Remembering each home would appear easy, but it can quickly become confusing. Which home was near the school? Which one had the great pool? Did it have a family room? How many bathrooms? In the “Something Memorable” category, note something you think is unusual and memorable about each home, such as a stained glass window, fruit trees, a child’s playhouse. This will make it easier for you to recall the property later and refer to a specific address. And, last but not least, maybe the most important question, does this house feel like home? The following home comparison chart is… read more →
THIS FORMULA IS ONLY A GUIDE AND NOT TO BE CONSTRUED AS ACTUAL LENDING CALCULATIONS. Contact your loan officer to determine more accurately what price range you should consider. Lenders abide by certain ratios when calculating the loan amount their customers can qualify for and the ratios vary by lender and loan program. Many use 28% of your gross monthly income as the maximum allowed for your mortgage payment (principal/interest/taxes/ insurance or PITI); for your total monthly debt, the ratio is 36%. Total monthly expenses means PITI plus long-term debt (such as auto loans) and revolving/credit-card debt. Do not… read more →
Title insurance protects the insured against covered title defects affecting the insured property. When you buy a home, you expect to enjoy important property rights. For example, you likely expect to be able to occupy the property, to be free from debts or obligations not created or agreed to by you, and to be able to freely sell your property or pledge it as security for a loan. Title insurance is designed to protect these important property rights. Here are seven reasons you should purchase an owner’s policy of title insurance. 1. Buying a home is a big investment. For… read more →
Have you ever considered how much you pay in rent over an extended period of time? It is probably a lot more than you realize. The amount you spend for rent each month could be applied to a mortgage, not only building equity in your own property, but, in most cases, substantially reducing the Federal and State income taxes you pay each year. And, what happens to your rent money? It’s gone! There’s no interest, no equity, no return. To determine your home-buying ability, call your real estate agent or lender. Here’s a chart to help break down how much… read more →
Do you feel like you are drowning in alphabet soup? Acronyms have become common-place in the title insurance industry. In fact, acronyms have come so far that there are acronyms of acronyms! One of the newest is TRID, an acronym for TILA-RESPA Integrated Disclosure Rule. Some acronyms are part of an industry group or association, such as ALTA, NAHB, DOI, or DFR; sometimes an acronym may describe certain standards. There are so many acronyms that it can be confusing and certainly overwhelming. The table below contains some of the industry’s most commonly used acronyms and their meanings.
What is the “public records” doctrine, and why does it matter? ALL interests in immovable property must be recorded in the appropriate recording office to have effect against third persons. That is, a person who is not party to or personally bound by an instrument. Thus, the following examples of real rights, in order to have effect against the rest of the world, must be recorded: Usufructs Rights of habitation Servitudes such as rights of passage and utilities Mortgages Most liens/privileges, judgements, leases, oil, gas and mineral leases and servitudes Restrictive covenants The list of interests in land is potentially… read more →
In order to truly understand the benefits and limitations of title insurance, an understanding of what “title” is, is necessary. For an even more concise understanding of title insurance, please visit our FAQ page. The types of real rights, that is, interests in immovable property, that Louisiana law recognizes are ownership, personal servitudes, predial servitudes, and such other real rights as permitted by law. Ownership is the real right that purchasers of residential real estate are most concerned, and thus, this part will be dedicated to that land interest. So, two questions need addressing: 1) How is ownership defined in Louisiana?, and… read more →
Hoping to sell your house this summer? Use our home seller’s checklist to get your house show ready! INTERIOR Clean: Doors Windows Light switches Baseboards Chair rails Carpets Draperies Paint: Paint/repaint rooms in neutral colors as needed Other tasks: Remove/pull back dark curtains Lubricate squeaky door hinges Clean ceiling fans Check for cobwebs in all corners Fix scratches in wooden floors Repair/replace broken flooring Use area rugs, if needed Empty wastebaskets Make beds Fluff or replace accent pillows KITCHEN Keep dishes and food out of sight Clean appliances Sweep/Mop Clean light fixtures Test electrical outlets Eliminate cooking odors Deodorize garbage disposal,… read more →
Whether you are purchasing a home or selling a house, knowing what to expect and being prepared at the “closing” can help eliminate stress and result in a pleasant experience. Although the settlement process can vary from state-to-state, here are some common items that may be required from you at closing and can help your closing go as smoothly and quickly as possible: » Closing Instructions » Purchase Agreement » Valid Photo Identification » Amendments or Addenda » All Closing Party Members If Applicable: » Buyer(s) Pre-Approval Letter » Home Warranty Application » Payoff Authorization to Release Information » Association/Condominium… read more →
In order to truly understand the benefits and limitations of title insurance we’re breaking it down for you in a four-part series. Last week was Part 3: What is a “title examination” and why is it important? The final topic to cover is Part 4: Title Insurance Basics. Part 4: Title insurance Basics Title insurance is substantially different than other types of insurance coverage, which can often lead to a misunderstanding of the product. Title insurance emphasizes risk prevention rather than risk assumption. This emphasis on risk prevention is labor intensive and expensive, but the coverage offers the best possible… read more →
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