broward title company: 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)

broward title company: Foreclosures and Municipal Liens...Buyer Beware! - 12/15/08 02:30 PM
For those who aren't aware, when you purchase a property, municipal code violations, open permits, and unpermitted building structures are not a matter of public record, are not discovered with a title search, and are not covered by your owner's title insurance policy.  Only when one of these items actually result in a lien on the property before closing (that is recorded in public record) and that lien is missed at closing by the closing agent is it covered by the policy.  
We are seeing in these days of increasing sales of foreclosures that very often the bank's title insurance agent is not conducting a Municipal Lien Search.  Municipal Lien … (5 comments)

broward title company: Wi Fi Access Citywide - Plantation, FL?? - 09/02/07 04:00 AM
            
The Plantation City Council is looking into providing Wi-Fi service citywide!  It may be a while before fully implemented, but would provide free or low cost internet access to City of Plantation residents!
Internet access for residents is actually just a side benefit.  The real value would be in improvement in communication between law enforcement authorities and emergency workers, helping to solve crimes and recover from emergencies much faster and improve the safety of law enforcement officers.
Think of how it would help real estate agents!  They could check out MLS and property info from a full sized laptop (without paying for Wi-Fi card … (0 comments)

broward title company: Are the buyers coming back??? - 09/02/07 02:52 AM
Is it just me, or does there seem to be some movement in the market?  In my area (Broward County) there are more sales happening, but the sellers have had to reduce their prices significantly in order to secure a buyer. 
I know in South Florida we have been in a buyer's market - the buyers have just been on vacation....maybe they are finally coming home?!?!
What are you seeing?
… (7 comments)

broward title company: FHA To Bring Some Relief? - 09/02/07 02:27 AM
                                                      
I am curious to hear other's opinions about the proposal made by President Bush to allow FHA to guarantee loans for delinquent borrowers. While I personally don't believe the Federal Government should bail people out for making poor decisions, I don't want to see millions of people lose their homes because of interest rate increases. 
President Bush is quoted as saying, "It's not the government's job to bail out speculators, or those who made the decision to buy a home they knew they could never afford.''   This proposal sounds like it will help a lot of homeowners, but I am interested to see how the determination is … (7 comments)

broward title company: Want Your Closing To Go Smoother???? - 07/26/07 10:02 AM
                                                                                                                                                                                          
Speaking with great affection to the Real Estate Professionals out there ~ from the Settlement Perspective: 
If you want your closing to go as smoothly as possible for everyone...make sure to provide as much information as possible on the Purchase and Sale Contract!!  Here are some helpful reminders:
1.  If your contract is handwritten, write clearly...better yet, print.  (Generations of faxing degrade the quality of the type enough...do your part to make sure the title company can read the names of all parties, including the realtor name and real estate company name.)
2.  Include marital status(es) with the Seller's and Buyer's name(s).  … (8 comments)

broward title company: Broward County Florida Super Exemption vs. SOH Tax Comparison - 07/15/07 02:56 PM
Those of us in Florida are well aware of the Real Estate Tax crisis our state is experiencing.
On January 29, 2007 the voters of Florida will decide whether to update the state constitution to allow the property owner the choice of a "super exemption" when their real estate taxes are calculated.  Those who currenty have the Save Our Homes (SOH) annual assessment cap in place can choose to keep the cap, or take advantage of the new super exemption (that does not have a cap).
                                                                          
In Broward County, the Property Appraiser's Office has posted an online calculator to allow property owners to calculate which program would benefit … (2 comments)

broward title company: What is Title Insurance and Why Do I Need It? - 07/07/07 06:55 AM
Did you ever wish you had a simple, single place to direct your clients when they ask the age old question, "What is Title Insurance?"  and "Why do I need it?". 
LandAmerica has a great resource for their title insurance agents, and I am happy to share it with you here!
Go to:  http://www.knowyourclosing.com  for a user friendly site that answers many of the most frequently asked questions.
Happy Closings to All!!
For information more specific to Florida closings, visit www.premierguaranty.com  (site is currently being remodeled, but the information is still good!)
 
 
… (5 comments)

broward title company: What's up with The Fashion Mall in MidTown Plantation??? - 07/04/07 09:39 AM
Last I read, the Fashion Mall in Midtown Plantation was purchased by Chinese Investors.  Their plans were to tear down the Macy's and Lord and Taylor locations and build condos. 
The Plantation Executive Pavillion offices have emptied out because businesses cannot get their occupational licenses from the city of Plantation...too many unresolved code violations.
Does anyone out there have any updated information?
http://www.premierguaranty.com
 
… (4 comments)

broward title company: Back to Basics - 07/04/07 09:29 AM
When the going gets tough, the tough get going! 
This must be our battle cry as we march on in this current market. 
The only ones who will not survive this market are those who refuse to work at it! 
Simple basics like:
Keep it SimpleDo SOMETHING to market yourself and your business every dayKeep in touch with former clients - a simple email, phone call, or post cardFurther develop current business relationships - call, write, email, have lunch Network where it counts...organizations like BNI - professionals whose sole purpose is referring business to each otherBe HonestDon't take shortcuts - even if … (13 comments)

broward title company: Did You Know??? Recording A Deed - 07/04/07 04:53 AM
A deed is not required by law to be recorded in order for the transfer from the seller to the buyer to take place. But, in order for the buyer to protect themselves from future claims on the title, the deed should be recorded. A deed is considered complete once it has been signed, sealed and delivered This should be done at the time of closing or as soon after settlement as possible. The deed becomes a part of the county public record and is part of the property's chain of title. If anyone were to look up your property, your name … (2 comments)