Title Insurance is a subject that most new homeowners are not familiar with. There is a standard policy which is offered; and an enhanced policy, for just a few dollars more. Sure, when we are buying a home; we often feel nickel and dimed to death, and who feels like spending a few extra bucks on "title insurance?" What is it anyway, and what does it cover? Why do you need it?

The standard title policy covers you for matters affecting your title, up to and including the date of the recordation of your deed. Enhanced coverage in most policies has coverage for other risks, many with future coverage. The policy does have deductibles and maximums for some of the coverages.

Per Stewart Title Guaranty Company; listed below is a comparison of the comparison of coverages.

Both policies include and cover:

Mechanics Lien Coverages

Third Party Claims on an interest of the title

Improperly executed documents

Pre-policy forgery, fraud or duress

Non-Recorded restrictive covenants

Defective recording of documents

Prior recorded liens not disclosed in the policy

Unmarketable of the title

Here is a list of items which are in most cases only covered in the enhanced policy:

Policy insures anyone who inherits the property from you

Policy insures a trustee you transfer the property to after the policy date

Policy insures the beneficiaries of your trust upon death

Automatic increase in coverage

Post policy forgery

Post policy encroachment onto insured land

Legal right to actual vehicular and pedestrian access

Coverage for certain losses due to zoning law violations, existing violation of subdivision law, and building permit violations.

Post policy structural damages from 3rd party easement for mineral extraction

Violation of restrictive covenants identified in the policy; resulting in loss from correction or removal, resulting in loss of title; resulting in loss of use where single family dwelling prohibited

Forced removal of existing structures that; encroach on an easement, violate a building restriction, encroach on a neighbors land

Land cannot be used for a single family dwelling under the local zoning ordinance

As you can see; there are many, many reasons to spring the few extra bucks for the enhanced policy. If you have any questions in reference to title or buying or selling your home; call me today!

Gloria Price

Long & Foster Real Estate Company

443-676-0223 direct 410-515-5541 office

When looking for a home in Baltimore County, besides finding the home of your dreams, there may be a few things besides the obvious you need to know. Instead of waiting until you need to know these things; and having no idea on how to find them out, let me tell you!!!

Baltimore County

The county seat is located in Towson, Maryland

County website: www.baltimorecountymd.gov

Mailing address: Court House

P.O. Box 6754

401 Bosley Avenue

Towson, Md. 2128506754

Fees and Taxes:

Recording Cost: $20.00 for 9 pages or less

note: if it is your principal residence, there is no page restrictions

$75.00 10 pages or more

$10.00 releases 9 pages or less

$20.00 surcharges on al recorded documents in the land records

Recording Tax: $5 per m, increases in multiples of $500 @ $2.50

State Transfer Tax: $5 per m calculate at .5% of the total consideration.

County Transfer Tax: $15 per m, calculate at 1.5% of the total consideration. The first $22,000 is exempt for owner-occupied principal residence.

Recording fees and State Transfer Tax are made payable to the "Clerk of the Circuit Court"

County Transfer Tax and Recordation Tax are payable to "Baltimore County Maryland"

Transfer Tax and Recordation Tax checks MUST be two separate checks.

Special Requirements:

a. Lien certificate is a mandatory on all deeds ($40.00) (Valid for 45 days. Turn around time is a minimum of 5 days.)

b. recording intake sheets

c. Copy of sales contract

d. copy of the signed HUD-1.

e. Pay outstanding water bills. This is not required to transfer Deed- will need account number.

Phone numbers:

Clerk of the Circuit Court; Recording Information/LandRecords 410-887-2651/410-881-2658

Treasurer's Office: 410-887-2410 (8:30-9:30am and 3:30-4:30 only)

Automated Tax Line: 410-887-2403 http://egov2.co.ba.md.us/taxbamd.html

Transfer Desk: 410-887-2416

Assesment Office: 410-512-4900

Agricultural Information: 410-512-4900 (2:00-4:00 pm only)

Water Bills: 410-396-3988 (will need account number)

Have any questions?? Please, when thinking about buying or selling you home call Gloria Price today!!!

Long & Foster Real Estate

direct: 443-676-0223 office:410-515-5541

information courtesy of Betty Wilson of RGS Titile

The government has a few different spots for consumers to visit online to give great information on gas saving tips, and other information for saving at the pump. In this economy everyone is looking to save a few buck wherever and whenever they can. Take advantages at these great websites, and the tools they have to offer!

Want to calculate you annual fuel savings visit: www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/savemoney.shtml

Looking to compare the miles per gallon rating of all diferent types of vehicles?? www.fueleconomy.gov

Looking for clean running engines and fuel efficient vehicles that are considered green? www.epa.gov/emissweb

Call me today for any questions you may have in buying or selling a home, I would be more than happy to help!

Gloria Price

Long & Foster Real Estate Company

443-676-0223 direct 410-515-5541 office

Identifying and stopping fraud can not be as clear and as easy as one might think. Some fraud schemes can seem realistic enough right off the bat, and not have a red flag waving the warning signs. Here are a few tips to watch out for; and may make it easier for you to spot a scheme before it nabs you.

-Someone you are not familiar with offers you the chance to receive a credit card, loan, lottery, prize, or another valuable items; but asks for personal information to claim it.

-Someone is trying to scare you into purchasing credit fraud or protection programs.

-You are asked for your bank account or credit card number.

-Someone asks for money in return to claim a prize or offer you are eligible for.

-Someone calls you posing as a lawyer or law enforcement; to help you get due money back for a fee.

-The deal or offer is only good for today.

-You are given little or no time to review or read a contract.

-A special or sale item is suddenly unavailable, but a slightly more expensive, better item is available.

-The solicitation is disguised as a federal or government document, and suggest you are due or entitled money, after a small fee.

A few more things to remember when considering if you are falling prey to fraud.....

Do not be intimidated. These scammers are intimidating and persistent. If you are being pestered for personal information; HANG UP!

Never give out personal information!

Monitor all of you accounts; review your statements monthly making sure there are no unauthorized charges or suspicious ones on there. Report these fraudulent charges immediately.

Use a shredder to shred all credit card offers or any other items containing personal information.

Use these tips to prevent you from having to deal with the hassle or stress of fraud. Call on me with any questions, or information on buying or selling your next home!

Gloria Price

Long & Foster Real Estate

443-676-0223 direct 41-515-5541 office

Service contracts or extended warranties cost more than a few extra bucks in most occasions. They add extra dollars to the bottom line; and in some instances are rarely worth the cost. Unknown to most, most warranties are duplicated with the automatic manufacturers or dealers, and an additional home warranty. Before you decide to purchase the home warranty with your new home, ask a few questions.

-What happens to my coverage if the dealer or manufacturer goes out of business?

-Who handles the claims? Are you forced to use a certain contractor per the warranty companies instructions?

-Will the company back the service contract?

-Who handles the claims? How and where will the repairs be done?

-Do you need authorization for repair work?

-How much is the deductable or copay?

Have a question about home warranties? Or buying or selling your home??

Call Gloria Price today! direct:443-676-0223 office:410-515-5541

Long & Foster Real Estate

Before you spend another cent in today's tough economy; where everyone seems to be tightening the purse strings, here are a few things to remember!

- Never buy on impulse or under pressure.

- Decide a good bit in advance; what you want & what you can REALISTICALLY afford.

- Read & understand any contract or legally binding agreement thoroughly before signing on the dotted line. Always ask fr any extra requests to be put in writing.

- Do research with trusted authority. Ask friends, family, and others you trust for important information based on their personal experiences.

- Make sure any and all contractors or inspectors you use for repairs or inspections are licensed.

- Get expert advice & price quotes from several professionals.

- REMEMBER! In most circumstances; you get what you pay for.

- Check out your preferred contractors or inspectors complaint record.

- Understand any and all loopholes in the contract. (and ask questions)

Want FREE, trusted, experienced Real Estate Advice?? Before buying or selling a home?

Call Gloria Price today:

Gloria Price direct: 443-676-0223  office: 410-515-5541

Long & Foster Real Estate