closing: Having Documents Notarized In A Foreign Country? - 09/25/10 04:03 PM
With the increase in foreign national persons buying and selling real estate (especially here in South Florida) the need is increasing for a deed, power of attorney, or even a bank mortgage package to be notarized in a foreign country.  Here are some basic guidelines to be aware of and plan for:
     The only foreign notary accepted in the United States is from Canada.  All others must be performed at the American Consulate in the foreign country or in the presence of an Apostille in which the signing party is physically located. 
     Follow this link for a list of American Consulates:  http://www.americanconsulate.com/
     Since … (56 comments)

closing: Request a Pencil Search for Short Sale Submissions! - 07/24/10 03:00 PM
Too often Realtors accept offers on their short sale listings and submit them to the lender without having the entire picture.  A simple solution?  Request a pencil search!
The title company that you have a relationship with will gladly order a preliminary "pencil" search to check for judgments and liens that may attach to your listing.  These items will be required to be paid from the proceeds at closing and will reduce the amount of the short payoff offered to the bank.  Armed with a pencil search, the title company can prepare a more accurate preliminary Settlement Statement for the Realtor to present … (4 comments)