Articles Archives - ATG Title

Should You Pay a Mortgage Principal or Escrow First?

August 31, 2021 By Jeremy

Should You Pay a Mortgage Principal or Escrow First

If you’re stuck between paying down the balance on the principal or escrow on your mortgage, always go with the principal first. By paying towards the principal on your mortgage, you’re actually paying on the existing debt, which brings you closer to owning your home.

On the other hand, escrow is essentially third-party funds to cover things like property taxes, homeowners’ insurance fees, and future interest, so if it is really bugging you this is another option.

But as we said, when you have to choose between paying the principal or escrow on your mortgage, always go Principal!

First and foremost, you can shorten the length of your mortgage term. This process can be expedited even further by making extra payments or going above the minimum required payment. This happens by minimizing potential interest.

Paying the principal first also increases your home’s equity. [Read more…]

Can You Find Property Lines on Google Maps & Why?

June 29, 2021 By Jeremy

Regardless if you’re a buyer, seller, or agent, you need to know the exact details about any property you’re interested in dealing with. There’s no faster way to get in trouble with your neighbors than by selling or modifying what isn’t yours.

Of course, the best way to prevent these issues is to find exactly where your property lines are, and one of the most tempting sources is Google Maps. But is something so convenient also reliable?

Are property lines on Google Maps accurate?

No. Google Maps are not that accurate, and you shouldn’t rely on them as a source for factual information regarding property lines.

Much like a plat map, they only provide a general idea of where property lines exist. As with plat maps, there are discrepancies in terms of accuracy. Property lines shown on these platforms are known to be more than several feet off their actual location.

Not only that, but Google Maps does not show any easements that might exist on a property. If you’re not familiar, an easement grants another individual or entity access to a portion of your property. If you ignore this and build on top of an easement, you might wind up having to relocate or tear down the structure that exists there. [Read more…]

What is Part-Time Real Estate Agent (Pros and Cons)

May 25, 2021 By Jeremy

Are you thinking about becoming a part-time real estate agent? Then you’re likely thinking “Maybe I can give this a try?” and possibly thinking if it will remain a side hustle or a full time job. Becoming a part time real estate agent is a great way to get your feet wet, but it comes with plenty of obstacles a full time agent does not have to face.

By talking to long time agents, brokerages and by using our experience, we’ve created a guide to the pros and cons of being a part-time real estate agent to help you determine if this is the right more for you and your goals. At the very bottom you’ll find 5 tips to help you succeed if you do decide this is the right path for your career.

Is it legal to be a part time real estate agent?

Yes it is legal to be a part-time real estate agent, and yes you absolutely can work as a part-time real estate agent. An essential factor to remember is that all real estate agents have control over the amount of work they take on. It might not be as easy to find a brokerage to join, and you do need to work during your downtime, but this industry is flexible enough for people to get their start by working part-time. Many very successful agents get their start by working as an agent part-time until they have enough of a workflow to justify leaving their day jobs.

Do you need certifications to be a part time real estate agent?

The exact certification requirements are dependent on your local board. Being a part-time real estate agent is still a professional endeavor, so it requires some certifications. You’ll need to complete schooling and obtain the appropriate certificates to act as a real estate agent. That said, you can expect to complete schooling, find a brokerage to join, and take an exam at the very least.

How much can I expect to make as a part time agent?

[Read more…]

What is a Pocket Listing in Real Estate?

May 18, 2021 By Jeremy

A pocket listing, also known as an off-market listing, is any listing that is retained by a listing agent and not listed on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS). Instead, the agent tries to market and sell the home within a private or select network. In other words, it’s a real estate listing that isn’t made available to the general public.

Is a Pocket Listing the Right Move?

Listing in the MLS has its advantages, but it’s not always the best choice for sellers.

The number one reason to consider using pocket listings is to maintain your anonymity. Say you’re a local politician, judge, or celebrity. Chances are you don’t want to make your personal information public information. Disgruntled individuals or obsessive fans can use the opportunity to visit the home sheerly for kicks or to learn more about you.

Keeping the property out of the public listing is also an excellent idea for someone with a particularly interesting property. Multi-million dollar homes and unique properties are sure to draw in people who are just trying to take a look with no intention of making an offer.

Or say you’re just the average person who already knows of people who may be interested in buying your home. It can be a relative looking to get their start or someone close to you that’s been waiting for you to sell.

Why would you want to publicly list the home to draw the attention of buyers before they have an opportunity to make an offer? Instead of potentially wasting other buyers’ time, you hire an agent to facilitate your end of the transaction in a straightforward manner, however there is potentially dual-agency—which can also double as a con if the agent isn’t ethically driven.

Another benefit to using pocket listings is that they serve as a way for agents to market the home before it’s ready for sale. Say you’re performing some extensive repairs, the agent can use pocket listings to get buyers interested and warmed up to your asking price long before you officially list it. This “premarket” strategy is advantageous because you’re less likely to spend a long time with the house listed publicly while you wait for someone to make the offer you’re looking for.

Why You Might Consider Another Route

While the pros are short for pocket listings, that doesn’t mean they aren’t the perfect option for some sellers. If you’re still on the fence, you might want to consider the reasons that make the MLS listings a desirable route to take when marketing your home.

The most obvious thing to consider is market exposure. Remember that the property isn’t being marketed to the general public. Instead, you and your agent are responsible for marketing the home privately. That means no open houses, non-conventional advertising, and no listings on sites like Realtor or Zillow. [Read more…]

New Service Announcement Title Insurance for Dog Houses

April 1, 2021 By Jeremy

To welcome the spring season this April 1st, ATG Title, the DMV’s leading title insurance, escrow, and closing company is proud to offer a new line of services for our furry friends: Dog house title searches and insurance!

Why are we offering this? Simply put, we went sniffing around and after pawing it over realized there is a begging need for it. After the executive team tugged around the rope they all agreed it is time our furry friends get the same protections we have.

It all started with a dispute over a certain doggy domicile when the land survey “dug” up an old marking from a few summers before. Fluffy the Bullmastiff was casually relaxing in her new home when Cujo the Chihuahua suddenly laid claim to the house. As you can imagine, it was a “ruff” situation!

When Fluffy first came to ATG for help, she appeared to be “crying wolf,” but after listening to her side of the story, we agreed that the situation was simply “for the dogs!” [Read more…]

5 Ways to Work With Toxic Buyer & Seller Clients

March 2, 2021 By Jeremy

We’ve all been there. A client comes prepared with a Pinterest board of what they want and insists you make their dream come true; even though their budget is 1/5 of what their dream home should be. Or it is a client that still views their house as their home and cannot see it from an outside point of view? They don’t want to remove a swing set or take down a political photo.

If you’re stuck in a similar situation and you are not able to get out of your contract, don’t sweat. We’ve all been there!

Here are 5 ways you can help to turn a toxic buyer or seller into a good relationship so that you can help them with their property and keep your sanity intact! [Read more…]

How to Become a Realtor Step by Step

February 23, 2021 By Jeremy

Becoming a Realtor is easy, and it only takes 5 steps.

Get your real estate license
Join a brokerage
Become a member in your local Realtor’s Association
Pay your dues
Take the required continuing education courses and pass the tests

Once you do this you’ll be able to add Realtor to your title.

Having the title Realtor also provides you with numerous benefits. Being a Realtor builds trust with your clients since you’re adhering to best practices and in many cases can let you charge more. You gain access to Realtor only networking events to grow your lead funnel and the esteem can make you more desirable to brokerages. Here is more information on the differences between a Realtor and a Real Estate Agent.

Now that you know the steps to become a Realtor and the benefits, here’s a bit more information on each step. [Read more…]

Realtor Vs. Real Estate Agent: What’s the Difference?

January 12, 2021 By Jeremy

Whether you’re looking to buy or sell a property, or assist people in buying or selling property, you’re likely trying to figure out what the difference between a real estate agent and a realtor is.

Although the terms are used interchangeably by many, there is a significant difference between them. Knowing the difference can be a defining factor of your buying and selling experience, and is an absolute must for those taking on a new profession in the real estate industry.

What’s the difference between a real estate agent and a realtor?

The difference between a real estate agent and a realtor is that a realtor is an agent that is an active member of the National Association of Realtors (NAR) and a real estate agent does not have to be. While both have a real estate license, a realtor must adhere to a higher level of standards and ethical duties than an agent.

Put simply, becoming a realtor is the next step to take after becoming a real estate agent for many career professionals.

Real Estate Agent: A professional who assists in the buying or selling of properties. The requirements of becoming a real estate agent vary by state. State requirements typically determine the necessary coursework one must complete before taking the exam to obtain their real estate license. All agents must be knowledgeable in local, state, and national laws to obtain their license. After completing the course and obtaining their license, agents must continue their education and renew their licenses every two years.

Realtor: A real estate agent that is an active certified member of the National Association of Realtors. To become a realtor, an agent must have a valid real estate license and an impeccable professional conduct record. Members of the NAR are required to take and pass a code of ethics class and follow an extensive Code of Ethics to protect the association’s reputation.

Becoming a member has the benefit of making an agent more desirable to potential clients due to Realtors’ excellent reputation. Furthermore, the organization works to protect the member’s interests. [Read more…]

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

September 1, 2020 By Jeremy Leave a Comment

If you’re on this page, you’re currently trying to determine a fair selling price for a home on the market and heard about comparative market analysis. Don’t let the term scare you. It’s quite simple.

A comparative market analysis, or CMA, is a tool used to estimate a home’s value based on the selling price of similar properties recently sold within the immediate area. It does not generate a suggested listing price for the home. It is merely the means to help determine one.

Learning how to do a comparative market analysis can also be one of the essential tools when trying to sell a home quickly, make a good profit, or make a reasonable offer on a home. Once you learn this simple concept, it becomes one of the more exciting and helpful tools in your real estate arsenal.

What is a market analysis on a home?

A comparative market analysis, or CMA, is a tool used to estimate a home’s value based on the selling price of similar properties recently sold within the immediate area. It does not generate a suggested listing price for the home. It is merely the means to help determine one.

Agents and Brokers both create CMA reports that may be available to you. In this case, it’s rather easy to do the research needed to determine the best listing price. Alternatively, you can perform your own CMA by using real estate listing sites to search for comparable properties. [Read more…]

Real Estate Agent Vs. Broker: Let’s Clear the Confusion

August 11, 2020 By Jeremy Leave a Comment

If you’re new to real estate, you’ve already heard of real estate agents and brokers. You’re probably wondering what the differences are between them and you may have even heard of real estate agents being referred to as brokers. They may sound similar, but they play very different roles.

So is there a difference? Yes, there is, and we’re here to clear the confusion.

What is the difference between a broker and an agent?

An agent is a person responsible for facilitating the real estate transaction. They can work with buyers and sellers but are ultimately responsible for bringing the two together and aiding the sale along.

Real estate brokers can own real estate firms that agents work for. In simple terms, agents work for brokers. Brokers act as the liable party and are responsible for the actions and managing interactions of the real estate agent. They are also responsible for negotiations, arranging, and overseeing the entire transaction.

The real estate agent is whom the buyer and seller interact with. The agent shows homes, introduces buyers and sellers to one another and walks either party through their end of the process. Brokers handle legal contracts and report any requests relative to the transaction to the broker.

What can lead to confusion is when someone who is a licensed broker still works as an agent. [Read more…]