Hope Teller

How to Sell Your Investment Property & Save With 1031 Exchanges

Key TakeawaysA 1031 Exchange lets real estate investors defer capital gains taxes by reinvesting proceeds from a sold investment property…

7 years ago

Who Holds Earnest Money, Title Companies or Agents & Why.

Key TakeawaysIn the DMV, earnest money is most often held by the listing brokerage in the principal broker’s escrow account…

7 years ago

How Are Title Insurance Costs Calculated?

Key TakeawaysTitle insurance premiums are calculated on a rate per thousand applied to the home’s purchase price — e.g. 0.6%…

7 years ago

Is Title Insurance Transferrable After Buying It?

Key TakeawaysTitle insurance is not transferable to a new owner because each policy is a one-time guarantee tied to the…

7 years ago

Why Are Real Estate Agent Commissions High & What Do You Actually Get?

Key TakeawaysReal estate agent commissions compensate for extensive pre-listing, marketing, showing, negotiation, and post-contract work — most of which is…

7 years ago

Do Home Title Insurance Rates Increase Over Time?

Key TakeawaysTitle insurance rates do not change after closing — the premium is paid in full at closing as part…

7 years ago

7 Ways You Can Lose Your Home After Closing Infographic

Key TakeawaysTitle defects discovered after closing — undisclosed heirs, forged prior deeds, recording errors — can cloud your ownership even…

7 years ago

Do I Need Title Insurance When Paying Cash For a Home?

Key TakeawaysWhen you pay cash, no lender requires you to buy title insurance — but skipping it leaves you fully…

7 years ago

How Furloughs Delay Home Closings & What You Can Do About It

Key TakeawaysGovernment shutdowns and employee furloughs can delay mortgage closings when the lender must verify income with a federal agency…

8 years ago

Lender’s vs Owners Title Insurance, Questions & Answers

Key TakeawaysLender’s title insurance protects only the lender’s investment; it does not cover you as the homeowner.Owner’s title insurance protects…

8 years ago