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 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!”

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 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?

 

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!”

 

How Should I Prepare For Internet Showing?

 

How Should I Prepare For Internet Showing?

In today’s market, sometimes your first “showing” will be on the Internet – often the virtual tour is the hook that brings a buyer in to see the home in person … so preparing for an online showing can be critically important!

Your price, listing description and PHOTOS determine whether someone will visit in person.

Consider professional staging advice or help.

Prep for photos and video just as carefully as real visits.

Ask your realtor if they use a professional photographer

If they do look at prior photos and pick someone who understands the job.

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How Should I Prepare For Internet Showing?

Photos should make the most of your home’s features and give prospective buyers an emotional connection that invites them to visit in person.

Help them envision their lifestyle in the house not just the counters and walls.

If your realtor recommends video, just as with  photography stage it carefully and hire a professional it will pay off.

And look over your listing when it goes live on a computer AND a mobile device to make sure it’s accurate, pleasant and compels people to show up.

Remember – your first showing these days will be on a screen more often than not!

At First Title & Abstract, we help buyers and sellers understand every aspect of the buying and selling process.

We hope you will contact our title company in Naples or Marco Island for more information about your sale or purchase.

We are here to help!

 

How Should I Prepare The Inside For An Open House?

 

How Should I Prepare The Inside For An Open House?

For many homes and markets, professional help from someone in “staging” makes good financial sense.  Like this video say, check your staging options first.

If you are doing it yourself, here are 5 key tips.

One – Depersonalize.

You want the buyer to envision this house being their home?

Remove the things that make it YOUR home – photos, awards, collections, and STUFF.

Two – MOVE the stuff.

It’s tempting to shove things in closets and attics but your prospective buyer will see a much smaller house if those spaces are full.

Move it to a storage space or a friend’s garage.

Open-House-Balloons

How Should I Prepare The Inside For An Open House

Three – Warm it up.

Baking bread or cookies

adding fresh flowers

and colorful pillows and throws

are touches used by professional stagers to make a place warm without your stuff.

Four – Light it up!

 

  • Light sells homes.
  • Clean windows, inside and out.
  • Light bulbs all working and curtains open or even gone.

Five – Go Away.

Don’t hover – leave.

Pack for a day trip and have your realtor tell you when to return

Buyers won’t envision themselves buying if you’re around.

Depersonalize and move stuff out;

Warm it up and light it up.

Then leave and let your realtor do their job.

Finding a good listing agent can be difficult.

Why not call us for a recommendation?

We’re Naples oldest and most established title company.

First Title & Abstract, Inc.

For nearly 40 years, First Title & Abstract, Inc. has been the FIRST choice among buyers, sellers, and agents, when selecting a title company in Naples and Marco Island.

How Should I Prepare The Outside For An Open House?

 

How Should I Prepare The Outside For An Open House?

Professional “staging” may include the exterior, but if you’re doing it all yourself, try the five things outlined in this video.

1 – Landscape & lawn.

That’s the first impression; make it a good one.

Mow, prune, edge and get rid of junk!

2 – Paint And Clean!

You don’t have to do the whole house, but the front door and lintels should either be painted or cleaned.

Open house red sign

How Should I Prepare The Outside For An Open House?

3 – Leaks & Repairs

Small visible problems can become large mental objections and change how someone feels about your house.

Fix ‘em beforehand.

4 – Pets

Some people have allergies and concerns.

Time for Fido to visit a friend.

You weren’t including him with the house anyway.

5 – Get Fresh Eyes

Have your realtor or a friend who’s willing to be candid tell you what you missed. Or pay a staging professional for a report.

We don’t really see familiar things well – so let them be your ‘test buyer’ so you can present the best first impression to the real ones.

We pride ourselves in offering tips to buyers and sellers of real estate, at every step of the transaction.

We hope you’ve enjoyed this video, and the tips offered.

First Title & Abstract, Inc. has been serving Southwest Florida for almost 40 years! We are a fully licensed title agent, attorney-owned and operated.

We are the FIRST choice among real estate clients and professionals who are choosing a reliable title company in Naples or Marco Island.

Call us today, and prepare to be amazed!

 

6 Selling Mistakes

 

6 Selling Mistakes

If you’re selling, don’t do these things – here are a few notes from the video!
1. Don’t Sell Before The House Is Ready.

If it doesn’t present well, it won’t sell well.  See the tips below for ideas about what steps will most help to sell your home.

2. Don’t Over-Improve

People buy houses in neighborhoods which fit in, and are not overdone.

If yours is so “improved” that it sticks out you’re hurting your chances at selling. Also, it may be difficult to obtain the best price because their are no comparable sales in the neighborhood.

3. Don’t Hire Wrong

Choose your agent on the basis of sound business reasons.

Personal relationships matter, but experience and expertise will determine financial success in your sale, and should be given first priority.

4. Don’t Hide Anything

Covering up or ‘failing to mention’ real problems with your property will not serve you well … inspectors will find the problems, and state disclosure laws are strict. You may be sued for failing to disclose latent defects, and could be liable in after the sale for anything that should have been made clear.

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6 Selling Mistakes … and 5 Easy Tips to Help you Sell Your Home

5. Don’t Rush

You should know about your mortgage, including pre-payment penalties your market conditions and trends and your options for your next home before jumping on the market.

6. Don’t Get Too Emotional

Your attachment to your house and perfectly meeting ALL your own financial needs can be a hindrance to selling your home. If you can’t set aside emotional attachment and be flexible the sale won’t go as you’d like it to.

Remember – it is your home now- but to the buyer it’s a house they must be able to  imagine as THEIR home.

If you need help finding the best Realtor for your neighborhood, please call us at First Title & Abstract, Inc.

We are the title company in Naples and Marco Island whom buyers and sellers have come to trust.

 

What Does The Closing Process Involve When I Sell?

 

What Does The Closing Process Involve When I Sell?

We wanted to take a break from our blogging posts about the mortgage process which fundamentally educates our buyers, and offer something of interest to the sellers we serve.

As this video explains, a signed sales contract doesn’t mean your house is sold. There are still financial, contractual and legal steps for both sides.

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What Does The Closing Process Involve When I Sell?

The buyer has to get financing to meet the contract terms – which includes credit checks.

The property is inspected and appraised; title insurance and escrow accounts are set up. And you are working on locating new housing, packing, and preparing to move.

One of the most important obligations for sellers is to cooperate with the title company to clear any title issues, and to assist with obtaining association estoppels, and mortgage payoff information.

Of equal importance, is addressing all obligations under the contract, such as providing a prior owner’s title policy, maintaining the property in good condition, and taking care of any obligations which come up during the inspections, such as painting or repairs.

After the contract is signed, it can take a month or more of undertaking these steps to get ready for closing.

A good seller leaves the property in the condition they would want to take it if they were buying, and nothing breeds good will more than taking such an attitude.

If you need help preparing for closing, please count on us. We are the title company that believes in “Putting You FIRST!”

Non other title company in Naples or Marco Island will go the extra mile like we will … we want to exceed your expectations and make your sale easy and hassle-free.

Please call upon us to assist you, and if you wish to be represented separately in your closing, please contact us. Our real estate attorneys and title attorneys at Woodward, Pires & Lombardo, P.A. can handle seller-side only representation.

So please plan on being amazed at our service. We’re here for you!