Posts by Frank Dowd
Is owner’s title insurance optional?
Owner’s title insurance is optional, there is no law that requires it. But when you understand the benefits, you’ll realize that peace of mind isn’t as expensive as you might think.
Read MoreShop around! Don’t pay too much for title insurance.
Here are a few helpful tips to keep in mind as you shop around for title insurance: 1. Don’t waive your right to choose your own title company. Your real estate agent may ask you to sign a disclosure form, or an authorization to order title insurance for you. However, you are not obligated to…
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First Time Home Buyer’s Guide to Title Insurance & Final Settlement
First Time Home Buyer’s Guide to Title Insurance & Final Settlement You don’t need help answering fluffy questions like what kind of neighborhood do you want, or what’s the difference between an adjustable rate mortgage and a fixed rate mortgage? But if you can grasp these 5 points, you’ll be better prepared going into the…
Read MoreAugust 2017 Newsletter
Good Morning Everyone, This past June, ALT celebrated our 15th anniversary in business! We started the company with two primary goals. Provide the best service that our industry has to offer, and to make buying and refinancing real estate less expensive for our customers. While we’re extremely proud of the success we’ve achieved the first…
Read MoreWhat to Expect From Your Settlement Company
When you finally find the perfect home for you and your family and the seller accepts your offer, you’re not quite across the finish line. There is still plenty of work to be done. For most homebuyers, the next move is to enlist the help of a settlement company. Since buying a home isn’t something…
Read MoreWhat is Owner’s Title Insurance? Do I Need It?
Owner’s title insurance offers essential protection against the unknown. Legally, it is not required, but let the buyer beware…
Read MoreWhat Happens at Settlement?
If you’re in the final stretch of buying a new house, it’s still not quite time to pat yourself on the back. You’ve made it this far and are inches away from owning your dream home. Now that you’ve jumped through all of the necessary hoops and obstacles, there’s one final, significant hoop you must…
Read MoreThe Real Estate Professional’s Guide to the new TRID Rules
TRID rules go into effect Oct 3, 2015 and will change the consumer mortgage process. Understand the integrated forms, the new processes and timelines.
Read MoreBuying or Selling a Home? This is where you’ll get ripped off.
The real estate industry is also famous for excessive junk fees and kickbacks on ancillary services. Negotiating for reduced or waived fees could save you thousands of dollars at the settlement table. Here are the fees to watch out for.
Read MoreALT’s Consumer’s Guide to TRID
TRID: Get an overview of the new regulations that will reform the consumer mortgage and settlement process starting in October 2015.
Read MoreThe Current Real Estate Model Is In DANGER
There are already some big hints at the decline of the traditional real estate model in the consumer’s mind, as over 90% of consumers initiate their home search by looking at online listings. There’s no doubt that the reputation and the relevancy of the entire industry is at stake, and real estate agents and brokers are approaching the crossroads.
Read MoreThere are 4 keys to selling your house. The rest is nonsense.
There are four main ingredients to be successful in selling your house. All of the other nonsense is just personal promotion to justify hefty commissions.
Read MoreAvoid the end of the month for your next real estate closing
Is it better to schedule your closing at the end of the month or the beginning? There’s no monetary advantage either way, but if you avoid the last few days of the month you’ll be much more likely to have a smooth closing.
Read MoreWhen are my real estate taxes officially due?
If you’re moving from Philadelphia to one of the outlying suburbs you’ll need to become familiar with the different real estate related taxes, when they’re due and who collects them. In Philadelphia there’s not much to it. Real estate tax bills are due in January and are based on the calendar year (January 1, to…
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