Key Takeaways A 1031 Exchange lets real estate investors defer capital gains taxes by reinvesting proceeds from a sold investment property into another like-kind investment property. You must identify the replacement property within 45 days of selling and close on it within 180 days — both clocks run from the same closing date. The replacement […]
How to Sell Your Investment Property & Save With 1031 Exchanges Read More »
Key Takeaways In the DMV, earnest money is most often held by the listing brokerage in the principal broker’s escrow account — not always by the title company. The purchase contract dictates who holds the deposit; some contracts specify the title company as escrow holder. Funds held by a brokerage are subject to state real
Who Holds Earnest Money, Title Companies or Agents & Why. Read More »
Key Takeaways Title insurance premiums are calculated on a rate per thousand applied to the home’s purchase price — e.g. 0.6% per thousand on a $300,000 home is roughly $1,800. Many states use a sliding scale: higher-value homes pay a smaller rate per thousand, so the cost-per-dollar drops as price rises. Refinancing a condo (or
How Are Title Insurance Costs Calculated? Read More »
Key Takeaways Title insurance is not transferable to a new owner because each policy is a one-time guarantee tied to the legal title of one specific buyer. You can add a spouse or dependent to an existing policy without losing coverage; removing someone also does not affect protection. Heirs inherit a policy along with the
Is Title Insurance Transferrable After Buying It? Read More »
Key Takeaways Real estate agent commissions compensate for extensive pre-listing, marketing, showing, negotiation, and post-contract work — most of which is unpaid if the transaction doesn’t close. The NAR settlement in 2024 changed how buyer-side compensation is structured — buyers’ agents are now required to have signed representation agreements that specify their compensation. Commission rates
Why Are Real Estate Agent Commissions High & What Do You Actually Get? Read More »
Key Takeaways Title defects discovered after closing — undisclosed heirs, forged prior deeds, recording errors — can cloud your ownership even if you bought in good faith. Owner’s title insurance is the primary protection against post-closing ownership challenges; it covers legal defense costs and any judgment. Unpaid HOA dues, mechanic’s liens, and IRS liens can
7 Ways You Can Lose Your Home After Closing Infographic Read More »
Key Takeaways When you pay cash, no lender requires you to buy title insurance — but skipping it leaves you fully exposed to title defects. Forgery, fictitious-name signings, undisclosed liens, and clerical errors from past transactions can survive even a clean title search. Without title insurance, you pay all legal fees and any judgment if
Do I Need Title Insurance When Paying Cash For a Home? Read More »
Key Takeaways Government shutdowns and employee furloughs can delay mortgage closings when the lender must verify income with a federal agency (IRS, SSA, USDA, FHA). VA and FHA loan approvals depend on government agency operations — if those agencies are closed, loan processing stalls. Conventional loans with non-government income verification (W-2 income, private lenders) are
How Furloughs Delay Home Closings & What You Can Do About It Read More »
