Keith's Blog

RESPA Reform 2010 Regulations Overview

Keith Stonehouse (Franklin Title Agency of Michigan) — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 13:31:10 -0600

Hello & Good Afternoon the week after Thanksgiving & heading into December 2009!

How was your Thanksgiving?

Are You Ready For Some RESPA Reform? Here is an Overview Of The New Regulations:

New, sweeping changes regulating how lenders, closing attorneys and title companies disclose loan and closing costs are set to go into effect January 1, 2010. The new regulations are part of a long awaited reform to the 30 year old Real Estate Settlement Practices Act known as RESPA aimed at providing greater transparency and fostering better consumer choice in loan and closing costs. The changes are so significant that HUD recently took the unusual step of giving lenders a 120 day reprieve in enforcing the new regulations.

The major components of the new RESPA reform are the new and substantially revised Good Faith Estimate (GFE), in which lenders disclose loan and closing costs to borrowers, and the HUD-1 Settlement Statement, which is a detailed financial breakdown of the entire real estate transaction signed at closing.

Highlights of the new changes include:

Borrowers must receive a standard GFE disclosing key loan terms, including the loan's terms; whether the interest rate is fixed or otherwise; any prepayment penalties and/or balloon payments; and total closing costs.
Lenders must provide borrowers with a standard origination charge for the loan which must include all points, appraisal, credit, and application fees, administrative, lender inspection, wire, and document preparation fees
Lenders have the option of providing borrowers with a list of approved service providers such as closing attorneys and title insurance companies.
A tolerance range has been specified for various categories of loan/closing costs to prevent unnecessary escalation of promised vs. actual charges.
- Fees quoted for lender origination charge cannot change.
- Fees for title and closing costs where the lender selects the provider or where the borrower selects the provider from the lender's approved list cannot change by more than 10%.
- Fees that borrowers can shop for themselves can increase (or decrease) by any amount.

The final page of the GFE contains worksheet-like charges to compare different loans and terms that the borrower can use to shop pricing.
Controversial lender payments to mortgage brokers, known as yield-spread premiums, must be disclosed in a standard manner.
The charges quoted on the GFE are then carried over to the HUD-1 Settlement Statement to ensure that the prescribed tolerances are met.

I think that overall the changes will provide consumers with greater disclosure and transparency of the myriad loan closing fees and costs in a typical real estate purchase. It also creates an incentive for lenders to assemble a competitively priced team of preferred settlement service providers, so it can guarantee to its customers that the price of the preferred vendors' settlement services will never increase by more than 10% at closing. If borrowers aren't happy with that, they are free to shop and find a better deal themselves.

I'm also dropping by checking in to see if there is anything you may need from us here at Franklin Title Agency today whether it be:

A new Title order
Pre-Title Ordered
A search performed
A question answered
A title policy updated (instantly)
A referral to another business professional (shown below)
A closing scheduled

*We are here for you!

Here are some great referral partners for you this week who I've done referral business with for years who might be able to help your business along the way as well:

I have referred over Rob Butler, CPA to all my mortgage & Realtor clients in the last couple of years taking care of their FHA audits or any tax issues as well as getting FHA approvals for mortgage companies throughout Michigan for a fraction of the cost. Contact Rob at rbutler2005@comcast.net or 248-496-8231

I have referred over Rob Ruhstorfer for Short Sale Negotiations from Michigan Loan Help to all my mortgage & Realtor clients to do all the negotiating with the banks at no charge to the Realtors with of course the Attorney on staff. Contact Rob at robr@michiganloanhelp.com or 810-265-3164

I have referred over Marc Wilner for Loan Modifications to all my mortgage & Realtor clients for the files they cannot get done in turn putting money in the Loan Officer's pocket that would have otherwise never been there on a 'dead' file. Contact Marc at bluedogfinancial@gmail.comor 248-808-6857

I have referred over Ron St. Amante & Johnna Goodwinfrom Changing Places Movingto all of my mortgage & Realtor clients for their customers when moving making them look like All-Stars at closing. Ron is also a great Referral Partner in our industry. Contact Ron at ron@cpmoving.com or 248-496-8601

I have referred over Jennifer Reese from Reese Apparaisals to all of my mortgage & Realtor clients over the years with great response from clients. Contact Jennifer at jreese@irr-residential.com or 586-954-3561

I have referred over Tim Thrift of TJT Financial Services for years to my mortgage & Realtor clients for Credit Repair for those files that fall just short of approval based on credit. Tim can turn those 'dead' files around in no time keeping that file alive for you! Contact Tim at tim_thrift@yahoo.com or 248-830-4832

Thank You again for your business and hope you have a Great Week ahead!

Keith Stonehouse
Vice President
Franklin Title Agency

Office: (248) 564-4022
Cell: (248) 894-4785
Fax: (248) 564-4024

Michigan's Fastest Growing Title Insurance Company - Franklin Title Agency - working with Great Realtors, Real Estate Investors, and Mortgage Professionals everyday making a positive change in the way buying, selling, and refinancing a home is done in the state of Michigan today! http://www.franklintitleagency.com

Success seems to be largely a matter of hanging on after others let go

Keith Stonehouse (Franklin Title Agency of Michigan) — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 09:43:45 -0600

Hello, Good Morning & Welcome to Thanksgiving Week 2009!

I was given a gift last week of a beautiful picture framed with the quote:

"Success seems to be largely a matter of hanging on after others let go" printed on it next to a leaning tree in the desert ...and I thought of course of everyone who is still making waves in our industry today (Real Estate, Mortgages, Title, etc etc) - and that would be YOU! - I thought the quote was definately fitting for the Real Estate Industry today!

I'm also dropping by to see if there may be anything you may need from us here at Franklin Title Agency this week whether it's a new title order (http://www.franklintitleagency.com), a title question answered, your current title updated instantly, deed work prepared, or a closing scheduled

- We are here for you in no more than 2 rings of the phone or an email away!

As I do every week - I refer out my Great referral partners who I've done referral business with for years who might be able to help your business along the way as well:

I have referred over Rob Butler, CPA to all my mortgage & Realtor clients in the last couple of years taking care of their FHA audits or any tax issues as well as getting FHA approvals for mortgage companies throughout Michigan for a fraction of the cost. Contact Rob at rbutler2005@comcast.net or 248-496-8231

I have referred over Rob Ruhstorfer for Short Sale Negotiations from Michigan Loan Help to all my Realtor clients to do all the negotiating with the banks at no charge to the Real Estate Agent as the banks pay the fees with full legal on staff - Contact Rob at robr@michiganloanhelp.com or 810-265-3164

I have referred over Marc Wilner for Loan Modifications to all my mortgage & Realtor clients for the files they cannot get done, in turn putting money in the Loan Officer's pocket that would have otherwise never been there on a 'dead' file. Contact Marc at bluedogfinancial@gmail.com or 248-808-6857

I have referred over Ron St. Amante & Johnna Goodwin from Changing Places Moving to all of my mortgage & Realtor clients for their customers when moving making them look like All-Stars at closing. Ron is also a great Referral Partner in our industry. Contact Ron at ron@cpmoving.com or 248-496-8601

I have referred over Jennifer Reese from Reese Apparaisals to all of my mortgage & Realtor clients over the years with great response from clients. Contact Jennifer at jreese@irr-residential.com or 586-954-3561

I have referred over Tim Thrift of TJT Financial Services for years to my mortgage & Realtor clients for Credit Repair for those files that fall just short of approval based on credit. Tim can turn those 'dead' files around in no time keeping that file alive for you! Contact Tim at tim_thrift@yahoo.com or 248-830-4832

Thank You again for your continued business and...

Happy Thanksgiving from us here at Franklin Title Agency,

Keith Stonehouse
Vice President
Franklin Title Agency Office: (248) 564-4022
Cell: (248) 894-4785
Fax: (248) 564-4024 Michigan's Fastest Growing Title Insurance Company - Franklin Title Agency - working with Great Realtors, Real Estate Investors, and Mortgage Professionals everyday making a positive change in the way buying, selling, and refinancing a home is done in the state of Michigan today!

Monday Afternoon Referral Partners

Keith Stonehouse (Franklin Title Agency of Michigan) — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 12:27:57 -0600

Hello & Welcome to another great week in November 2009!

Dropping by to see if there may be something you need from us here at Franklin Title Agency this week whether it's a new title order (title order form attached or you can go to the website http://www.franklintitleagency.com), a title question answered, your current title updated instantly, deed work prepared, or a closing scheduled - we are here for you in no more than 2 rings of the phone or an email away!

As the Subject line reads: Here are some great referral partners this week who I've done referral business with for years who might be able to help your business along the way as well:

I have referred over Rob Ruhstorfer for Short Sale Negotiations from Michigan Loan Help to all my mortgage & Realtor clients to do all the negotiating with the banks at no charge to the Realtors with of course the Attorney on staff. Contact Rob at robr@michiganloanhelp.com or 810-265-3164

I have referred over Marc Wilner for Loan Modifications to all my mortgage & Realtor clients for the files they cannot get done in turn putting money in the Loan Officer's pocket that would have otherwise never been there on a 'dead' file. Contact Marc at bluedogfinancial@gmail.com or 248-808-6857

REMINDER about some great upcoming events:

November 18th - Realtor's Toy's for Tots @ Dick O' Dows in Birmingham 1 Free drink per person for attending with a unwrapped toy includes Hors D'oeuvres, entertainment by the Shawn Riley Band, and all encompassed by some great networking while supporting a great cause in the biggest time of need!

November 28th - Sotelo Family Bowling Fundraiser @ Bowl One in Troy Nic Sotelo (my lifelong friend) was diagnosed with LeioMyoSarcoma this past spring. This rare cancer spreads through the blood stream and can affect the lungs, blood vessels and other soft tissue. In Nic's case, the cancer is a part of Nic's heart. At the moment, the tumor is inoperable, but hopefully with continued chemotherapy the tumor will shrink enough for surgery to be an option. In the meantime, our goal is to help Nic, his wife Brianna and their two children - Kaden, age 5, and Dominic, age 1. http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=175159866648&ref=ss

Thank You for your business and have a great & productive week ahead,

Keith Stonehouse
Vice President
Franklin Title Agency

Office: (248) 564-4022
Cell: (248) 894-4785
Fax: (248) 564-4024

Monday from Toys 4 Tots 2 Loan Mods 2 FHA Tax Audits

Keith Stonehouse (Franklin Title Agency of Michigan) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 10:31:45 -0600

Good Morning from Franklin Title Agency & Welcome to another great week in November 2009! This Monday I want to focus on 6 Great Referral Partners for you as well as 5 Great upcoming Events.

As we all know, this is an extremely unique time in our businesses (title, mortgage, Real Estate, etc) and now is the time more than ever to have a great team around you covering all angles of your business, from appraisers to insurance to moving companies to even out of the box partners like loan mods & credit repair companies for you and your clients.

These are 6 great referral partners for your business today. This is how I've built Franklin Title Agency - from great referral partners from all angles under the Real Estate umbrella:

I have referred over Rob Butler, CPA to all my mortgage & Realtor clients in the last couple of years taking care of their FHA audits or any tax issues as well as getting FHA approvals for mortgage companies throughout Michigan for a fraction of the cost. Contact Rob at rbutler@comcast.net or 248-496-8231
I have referred over Rob Ruhstorfer for Short Sale Negotiations from Michigan Loan Help to all my mortgage & Realtor clients to do all the negotiating with the banks at no charge to the Realtors with of course the Attorney on staff. Contact Rob at robr@michiganloanhelp.com or 810-265-3164
I have referred over Marc Wilner for Loan Modifications to all my mortgage & Realtor clients for the files they cannot get done in turn putting money in the Loan Officer's pocket that would have otherwise never been there on a 'dead' file. Contact Marc at bluedogfinancial@gmail.com or 248-808-6857
I have referred over Ron St. Amante from Changing Places Moving to all of my mortgage & Realtor clients for their customers when moving making them look like All-Stars at closing. Ron is also a great Referral Partner in our industry. Contact Ron at ron@cpmoving.com or 248-496-8601
I have referred over Jennifer Reese from Reese Apparaisals to all of my mortgage & Realtor clients over the years with great response from clients. Contact Jennifer at jreese@irr-residential.com or 586-954-3561
I have referred over Tim Thrift of TJT Financial Services for years to my mortgage & Realtor clients for Credit Repair for those files that fall just short of approval based on credit. Tim can turn those 'dead' files around in no time keeping that file alive for you! Contact Tim at tim_thrift@yahoo.com or 248-830-4832

Here are 5 Great Upcoming Events in terms of Real Estate Networking, giving back to the community, and meeting some amazing business professionals here locally:

November 11th - Operation Kid Equip @ Salsarita's Cantina Troy on the southeast corner of South Blvd & Rochester rds from 4-8pm Operation: Kid Equip works to break the cycle of poverty through education by providing free school supplies and books to local low-income children.
November 18th - Realtor's Toy's for Tots @ Dick O' Dows in Birmingham 1 Free drink per person for attending with a unwrapped toy includes Hors D'oeuvres, entertainment by the Shawn Riley Band, and all encompassed by some great networking while supporting a great cause in the biggest time of need!
November 28th - Sotelo Family Bowling Fundraiser @ Bowl One in Troy Nic Sotelo (my lifelong friend) was diagnosed with LeioMyoSarcoma this past spring. This rare cancer spreads through the blood stream and can affect the lungs, blood vessels and other soft tissue. In Nic's case, the cancer is a part of Nic's heart. At the moment, the tumor is inoperable, but hopefully with continued chemotherapy the tumor will shrink enough for surgery to be an option. In the meantime, our goal is to help Nic, his wife Brianna and their two children - Kaden, age 5, and Dominic, age 1. http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=175159866648&ref=ss
December 4th - Women's Council of Realtors North Oakland will be hosting their annual holiday event "Knight at the Castle" at Canterbury Castle in Lake Orion from 11:30 to 1pm - This is a Great Networking Opportunity and as always we will be having our auction and are in need of donations. All items are welcome, such as baskets, sports venue tickets, tickets to plays, vacations or use of a vacation home, gift certificates, electronics, etc. Contact amyarealtor@yahoo.com
December 10th - Women's Council of Realtors Rochester will be hosting a Holiday Luncheon at Twin Lakes Country Club from 11:30 - 1pm - more info to come. Contact debbie@debbiez.com

Thank You for your time - Thank You for your support - and Thank You for your business here at Franklin Title Agency! Let us know what we can do for you and your customers this week,

Keith Stonehouse
Vice President
Franklin Title Agency

http://www.franklintitleagency.com

Office: (248) 564-4022
Cell: (248) 894-4785
Fax: (248) 564-4024

THE FINAL PUSH! November 3rd 2009

Keith Stonehouse (Franklin Title Agency of Michigan) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 09:32:07 -0500

Hello Everyone,
It has come down to the final fews days left of my campaign for Auburn Hills City Council with the Election being this Tuesday, November 3rd!

I am asking those of you who know folks in Auburn Hills for the FINAL PUSH - to Spread the Word - Elect Keith Stonehouse for Auburn Hills City Council November 3rd!

It has been a great time and great experience throughout the last few months campaigning in the city that I grew up in, the city my grandfather was the local milk man in, the city my sister, my aunts, my father, and I all graduated high school from. The city my mother, her brother, my sister, and I still and always will reside in.

Thank You Everyone for all your support thus far and for all the word of mouth grass roots campaigning for me throughout the last couple of months - It has been working wonders and hopefully will do the job this Tuesday!

I have wanted this my entire life and now that I am more than ready to take it on - More than ever - I need your support in the FINAL PUSH!

Thanks again and have a Great Weekend! - Please let me know if there is anything I can do for you,

Keith Stonehouse for Auburn Hills City Council
keith.franklintitle@yahoo.com

Auburn Hills Real Estate market is Hot!

Keith Stonehouse (Franklin Title Agency of Michigan) — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 12:12:34 -0500

Looking for house / condo to buy or rent in Auburn Hills?

Here is every home listed:

http://pub.realcomponline.com/publist.aspx?a=753707A7B6339373740393F3F63516163&b=6374E385B3F4D4C4738573B366050 http://pub.realcomponline.com/publist.aspx?a=75370...7A7B6339373740393F3F63516163&b=6374E385B3F4D4C4738573B366050

Keith Stonehouse for Auburn Hills City Council

Hello, Good Afternoon, & TGIF - Here are some of the Great October Events

Keith Stonehouse (Franklin Title Agency of Michigan) — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 16:12:15 -0500

Hello, Good Afternoon, & TGIF!

Just dropping by not only to wish you a Great Weekend Ahead, but also to remind you of some great events coming up as well as checking in to see if there is anything you might need from us here at Franklin Title Agency

October 10:

Special Olympics Miles for Medals event at Dodge Park in Sterling Heights - We still need sponsors, donations, attendees, walkers, and runners. Contact Ashley Diersch for more info (248) 370-0922 / Email: diers1ae@cmich.edu

October 10:

The 50th Anniversary all day party of the Barber Pole Barber Shop on Old Woodward in Downtown Birmingham owned by a good friend of mine, Steve Trachsel

October 15:

The Elect Keith Stonehouse for Auburn Hills City Council Campaign Mixer at The Red Ox in Auburn Hills at 6pm til midnight $20. all you can eat

October 21:

The Big Networking Event at Closet Interiors at 36260 Woodward in Birmingham @ 5pm

October 23:

Women's Council of Realtors Halloween Maquerade Charity Ball @ 7pm at The Iroqouis Club at 43428 Woodward in Bloomfield Hills - $30 per person and $50. per couple RSVP to wcrbbc@gmail.com

Thank You for your time, your business, and I look forward to seeing you out at these great events in October

Keith Stonehouse
Vice President
Franklin Title Agency

Office: (248) 564-4022
Cell: (248) 894-4785
Fax: (248) 564-4024

Michigan's Fastest Growing Title Insurance Company - Franklin Title Agency - working with Great Realtors, Real Estate Investors, and Mortgage Professionals everyday making a positive change in the way buying, selling, and refinancing a home is done in the state of Michigan today!

Great Events in Michigan Business & Real Estate

Keith Stonehouse (Franklin Title Agency of Michigan) — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 09:33:46 -0500

Hello, Good Morning, and Welcome to the final week of September 2009!

I'm dropping by not just to say good morning but also to check in with you to see if there is anything you need this week from us here at Franklin Title Agency http://www.franklintitleagency.com and also to let you know about some great things coming up around town.

October 10th is the Annual Miles for Medals Event for the Special Olympics of Michigan who is still looking for sponsors, donations, runners, walkers, volunteers, etc for this great event. Thank you to all who gave and attended last year and made it a great success! Contact Ashley Diersch, Development Manager @ Special Olympics Michigan - 3800 Hamlin Road, Auburn Hills, MI 48326 - Phone: (248) 370-0922 *Email: diers1ae@cmich.edu

I am also putting a fundraiser together with the owners of The Red Ox in Auburn Hills for my 'Elect Keith Stonehouse for Auburn Hills City Council' Campaign and will keep you posted on that as well - If you would like to support my run in anyway as the election is November 3rd please let me know - I would really appreciate anything you could do. Thanks

Tomorrow, Tuesday is the Annual Celebrate Michigan Business Expo in Troy at the Ramada Hotel on Crooks rd and I-75 from 12-5pm - This is a great event to get out there and see and meet fellow business professionals making a positive change. You will be blown away by the amount of displays, tables, networking, speakers, etc at this growing event.

Tomorrow, Tuesday is the BBRN Autumn Home Tour (Birmingham Bloomfield Realtor Network) This is a great way to get out there and see some amazing houses on the market and meet some fellow Real Estate professionals as well as have a chance to win a Fall Clean Up from Birmingham Land Renewal (a $250.00 value) For more info visit http://www.tuesdaytour.com

Have a Great & productive week ahead and Thank You again for your continued business here at Franklin Title Agency as well as your continued support for my run for Auburn Hills City Council.

Keith Stonehouse
Vice President
Franklin Title Agency

Office: (248) 564-4022
Cell: (248) 894-4785
Fax: (248) 564-4024

Michigan's Fastest Growing Title Insurance Company - Franklin Title Agency - working with Great Realtors, Real Estate Investors, and Mortgage Professionals everyday making a positive change in the way buying, selling, and refinancing a home is done in the state of Michigan today!

Why do you need a Title Search? To Protect Yourself, because no one else will

Keith Stonehouse (Franklin Title Agency of Michigan) — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 14:12:01 -0500

Why do you need to order Title Search?

Before buying your first home, your dream home, investment property, commercial property, etc... We like to think that Title Search is a Confidence Check on a property at question to determine from the public land records what rights there are to the property which you are about to purchase and who owns those rights.

What would be the worst case if you don't order title search?

Let me give you an example. A young and inexperienced investor decides to buy a foreclosure property. Extremely excited, the investor sees that the price of ownership published in the auction papers is far below the market price and makes a decision to buy the property. The investor even decides to drive around the property and evaluates physical condition and overall state of the property. Using some quick mathematics, the investor makes a final call to commit to the purchase and rushes to the foreclosure auction and purchases the property. There is no happy ending to this story. The investor made a huge and unfortunately common mistake - no title search. People who previously owned that particular property had numerous federal and state liens against the property - in the order of 1 million dollars. It's not commonly known that most liens stay with the property, not owners, therefore, our young investor, all of a sudden, is liable to pay off 1 million dollars of someone else's debt to the state and federal governments to receive a clean title. The investor's life changed to a life of battles in the courts and filing lawsuits.

What would happen if investor would have ordered a title search before the foreclosure auction?

It's very simple. The investor would have found out that the liens on the property are too great to purchase it and would simply walk away from the purchase and would look for another property of interest.

Finally, after this example, we came to an answer.
Question: Why do you need a Title Search?
Answer: To protect yourself, because no one else will.

Franklin Title Agency can certainly help you with a Title Search on any property in the state of Michigan. Franklin Title Agency looks at the chain of title, the history of ownership based on the service plan selected (Included in Full Title Search), which may go as far back as sixty years and going forward to the present owner.

We will tell you who bought and sold the property over the years and if there are any open liens, such as mortgages, deeds of trust or potential other owners who may need to sign the deed. In addition, the title search provides the present status of real estate taxes and other municipal charges that may be due and payable from previous years.

A judgment search will be performed to determine whether there are any unsatisfied judgments, federal or state income tax liens, mechanic's liens or other judgments against the seller or prior owners that attached to the property.

Let me know if there is anything we can do to protect you today,

Keith Stonehouse - Franklin Title Agency

keith.franklintitle@yahoo.com

http://www.franklintitleagency.com

(248) 894-4785

Franklin Title Agency Wins Best of Rochester 2009 Award

Keith Stonehouse (Franklin Title Agency of Michigan) — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 09:36:59 -0500

WASHINGTON D.C., June 8, 2009 -- Franklin Title Agency, LLC has been selected for the 2009 Best of Rochester Award in the Title Insurance category by the U.S. Commerce Association (USCA). The USCA "Best of Local Business" Award Program recognizes outstanding local businesses throughout the country. Each year, the USCA identifies companies that they believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and community. http://www.franklintitleagency.com Keith Stonehouse keith.franklintitle@yahoo.com

Oakland County Listings at their Best!

Keith Stonehouse (Franklin Title Agency of Michigan) — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 14:42:06 -0500

Here are just some of the great Michigan listings that were passed around the Listings / Buyers Matchup Event Wednesday with the WCR:

AUBURN HILLS

1,972 Sq Ft. Newer Split Level in Auburn Hills with 4 bedrooms, master suite with jetted tub, huge front porch & back deck, 2 car garage for only $145,000

AUBURN HILLS

2,249 Sq Ft. newer Colonial in Auburn Hills with 3 possibly 4 bedrooms, partially finished basement, 2 car garage for only $215,000

AUBURN HILLS

850 Sq Ft. updated Ranch on oversized corner lot with fenced in yard, patio, 2 bedrooms, and oversized 2 car garage all for only $97,900

ROCHESTER HILLS

2,134 Sq Ft. New Ranch with over 4,100 sq ft of total living space including finished basement, 3 bedrooms, extra wide driveway to 3 car garage for only $267,000

ROCHESTER HILLS

2,100 Sq Ft. Completely Updated and Renovated Colonial on a half acre with 4 bedrooms as well as a heated sunroom and basement, 2 car garage for only 209,900

ROCHESTER HILLS

2,360 Sq Ft. Colonial with 4 bedrooms, brick paver patio, huge decks, gardens, all new appliances included, with basement and 2 car garage for only $225,000

INDEPENDENCE TOWNSHIP

2,645 Sq Ft. Contemporary on 5 acres perfect for Equestrian w/ 2 stall wood barn, heated tack room w/ bath, watered paddock, Arena, 4 beds, 3 baths, tennis court, finished basement & 3 car garage for only $499,900

KEEGO HARBOR

1,258 Sq Ft. updated Bungelow with new kitchen and bath, 3 big bedrooms, basement, and right by Cass Lake all for only $115,000

ORION TOWNSHIP

1,942 Sq Ft. newer Colonial subject to short sale with 4 bedrooms, finished basement, and 2 car garage with decks and outdoor lighting all for only $160,000

WATERFORD

1428 Sq Ft. River Front Waterford Colonial with 3 bedrooms & finished walkout basement updated throughout with 2 car garage and only $149,900

WATERFORD

1,527 Sq Ft. Updated Colonial with 3 bedrooms, large decks and brick paver patios, with full basement, 2 car garage for only $164,000

WOLVERINE LAKE

1,000 Sq Ft. Condo Lease 2 beds, skylights, private deck, full basement $800 a month!

AUBURN HILLS

3 Bedroom, 1 completely renovated bath Ranch on Phillips rd for only $90,000

LAKE ORION

3 Bedroom, 3.5 bath Super Clean Ranch on Silverbell Rd for only $224,900

CLARKSTON

4 Bedroom, 3 bath Ranch on Northcrest Xing - All offers considered for only $239,000

CLARKSTON

5 Bedroom, 3.5 bath Colonial on Spring Meadow - Offers Ready for only $259,900

WATERFORD

3 Bedroom, 2 bath Ranch on Lochleven St. for only $85,000

WATERFORD

3 Bedroom, 2.5 bath Ranch on Richmond St - Offers Ready for only $100,000

GROVELAND

3 Bedroom, 2 bath New Built Ranch Open to Offers on Elk Ridge for only $270,000

GROVELAND

4 Bedroom, 3 bath New Built Cape Cod Open to Offers on Elk Ridge for only $215,000

DAVISBURG

3 Bedroom, 2 bath Ranch with land & pole barn for only $198,000

HARSENS ISLAND

5 Bedroom, 3 bath Cape Cod with Helicopter Pad on S. Channel $475,000 Make Offer!

If you have an interested Buyer in any of these please contact me ASAP! Thanks again to all who attended and looking forward to matching more listings with buyers and buyers with listings soon!

Keith Stonehouse - Franklin Title Agency

keith.franklintitle@yahoo.com

248-564-4022

248-894-4785

Michigan Realtors: Looking forward to seeing you Tomorrow Morning

Keith Stonehouse (Franklin Title Agency of Michigan) — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 09:15:20 -0500

Hello & Good Morning from Franklin Title Agency after a beautiful Labor Day Michigan Weekend - Did you do anything exciting? Attend any festivals? spend time with family? travel Michigan?

...as we start back into the work week (and the kids go back to school) - I'm simply checking in to see if there is anything you might need from us here at Franklin Title Agency in the way of title orders, title updates, questions answered, closings scheduled, etc?

Mark your calenders for:

TOMORROW - Sept 9th: The Realtor's Listing / Buyer Matchup Networking Event! Join us tomorrow for breakfast at the Holiday Inn Express, Auburn Hills Great Lakes Crossing at Baldwin and I-75 at 9am for a great event spotlighting your current listings & current buyers matching up with your fellow Realtors in attendance listings and buyers over a great breakfast at no charge! Be sure to bring print outs of your current listings to this event sponsored by Women's Council of Realtors North Oakland.

*I can forward you the official flyer

October 10th for the Miles for Medals walk and run for the Special Olympics of Michigan at Dodge Park in Sterling Heights. Become a Sponsor of this event today and get your name/info on the back of all the shirts as well as signage throughout. Let me know if you are interested in attending, volunteeting, donating, and or sponsoring!

REALTORS: Don't forget to join (if you have not already) Michigan Realtor Masterminds: http://www.MichigiganRealtorMasterminds.Groupsite.com today! A great place to post listings, share information, ask for advice from fellow Realtors, and get updates and current news on Michigan Real Estate and financing.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR BUSINESS - We truly appreciate every order and closing more than you know!

Let me know if there is anything we can do for you and your clients this week and in the future,

Keith Stonehouse - Franklin Title Agency

keith.franklintitle@yahoo.com

http://www.franklintitleagency.com

Title Insurance this week & NO CHARGE next week!

Keith Stonehouse (Franklin Title Agency of Michigan) — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 08:54:44 -0500

Hello & Good Morning on this absolutely beautiful Tuesday to start off September 2009!

I am simply dropping by checking in to see if there is anything today / this week that you might need from us here at Franklin Title Agency in the way of title orders, title questions, searches performed, title updated, closings scheduled, deed work completed, etc?

Always know that we're here within no more than 2 rings of the phone & 1 email along with having your title updates back to you instantly and returning your title back to you within the same to next day of ordering!

REMINDER: NEXT WEEK - September 9th is the BIG DAY (email me for the official flyer) for sharing your listings in a 'Speed Dating' atmosphere amongst other Realtors in the area as well as sharing your current buyers information amongst a great breakfast a NO CHARGE located at the Brand New Auburn Hills Holiday Inn Express at Great Lakes Crossings at Baldwin rd and I-75.

Looking forward to seeing everyone out making a positive change in their Real Estate world!

Thank You and have a great and productive week ahaead ...again, when you think of title insurance & closings - Think of Franklin Title Agency

Keith Stonehouse - VP, Franklin Title Agency

keith.franklintitle@yahoo.com

http://www.franklintitleagency.com

Women's Council of Realtors Membership Drive 2009

Keith Stonehouse (Franklin Title Agency of Michigan) — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 10:32:29 -0500

September 9th

This is a great opportunity to see all of what this great organization offers you in the way of education, networking, referrals, and everyday motivation. Membership is only $116.00 annually and when you join one chapter you can join other chapters for only $10.00 more!

http://www.WCRnorthoakland.com

For more info email me at keith.franklintitle@yahoo.com

Thank you for your time,

Keith Stonehouse

In house VS. Stonehouse

Keith Stonehouse (Franklin Title Agency of Michigan) — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 10:28:50 -0500

Hello & Good Morning on this beautiful Monday in August.

Dropping by to see if there's anything we here at Franklin Title Agency can do for you and your clients this week whether it be ordering title, providing a search, answering a question, updating title, scheduling a closing, etc... we are here for you!

In house vs. Stonehouse:

Competing with In house Title Insurance Companies has been my number one challenge throughout my career, yet in the last year or so it has been increasingly opportunistic as our rates, customer service, and flexibility can truly shine through in this every changing market in the eyes of my Real Estate Agent clients!

This is a great opportunity to give us a try with $250.00 closing fees, phones answered within 2 rings providing instant title updates and same to next day title order returns as well as closings literally anywhere anytime in the state of Michigan per your clients schedule - not ours! Give Franklin Title Agency, Michigan's fastest growing Title Agency a try on your next order.

September 9th

I am co-hosting the 2009 Membership Drive for the WCR (Women's Council of Realtors) North Oakland chapter September 9th at 9am at the Holiday Inn Express in Auburn Hills at Great Lakes Crossing. Attendance is free of charge and we will have breakfast, coffee, and juice provided! Please bring your current listings as we will be sharing with the group on a community board and the info on the current buyers you are working with. This is a great opportunity to see all of what this great organization offers you in the way of education, networking, referrals, and everyday motivation. Membership is only $116.00 annually and when you join one chapter you can join other chapters for only $10.00 more!

Thank you for your time and have a great and productive week ahead,

Keith Stonehouse @ http://www.franklintitleagency.com

keith.franklintitle@yahoo.com

TGI Franklin's Solution to Mortgage Loan Modifications

Keith Stonehouse (Franklin Title Agency of Michigan) — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 13:59:19 -0500

Hello, Good Afternoon, & TGIF!

Introducing to you:

The Franklin Solution to your Mortgage Loan Modifications!

Let us here at Franklin Title Agency alleviate those headaches, hours spent, and frustration in negotiating your Mortgage Loan Modification with the banks and lenders. Contact my #1 Processor Marc Wilner today at 248-808-6875 or bluedogfinancial@gmail.com TODAY!

Here at Franklin Title Agency we are always trying to stay ahead of the curve and continue to be competitive in pricing, flexible in closing times and locations, and quick & efficient on title turn times and title updates - This is just another package to offer our great Real Estate clients and potential clients as well as our 1 yr paid home warranty package!

Give us a try today whether its with a title order, search, mortgage loan modification, short sale negotiation, closing literally anywhere - anytime, etc.

Keith Stonehouse - VP, Franklin Title Agency

TGI Franklin's Solution to your Short Sale Negotiations

Keith Stonehouse (Franklin Title Agency of Michigan) — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 13:37:02 -0500

Hello, Good Afternoon, & TGIF!

Introducing to you:

The Franklin Solution to your Short Sale Negotiations! Let us here at Franklin Title Agency alleviate those headaches, hours spent, and frustration in negotiating short sales with the banks and lenders at no charge to you or commissions cut! Fees paid solely by the banks and lenders and processed through MLH.

Give us a try today whether its with a title order, search, short sale negotiation, closing literally anywhere - anytime, etc.

Thank You for your time, Looking forward to working together and have a great weekend ahead,

Keith Stonehouse, VP Franklin Title Agency

keith.franklintitle@yahoo.com

http://www.franklintitleagency.com

RESPA, Golf, Social Media & Title Insurance OH MY!

Keith Stonehouse (Franklin Title Agency of Michigan) — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 10:53:17 -0500

Hello and Welcome to August 2009 here in Michigan Real Estate!

I'm dropping by with some info, some updates, and asking for your support in the Boy's & Girl's Club's upcoming event.

First, I want to show you a great article posted by Marx Sterbcow about having the right to choose your own title insurance company per RESPA:

RESPA: SECTION 9 WHY WAS I REQUIRED TO BUY TITLE INSURANCE FROM SPECIFIC TITLE COMPANY BY SELLER? http://www.respalawyer.com/2009/04/respa_section_9_why_was_i_requ.html

Posted On: April 30, 2009 by Marx Sterbcow The Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act's (RESPA) Section 9 (12 U.S.C. §2608) and Regulation X (§ 3500.16) prohibits, either directly or indirectly, a seller from requiring a purchaser to buy title insurance from a specific title company in any transaction as a condition of the sale.

Section 9 of RESPA (12 U.S.C. §2608) states that:
1. No seller of property that will be purchased with the assistance of a federally related mortgage loan shall require directly or indirectly, as a condition to selling the property, that title insurance covering the property be purchased by the buyer from any particular title company. 2. Any seller who violates the provisions of subsection (a) of this section shall be liable to the buyer in an amount equal to three times all charges made for such title insurance. The only way a Seller can mandate that purchaser use a particular title company is if the seller paid 100% of all title insurance and related title costs. HUD's RESPA Division has stated on numerous occasions that unless the seller pays 100% of the title related costs then the seller has violated RESPA. REO companies need to pay particular attention to Section 9 because required use practices by REO companies are on the HUD's radar right now.. Additionally there are several local real estate purchase agreements that are in use in parts of the United States where the language in the purchase contract states that Seller picks the title company but purchaser pays for title costs. It should be clearly noted that you can not contract out of a RESPA Section 9 violation. Just because the purchase agreement is signed by the borrower doesn't prohibit the borrower from coming back and suing the seller for required use if the borrower is stuck with any of the title related fees. Lastly another clever technique that is in use is where the seller says they will pay for the owner's title insurance policy but that purchaser has to pay for the lender's title insurance policy and all other costs. This does not pass the smell test nor does it pass HUD's smell test. The practice while novel in its approach is still considered a Section 9 violation. If you are a borrower has been a victim of this technique within the last year please give our firm a call. If you are a victim of a Section 9 violation within the last year please give the Sterbcow Law Group LLC a call or if your transaction was more than a year but less than three years please contact HUD's RESPA Division so you can file an official complaint.

Second, I want to offer my services in working with you in getting more expsoure, leads, referrals, clients, and of course - business through social networking taking only minutes a day and getting you the expsoure for a lifetime through S.E.O. (Search Engine Optomization) as it has grown my business nearly 30% and I'm a title insurance company. Imagine what it could do for YOU and your business!

Third, I want to let you know about the 18th Annual Boy's & Girl's Clubs Golf Outing August 10th at Fieldstone Golf Club. We still need tee sponsors, event sponsors, foursomes, etc. This is the club's 2nd largest fundraiser of the year behind the Steak & Burger Dinner both with some of the biggest names in Oakland County in attendance. Please email me at keith.franklintitle@yahoo.com for the informational flyer about the golf outing for the kids, the families, and the communities.

Fourth, I am submitting my paperwork today to get on the dockett for my run for Auburn Hills City Council 2009 and will be having a formal campaign party at the end of this month. If you are interested in attending this please let me know ASAP and thank you for your support.

Fifth, I want to Thank You for your business this year as 2009 has been a record year for Franklin Title Agency thanks to you and your company. We appreciate everything and look forward to another great month here in August.

Thank You for your time in reading this email and again - Looking forward to another great month ahead. Let me know what we can do for you and your clients.

Keith Stonehouse - Vice President, Franklin Title Agency & Founder, Michigan Realtor Masterminds

keith.franklintitle@yahoo.com

http://www.franklintitleagency.com

Follow me on Twitter at @keithstonehouse

RESPA: SECTION 9 WHY WAS I REQUIRED TO BUY TITLE INSURANCE FROM SPECIFIC TITLE COMPANY BY SELLER?

Keith Stonehouse (Franklin Title Agency of Michigan) — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 14:31:34 -0500

http://www.respalawyer.com/2009/04/respa_section_9_why_was_i_requ.html

RESPA: SECTION 9 WHY WAS I REQUIRED TO BUY TITLE INSURANCE FROM SPECIFIC TITLE COMPANY BY SELLER?

The Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act's (RESPA) Section 9 (12 U.S.C. §2608) and Regulation X (§ 3500.16) prohibits, either directly or indirectly, a seller from requiring a purchaser to buy title insurance from a specific title company in any transaction as a condition of the sale.

Section 9 of RESPA (12 U.S.C. §2608) states that:
1. No seller of property that will be purchased with the assistance of a federally related mortgage loan shall require directly or indirectly, as a condition to selling the property, that title insurance covering the property be purchased by the buyer from any particular title company.

2. Any seller who violates the provisions of subsection (a) of this section shall be liable to the buyer in an amount equal to three times all charges made for such title insurance.

The only way a Seller can mandate that purchaser use a particular title company is if the seller paid 100% of all title insurance and related title costs. HUD's RESPA Division has stated on numerous occasions that unless the seller pays 100% of the title related costs then the seller has violated RESPA. REO companies need to pay particular attention to Section 9 because required use practices by REO companies are on the HUD's radar right now.

Additionally there are several local real estate purchase agreements that are in use in parts of the United States where the language in the purchase contract states that Seller picks the title company but purchaser pays for title costs. It should be clearly noted that you can not contract out of a RESPA Section 9 violation. Just because the purchase agreement is signed by the borrower doesn't prohibit the borrower from coming back and suing the seller for required use if the borrower is stuck with any of the title related fees.

Lastly another clever technique that is in use is where the seller says they will pay for the owner's title insurance policy but that purchaser has to pay for the lender's title insurance policy and all other costs. This does not pass the smell test nor does it pass HUD's smell test. The practice while novel in its approach is still considered a Section 9 violation. If you are a borrower has been a victim of this technique within the last year please give our firm a call.

If you are a victim of a Section 9 violation within the last year please give the Sterbcow Law Group LLC a call or if your transaction was more than a year but less than three years please contact HUD's RESPA Division so you can file an official complaint.

Split Closings Galore

Keith Stonehouse (Franklin Title Agency of Michigan) — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 15:37:48 -0500

Split Closings are the newest thing in Real Estate in which the buyers have their title company and the sellers theirs as well.

I hear it all the time from the agents that have been in the business for a long time and sometimes maybe... too long that this is so new to them and they never seen this in the past.

Why do people split the closings / title companies for the transaction? well, there are a few different reasons and one being that the majority of the split closings are in deals with bank owned properties where their title companies would be representing the seller and the buyer but unfortunately I have heard all the nightmares of bank owned (REO) property / foreclosure title companies double charging, lacking in customer service and turn times, and closings being a mess. Now, this is just what I have heard - not my personal opinion. Some other reasons for doing a split closing is just to have the piece of mind in creating your own 'team' from the Realtor to the Mortgage professional to the inspector to the title insurance and closing company as well. Another reason could be due to pricing and fees and some home buyers choose to shop all rates from Realtors commissions to mortgage companies yieldspread to title companies closing and prep fees.

All are great and legit reasons in choosing your own title company to create a split closing and I have definately seen a rise in the numbers of split closings every week but you will never hear me or my company complain about doing on because as I've always said - a deal is a deal and meeting more folks at the closing table is always creating new opportunies based on the work and service you provide.

Keith Stonehouse - Franklin Title Agency http://www.franklintitleagency.com

Michigan Realtor Mastermind Roundtables are back!

Keith Stonehouse (Franklin Title Agency of Michigan) — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 15:15:27 -0500

MLR - Masterminds Luncheon Roundtable with the Short Sale Experts

When:

12pm - 2pm Thursday, July 30 2009

Where:

Panera - Troy / Birmingham @ Coolidge & Maple

Description:

WE ARE BACK!!! The ever so successful Mastermind Luncheon Roundtables are back!

Let's get together with our listings, our buyers wants and needs, our success stories, and the struggles that we face and bring them to the table to discuss with the other various Real Estate professionals matching listings to buyers, buyers to listings, as well as advice, tips, and feedback on everything that is Michigan Real Estate!

This will be the first of many to come as we did dozens of these earlier in the year and last year with great success!

PLEASE RSVP

What to bring:

Your listings
Your current Buyers wants and needs
Your recent success stories
Your recent struggles in the industry
Your questions you may have for the other professionals

Cost: Your lunch if you decide to eat lunch

Location: Panera Bread - Troy at Coolidge and Maple rd (15 mile)

Date: Thursday, July 30th

Time: 12pm noon to 2pm

This event will be sponsored by Michigan Loan Help Short Sale Negotiation Experts.

Thank You and I look forward to seeing you out on the 30th making a positive change in Michigan Real Estate! Feel free to0 email with any questions and or concerns.

Keith Stonehouse

VP, Franklin Title Agency - Founder, Michigan Realtor Masterminds

Michigan Realtor Masterminds Roundtable with The Short Sale Experts

Keith Stonehouse (Franklin Title Agency of Michigan) — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 15:58:01 -0500

MLR - Masterminds Luncheon Roundtable with the Short Sale Experts

Description:

WE ARE BACK!!! The Mastermind Luncheon Roundtables are back!

This will be the first of many to come as we did dozens of these earlier in the year and last year with great success!

PLEASE RSVP http://www.michigiganrealtormasterminds.groupsite.com

What to bring:

Your listings
Your current Buyers wants and needs
Your recent success stories
Your recent struggles in the industry
Your questions you may have for the other professionals

Cost: Your lunch if you decide to eat lunch

Location: Panera Bread - Troy at Coolidge and Maple rd (15 mile)

Date: Thursday, July 30th

Time: 12pm noon to 2pm

This event will be sponsored by Michigan Loan Help Short Sale Negotiation Experts. http://www.michiganloanhelp.com

Thank You and I look forward to seeing you out on the 30th making a positive change in Michigan Real Estate! Feel free to0 email with any questions and or concerns.

Keith Stonehouse

VP, Franklin Title Agency - Founder, Michigan Realtor Masterminds

keith.franklintitle@yahoo.com

Is your Current Title Company?

Keith Stonehouse (Franklin Title Agency of Michigan) — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 11:02:18 -0500

Good Afternoon from Franklin Title Agency - Michigan's Fastest Growing Title Agency...

If you don't ask - You don't get it!

...so, I am asking you to send your next title order to Franklin Title Agency - Give us a Try!

Why?

Is your current title company getting your title commitments / searches returned to you within the same day?
Is your current title company's closing fees $250. for a purchase and $150. for a refinance?
Is your current title company closing your deals literally anywhere - anytime at no extra charge whether it be at the borrowers home at 8pm or across town at the last minute, once again at no extra fee!
Is your current title company offering a home warranty package when closing through them to your buyers / borrowers?
Is your current title company helping you with marketing, networking, and social media for your listings, brandings, etc?
Is your current title company answering the phones within 2 rings of your every phone call?
Is your current title company updating your title work within the hour?
Is your current title company offering you online ordering, updating, tracking, etc for your deals?

If you are using Franklin Title Agency - You can answer YES to all of the above! Give us a Try on your next title order.

Thank You,

Keith Stonehouse, Franklin Title Agency

office (248) 564-4022 cell (248) 894-4785 email keith.franklintitle@yahoo.com web http://www.franklintitleagency.com

Monday with Franklin & The Founder

Keith Stonehouse (Franklin Title Agency of Michigan) — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 11:16:10 -0500

Hello & Good Afternoon on another gorgeous Monday in June 2009!

Dropping by checking in to see if there is anything you or your clients might need this week as we head into July from Franklin Title Agency whether it be:

Ordering title and recieving it back same to next day
Answering any title / legal related questions
Schedule a closing literally Anywhere - Anytime in Michigan at $250.
Updating any titlework we currenty have on file
Ordering a Search for a property in question
Working with you in providing Home Warranties for your closings
Working with you on Short Sale Negotiations with Michigan Loan Help
Working with you on Loan Modifications with Bluedog Financial
Working with you on Marketing your name, brand, and listings
Working with you on Networking and Social Media

Let me know what we can do for you and your clients this week as we would love to earn your business for your next title order / closing! Give us a try!

Thank You for your time and have a great week,

Keith Stonehouse VP, Franklin Title Agency / Founder, Michigan Realtor Masterminds

office: (248) 564-4022 cell: (248) 894-4785 keith.franklintitle@yahoo.com

http://www.franklintitleagency.com http://www.michigiganrealtormasterminds.groupsite.com

Monday's Answers to Short Sale Negotiation Frustration & Loan Modifications

Keith Stonehouse (Franklin Title Agency of Michigan) — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 10:58:02 -0500

Hello and Good Morning on this absolutely gorgeous Monday to start the third week of June 2009.

Keith Stonehouse from Franklin Title Agency and I am dropping by letting you know that here at Franklin Title Agency I offer more than just same day title commitments, searches, $250. purchase closings, and closings literally anywhere - anytime in the state of Michigan...

I have partnered up with 2 great local companies, one being Michigan Loan Help offering Short Sale Negotiation to Realtors at no cost to them as paid by the banks closing over 50 deals on average per month! No commissions cut, no fees, just results! I hear the complaints about short sales everyday from my Realtor clients - Stop spending all your time on 1 deal and let Michigan Loan Help negotiate it for you and let you get back to what you do best!

Second being Bluedog Financial which works with Mortgage and Real Estate clients who cannot be assisted through normal means by adding a resource for Loan Modification while keeping you and your company financially involved through our professional referral process.

I am always happy to schedule a meeting to discuss how our companies may mutually benefit from this relationship in helping you CLOSE MORE DEALS!

Thank you for your time and as always - Let me know what Franklin Title Agency can do for you and your customers this week!

Let me compete for your next title order & closing - Have a great and productive week ahead,

Keith Stonehouse, Franklin Title Agency
keith.franklintitle@yahoo.com

http://www.franklintitleagency.com

*Follow me on Twitter @keithstonehouse