Our Services
We take the stress out of the closing process for all parties involved
Title Research
A title abstract provides a history of the property and its ownership. It is our job to clear any liens or claims on the property so that you (or the buyer) receive a marketable title to your new property without inheriting any debts from the past.
Survey
Lenders typically require a house location drawing (or a survey) of the property. We order a survey, with the buyer’s authorization, and review for any potential problems. Should any issues arise, we will notify the real estate agent, lender, and the new buyer immediately. Once resolved, the survey will then be given to the buyer at settlement.
Property Taxes
We verify with the local or state taxing authority, that property taxes, water company, and Homeowners Association have been paid and are current. On the HUD-1 Settlement Statement, we prorate the amounts based on the billing period and the settlement date. This settlement statement is one of the most important documents to sign because it details all of the costs associated with the purchase and sale of the property.
Title Insurance Policy
There are two types of Title Insurance: Lender’s, which is required by the mortgage company, and protects the lender’s investment in the property; and owners, which may be purchased at settlement for the benefit of the new owner. It is strongly recommended that all buyers receive an owner’s title insurance policy which protects them against any unforeseen claims, hidden risks, or fraud against the property. The insurance policy provides protection from financial loss as well as payment of legal costs necessary to clear such claims.
Document Release
We ascertain the release of any existing liens on the property while properly recording all documents such as the new deed and mortgage in the courthouse.
Loan Documents
We coordinate with the mortgage lender to receive the loan documents for closing. Once received in our office, we review all forms and comply with the lender requirements for closing. With these documents, we are then able to complete the HUD-1 Settlement Statement and prepare the deed along with any other documents necessary to comply with state and federal laws.
Closing
This is where all documents are explained to all parties prior to signing. Settlement lasts approximately one hour, after closing, we disburse all the monies collected at settlement and pay vendors such as the termite company and surveyor. We also pay off and release the existing mortgages on the property and prepare the loan documents to be returned to the lender.