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.

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?

 

Which Square Footage Figure Should I Use?

 

Which Square Footage Figure Should I Use?

Home size is one of the key figures used in comparisons.

A decade ago, large homes were the rage. Today, there’s a movement toward tiny houses, and less space.

The figure below shows an interesting trend of larger homes over the 50 year period from 1950 to 2000. However, lately, homes are getting smaller. Perhaps the downturn of 2008 showed us that “less is more?”

Well, whether you’re marketing the sale of a mansion or a tiny house, when it comes to reporting the size of your home in a listing, you have several different measurements to choose from. As you’ll learn in this video, you can use the info from the survey provided by your builder, the valuation appraiser’s map, your property tax records, and possibly your own measurements and owner records.

Which one is right, and which one is best?

HouseSquareFootChange

Which Square Footage Figure Should I Use?

The official figure is the one in tax records – typically, the county tax record information is right.

Any other figure must be documented by a builder’s floor plan an appraisal or an official floor plan, prepared by a company for a fee.

If your house has been remodeled and you’re planning to sell you may want to confirm that the official record matches your actual house – and update if required.

Most lenders will require an appraisal which will verify the figures you used. So be accurate and keep records to make the most of your sale.

At First Title & Abstract, Inc. we’re aware of trends in housing, and can refer you to the top agents who understand how to market homes of varying sizes.

Also, these agents can show you how to maximize your sales price, and honestly and accurately report the size of your home in listing reports.

There is one Naples and Marco Island title company whom tens of thousands of residents have come to depend upon — and that’s First Title & Abstract, Inc.

Putting you FIRST is the reason for our success!

 

What Details Can I Ask Brokers In Advance?

 

What Details Can I Ask Brokers In Advance?

This video tells you what any real estate professional would tell you. Ask them:

  • How long do homes in my neighborhood currently stay on the market?
  • How would you price my home?
  • What data did you use to arrive at that price?
  • How would you market my home?
  • What activities would you expect of me to market my home?
  • How will you handle representation if one of your buyers is interested in my home?
  • May I speak with sellers you’ve recently represented?
  • How long a period would you want on a listing agreement for my house?
What Details Can I Ask Brokers In Advance?

What Details Can I Ask Brokers In Advance?

 

It’s best to ask these questions, and be comfortable with your choices before signing a listing agreement.

It is also good to ask about their fiduciary obligations?

Whom do they represent in a negotiation? What is their duty to disclose information to other parties? How will they protect your privacy, and obtain the best possible advantage for you in the negotiation?

If you aren’t sure who to select to list your home, speak to many Realtors, create a checklist, ask them to prepare a seller net sheet, and inquire about their success in your neighborhood.

At First Title & Abstract, Inc. we are the title company puts you FIRST! If you’re buying or selling in Naples or Marco Island, the title company you can trust is … us!

We will guide you every step of the way.

How Can I Improve My Home’s Value?

 

How Can I Improve My Home’s Value?

Buyers generally seek the least expensive home in the best neighborhood they can afford.

As the video reveals, you want to present a home that fits in the neighborhood but doesn’t stand out too much.

For example if neighbors are all 4 bedrooms, 3 baths and 3000 square feet, additions that make your home over 4,000 square feet, with 5 bedrooms, and 4 bathrooms, will make yours harder to sell.

Five-Ways-to-Improve-Your-Homes-Value-and-Livability-via-remodelaholic.com_

How Can I Improve My Home’s Value?

Improvements should make it show well and fit well in the neighborhood. Last-minute capital investments in large structural changes aren’t likely to pay off.

But cosmetic upgrades like paint and landscaping help a home “show” better and often do pay off. Also, studies show that updating kitchens and bathrooms can pay off, too.

Of course, all systems and appliances should work to get a top price. It’s always good to de-clutter, and provide organization, storage, shelving, and other little amenities which set your home apart from others.

Something as simple as a built-in wine cooler, or laundry tub sink large enough to wash the dog, all could enhance your sales prospects.

To make your home competitive and attract buyers, be sure to work with a professional real estate agents and interior design and staging experts. And start early.  Putting your home on the market before you’ve done all you can to enhance the value can be a negative, because you only have one chance to make a good impression.

Most title companies only help you with your closing.

However, we’re different. First Title & Abstract, Inc. is here to assist you at every stage of the sale and purchase of your home.

We offer valuable articles like this one to show you how to maximize your sale by taking the right steps to enhance your home’s value.

The Naples and Marco Island title company you can trust for guidance is First Title & Abstract, Inc …

That’s because we believe in “Putting You FIRST!”