Tag: title

Get Outside and Update the Outside of Your Home to Sell

Spring Curb Appeal: The Colors of SpringBECKI OWENS | Exterior ...

Spring has always seemed to be the best time of the year to sell a house. The trees and flowers are blooming and people are tired of being stuck inside, especially now when the world has been in COVID lockdown. The change in season brings the most buyers that are searching for a home and right now, they are simply doing drive-bys. So, if you are getting ready to put your home on the market, remember the importance of your curb appeal.

One of the most impactful ways to boost your home’s curb appeal is to clean up your current landscaping. Remove any yard debris left over from winter. Trim the hedges, prune flowers to make way for new ones or encourage new growth on your perennials and add some fresh greenery and flowers. Right now, in most states, nurseries hard doing curbside pick up and the big box stores are still open and have a good choice of flowers, etc. and at pretty good prices.

Update your front door. This is the home’s exterior focal point — ramp up the appeal by painting it a rich hue, updating door hardware, or adding a new knocker. You can always replace your front door or add a screen door. But if an entirely new door isn’t in the budget, painting it is just fine. A new color can transform the look not only of the door itself but the entire front of your house.

If you have a lawn, May is the best time to re-seed or add sod if it looks like it’s coming back patchy. Mulch flower beds with a natural mulch to help the soil retain moisture and give the beds a finished look. Keep the lawn freshly mowed.

Clean windows and siding. Give your siding a fresh start this spring by washing off the dirt, road salt, and cobwebs using a power washer or a regular hose with washing attachment. A hose with a window washing attachment can get windows shiny and clean. Just remember to clean inside windows too for the most sparkle.

Determine what type of lighting will enhance the look and safety of your home. Common exterior lighting includes pathway, landscaping, porch and security lights. If you’re adding a front porch fixture, make sure the size is proportionate to your space to create a sleek and inviting look. The fixture you select should support the total wattage you need for proper illumination. Be sure to keep in mind the availability of outdoor outlets. You may want to consider solar powered outdoor lighting.

The Bottom Line: People are itching to get out of their homes from being trapped inside. The stay-at-home orders will be lifted and when they are you will want your home to be in shape, or to be at the top of someone’s list to see. If they only driving by, make your home stand out to them.

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Four Things You Can Do Right Now To Get Your Home Ready To Sell

Price: An unrealistic price tag is the top of the list. Most of the time when a home isn’t selling it is because it is overpriced. No matter if the market is a “buyers” or a “sellers”, no one will overpay for a home. A Realtor with experience especially one that knows your neighborhood will help you to evaluate and set the right price. Search the internet to find a Realtor.

Landscaping: The very first thing buyers see when they pull up to your home for sale is your yard – the lawn, the plants, flowerbeds. You don’t have to spend a lot of money. Mow your lawn, remove sticks and leaves, trim your bushes, add some mulch in flower beds and trim trees if needed. Clean the gutters, patch up the driveway and the concrete walkways. If you have a fence, look for where it might need repairs. Add some potted plants.

Exterior: Not only will buyers notice the landscaping, but the outside of your physical home will speak volumes about what the inside looks like. There have been times that buyers cancel going into the home just by judging the outside. Consider updating projects that will make a big impact on the look of the home. Repairs like, roofing, siding and replacing windows. Or simple projects like painting the front door & adding new hardware to it. Rent a pressure washer for the exterior to get rid of dust, grime, and mildew.

Depersonalize: Take the “home” out of your house. Spend time gathering personal items like family photos, memorabilia, personal keepsakes and anything political. You want future buyers to be able to picture themselves in your home. Most of the items in your bathrooms are probably personal, makeup, toothbrushes, bathrobe, etc. The best rule of thumb is to remove everything from your bathroom counters and in bathtubs and showers first. Then put back only a few decorative items like a hand towel, bath salts or candle but no personal care products.

The Bottom Line: Everyone is limited right now on where they can go. The safest place to be is at home. So, if you are planning to put your home on the market there are many things you can do while you are in “lock-down”. If you really think about it, there has never been a better time than now to get projects done at home.

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Title Insurance & New Construction

Title insurance is a must-have if you’re buying a home that someone else has owned. But what if you’re paying for a brand new home to be constructed? Or one that has just been built? It may not seem necessary because no one is selling the house, because there is no house, or no one has lived in the house, so why would you need title insurance?

Although a brand new home has no previous owners, the unimproved land may have had prior owners. A title search reveals any existing liens on the land. Title insurance also protects against potential contractor liens from a builder who may have failed to pay his suppliers or subcontractors. To ensure a clear title, lenders require buyers to purchase a Loan Policy of Title Insurance. The Loan Policy only protects the lender’s interest. You can protect yourself from overlooked title threats by purchasing an Owner’s Policy of Title Insurance.

The Bottom Line: In the end, it is advisable to make sure that the title is clear. Anyone buying a new construction home should get title insurance. So much goes on with new construction which could affect the title: potential issues with new boundary lines, potential liens from subcontractors, outstanding construction loans, etc.

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Preparing to Sell Your Home

  • Prepare your home for maximum earnings. There are simple steps you can take to maximize your home’s appeal.
  • Enlist the help of a Realtor to market and sell your home. When selling your home, a Realtor can provide expertise in valuing and advertising your home, qualifying and screening potential buyers, and negotiating contracts. If you are not able to enlist help from a Realtor, Title First can provide you with assistance.
  • Negotiate a contract. When you receive an offer for the purchase of your home, it must be in writing, generally on a preprinted real estate purchase contract from your local bar association or board of Realtors. You may modify or alter the offer in any way you, your Realtor, or your attorney wish. Offers and counteroffers are made until the terms of the contract have been fully agreed to by all parties. When assessing offers and making counter-offers to the seller, don’t feel pressured to accept less than the value of your home.
  • Close on the property. Before your home is officially sold, you must sign all appropriate documentation at your closing. The closing will typically be held at a Title First office, the office of your realtor, lender or attorney, or sometimes on-location. Because your home represents one of the most significant investments you will make throughout your life, it is important that you feel comfortable with all the information being presented to you during the closing procedure. Title First is dedicated to walking you through this important process with care and attention. When it’s time to set up your closing, don’t hesitate to tell your realtor or lender to call Title First, or feel free to give us a call if you’re working by yourself.

Be prepared for these seller’s fees commonly seen at the closing.
Fees:
Current loan payoff
Conveyance fee
Title insurance examination
Title insurance commitment/premium for the owner policy
Documentation to provide your Realtor® with:
Tax receipts
Utility bills
Mortgage Payment
Information to provide to Title First:
Your mortgage company name, address and account number
Any existing title insurance policy

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HTTPS vs. HTTP Tips from ALTA

typing

Many companies still use what’s commonly known as HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) to communicate between different systems and allow for the transfer of data from a web server to a browser, allowing users to view web pages.

Prior to 2014, only companies with e-commerce pages bothered using HTTPS, which stands for Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure. Then Google recommended websites switch to HTTPS. As an incentive, Google said it would give websites with HTTPS a bump in rankings, effectively punishing sites that did not make the switch.

The most important difference between the two protocols is the SSL certificate. HTTPS is basically an HTTP protocol with additional security. This additional security can be extremely important, especially for websites that take sensitive data from its users, such as credit card information and passwords.

When someone connects to a website with regular HTTP, the browser looks up the IP address that corresponds to the website, connects to that IP address and assumes it’s connected to the correct web server. Data is sent over the connection in clear text. An eavesdropper on a Wi-Fi network, your internet service provider or government intelligence agencies like the NSA can see the web pages that are being visited and the data that’s being transferred.

With HTTPS, the SSL certificate encrypts the information that users supply to the site, which basically translates the data into a code. If someone manages to steal the data being communicated between the sender and the recipient, they would not be able to understand it due to this encryption. In addition to adding that extra layer of security, HTTPS is also secured via Transport Layer Security (TLS) protocol. TLS helps provide data integrity, which helps prevent the transfer of data from being modified or corrupted, and authentication.

While HTTPS is commonly used for secure communication of information over the Internet, it does not mean the information and any NPI within the information is secure. If the NPI itself isn’t secured (encrypted, password protected, etc.), then it doesn’t matter if it’s transmitted via HTTPS or HTTP.  A company should make sure NPI is protected for any forms of transmission, transfer or storage.

The third pillar recommends companies adopt and maintain a written privacy and information security program to protect non-public personal information (NPI) as required by local, state and federal law.

Specifically, the procedures for network security of NPI suggest companies:

  • Maintain and secure access to company information technology
  • Develop guidelines for the appropriate use of company information technology.
  • Ensure secure collection and transmission of NPI.

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Should You Use a Realtor or Not When Selling Your Home

Obviously, when you put your home on the market to sell, you want to make the most money you can. The thought may run through your mind that you can sell it on your own, without a Realtor and that is understandable and can be the truth. But, there are some cons to trying to sell your home on your own. Know the obstacles as well as the benefits to the for sale by owner process before you make the decision.

PRO: You may make more money from the sale. Selling your home on your own, you might make more money than with a Realtor. You won’t have to pay the percentage fee based on the sale price. The biggest reason people try to sell their homes on their own is to save the commission.

CON: The financial benefit might not be as much as you think. A Realtor is experienced with correctly pricing the home – one of the hardest parts of selling. Without the guidance of a Realtor, sellers often rely on websites that incorrectly evaluate homes. They use algorithms that are too broad in scope and not specific to your home’s exact locale. They even admit to this in the fine print. Many FSBO homes are incorrectly priced. Nationwide statistics show that the average home sold by a Realtor sells for 13% more than the same type of home, same neighborhood as an FSBO. Overpricing a home is the top reason a home does not sell.

PRO: You have control over the sale of your home. Selling your home on your own means you have complete control of the entire process. No opinions from outsiders. You can price it, market it, negotiate all on your own.

CON: Your home will be a target for buyers looking for a bargain. Often buyers think they are going to get the best deal with an FSBO. They assume the seller is willing to sell for less because they do not have to pay a real estate agent, so be ready for such buyers.

PRO: You can devote all your attention to your home. Hiring a Realtor means that they probably have other clients selling homes. He or she won’t have all their time focused on your home.

CON: You will have to market your home without a network. FSBO home’s exposure to potential buyers is limited. Your choices for advertising are confined to yard signs, newspaper ads, FSBO classifieds, websites, open houses and word of mouth. This is often not enough to find the buyers. Most buyers choose Realtors to help them find their next home and if your home isn’t on the MLS, a Realtor won’t know to bring the buyer by.

CON: Time Consuming. You will have to devote a considerable amount of time to the sale. Your home needs to be inspected, repaired as necessary, photographed, filmed, listed, shown and more. If there are interested buyers, you will need to be available to answer their phone calls, to show the home when they are available and you will need to negotiate a good price. Plenty of people sell their own homes. Few of them do it well, so you need to be prepared to put in the work.

The Bottom Line: As much as you think you will have the time and energy to sell your own home, you won’t be able to do many of the things that an experienced Realtor can do. They are well trained in the laws pertaining to the sale of a property. They will be able to qualify a buyer. They will be able to take care of the pages and pages of paperwork. They will market and present your home with photos, and more for the most and best exposure. And, your home will be on the MLS, which is responsible for over 70% of home sales. You will need the exposure.

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Increase the Value of Your Home, Inexpensively

family in new house

Considering selling your home by next Spring? You will want to get the best price, of course, so start now by getting your home in tip-top shape. You don’t need to spend a lot of money and can do much on your own. Here are a few ideas and if you need guidance, calling the most experienced Realtor to visit and give you advice is always a good idea.

Deep Clean: Start with decluttering every room and closet. Donate, sell or throw away things you don’t use anymore. Vacuum, mop, & dust every surface, every vent, every blind and scrub the bathrooms. Get down on the floor and get your baseboards and lower cabinet doors wiped down. Wash the walls and make all your windows sparkle. Steam-clean all the carpets. These are all perfect cold, Winter day chores to tackle.

Paint: While you may love your brightly painted rooms, they make it harder to sell as the potential buyer usually can’t see beyond your taste. Use neutral colors and watch as minor flaws are hidden and the rooms are brightened. Simply paint the trim and see a new room appear! Just updating paint jobs, especially in the master bedroom the entry foyer, living room, and kitchen can increase the value of your home.

The Face of the Home: Rent a power washer if you don’t have one and transform the exterior of your home from “lived in” to “like new”. Use it on the siding, brick or wood, sidewalks, driveways, decks, porches, garage doors, any porch furniture that is left out and windows.

Landscaping: Depending on the time of year – if it’s right now, Fall, get the leaves up and off the ground. Rake out gardens and pick up sticks. Cut down any low hanging branches or twigs. Removed dead shrubs and make sure the property is well-edged.

Spruce Up Your Kitchen: No need to gut and rebuild. Add value by replacing cabinet hardware, the faucet in the sink, even appliances if they are dented or overused. Repaint walls and even cabinets.

The Bottom Line: There are so many ways to upgrade your home before you sell it and literally up the value by thousands. A simple change of light switch and outlet covers make a world of difference. So, if you are waiting until Spring to list your home, spend the dark Winter months knocking off a to-do list!

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Homebuyers in November and December are Motivated

It’s a common thought, however misguided, that homes don’t sell during the months of November and December. The truth of the matter is that homes listed during this time period are likely to sell quicker and for a higher asking price.

Motivated Buyers: If there are people out there trudging through often cold, even snowy weather to look at homes for sale, they are motivated. It might be that they have had a job transfer, a family situation, and if you have a home available to look at that is priced right, they will come. The fact that it’s the busiest holiday time is also very telling about their motivation.

Competition: Simply because so many believe this isn’t the ideal time to sell their home, they wait to put it on the market, and with that, you are left with less competition. Remember also, that the internet is instant access to a home listing. Motivated buyers will start online and you want your home to be in the search results. Be sure to have professional pictures taken to showcase your home at it’s very best.

Year-End Tax Breaks: Plenty of buyers wan to reduce their taxes and buying a home lets them deduct the home purchase costs, such as points, interest, and property taxes.

The Bottom Line: Meet with an experienced Realtor and be sure to price your home right. Motivated buyers don’t have the time to negotiate and wait for gradual price deductions. While people will tell you to wait until Spring, the truth is that any home can sell at any time of the year if it is packaged right.

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WHAT EVERY REALTOR ® SHOULD KNOW ABOUT OWNER’S TITLE INSURANCE

Make sure all of your clients are protected
You’re a real estate agent, so you know that buying a home can be overwhelming for many of your clients. Homebuyers can easily feel confused and frustrated by the mounds of paperwork they have to sign. Plus, all the fees associated with closing can sometimes be a surprise even to an experienced buyer.

Owner’s title insurance is one of those items often misunderstood by homebuyers at closing, yet its value is tremendous. As an important advisor to your clients, you are in the position to help them understand the value of owner’s title insurance and the dangers that can be incurred without it.

What is title insurance?
Owner’s title insurance is a policy that protects homebuyers’ property rights. For the same reasons that the bank requires a lender’s insurance policy, a homebuyer obtains owner’s title insurance to protect their legal claims to the property.

How it protects your clients
Say, for example, your client recently purchased a new home from a builder, but the builder failed to pay the roofer. Wanting to be paid, the roofer filed a lien against the property. Without owner’s title insurance, your client would be responsible for paying this existing debt—meaning they’d be paying the roofer out of pocket instead of purchasing something nice for their new home, like new living room furniture. This is just one example of how owner’s title insurance protects homebuyers’ from various significant risks. With owner’s title insurance, your client would be protected from certain legal or financial responsibilities.

Enduring value
The good news is that owner’s title insurance protects homebuyers financially, as long as they or their heirs* own the home. For a low, one-time fee (average of 0.5% of purchase price), homebuyers can rest assured, knowing they are protected from inheriting existing debts or claims to their property.

State regulations and CFPB
Each state government regulates its own title insurance costs. In addition, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) regulates closing and settlement practices which can impact title insurance. Keep in mind that title insurance industry practices vary due to differences in state laws and local real estate customs. The party that pays for the owner’s title insurance policy varies from state to state, and sometimes even within a state. For more information about title insurance, or to find a company approved to issue an owner’s policy, please direct your homebuyer clients to www.homeclosing101.org.

Free resources for Realtors ®

Together, real estate agents, land title insurance professionals, and other stakeholders involved in real estate transactions can protect homebuyers and provide them with the peace of mind they deserve during the home closing process.

For more information about title insurance, and to get free resources for real estate agents, visit Alta.

*This advertising offers a brief description of insurance coverages, products and services and is meant for informational purposes only. Actual coverages may vary by state, company or locality. You may not be eligible for all of the insurance products, coverages or services described in this advertising. For exact terms, conditions, exclusions, and limitations, please contact a title insurance company authorized to do business in your location.

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