After listing a home for a seller, you’ll speak with many buyers who are interested in the property. In some cases you’ll likely meet a buyer who’s serious about the transaction but doesn’t have an agent to represent them.  There is a very likely chance they’ll ask you for advice and to also be their agent.

This scenario offers you the potential to take part in what is known as dual agency. Though many agents may be aware of it, they may not fully understand it. We’re here to explain what it is and whether or not you should avoid it.

What are Dual Agencies?

By definition, dual agencies or a dual agent is when the same real estate agent or two agents from the same brokerage represent both the home buyer and the home seller.

The scenario above refers to when a single agent represents a buyer and seller at the same time. For this to occur, both parties have to agree that it is ok. This is the far more concerning form for many because a single agent stands to collect the commission, usually split by two. Many believe this aspect can influence their actions in either role and often calls for ethical concern.

Another form of dual agency is when two agents from the same brokerage represent both parties. [Read more…]

Deciding how to take ownership is a critical step when purchasing real estate. It determines how your name will appear on the title and how the property is processed and protected. In some states, married couples can take a unique form of ownership known as Tenancy by the Entirety.  

What is Tenancy by Entirety?

Tenancy by the Entirety (also known as Tenants in the Entirety) is a form of ownership that legally recognizes the married couple as a single entity. In doing so, spouses hold equal ownership of the property, which arrives with many perks.  

The driving concept of Tenancy by the Entirety is to protect either spouse’s interest in a piece of property from events that exclusively involve the other. The most notable form of protection it offers is transferring full ownership to a surviving spouse when the other dies without probate. 

But the advantages are numerous, and that is precisely why many individuals view it as the best form of ownership for married couples to pursue when available to them. Here are the key benefits of this form of ownership:

• One spouse cannot sell the property without consent from the other.
• If one spouse dies, the other assumes full ownership without probate.
• Debt collectors cannot put liens on the property to collect a debt from a single spouse.

And while this form of ownership has its advantages, some setbacks may force one to consider other options. As an example, many may view sharing equal ownership of a property as more of a drawback than an actual benefit.  [Read more…]

 

You’ve received the news that you’re clear to close, and that can be as exciting as it is confusing. It does mean you’re nearly there, but some things need to occur before you can finally get the set of keys to your new home or investment property.

We’re glad to help clear the air and help you prepare for the final steps you need to take.

What does clear to close mean?

Clear to close means the lender is now ready to confirm the closing date with the title company or attorney. This also means you need to kick it into high gear and prepare for the closing date.

Before you are clear to close, you are to meet the lender’s required conditions. Having to get homeowner’s insurance and title insurance are typical examples. After completing the requirements, an underwriter approves the loan documents, and you are “clear to close.”

Can you be denied after clear to close?

Yes, you can still be denied after you’ve been cleared to close.

While clear to close signifies that the closing date is coming, it doesn’t mean the lender cannot back out of the deal. They may recheck your credit and employment status since a considerable amount of time has passed since you’ve applied for your loan. [Read more…]

When you submit an offer on a home, your agent may recommend making an earnest money deposit. It is a very common thing to do when you find the perfect property and do not want to lose it. If you’re nervous or looking for more information on earnest money deposits, we’re here to help.

This post will:

• Help you understand earnest money deposits.
• Explain when you should make one.
• Share how earnest money deposits can help your home buying experience.

What is an Earnest Money Deposit?

An earnest money deposit is an amount of money you pledge to a seller if that seller accepts your offer. The deposit shows that you are ready to commit to the sale and aren’t going to back out after your offer is accepted.

If the seller accepts your home offer, and you don’t hold up to your end of the contract, the seller keeps the earnest money deposit. This money is not given to the seller immediately. Rather, it’s held in a third-party escrow account until closing.

A seller takes a risk by accepting your offer due to the steps of the home-buying process. By making an earnest money deposit, you’re demonstrating that you’re also willing to take a risk. The deposit helps establish a higher level of trust between both parties, which is advantageous to you.

For example, a higher offer than yours may be in place with no earnest money deposit. But because your offer includes the earnest money deposit, it will appear more legitimate. The deposit can help you get the home without making a higher offer because the seller understands that you are legitimately ready to commit to the purchase. [Read more…]

Once a home is secured for purchase, the lender requires title insurance, which must be secured before the transaction closes. When selecting a title insurance company, you will be given the option of which coverages to choose.

A closing protection letter is one of these, which a title insurance company will provide to the lender, buyer, and seller.

What is it? And is it necessary?

A closing protection letter (CPL) is issued by the title underwriter. This document ensures that the underwriter will protect its client from any mistakes made by the title agent who handles the escrow accounts associated with the transaction.

The title agent is responsible for handling large sums of the lender’s and buyer’s money, and mistakes can be made. For example, a mistake could be if the agent misplaces or mispurposes the funds in your escrow account. There is also the risk of an agent being dishonest or fraudulent.

In any case, where a mistake is made on behalf of the agent, the closing protection letter is drawn up so that the title underwriter will protect a specific party to suffer no actual loss.

Put simply, a closing protection letter is a form of insurance intended to provide coverage to specific parties of the transaction. Each party will decide whether or not it is necessary. However, a lender will rarely hire a title agent without the issuance of a CPL, and the burden of the fee is typically placed on the buyer.

It is natural to feel a little uneasy about an insurance company handing you a document intended to protect you from them, but charge you for that document. But keep in mind that this is something they are legally required to do.

Also, not all accounts where these documents are put into effect are fraud or dishonesty. Human error does occur, and without this document, an honest mistake can cost you thousands of dollars.

What should the closing protection letter include?

All CPLs are transaction-specific and what they offer coverage for depends on the insurance being issues. However, there shouldn’t be much deviation from one contract to the next. Please, reference the image below for an indication of what a CPL should look like. [Read more…]

The most common question we hear from home buyers outside of “Where are you located?” is regarding title insurance costs.

You may have heard title insurance costs roughly around $1,000 per policy. This is true, but you likely want a more accurate number before you begin to approach the closing table so you are not caught off guard and can make sure you’re getting a fair deal.

Luckily, getting a rough idea of how much title insurance will cost you is relatively straightforward. It’s based on the price of your property and where you are located.

But remember that there are two different types of title insurance – owners and lenders. A few factors also help to determine costs.

• Owner’s Title Insurance: Primarily based on the overall sales price of the home and its location. In most cases, it’s the more expensive policy, and this is because down payment amounts, loan amounts, and even your credit history are also figured into the policy.
• Lender’s Insurance: Solely based on the total loan amount and the state where the property is located. Less is factored into the policy, so it will almost always have a lower price than the owner’s insurance.

You can often expect title search fees to be included in the cost of your title insurance quote. This does depend on the insurance provider, but most providers will make it clear if they do. Also, if you can bundle your policies together, it’s wise to do so. Doing so can result in a reduction of the fees.

How to Calculate Title Insurance Quotes

How can you calculate it on your own? Let’s take a look at some of the details you need to be aware of.

Again, location is one of the most significant contributing factors to how much title insurance policies will cost. The good news is that each state regulates policy rates, and what you will pay with one company should closely match what you would pay with another.

However, prices will be different, and you have the right to shop around for the best rates. You should also note that you have the option to select between basic and enhanced policies. [Read more…]