Housing Wire

JULY 29, 2025

Chris Morton has taken the helm at the American Land Title Association (ALTA) as the title insurance industry faces challenges on multiple fronts — from regulatory pressure and a slow housing market to increased cybersecurity threats. Then, as I alluded to, the cyclical nature of the real estate market is always a challenge.

Title

Marco Santarelli

DECEMBER 29, 2024

The Federal Reserve's decision to lower interest rates earlier in the season has not translated into immediate reductions in mortgage rates, illustrating the complex relationship between federal rates and the mortgage market. This underscores the complexities surrounding mortgage rates and the challenges buyers face in todays market.

Mortgages

Redfin

JUNE 23, 2025

While not required everywhere, it’s an important part of the process in certain markets and is separate from the earnest money deposit. Due diligence money is paid to the seller, usually non-refundable, and compensates them for taking the home off the market during inspections. This only applies in certain states.

Due diligence

Windemere Buying

MAY 19, 2025

And while including contingencies offers protection and negotiation leverage, removing them can be an effective strategic move too, especially in a competitive market. In a sellers market , competition amongst buyers is high, and they often face multiple-offer situations.

Home sale contingency

Marco Santarelli

DECEMBER 20, 2024

Title Search and Insurance: These fees are related to verifying ownership and protecting the lender's interest. These can include: Loan Origination Fee: This is what the lender charges for processing the loan. Appraisal Fee: An appraisal may be required to determine the current value of your home.

Mortgages

Redfin

JUNE 5, 2025

At Redfin , we’re all about giving homebuyers the transparency and insights you need to confidently navigate the real estate market. The undeniable appeal of a cash offer in today’s market A cash offer really stands out in competitive housing markets. This is a vital safeguard for your investment.

Closing costs

Redfin

AUGUST 6, 2025

Title review and escrow coordination While the buyer is completing inspections and securing financing, the escrow and title teams are doing their own work: A title search is conducted to confirm the seller has clear ownership and that there are no liens, unpaid taxes, or legal claims against the property.

Earnest money deposit

Redfin

JUNE 11, 2025

Title contingency A title contingency gives the buyer the right to review the results of a title search and cancel the contract if any issues related to ownership or property rights are uncovered. The title company typically conducts this search shortly after the contract is signed.

Purchase and sale agreement

Redfin

JUNE 27, 2025

Prioritize agents with strong local market knowledge, a proven history of working with first-time homebuyers, and a compatible working style. But waiting for a house that checks every single box can leave you stuck in an endless search, especially in a competitive market. When is a good time to purchase a home?

Pre-approval

HomeLight

MARCH 24, 2025

This can be done through a title search , which will reveal any debts or claims against the property, including unpaid taxes. Until a court confirms that you are the new rightful owner of the inherited house, you should not sign a listing agreement or market the property.

Purchase and sale agreement

Redfin

JULY 30, 2025

Run a title search and enter into escrow: A title search ensures the seller has legal ownership and the property is free of liens. Because they have substantial financial backing, they can make aggressive cash offers to secure properties quickly in competitive markets. Can I offer 20% below the asking price?

Purchase and sale agreement

HomeLight

NOVEMBER 15, 2024

Hillman says a title search will help to reveal the status of the property. Until you have court confirmation that you are the new rightful owner, you should not sign listing paperwork or market a property. This is a crucial gate that must be fully open to establish legal ownership before you can sell the home. “If

Pre-approval

Redfin

FEBRUARY 20, 2025

In competitive markets, offering to cover some or all of the buyers agents fee may help attract more buyers. Closing fees and other administrative costs Closing fees are administrative costs related to the home sale and title transfer. Recording fees: Fees for registering the new owner in the public records.

Closing costs

Redfin

AUGUST 6, 2025

The truth is, the timeline for buying a house can vary due to a number of factors like financing needs, if it’s a buyer’s or seller’s market, the time of year, and the type of home you’re searching for. Secure title and escrow services 1 day The escrow company ensures that all conditions of your real estate transaction are met.

Pre-approval

Redfin

AUGUST 5, 2025

That’s particularly true if you pay below the market price. How to handle a gift of equity A gift of equity is when someone sells a home to a family member for below market value. Legal and tax implications If you’re buying your parents’ house below market value, there could be legal and tax implications.

Purchase and sale agreement

Redfin

JANUARY 28, 2025

Whether you’re looking at homes in Salt Lake City or considering properties in another competitive market, like homes in Charlotte , assumable mortgages can be a smart move in the right situation. These issues can be discovered during a title search, which is another essential step.

Loans

Rochester Real Estate

NOVEMBER 5, 2015

You need to understand the ins and outs of the local property market. But studying the market is not enough. Then, you should engage the services of a real estate agent who is familiar with the local market and can help you find suitable properties. To be successful, you must also consider your financial position.

Purchase and sale agreement

Redfin

JULY 9, 2025

The right agent will have expertise on the housing market , understand the area inside and out, be familiar with local listing agents, and know how to negotiate. Ask your agent targeted questions about the property’s history, neighborhood, and market trends. Their insights can reveal hidden pros and cons you might miss. >

Pre-approval

Rochester Real Estate

NOVEMBER 5, 2015

It’s essential to recognize the value of Realtor services , including marketing, pricing expertise, and documentation assistance. It motivates agents to invest their knowledge, time, and resources into effectively marketing properties, navigating the complex legal and financial aspects of transactions, and negotiating favorable deals.

Purchase and sale agreement

Redfin

AUGUST 5, 2025

Buying a home can be a stressful, lengthy process, especially if your area is experiencing a seller’s market where there are more buyers looking to purchase than there are homes for sale. In a seller’s market, the demand for housing exceeds the supply. What does ‘no contingency’ mean? What contingencies should I waive?

Earnest money deposit

Redfin

JULY 11, 2025

Title issues are discovered If the title search uncovers ownership disputes, liens , or unresolved legal claims on the property and the title can’t be cleared, the buyer can cancel the contract under a title contingency and get their earnest money refunded. When is earnest money due?

Earnest money deposit

Rochester Real Estate

NOVEMBER 5, 2015

Every real estate market is different, therefore, the best time to sell a home will be different from real estate community to real estate community. For example, the spring market in the Webster, New York real estate community maybe April, May, and June while the spring market in Coral Springs, Florida maybe March & April.

Purchase and sale agreement

Redfin

JULY 24, 2025

These costs can include: Appraisal fee: An appraiser assesses the current market value of your home. Title services: This includes a title search to ensure there are no legal issues with the property and title insurance. Recording fees: These are fees paid to the local government to record the new mortgage.

Mortgages

Housing Wire

MARCH 10, 2025

But even with these added costs, the system remains significantly cheaper than private title insurance in other states. AOL vs. title insurance Unlike private insurance models that primarily rely on automated or digital title searches, ITG requires an attorneys title opinion based on a 40-year abstract before issuing a policy.

Title

Housing Wire

FEBRUARY 25, 2025

While some lenders claim they can close in as little as five days, most transactions take about two weeks due to necessary title searches and documentation. Hard money loans are known for their quick approval process. Do hard money lenders require appraisals?

Hard money loan

Housing Wire

NOVEMBER 1, 2021

According to Punctual Abstract, the company, which was founded in 1993, typically provides abstracts within 24 to 48 hours from the start of the title search. of the market controlled by the “Big Four” away it will need to continue to develop these assets. If the company hopes to wrestle any share of the 80.3%

Title

Housing Wire

MARCH 9, 2021

Prognosticators are already suggesting the mortgage market has recently “peaked.” If the past two decades are any indication, the impending purchase-dominated market will bring discussion of softening margins and higher expenses. How hybrid title and valuations help increase lending efficiency. Streamline by combining services.

Title

Housing Wire

DECEMBER 16, 2022

Title insurance is different than most other insurance products. Title insurers’ upfront, curative work involved in a title search is critical to help reduce risk of claims. The buyers purchased title insurance, which turned out to be an excellent investment. Title insurance remains essential.

Title

Housing Wire

JUNE 21, 2022

Title insurance is imperative for lenders to ensure the borrower has ownership rights to a property, but it doesn’t just protect against problems affecting title. The capital markets depend on the due diligence, transparency, and protection our industry provides to do its job. Why is a title search necessary for refinancing?

Title

Housing Wire

MARCH 31, 2021

This slows the search and underwriting processes, makes them more prone to errors and delays closings at the expense of the homebuyer. DataTrace delivers advanced real estate data and title search technology and automated examination and production solutions used by leading title and settlement service companies.

Title search

Realty Biz

DECEMBER 15, 2021

When you’re buying a home, you’ll need a title search so that you can get title insurance. Title searches can also reassure buyers, making sure there is a smaller chance of problems with the title later on. We will take a look at the things you need to know about a title search and how it works.

Title search

Housing Wire

MARCH 2, 2021

HousingWire spoke with Steve Greenfield, Altisource General Manager of Mortgage Real Estate Solutions, about the state of the mortgage market and how Altisource’s HomeVal solution is benefiting lenders. HousingWire: What are some due diligence and underwriting challenges loan originators face today?

Title

Housing Wire

APRIL 11, 2023

This is especially important in today’s fast-paced real estate market, where time is of the essence. What is a title in the context of real estate? In real estate, a title is a legal document that establishes ownership of a property or asset. How has technology impacted the industry?

Title search

Housing Wire

MAY 5, 2021

“The integration creates a more secure, fully integrated portal to SoftPro 360’s automated title search and closing process,” Portner said. Tools now exist that connect data sources, enabling title reports to be quickly delivered.

Title

Housing Wire

MARCH 8, 2022

ATA National Title Group serves both residential and commercial clients, and provides title searches and escrow services. The firm is licensed to issue title insurance in 30 states and, thanks to partnering relationships, ATA offers title and settlement services in all 50 states.

Title

Housing Wire

AUGUST 6, 2021

Interest rates were at an all-time low last year, which is why the housing market saw such a spike. There’s also a chance your lender will require another title search and title insurance, which would add to your costs. Mortgage rates vary. Take the pandemic, for example. Consumers took advantage of those low rates.

Title search

Housing Wire

APRIL 6, 2023

After a few years of nothing less than an automation revolution in the title industry, market uncertainty and declining volume are now testing just how effective our efforts have been. There’s no doubt the title industry has made significant gains in streamlining over the past two years.

Title search