Your Final Walk-Through

 

Your Final Walk Through often is your last opportunity to ensure that everything in your home is working, and that the seller has maintained the home as required by the contract up through the date of closing.

This is often the first opportunity to examine the house without furniture giving you a clear view of everything.
Check the walls and ceilings carefully as well as any work the seller agreed to do in response to the inspection. Be sure to check all appliances, garage door opener, security system, and heating and cooling systems to ensure they are working properly.
Any problems you may discover should be brought up prior to the final signing and closing on your property, and may require the seller to complete repairs or provide a credit for the repairs.

Because some negotiation may be involved, it is often best to schedule the walk-through at least one day before closing, and give your professional advisors time to assist you in negotiating the walk-through items. You may also need to have tradesmen complete an estimate for certain repairs to help you decide on an appropriate credit from the seller.

Please keep in mind that some mortgage lenders will not approve credits for repairs. It is good to know generically if your mortgage lender allows repair credits, and will want to consult your loan officer about this long before the walk-through inspection.

In Naples, Florida, First Title & Abstract is the title company of choice for those who want a company with experience in helping buyers and sellers negotiate walk-through issues and complete their closing.

We’ve done it thousands of times, and have the knowledge and experience to assist you, too.

Our attorneys and staff are experts at helping you and your Realtor handle these situations, and we’re glad to offer our experience and assistance.

We look forward to seeing you at closing!

Learn Your Community Resources

 

Learn Your Community Resources.

A knowledgeable Realtor is usually the best resource for local information about schools, parks, churches, shopping, and other resources. Also, you can find good information on the Internet at local government websites, and by contacting the local Chamber of Commerce. Often, they provide promotional literature, welcome kits, maps, and other information.

You can get information about school systems by contacting the city or county school board or the local schools.

Florida Town-First Title & Abstract

Learn Your Community Resources

You may also want to visit the local library. It can be an excellent source for information on local events and resources and the librarians will probably be able to answer many of the questions you have.

At First Title & Abstract, Inc., we can provide for you a list of important phone numbers for utilities, cable, and local services.

Just give us a call, or email us, and we’ll be glad to help!

When you need a closing agent and title company think of us FIRST!

Naples, FL Title Company First Title & Abstract, Inc. was the FIRST title company in Naples, Florida and has been serving Southwest Florida for nearly forty years!

 

What Do I Get At Closing?

 

What do I get at closing?

For most real estate loans, you will receive a HUD-1 (if it is a cash transaction) also known as a settlement statement …

or, if you are borrowing money, a Closing Disclosure will be provided to you at least 3 business days before loan consummation –  Consumation of closing includes signing and funding the purchase, which frequently happens at the closing meeting.

At the meeting itself you should also receive:

1.)  a copy of your Mortgage Note – your obligation to repay-

2.)  your Mortgage or Deed of Trust

3.) copies of other documents signed by you, and by the other party, as is appropriate

4.)  and you will get the keys to your new home.

What Do I Get At Closing?

What Do I Get At Closing?

You asked, “What do I get at closing?” … but the real question is “what will you not get at closing if you use another title company which does not have the reputation for integrity and professionalism that we do?”

Will you get a caring, friendly, and thorough closing experience which explains every step in your transactions? will you get value pricing, and professional title agents, attorneys, and closers with years of experience?

Indeed, when it comes to choosing a title company in Naples, Florida, for over four decades, real estate professionals recommend First Title & Abstract, Inc.

Let us show you why our commitment to putting you FIRST makes all the difference when you close on real estate.

What Can I Expect To Happen On Closing Day?

 

What Can I Expect To Happen On Closing Day?

On your closing day, if we’ve done our job right, you will celebrate a stress-free and memorable moment, working with your Realtor, lender, and our dedicated and friendly staff.

We will complete all the final paperwork and handle the signing of the documents required to transfer ownership.

At the closing, you will produce two forms of identification and a notary will verify your identity, and witness and notarize your signature on certain important documents.

Then, you will sign the closing documents, including the settlement state (also called a HUD or CD, depending on whether you have a loan or not.)

Although most of the documents are standardized and cannot be changed, it’s important still to check them with us for accuracy, and to be sure you understand what you’re signing.

At closing, you may also have to tender other items such as your paid homeowner’s insurance policy or a binder and receipt showing that the premium has been paid, a death certificate from a deceased seller, etc.

The closing agent will review again the monies which transfer, and all the closing costs, including mortgage fees, remainder of down payment, prepaid taxes, and so on.

Prior to closing, a walk-thru will have been conducted with your Realtor, and you will already have wired funds for closing.

The seller will provide proofs of any inspection, warranties, appliance information, keys, garage door openers, and so on.

Borrowers will review and sign the note and mortgage, and make sure the deed is prepared in the correct names and with the proper manner of holding title.

The seller will give you the title to the house in the form of a signed deed, a copy of which you’ll receive at closing, and the original of which will be mailed to you 4-6 weeks after closing, once we receive the recorded deed from the Clerk’s office.

Also, a policy of title insurance will be issued and mailed to you with your deed.

Sellers may not actually get closing proceeds the day of closing if the funding of the transaction is delayed for any reason by the buyer’s lender. For this reason, we always recommend closing before a Friday, and not at the end of the day.

The Naples Title Company that is the first choice among real estate professionals is First Title & Abstract, Inc. because we have proved for nearly forty years we are reliable, professional, friendly, and put our customers FIRST!

If you are buying or selling real estate on Marco Island or in Naples, choose the title company hundreds of thousands have come to depend upon — First Title & Abstract, Inc.

What Is Equity?

 

What Is Equity?

Equity is the value YOU own in property such as a house. It’s the difference between what’s OWED and what the property is WORTH in the current market.

The example this video shows – you have a house worth $300,000 today and you owe the bank $200,000.  Your equity would be $100,000.

If the house is valued at $500,000 in five years, and you still owe $150,000 your equity will be $350,000.

Equity grows if the property value goes up or if the amount owed goes down.  The key thing to remember, simple as it sounds, is that you “own” increases in value. The bank’s loan doesn’t go up if the home’s value goes up.

Increasing the value of your home is possible through “sweat equity” — work you do yourself on the home, including improvements to the inside and outside.

Equity in a home can be used as collateral for loans but a house is not a piggy bank. In other words, allow your home to build wealth for you, but don’t use it to live beyond your income means.

Home equity can become a key financial asset over time; treat it wisely.

At First Title & Abstract, Inc. we are the FIRST choice among title companies in Naples, FL and Marco Island, FL.

No other Naples FL title company can offer the reliability, experience, and friendly service.

We believe in “Putting You FIRST!”

What Are Real Estate Commissions?

 
What Are Real Estate Commissions?

What Are Real Estate Commissions?

What Are Real Estate Commissions?

Real Estate Agents typically are paid a percentage of the purchase price in a successful real estate transaction.

When one agent represents the sellers and another represents the buyers the commission is typically split between them.
In the US, real estate commissions are commonly 6% of the transaction usually 3%/3% when split.

No government or industry body sets commission rates.  Legally, commission rates ARE negotiable.  However, remember that agents only earn their commission on successful sales.

Consider the work you want them to do for you to evaluate the value you should put on the commission they earn.

Are you looking for advice on who to hire as your Realtor?

Why not start by asking someone who works with thousands of Realtors: Your Title Company!

Are you looking for someone you can rely on — a great title company in Naples, Florida?

Look no further! First Title & Abstract, Inc. is an award-winning provider of title and escrow services.

We’ve served the Naples real estate market for almost four decades!

The oldest naples title companies aren’t always the best, UNLESS they stay abreast of new developments in the industry and are dedicated to implementing the latest technologies.

At First Title & Abstract, Inc. we won’t ever rest on our laurels! We are dedicated always to “Putting You FIRST!”

What Is An Escrow Account? Do I Need One?

 

What Is An Escrow Account? Do I Need One?

First, let’s distinguish between an escrow payment to your title company (this is the earnest money deposit or consideration, held by the title agent, to be applied to the buyer’s purchase) and an escrow account established or required by your lender.

As we show you in this video, an escrow account set up by your lender is an account in which you set aside a portion of your monthly mortgage payment to cover annual charges for homeowner’s insurance mortgage insurance (if applicable), and property taxes.

What Is An Escrow Account? Do I Need One?

What Is An Escrow Account? Do I Need One?

Escrow accounts are a good idea because they assure money will always be available for these payments.

If you use an escrow account to pay property tax or homeowner’s insurance make sure you are not penalized for late payments since it is the lender’s responsibility to make those payments.

At First Title & Abstract, Inc. we believe in helping our customers understand their transaction thoroughly.

When it comes to title companies in Naples and Marco Island, we are different than the rest — you can be sure we won’t rush you, or ask you to sign anything you don’t understand … because we believe in “Putting You FIRST!”

 

How Do I Make A Home Ready To Sell?

 

How Do I Make A Home Ready To Sell?

As we show you in this video, start several months before the property is made available. Look through the eyes of a buyer

  • What needs to be cleaned?
  • Repainted?
  • Repaired?
  • Or tossed?

Ask yourself – or a friend If you were buying this house what would you want to see?

The goal is to show a home that looks good makes the most of its assets like space and location and attracts as many buyers and as much demand as possible.

Allow yourself enough lead time – not just a day or two – to make the most of the sale. And get help from a real estate agent – early.

The list below is offered by the most reliable title company in Naples and Marco Island — First Title & Abstract, Inc.

As title companies go, we offer more … because we believe in “Putting you FIRST!”

Please call on us so you can be sure we’re the title agent handling your closing, too. You can rely upon us every step of the way!

How Do I Make A Home Ready To Sell?

How Do I Make A Home Ready To Sell?

What Are “Home Warranties” And Should I Consider Them?

 

What Are “Home Warranties” And Should I Consider Them?

You’ll see from the video that home warranties offer you protection for a specific period of time, such as one year, against potentially costly problems like unexpected repairs on appliances or home systems which are not covered by homeowner’s insurance.

Warranties are becoming more popular because they offer protection during the time immediately following the purchase of a home a time when many people find themselves cash-strapped.

The problem is, most home warranty programs have lots of exclusions, and don’t really cover what you think they do.

At First Title & Abstract, Inc., we don’t recommend a home warranty company. We recommend a home service company.

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What Are “Home Warranties” And Should I Consider Them?

After exhaustive research, we feel the best one in the area is Home-Tech.

35 years in business, local company, employee owned, and with their own trained service technicians on staff.

Their Gold Service Warranty actually includes one annual AC/Furnace maintenance call. Plus, the company has great prices on replacement appliances, and offers extra coverage for special situations. High-end appliances? Older appliances? Special coverage needs? Home-Tech offers a very competitive product and service, and exceptional service times.

Call us today to see why we think they’re the best!

https://www.home-tech.com/service-agreements/

We are Naples Oldest Title Company —

What About A Home Located In A Flood Plain?

 
What About A Home Located In A Flood Plain?

What About A Home Located In A Flood Plain?

 

What About A Home Located In A Flood Plain?
A flood plain is an area of land adjacent to a stream or river that experiences flooding during periods of high discharge. Watch this video and it’ll make sense.

If you live in a flood plain lenders will require that you have flood insurance before lending any money to you. But if you live near a flood plain, you may choose whether or not to get flood insurance coverage for your home.

Check the National Flood Insurance Program site  at FloodSmart.gov  for more information. And work with an insurance agent to construct a policy that fits your needs.

Keep in mind, the so-called 100 year flood, usually comes every ten years, so it’s good to speak with your property appraiser to understand the limitations for building on your property. Walls and fences in flood plains may be okay, but habitable dwellings and storage facilities or garages may not be permitted, or well-advised.

Is you home in an area of minimum flood hazard or risk?

Does your property require flood insurance?

Are you aware that many homeowner’s insurance policies do NOT cover flooding from natural or internal sources. Be sure you are covered!

Water damage is often the leading cause of casualty damage and can pose serious health issues in the form of mold growth, and flood water dangers.

At First Title & Abstract, Inc. we are watching out for you. When we conduct your closing, we will review any flood plain information with you. What other title company in Naples or Marco Island will take the time to ensure you are protected, and understand what you’re buying?