First American Title Insurance Company has a great answer to those questions!

A title insurance policy is an insured statement of the condition of title, or ownership of real property.  Prior to the issuance of a policy, a title report or commitment is prepared after a search of records, maps and documents affecting the parcel in question.  For a one-time premium, the policy protects the named insured against title defects, liens and encumbrances existing as of the date of the policy and not specially excepted from coverage.  First American Title Insurance Compnay stands behind it’s product.  Make sure you choose a good title insurance before you close on your next property.

"Why do I need title insurance and what is it?" was originally posted as a blog post at Shannon Register Real Estate Team on October 30, 2009.

Shannon Register Real Estate Team named "Best Real Estate Blog in Texas by the Mays Business School Real Estate Research Center at Texas A&M University.

© 2008-2009 | Shannon Register Real Estate Team

Below are 20 Steps that you will go through in the Home Buying Process. I got this outline from a pamphlet that is distributed by the First American Title Company and then added to it to make it my own. It’s great information whether you are a first time home buyer or buying your retirement home. Some peope buy many homes over a lifetime and are still in the dark about many aspects of the transaction. I like for my clients to be informed so they know what is going on at all times.

1. Find a Realtor to represent you. If you’re buying or selling in my area of expertise, I can help you with the transaction. If you are buying or selling outside of my area, then I would like to refer you to an excellent agent in your area. Don’t just call a company and ask for an agent. Get a good one. Get one that you can trust to represent your needs. Buying and selling a home is a big deal and might be your biggest asset. Do some homework and find a good agent. I am a good agent and only refer out to agents that are well trained and experienced.

2. Get a Pre-Approval from a Lender. Again, be selective about the lender. Do some research or get a good referral. You don’t want to get to the closing day and your deal bust because of your lender. Real Estate agents work with lenders daily. Ask me for a referral. I know many lenders. I’ve used several. I have my favorites that take good care of my clients. I want you to get taken care of. I want you to be able to close on the house that I help you select and negotiate on. I don’t want to have to go back and search for another house any more than you do. I don’t want you to lose your earnest money because your lender can’t get your loan through underwriting on time. I want to refer you to a mortgage lender that I know will take good care of my client. If you know of a good mortgage lender, then you can use them. Regardless, you’re going to need a Pre-Approval so you and I know what price range to look in. Also, when we make an offer, we want the seller to take his house off the market for you to do inspections and he is not going to be willing to do that without your Pre-Approval.
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"20 Steps in the Home Buying Process" was originally posted as a blog post at Shannon Register Real Estate Team on October 25, 2009.

Shannon Register Real Estate Team named "Best Real Estate Blog in Texas by the Mays Business School Real Estate Research Center at Texas A&M University.

© 2008-2009 | Shannon Register Real Estate Team