Debbie's Blog

For purchasers who are wise purchasers and invest in an Owner's Title Insurance Policy, there are a few added benefits to Owner's Title Insurance besides the obvious.  I always tell my purchasers that by having an Owner's Policy, that if and when they go to refinance the property, they will be re...

If your purchaser is buying a bank-owned foreclosure, I strongly advise the purchase of Owner's Title Insurance.  With the real estate rush since 2002, there has been a lot of sloppy title work and closings - not taking care of previous problems.  For example, unreleased Deeds of Trust and judgme...

Watch those addendums!!!!  Don't be forced to use the bank's title company of choice.  Contract addendums coming out of states other than Virginia (even those marked VA Rider) do not contain VA Code, an excerpt noted below.  In Virginia, it is the purchaser's choice, no matter what those addendum...

I get 98% of my bank-owned seller closings to close ON TIME.  I have an excellent rapport with those companies representing the banks.  Don't fall for excuses.  Also, you want an independent set of eyes looking at your purchaser's title to make sure they get a CLEAN title and won't wind up with p...

THE CHRISTMAS CLOSING> 'Twas an hour before closing and the agents were tense,> to close Christmas Eve just didn't make sense.> But the seller was booked on the 6 o'clock flight> and had warned "THERE WILL BE A CLOSING TONIGHT!"> > The agents agreed because business was dead,> and visions of comm...

My mission to clients is to make sure they have clean title when they buy property.  I used to sing in a gospel group and I always performed this song.  I thought it quite befitting for my line of work. Inspired By Song November Contest  By Isaac Watts  1707     When I can read my title clearTo m...

I get titles-from-heck - titles that the previous settlement company overlooked and/or did not clean up.  I get the privilege and challenge of cleaning everything up to make sure it does not come back to bite my clients!!!!

New people in the settlement/closing issue don't catch this problem  -->  Previous Gift Deeds in title chain.  Anyone gifting property, if they own it individually, but are married, the spouse HAS to sign that Deed of Gift waiving their Augmented Estate rights.  If the spouse does not sign the de...