ARCHIVED BLOG POSTS
2017
Title Insurance Requirements for Insuring TrustsIn today’s world of busy probate courts and exorbitant death taxes, the living trust has become a common manner of holding title to real property. The following may help you understand a few of the requirements of the title insurance industry if tit...
02/28/2017
Title Insurance - Where Does Your Dollar Go?Title Insurance: As a homebuyer, the term is probably familiar - but is it understood? What is your dollar actually paying for when you purchase a title policy?Title Insurers, unlike property or casualty insurance companies, operate under the theory of ...
02/27/2017
The Functions of an EscrowBuying or selling a home (or other piece of real property) usually involves the transfer of large sums of money. It is imperative that the transfer of these funds and related documents from one party to another be handled in a neutral, secure and knowledgeable manner. Fo...
02/24/2017
Statements of InformationWhat’s in a name?When a title company seeks to uncover matters affecting title to real property, the answer is, “Quite a bit.”Statements of Information provide title companies with the information they need to distinguish the buyers and sellers of real property from other...
02/23/2017
Required Reporting to the I.R.S.Sellers of real property will have certain information regarding the sale reported to the Internal Revenue Service.This required reporting is a consequence of the Tax Reform Act of 1986; it is intended to encourage taxpayer compliance and aid in audit and enforceme...
02/22/2017
Creative FinancingCreative financing: You’ve heard of it, and, as a seller, the idea sounds pretty attractive. But, do you know everything you need to know about carrying back a second; essentially, about becoming a lender? You better know the same things that financial institutions know - you be...
02/21/2017
Closing and Title CostsIt’s the big day.The day you go to the title or escrow company, sign your name on the dotted line, hand over a check and prepare to take ownership of your new home.It’s also the day that you and the seller will pay “closing” or settlement costs, an accumulation of separate ...
02/20/2017
What is a Short Sale Anyway?An increase in foreclosure rates will inevitably bring with it an increase in short sales. But what is a short sale?A short sale happens when you sell your house for less than your remaining mortgage balance, the proceeds of which go to the lender and in return the len...
02/17/2017
Setting the PriceThe price is the first thing buyers notice about your property. If you set your price too high, then the chance of alienating buyers is higher. You want your house to be taken seriously, and the asking price reflects how serious you are about selling your home.Several factors wil...
02/16/2017
Plan of Action Analyze why you are selling - If you understand your motives, you will be able to better negotiate and to get what it is that you want, whether it be a quick sale, high price, or somewhere in the middle. Prepare your home for the buyer - Maximize the strengths of your property and...
02/15/2017
Rainmaker
1,159,159
1,159,159
Norma J. Elkins
Realtor - Elkins Home Selling Team