Monthly Archives: October 2022
What Is a Mortgage Note—and Do You Know Where Yours Is?
Also known as a promissory note or deed of trust note, it’s the basic loan contract given to you by your lender—the document you signed on the dotted line to make your deal official. A mortgage note is an important piece of paperwork to keep in your files for a variety of reasons. Here’s a rundown of what’s on this document, and why it matters. Read More
What Is a Property Title Search? Why It Matters for Buyers and Sellers
The property title search is generally done after an offer to purchase real estate has been accepted, says David Zawadzki, senior account executive at Proper Title. Multiple sources are searched, including deeds, county land records, tax liens on the federal or state level, divorce cases, bankruptcy court records, and other financial judgments against an owner that could potentially attach to a property. Read More
The Earnest Money Deposit: How It Helps Buy a Home
Without the requirement of earnest money, a real estate buyer could make offers on many homes, essentially taking them off the market until they decided which one they liked best. Sellers rarely accept offers without the buyers putting down earnest money to show that they are serious and are making the offer in good faith. Read More
Saving for a Down Payment? Here’s What You Should Know.
As you set out to buy a home, saving for a down payment is likely top of mind. But you may still have questions about the process, including how much to save and where to start. If that sounds like you, your down payment could be more in reach than you originally thought. Here’s why. Read More
Four Things That Help Determine Your Mortgage Rate
If you’re looking to buy a home, you probably want to secure the lowest interest rate possible for your home loan. Over the last couple of years, that was easier to do as the housing market saw record-low mortgage rates, but this year rates have risen dramatically. If you’re looking for ways to combat today’s higher rates and lock in the lowest one you can, here are a few factors to focus on. Since approval opportunities can vary, connect with a trusted lender for customized advice. Read More
The Closing Process: What Home Buyers Can Expect on the Big Day
The hardest parts are over: You’ve found that perfect home in a haystack of listings, negotiated a deal you’re happy with, and secured a mortgage—and you’re now in the home stretch of the home-buying process. Just one more critical hurdle lies ahead: the home closing. Also known as “settlement” or “escrow,” this is a day when all involved parties meet to make this transaction official. To make sure you’re fully prepared, here’s what to expect from the closing process, step by step. Read More
Deed vs. Title: What’s The Difference? Terms Home Buyers Need To Know
Deed vs. Title: What’s the difference? Most people use these real estate terms interchangeably, but there’s a significant difference between the two—a distinction that’s important for owners and for buyers ready to purchase a home. So before you sign up for a mortgage, let’s look at what distinguishes deed from title. Read More
Did You Know About: The Tree That Owns Itself
One of Athens’ most beloved residents, and roadside wonders, is the Tree that Owns Itself. This stately white oak resides at the corner of Dearing and Finley Streets, at the edge of downtown Athens, Georgia. It is an unusual property owner, as it pays no taxes! Read More