow Special to The Washington Post You may think of an easement as just a right of way — that is given over your property — to a utility company for overhead power lines, phone cables or underground … Continue reading →
Real estate closings may be handled by escrow companies, title companies, lawyers, or a combination of one or more of those. Some lenders may have their own closing department. A revised explanation of how a real estate closing will be … Continue reading →
Choosing the right escrow officer or title attorney to handle your sale can mean the difference between a smooth and rapid closing or a complicated, delayed closing, fraught with anguish. Most often either the buyer or seller may choose the … Continue reading →
Evelyn Hunter wanted to deed a small condominium apartment in Pasadena, Ca., to her grandchildren. Because this property transfer was among relatives, Ms. Hunter didn’t see the need to obtain title insurance, a one-time premium paid to a title company … Continue reading →
Often misunderstood, title insurance is viewed by many home buyers as an unusually high expense in comparison to other closing costs in their real estate transaction. Lender costs are generally accepted, as borrowers realize they are getting something valuable for … Continue reading →
While you may want to use your local or referred title or closing company, it still may be worth your time to shop on-line to compare title insurance rates and fees. If nothing else, if you find a cheaper rate … Continue reading →
Easements (those rights someone else has to use part of your property) are typically recorded in the public records of the County in which the property is located, and are thus easily discernable to anyone searching in the public records. … Continue reading →
While the plat map attached to your preliminary title report will show the boundaries of the property, it will not show where the house is located on the property or whether there are any encroachments on the property (such as … Continue reading →
You will not be required to obtain a new Owner’s Title policy when you refinance your mortgage, but you will be required to obtain a new “Lender’s policy” of title insurance, naming the lender as the insured. The Lender’s Policy … Continue reading →
In many states it is customary for the Seller to provide the Buyer with an owner’s policy of title insurance. It is then the responsibility of the Buyer to purchase the policy of title insurance covering the lender. Customarily, the … Continue reading →
When you are exchanging property under a 1031 Tax Deferred Exchange, you may choose to “direct deed” your property to the buyer or have the seller direct deed his property to you. Direct deeding is achieved by deeding your property … Continue reading →
In some states around the country, attorneys examine the recorded documents relating to title and issue what is referred to as a “Statement of Opinion”. This statement outlines the details of the attorney’s search, which records were examined, and what … Continue reading →
Often a buyer wonders if he is buying property in a state which is considered a “title theory state” or a “lien theory” state. Why would you need to know which custom is practiced in your state? When financing is … Continue reading →
Homeowners often wonder who sets the fees charged for title insurance and title searches. Are they regulated by the state or by the individual title companies? Are these fees negotiable in any way? Buyers and sellers often accept these charges … Continue reading →
In a condominium, you technically do not own “land” but rather you own the “air space” inside the walls, ceiling and floor of your unit. Title insurance is available for a condominium, just as it is in a house on … Continue reading →
