Real estate contracts are typically very dense documents. They include information about the property and the obligations of both parties involved in the transaction. The person who wants to buy the property submits a written purchase offer that the seller evaluates...
Changes in technology and market practices overall have increased the levels of fraudulent activity in the practice of real estate. It is impossible to be aware of every scam that exists, but that does not mean you should enter the market ill-informed. Scammers will...
A positive or neutral relationship with immediate neighbors is frequently beneficial for property owners. For example, they might cooperate to perform certain maintenance tasks, like fence repair, or watch a home while someone is away on vacation. However, a...
A title insurance policy helps to protect both someone who is buying a property and their lender from the risk of financial loss. If there turns out to be an issue with the ownership documentation for the property, both the buyer and their lender can count on title...
When someone passes away, the value of their estate has to be distributed to their heirs and beneficiaries. People usually write a will, and they may even take other steps, like setting up a trust. Within the context of an estate plan, they may detail how their assets...
The title record for your property provides a detailed history of ownership. Title records show who signed deeds for the property and how they held title. They can also help preserve someone's rights when they have an easement or when the homeowner owes money....
Is this your first time buying a home? You’re likely hesitant to buy the first home that looks good, and you should be because buying a home is a big investment and you need to investigate your purchase. Every home buyer should know they have guaranteed rights. As...
People love to generalize the way that markets behave because it makes investing seem less risky. Still, there are never any guarantees about what will happen with any given investment. For example, there have long been claims that real estate prices always trend...
Title records for real estate are what officially establish ownership. The county keeps a record of every property transfer that occurs and of any lien someone records that result from a court judgment or a contract. Those title records protect individuals from fraud...
Ever since Hurricane Ian made landfall, reporters and financial analysts have spent a lot of time talking about homeowner's insurance and flood insurance. There has been a lot of speculation about the impact of the storm on insurance rates. Thousands of properties...