How to Ensure Clear Title on a Property and Why Is Title Insurance Important? Greater Taunton Real Estate and Homes for Sale Blog.
When buying a home you’re bound to encounter some things that you don’t know anything about. They are things that outside of the home buying process you won’t ever run into. And since the average homebuyer only goes through this process a few times in his or her lifetime, it’s understandable that these things would be unfamiliar. A couple of items that seem to be perplexing are title insurance and the property survey, specifically how easements are represented.
When purchasing a home with a mortgage you need to get title insurance and a survey. This is required for all financed home purchases. An attorney or title company such as Luke Travis- Bristol Legal (http://www.bristollegal.com) ,typically orders property surveys. Though the buyer has to pay for this service they usually don’t need to be directly involved in the process.
What is Title Insurance?
Title insurance is just another line item expense when purchasing your house, paid for one time at closing. Essentially, it is protection for you and your mortgage company that the person selling you the house has full and clear title to the property and was able to legally pass it to you. The title insurance company investigates the ownership of the property and then insures their work. If the seller didn’t rightfully own the home, and someone else does, the mortgage company and the homebuyer are financially protected. Fortunately, issues of title defects are relatively rare, meaning that title insurance isn’t too expensive and really not something to worry about.
What is a Property Survey?
A property survey is a carefully measured drawing that shows the land that is for sale and all structures on the property. It shows how large all the structures are and how far they are from each other and the borders of the property. Most importantly, it shows setbacks and easement lines.
Wait, what? It seems like the property lines and structures should be most important, but they are not. The setbacks and easement restrictions are actually the most critical elements of the survey because those are usually where the biggest problems are found.
What is a Setback?
A setback is the required distance between the house you wish to buy and other property features. For example, a city or county ordinance (or even a homeowners association) may require that homes be set back 20 feet from the road. So even though you own your front yard, you cannot extend your house any closer than 20 feet from the road.
Other setbacks indicate how closely you can build to your property boundaries or to your neighbors’ homes. If you live in an area with natural features like streams or lakes, certain special setbacks may also dictate how close you can build to these structures.
What is an Easement?
Easements refer to property with common usage rights. also known as a right of way. For example, you may own the land that a sidewalk is on, but anyone can walk on this part of your property.
Why Setbacks and Easement Restrictions Matter
What happens if the survey reveals that part of the house (the actual structure) up for sale sits within a setback or an easement? It’s a problem! In some instances it means that part of the house will need to be torn down before it can lawfully be sold. Otherwise title cannot be passed to a new owner because someone is attempting to sell property that was not built legally.
Surprisingly, this situation is not so uncommon. It may not affect the main domicile on a property, but garden sheds or pool equipment are occasionally located in an area where they don’t have a legal right to be. In these cases your lawyer has some work to do. Hopefully, you’ll discover that the structures are grandfathered because they were erected before certain setbacks were enacted. But definitely investigate these matters fully, as doing future improvements on the property may necessitate that they be corrected in the process.
Spend Some Time With Your Property Survey
For some, the survey process is one of those “check the box” items during home buying. Most get it done and move on. But it’s important to look over everything carefully and ask questions. Surveyors are happy to discuss the survey with you, and errors on surveys can occur. Spending 15 minutes looking this over will save you the headache of having it redone down the road when you want to build or make a change on your property. And always consult an attorney with questions about Title.
Search Thousands of MLS listings for Taunton,Rehoboth,Lakeville, Assonet,Somerset, Raynham, Easton and more! Certified Distressed Property Expert Home Specialist in MA
Is your house in the Market or Out of the Market? Top Taunton- Dighton Listing agent.
To sell your home for top dollar, focus on what you can change and not what you cannot- Listen to my colleague present "In the Market Vs. Out of the Market" Where you price your home is the most crucial piece to selling your home in a buyers market.
Search Thousands of MLS listings for Taunton,Rehoboth,Lakeville, Assonet,Somerset, Raynham, Easton and more! Certified Distressed Property Expert Home Specialist in MA
Home Seller Tips-MA-What do Buyers want the most (Raynham-Taunton ) MA
PRICE is most important- price must represent value in location, condition and style.. and please don't be offended by my direct approach- Today's buyer needs a home where value exceeds price. Buyers do not care what you paid, they don't care about your sweat equity, and they do not care what you think it's worth, they don't care that you and/or your agents thinks your house is "UNIQUE"..they do not carewhat you neigbhor says it's worth, or what is would cost to rebuild. period.
With all this said, Homes ARE selling! 20% of homes on the market sell fast and for top dollar in the market.
Here's some other things to consider when sellling and some pre-listing tips....
Buyers may look at your home if the price is low, but they will also consider the fix-ups and "shop up" instead of investing 20k. They will spend more on a home that's move in ready.
Curb appeal: Buyers do judge a book by its cover. Your front yard should be nicely landscaped and eye-appealing. Fresh paint or siding outside. Mulch, gardens. Make it look really nice
Be sure you keep your home clean, neat and tidy. Hire a stager if it's in your budget. Staging alone can net you thousands more for your home.
Hardwoods are in! If you got 'em flaunt them. Remove ugly, stained or dated carpet and replace with hardwoods or new carpeting. The best choice is hardwood floors. Ceramic flooring in the kitchens and baths.
Granite or Corian countertops, maple or cherry cabinets, White cabinets have also made a comeback ( not the 80's builders grade). If you have dark oak, dingy or old looking cabinets, you may want to consider painting them white. Orange countertops- OUT!
By the way, buyers hate dark rooms. Brighten up all of your rooms with light neutral wall colors. Paneling is OUT!
Leave your appliances if they are in good working order.. Not leaving them gives buyers the impression that "this seller is like the grinch".. takes the last light bulb. and the buyer may wonder if you'll strip the trim or take the front door.
If you don't want to do any work before placing on the market you may as well just take it off the price.
Small fixes can save you from having to sell below market.
Turn offs:
Pet odors, dirty laundry hanging around, yard debris, cigarette or cigar smoke-s freshen it up and deep clean
Unpopular walls or wall colors, holes in walls, shag carpet, dirty carpets, clutter ( especially around where the mechanical systems and electrical systems are located). Broken windows, torn screens.. welll now you're probably getting the picture.
My name is Lori Lincoln, I am a Realtor with Keller Williams Realty. I help buyers and sellers in Taunton, Rehoboth, Swansea, Somerset, Raynham, Assonet, Freetown, Middleboro, Lakeville, Berkley, Dighton and surrounding towns in RI and Mass.
For more help and pointers on selling your home in today's market, go to my website at
Search Thousands of MLS listings for Taunton,Rehoboth,Lakeville, Assonet,Somerset, Raynham, Easton and more! Certified Distressed Property Expert Home Specialist in MA
Search Thousands of MLS listings for Taunton,Rehoboth,Lakeville, Assonet,Somerset, Raynham, Easton and more! Certified Distressed Property Expert Home Specialist in MA
The current number of single family homes on the market in Easton is 113
The number of single family homes sold last month in Easton MA is 5
The average list price in Easton MA is $430,860 and Average Sales price is $ 393,000 (sellers get 91% of list price on homes that sell)
The average days on market for homes sold in Easton MA is approximately 20 months. (as of Dec 2, 2012
Homes the represent outstanding value sell are under contract in less than 2 weeks. What is "Outstanding Value?
When a house is priced competitively to similar homes.( All other factors being equal..i.e., location, condition, amenities, AND...hiring the most knowledgeable, pro-active agent like me. Lori Lincoln of Keller Williams Realty
To obtain a full DETAILED market analysis ( including facts of record)on your home in Easton Massachusetts or another town in Massachusetts please visit this website and request a no obligation price quote: Get My Home Value NOW!
FACTOID: DID YOU KNOW THAT 80% of the HOMES ON THE MARKET WILL NOT SELL?? Sellers have such high hopes of selling for over market value and/or they hire the wrong agent to sell their home.
Search Thousands of MLS listings for Taunton,Rehoboth,Lakeville, Assonet,Somerset, Raynham, Easton and more! Certified Distressed Property Expert Home Specialist in MA
Simply Stated, and pardon my direct demeanor.. but what are you waiting for? Take that plunge already. Fear shouldn't EVEN be a factor in this market. A 200,000 house could be less than $1000. in a mortgage payment. Can you rent a house for that low price per month? In addition to a low payment, you'll can park anywhere you want on your property. You can use the backyard whenever you like.
Interest rates are now in the low 4's for a 30 year fixed rate. What this means to you is a house payment that would be less than rent. Home prices are at an all time low too. Applying for a loan is easy peasy
Buyers, you are wondering where the bottom is, it could be now or 1 year from now or 4 years from now.. but hear this..
Over time, not only does buying real estate give you a place to live, it gives you some great tax advantages where you can write off your mortgage interest and some closing costs ( check with your accountant on this).
I know of a family who in 1993, bought their first single family home for $122,000 at an 8% interest rate!, sold for a $40,000 profit in 2000. In 2001 bought their second single family home..for $175,000, sold in 2004 for a whopping $140,000 profit and then bought their dream home.. where they live now... I have to say, with all of the home buying and selling they did over the last 15 years, they told me that not once did they "time" the market.
Be the one who says "I am glad I did" vs. the one who says "I wished I had!"Even if prices come down more, it really doesn't matter because you probably will not sell your new home for at least 7 years. and again, real estate historically, though not guaranteed has proven to be a profitable investment over time for those that decide to buy.. in any market.
Over the past week, we have already seen some strong activity from buyers who want to take advantage of the market,BEFORE interest rates increase.. what about you? Don't you deserve to own your own piece of the American Dream?
Search Thousands of MLS listings for Taunton,Rehoboth,Lakeville, Assonet,Somerset, Raynham, Easton and more! Certified Distressed Property Expert Home Specialist in MA
1. People who look for a home during the Holidays are more serious buyers! In fact, , undoubtedly sellers have a better chance to standout and face a buyer pool with more urgency to buy.
2. Serious buyers have fewer homes to choose from during the holidays and less competition means more money for you!
3. Houses show better when decorated for the Holidays!
4. Buyers have more time to look for a home during the Holidays than they do during a working week!
5. Some people must buy before the end of the year for tax reasons!
6. January is traditionally the month for employees to begin new jobs. Since relocation buyers cannot wait until Spring to buy, sellers must be on the market now.
7. You can sell now for more money and we will provide for a delayed closing or extended occupancy until early next year!
8. By selling now, you may have an opportunity to be a non-contingent buyer during the Spring, when many more houses are on the market for less money! This will allow for better negotiation power when you are ready!
Search Thousands of MLS listings for Taunton,Rehoboth,Lakeville, Assonet,Somerset, Raynham, Easton and more! Certified Distressed Property Expert Home Specialist in MA
13 Sandy Hill Road, Raynham MA -OFFICIAL LISTING OFFICE 71289249
Welcome to Raynham Massachusetts. Raynham is a southeastern Ma community sought after for it's school system and proximity to Route 24, and 495. This home offers a nice condo alternative for a great price in Raynham. Has granite kitchen, overlooks river, all rennovated and waiting for the right buyer. Priced to go at $169,000.
Search Thousands of MLS listings for Taunton,Rehoboth,Lakeville, Assonet,Somerset, Raynham, Easton and more! Certified Distressed Property Expert Home Specialist in MA
Search Thousands of MLS listings for Taunton,Rehoboth,Lakeville, Assonet,Somerset, Raynham, Easton and more! Certified Distressed Property Expert Home Specialist in MA
Search Thousands of MLS listings for Taunton,Rehoboth,Lakeville, Assonet,Somerset, Raynham, Easton and more! Certified Distressed Property Expert Home Specialist in MA
Greater Taunton Massachusetts Homes For Sale and Real Estate Market Value for Home Sellers and Buyers Education for home sellers and home buyers and homes for sale and Real Estate in Taunton MA, Assonet , Lakeville homes,Rehoboth homes,Seekonk homes, Somerset homes, Dighton homes, Berkley homesFall River homes, Swansea homes, Lakeville homes, Easton homes, Raynham and more. Homes Seller Staging tips, house values, housing market values, Real Estate Market Trends. News for Real Estate Agents and Realtors. FREE Nationwide Home Search- FREE Online Home Value for Bristol County Massachusetts including Assonet MA,Taunton MA, Rehoboth, Freetown, Berkley, and more MLS Search Free and surrounding communities. FREE Short Sale,Foreclosures, Bank owned homes, House Auctions, Mortgage calculator too.
Disclaimer: ActiveRain Corp. does not necessarily endorse the real estate agents, loan officers and brokers listed on this site. These real estate profiles, blogs and blog entries are provided here as a courtesy to our visitors to help them make an informed decision when buying or selling a house. ActiveRain Corp. takes no responsibility for the content in these profiles, that are written by the members of this community.
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