Hope Teller

Earnest Money Deposits: Do You Need Them?

Key TakeawaysAn earnest money deposit (EMD) is a good-faith payment made by the buyer when submitting an offer — typically…

6 years ago

What is a Closing Protection Letter & What Does It Do?

Key TakeawaysA Closing Protection Letter (CPL) is issued by the title insurance underwriter and protects the lender, buyer, or seller…

6 years ago

Agents – Ways You Can Stand Out to Perspective Clients

Key TakeawaysAgents who differentiate on expertise — deep knowledge of their target market, specific transaction types, or client segments —…

6 years ago

17 New Real Estate Seller and Buyer Lead Ideas

Key TakeawaysThe highest-ROI lead sources for most agents: referrals from past clients and sphere of influence — these convert at…

6 years ago

How Much Title Insurance Costs & How to Calculate It

Key TakeawaysTitle insurance costs depend on home price, location, and policy type — owner’s policies are price-based, lender’s policies are…

6 years ago

Closing Disclosure Timelines & The Three Day Rule

Key TakeawaysThe Closing Disclosure (CD) must reach the borrower at least three business days before closing — this is the…

6 years ago

What a Property Easement Is And How it Impacts a Property

Key TakeawaysA property easement grants a specific, limited right to use someone else’s land for a defined purpose — utility…

6 years ago

Plat Maps – What They Are and Why They Matter.

Key TakeawaysA plat map shows how land is divided within a county, city, or neighborhood — lot lines, easements, nearby…

6 years ago

Comparative Market Analysis: What it is & How to Use It

Key TakeawaysA Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) is an agent-prepared estimate of a property's market value based on recent comparable sales…

6 years ago

The Difference Between a Short Sale, Pre-Foreclosure, and Foreclosure

Key TakeawaysA short sale occurs before foreclosure: the lender agrees to accept less than the outstanding mortgage balance; the homeowner…

6 years ago