Why You Might Not Need Title Insurance When You Refinance
Traditionally in Pennsylvania, the answer has been yes. Anytime you refinance, even with the same lender, it will typically require a new lender’s title insurance policy. That’s because your old…
Why ALT Title Built Our Own Title Insurance Calculator for Pennsylvania
We invested in building our own title insurance calculator so home buyers could compare costs fairly, nothing hidden, nothing left out.
Understanding Affiliated Business Arrangements (ABAs) in Real Estate
Learn what Affiliated Business Arrangements (ABAs) are, how they impact homebuyers, and what to watch out for under RESPA guidelines. Make informed decisions when choosing title and settlement services.
We’ll prepare a Closing Cost Estimate for you.
We’ll email you a PDF of your worksheet and a link to view it online. Need to revise it? Create a free account to save the estimate. As your home…
The Change in Real Estate Commissions. Who pays who?
Now more than ever, it’s crucial for buyers to understand upfront how their agent will be compensated. It’s no longer a given that their commission will be paid entirely by…
Can someone really steal your house?
Cleaning up title fraud can be costly. Title monitoring and enhanced title policy coverage offers homeowners protection at a fraction of the cost of litigation.
What’s Going On With Real Estate Commissions?
What’s Going On With Real Estate Commissions? In case you missed it, a jury in Missouri recently determined that the National Association of Realtors (NAR), along with a group of…
Do I need the Enhanced Policy
An Enhanced Homeowner’s Title Insurance Policy offers additional coverage for some very specific – and somewhat rare – situations.
Myth: Title Insurance Costs the Same Everywhere
Myth: Title Insurance Costs the Same Everywhere Home Buyer Quick Facts by ALT Title “Don’t assume that the providers your lender selects have been chosen for low rates or good…
Who Chooses The Settlement Company?
Who Chooses The Settlement Company? Home Buyer Quick Facts by ALT Title Federal law guarantees consumers the right to shop for title insurance/settlement services when they buy or refinance real estate.…
Forms You May Be Asked to Sign That Have Nothing to Do With Your Offer
Let’s face it, there can be both excitement and anxiety when you’re making an offer on a new house. With all of that emotion, it’s so important to understand what…
Avoid the One Stop Shop
The one stop shop approach may sound convenient, but let the buyer beware. All-under-one-roof is rarely a cost effective way to shop for anything, especially a house.
Realtor Lender Page
Supporting Real Estate Professionals Since 2002 Technology, Service & Savings for Your Clients ALT Title is a full service title insurance and settlement service company conducting business throughout Pennsylvania from…
Save Thousands of Dollars on Pennsylvania Real Estate Closing Costs with These 5 Tips
Buying a home? Refinancing a mortgage? Save thousands of dollars on Pennsylvania real estate closing costs – in any market – with these 5 tips.
Is owner’s title insurance really 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.
Shop 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…
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…
What to Expect From a Full Service 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…
What 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…
What 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…
The 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.
Buying 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.
ALT’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.
The 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.
There 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.
3 Easy Tips to Make Closing Less Stressful
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.
When 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.…
Start talking money…because I’m not really listening!
Home buyers and sellers want transparency and information from their real estate agent, not a slick sales pitch. So get the price out of the way.
Can’t swing a new house because of equity?
Can’t make a move because you have little or zero equity? You have 2 options to consider before giving up or depleting your savings to make it happen.
The Battle Over Real Estate Commissions & Fees
When it comes to real estate and automobiles don’t try to distract me with percentages and monthly payment amounts. If you’re selling your $300,000 house, 6% doesn’t sound as expensive as $18,000. As a consumer I want to speak in actual dollars and I don’t want to pay you a penny more than I have to for your services.
The Importance of Your Credit Report
Your credit report plays a key role when you are trying to get a mortgage to buy or refinance a home. Whether your time frame is within the next six months or the next few years, it’s time to look at your credit report and address any issues.
Message for Wells Fargo Settlement Agents
Here is the complete communication that we received in an email from Wells Fargo dated December 10, 2014 for those of you who wish to read it in its entirety:…
Get Your Home Ready for Halloween
With nearly 42 million potential trick-or-treaters this year, you’ll want to be sure that your home meets the fun and safety standards of today’s eager Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Monster High visitors.
Smaller Real Estate Agencies Are Better
When the time comes to buy or sell a home, there are many advantages to enlisting the help of a realtor. They have the education and experience in your local…
Homebuyer’s Bill of Rights
Buying a home has changed dramatically over the last few years … or at least it should. Because of the emergence of websites and other Internet-based tools for homebuyers, the…
The Trouble With Simultaneous Closings
There is already a lot of stress associated with selling your home and buying a new one. However, if you decide to close on both properties in the same day,…
How to Make Your Offer Stand Out
When you fall in love with a home in your budget range, it can be magical. It might also be the start of a fierce competition; it’s very possible that…
Should You Make Renovations Before Selling Your House?
Instead of looking for big projects you think your home needs before it hits the market, there are a lot of small and inexpensive things you can do that can make all the difference. Especially since expensive projects are rarely worth your time and money if your goal is simply to sell your house.
Understanding the Financial Process When Buying a New House
If you’re a first time homebuyer, you’ve probably realized that the process isn’t an easy one. To ensure that everything goes well, it’s important to prepare as much as possible…
The Times They Are a’Changin’: Will the Zillow-Trulia Merger Change the Way We Buy and Sell Real Estate In America?
Will the Zillow-Trulia merger streamline the currently disconnected home-buying/selling process and reduce the amount of money it costs to buy and sell real estate? The merger is a huge deal, and the impact of it will ripple across the entire real estate industry, affecting homebuyers and home sellers in a number of different ways. Finally.
Is Shopping for a Title Insurance and Settlement Service Company a Waste of Time?
So, your realtor just referred you to a title insurance and settlement company. But that doesn’t mean that’s where you’ll get the best deal or the best service. “Homebuyers should…
Understanding a Homeowner’s Insurance Policy
A homeowner’s insurance policy is designed to protect you and your home from perils. Here is a look at the basics of what this type of insurance policy is, what you’ll be covered for, and anything else you may want to consider when taking out an insurance policy on your house.
Don’t Make These Mortgage Mistakes
Buying a house is often more complicated than most people expect; it’s not a matter of simply finding a house you like and giving the seller money for it. There…
Should I Have an Attorney Present When Buying New Construction?
One of the biggest ways you can protect yourself when buying from a builder is by hiring an attorney to review any contracts before you sign them.
A Mortgage Prequalification Ain’t as Easy as it Used to Be
If you wanted to buy a house twenty-five years ago, you would have called your lender and asked for a prequalification letter. You would have told him/her your annual income…
Should You Take Out a Second Mortgage?
Years ago, second mortgages were all the rage; with the appeal of gaining access to extra cash, it’s obvious why that was the case. But then the recession hit, leaving…
Yes, It’s True – Fees Are Negotiable When Buying a House
When you’re buying a new house, the actual house itself isn’t the only thing you’re paying for-there are a number of fees that are rolled into the final price in…
Hot Backyard Design Trends for Summer
Years ago, the ideal backyard included a patio set, a pool, and maybe a cool water slide. Today, the backyard is prime real estate for an inviting outdoor living space.…
Why Hiring the Right Real Estate Agent Matters
Presently we’re involved in a commercial purchase transaction, with a purchase price of more than $3 million. Unfortunately the appraisal for the property came in $800,000 below the contract sale…
Trying to Flip Houses with No Money Down? Good Luck.
Whenever I start hearing these radio commercials or see the so-called brand new investor on television proudly displaying his check for thousands of dollars in profits, I know it won’t…
Placing our client’s best interests above all else
As professionals working within the real estate industry, we are and should be held to the highest standards under the law when it comes to protecting the interests of our…
Turning your “For Sale” sign to SOLD
During the course of my daily travels, I pass this house three or four times a week, that has been listed for sale with a real estate agent for almost…
Affordable Care Act: Well intended but seriously flawed.
If you follow my posts on social media, you know I am not a supporter of many of the provisions in the “Affordable Care Act.” Especially the mandates driving healthcare…
Do you know where your property begins and ends?
Unless you’re purchasing new construction, you’re most likely taking someone else’s word for it when they tell you that the property line “goes all the way back to the tree…
You never know what you’ll read next on social media.
I stumbled upon this Facebook post today from a local real estate broker. The names have been changed to protect the greedy. “What a great office/business meeting today. We had…
Settlement Nightmares…Tales of trouble around the closing table that could have been avoided.
Our goal at ALT has always been to offer you no-nonsense advice, and help you avoid unnecessary pitfalls during the process of buying or refinancing real estate. In the spirit…
Buying new construction? You’d better hire the right title company.
When you deal with a builder, you’ll need an experienced, independent title company to assist you in leveling the playing field.
Philly’s Economic Future Starts & Ends with Education
The political tug of war between city and state officials and organized labor about how to fund and educate children in the city of Philadelphia is nearing the point of…
Adjustable Rate Mortgages (ARMs), They’re Not All Bad
As mortgage interest rates begin to rise, some homebuyers will be looking for an alternative to the thirty year fixed rate mortgage. The truth of the matter is… if used…
Top 3 Reasons to Give Up Your Right to Choose
We’ve designed our website www.ALTtitle.com to be a resource for anyone who’s considering buying or refinancing real estate. From the more than one thousand people who visit our site every…
ALT’s 11th Anniversary
Associates Land Transfer Company recently celebrated its eleventh anniversary in business. I’m proud to say that the principles on which we founded the company eleven years ago continue to be…
Why is my real estate agent so persistent about using her title company?
I just had a first time home buyer ask me the following question: We would all like to assume that it’s because her title company delivers great service at a…
TD Bank Strikes Again
It isn’t all that uncommon for a purchase closing to be delayed due to an issue with the buyer’s mortgage company. Problems with the appraisal, an insurance issue or a…
Apparently customers aren’t "part of the family"
I couldn’t help but have one of those feel good moments after our company helped this young couple save so much money at closing. This story is not exceptional; the…
TD Bank Responds
A quick update to last week’s TD Bank story. TD saw our post about a client’s very frustrating experience when refinancing with their bank. Within an hour or two of…
TD Bank…America’s Most Frustrating Bank
If you need to know the time and temperature while you’re watching Jimmy Kimmel, cashing a check or depositing a jar of coins on a Sunday morning, TD Bank might…
Read this before signing a contract to use your builder’s title company
Choose an independent title company to represent you. They won’t be influenced by the builder when it comes to correcting title issues.
Qualified Mortgage Rule is Common Sense
I invite you to read this recent article by real estate columnist Alan J. Heavens regarding new mortgage rules. Agency’s New Definition May Calm Mortgage Fears, January 27, Philly.com The…
For Sale by Owner Guide to Selling
4 Essential Steps to Selling Your Home Like a Pro, from Staging to Closing the Deal About 15% of all home sales are private transactions or For Sale by Owner…
Highlights of CFPB Proposal
CFPB’s MORTGAGE DISCLOSURE REFORM The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has proposed changes to the mortgage disclosure process, which would have a major impact on settlement procedures for most consumer…
Refinancing and need to keep your second mortgage?
Often times, smaller can mean more personal service, better interest rates and faster loan approvals. But avoid a bank that is too small and looking for more ways to increase…
It’s still a good time to refinance
For those who may be thinking about refinancing an existing mortgage, we’d like to share an email we sent out to our clients at the start of summer. In case you thought…
ALT is here to help!
When we say “ALT is here to help you” we really mean it! We recently did a closing for a nice couple in Bucks County. They bought a new home,…
The Facts on Title Insurance
What is title insurance? Title insurance protects the home owner and mortgage lender against ownership disputes relating to your property. Title Insurance is a specific type of insurance, paid in…
How much does title insurance cost?
The cost of title insurance for a sale is determined by the purchase price for the property and for a refinance, the loan amount determines the price. Title insurance premiums,…
Call for Mortgage Disclosure Regulation
Have you ever purchased or refinanced real estate and had to deal with the stress of getting your final closing costs last-minute, because you were at the mercy of your…
Money Saving Tips for the Summer
As homeowners, we all like to reduce the household expenses whenever we can. Given the high temperatures in our region these last few weeks, here are a few money-saving tips for keeping…