Key Takeaways A title search reviews the complete ownership history of a property — deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, and court judgments — to confirm the seller has clear legal title. Most title searches cover the most recent 40–60 years of records; some examinations go back further when the history is complex or the property is […]
Title Searches – How to Do One & an FAQ Read More »
Key Takeaways Remote listing preparation tools (DocuSign, Google Meet, virtual staging software) allow agents to collect signed disclosures, review repairs, and stage properties without in-person contact. Drone photography and 3D tours (Matterport) allow buyers to evaluate properties thoroughly before an in-person showing — reducing unnecessary showings and improving buyer readiness. Virtual listing consultations (video call
3 Ways to Get Everything For a Listing With No Contact Read More »
Key Takeaways Refinancing makes financial sense when your new rate is low enough to recoup closing costs within your planned ownership period — the classic break-even analysis. Shortening a loan term (30-year to 15-year) increases monthly payments but dramatically reduces total interest paid over the life of the loan. Cash-out refinancing accesses home equity but
6 Ways to Save Money Now by Refinancing Your Mortgage Read More »
Key Takeaways Real estate investors can deduct ordinary business expenses (mortgage interest, property taxes, insurance, repairs, management fees, professional services) against rental income. Depreciation allows investors to deduct 1/27.5 of a residential property’s cost basis annually — a non-cash deduction that reduces taxable income without reducing cash flow. Cost segregation studies accelerate depreciation on commercial
Tax Deductions for Real Estate Investors [Guide 2019 & 2020] Read More »
Key Takeaways Real estate agents filing as sole proprietors can deduct business expenses on Schedule C — including home office, vehicle mileage, marketing, professional development, and tools/software. The home office deduction requires exclusive and regular use of a dedicated space — a shared room used for personal purposes doesn’t qualify. Vehicle mileage is one of
How Real Estate Agents Can Save on 2019 & 2020 Taxes Read More »
Key Takeaways Real estate agents provided essential services during COVID-19 — helping clients navigate relocations, investment decisions, and housing transitions during an unprecedented period. COVID-19 accelerated permanent changes in the real estate industry: remote closings (RON), virtual tours, digital earnest money, and electronic document execution became standard. The pandemic-era inventory shortage drove some of the
Real Estate Agents Are Essential Heroes During Covid-19 Read More »
Key Takeaways Remote Online Notarization (RON) allows buyers, sellers, and borrowers to sign and notarize closing documents via live video call from any location. RON is fully legal for real estate closings in Virginia, Maryland, and DC — electronically notarized documents are valid for recording in all three jurisdictions. eClosing reduces or eliminates the need
How EClosing & Remote Online Notary Services Work Read More »
Key Takeaways Title companies, settlement agents, and closing attorneys are essential infrastructure in a real estate transaction — declared essential services in DC, Maryland, and Virginia. Remote Online Notarization (RON) expanded rapidly during COVID-19, allowing closings to proceed without in-person meetings. Wire fraud risks increased during the pandemic as bad actors exploited remote communication norms
Title, Escrow & Closing Services Open During Covid-19 in VA, MD & DC Read More »
Key Takeaways FSBO sellers typically net 5–6% less than agent-listed properties — the commission savings are often offset by lower sale prices, longer time on market, and transaction errors. The highest-ROI investments for FSBO sellers: professional photography, MLS access (through a flat-fee listing service), and a pre-listing inspection. FSBO sellers must handle all negotiations, disclosures,
10 Tips to Sell Your Own House Fast Read More »
Key Takeaways Buyers typically pay most closing costs — appraisal, loan origination, title search, owner’s and lender’s title insurance, escrow deposit, and prepaid taxes and insurance. Sellers almost always pay the real estate commission (5–6% of price); other closing costs are negotiable and depend on local custom and market dynamics. In a cash sale, lender-related
Which Closing Costs Are Paid By The Buyer & The Seller. Read More »
