Category Archives: Selecting:

Your Final Walk-Through

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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!

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

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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?

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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?

 

Rent or Own?

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Rent or own?

What makes the most sense in the current market?

Well, much depends upon your tax bracket, whether you intend to move in the near future, the local real estate market, and what your future goals may be.

Other considerations must be included.

One advantage of renting is being generally free of most maintenance responsibilities. But by renting, you lose the chance to build equity and take advantage of tax benefits and also cannot protect yourself against rent increases.

Also, you may be at the mercy of the landlord for the condition of your housing.

Owning a home has many benefits. When you make a mortgage payment, you are building equity increasing YOUR net worth. Also, owning a home qualifies you for certain tax breaks which gives you more available spending money to handle the costs of homeownership.

Each individual is different, depending upon preferences and goals, but generally, Americans prefer the stability and security of owning their own home.

At First Title & Abstract, Inc. our staff on Marco Island and in Naples can assist you in reviewing the decision whether to rent or own.

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It’s not child’s play deciding whether to rent or own your castle … let us help!

Just call us anytime and set up an appointment with one of our friendly staff members.

We’re here to help!