Title Junction, A Company That Can Help With Foreign Real Estate Seller Services, Opens New Office

Title Junction To Open An Office Downtown Title Junction will be opening a new satellite office in downtown Fort Myers in Jan. 2012. Jennifer is excited about being able to provide her clients with top notch professional service. She will be able to accommodate clients with closer and more convenient locations. Watch for updates for upcoming details and an official office opening date. We also would like to thank each and everyone during this Holiday Season our thoughts sincerely turn to those who have made out progress possible. It is with much appreciation we say: Thank you and Best Holidays and a Happy Successful New Year!

Join Us for Coffee & Doughnuts Wednesday December 14, 2011 Title Junction will be hosting our final class this year titled: "Year End Review" This class will be held at our Fort Myers office. Jennifer will be discussing: HUD-1 & GFE, and the importance of FIRPTA. So mark your calendar and bring lots of questions, Jennifer will be happy to answer them all. What a fantastic way to start your day with great conversation, coffee and of course who doesn't like doughnuts! When: Wednesday December 14, 2011 Where: Title Junction, 6225 Corporate Court, Suite A-100, Fort Myers, FL 33919 Time: 10:00 am - 11:00am To RSVP: please visit www.title-junction.com on or before 12/13/2011 We look forward to seeing you here! Watch out for new details for next year, Jennifer will be launching a new series of classes.

Contractors pull 34 single-family permits in Lee County in October - cape-coral-daily-breeze.com | News, sports, community info. - Cape Coral Daily Breeze

10 tips to boost your home's appraisal - MSN Real Estate

Title Junction will be hosting an open house on November 17 at our new office location; 6225 Presidential Court, Suite A-100, Fort Myers, FL 33919. Join us between the hours of 11:00 am - 1:00pm. Stop by and see our new office, and enjoy a few refreshments. Jennifer looks forward to seeing you here. Please call (239) 415-6574 or email swylie@title-junction.com to RSVP on or before November 15, 2011

Real estate title companies are impartial service providers to everyone involved in the transaction. From realtors and buyers to sellers and mortgage lenders, the title company does not have a personal interest in the property. This impartially ensures that a legitimate title search is conducted and that each party involved in the transaction receives the same treatment. A title agent’s job is to ensure that all paperwork is in order, that the people involved are who they say they are and that no money changes hands until all of necessary documents and paperwork have been signed. This safeguards everyone’s interest in the property. The buyer and the lender have assurance that they are purchasing a clean title and that the escrow funds do not get paid out until the property is closed and the seller has the guarantee that the buyer is committed to the property purchase. It’s not unusual for title insurance agencies to employ notary publics and offer notarization services. By providi...

Cape Coral and Fort Myers notary and real estate title services provider, Title Junction is happy to announce the one year employment anniversary of one of the agency's valued staff members, Stacy Wylie. Wylie is title insurance agency's marketing and networking representative. Having previously worked as a mortgage loan originator and processor, Wylie has vast experience in the Florida and Cape Coral real estate industry. Since joining Title Junction a year ago, Wylie has quickly become a valuable asset for the company which provides real estate title services to commercial and residential clients across the state of Florida. "Stacy is a fantastic employee and we are very happy to have her as part of the team at Title Junction. Her marketing and networking skills have definitely given us an edge. In just one year, she has leveraged the agency's position within the industry as a leading provider of real estate title services," said Jennifer Ferri, owner and operat...

Title Junction, Cape Coral And Fort Myers Title Insurance Company, Plans Move And Service Expansion

The Florida Statues defines closing services as the services performed by a licensed title insurer, title insurance agent, or agency in the agent’s or agency’s capacity as such, including, but not limited to, preparing documents necessary to close the transaction, conducting the closing, or handling the disbursing of funds related to the closing in a real estate closing transaction in which a title insurance commitment or policy is to be issued. This means the closing services fee listed on the settlement statement form is to include all the fees and charges made by the agency to close and complete the transaction. Consumers should not be charged additional fees in the additional to the amount listed as the closing or settlement services fee on the HUD-1 or other settlement statement form. Examples of fees that should not be listed as separate line items on the form include, but are not limited to: - Postage and handling - Notary services - Copies - Digital documents - Document prepar...

A provision in the Dodd-Frank financial reform law, which took effect in July, is requiring lenders to provide consumers with free credit score, which will help provide new insights into why they may have been rejected for a loan or did not qualify for the best lowest rate. While borrowers can access their credit scores from the credit bureaus, the credit scores that a lender uses isn't always the same one that the credit bureau provides you. According to a report by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, some credit bureaus sell consumers “educational” scores that aren't the same ones used by lenders or these bureaus may base the score on a different model than the one lenders use. Now, borrowers for the first time will get a more accurate view of what credit score lenders are using to base their mortgage on. Under the new provision, lenders will be required to provide potential borrowers with a free credit score whenever the reject an application for a loan. Lenders must p...

According to the State of Florida Division of Agent and Agency Services the following was an actual case. (Note: All administrative investigations are subject to referral to the Division of Insurance for criminal investigation.) A Case: An Investigation of a title insurance agent alleged that she failed to deposit fiduciary funds in a separate escrow approved by the Department, failed to disburse funds in accordance with a HUD-1 Settlement Statement, and misappropriated fiduciary funds collected in the normal course of business. Disposition: Licensed revoked and permanently barred from engaging in the insurance business.

Here's another great article brought to you courtesy of Old Republic Title Insurance: An improved employment forecast for the remainder of the year will help improve the housing picture as well, according to Frank Nothaft, chief economist for Freddie Mac. Nothaft said he anticipates an unemployment rate of 8.6 percent by the end of the year, down from more than nine percent. Mortgage rates will likely remain between 4.5percent and five percent. The economist noted that more financing is becoming available to the rental housing construction sector and that vacancy rates are falling and rents rising, all harbingers of a housing turnaround.

After seeing the destruction left by Hurricane Irene, I wanted to share this article to make sure we are all prepared for when disaster strikes! -What adds insult to injury after watching your cherished home become decimated by fire or some other disaster? Being homeless while waiting for your insurance payment, then waiting while your house is being repaired or rebuilt. If your home insurance coverage does not include "loss of use" (also called "coverage D" or "additional living expenses coverage") you may be not only be out of a home temporarily if disaster strikes; you may also be out of a lot of money. Not only will you still be paying your mortgage, but there are the added rent or hotel bills, boarding for your pets, and restaurant meals that come with being displaced. Make sure you're covered: A typical home insurance policy includes basic types of coverage including: the dwelling itself, other buildings on the property, personal proper...

HUD has announced a precedent-setting agreement with Cornerstone Mortgage Company that resolves Fair Housing complaints that it denied or curtailed mortgages to families in which women were pregnant. Under terms of the agreement, Cornerstone will pay $15,000 to Dr. Elizabeth Budde, who said she was turned down for a mortgage even though she said she would return to work after giving birth. The company also has agreed to set up a $750,000 fund to compensate other women who were victims of discrimination. As the settlement was announced, HUD said it would initiate similar lawsuits against Mortgage Guaranty Insurance Corp. (MGIC) and other lenders. “Pregnancy is not a basis to deny or delay a loan – it’s that simple,” said HUD Assistant Secretary John Trasvina. This informative article brought to you by Old Republic National Insurance.

Wanna make a difference? What's happening in our community? And what you can do to help support? Log on to: www.jeffandjoyonline.com Click on: "Good Connections" Read real stories about real life and what you can do to help right here in our own back yard.

Hello All, I'm proud to tell you that I'm being locked up...that's right, I'm going behind bars to help Jerry's Kids© and MDA. To be released on good behavior I have to raise bail and I need your help! All you have to do is click here to make a secure, online donation before 9/28/11. Your donation will help families living in our community and help guarantee me an early release. Your donations will go directly to a person in need, a person living in your community. MDA serves people in our community with neuromuscular disease by providing clinics, support groups, assistance with the purchase and repairs of wheelchairs, leg braces and communication devices, along with sending kids to summer camp. MDA also funds research grants to find treatments and cures for some 43 neuromuscular diseases that affect people of all ages, right here in our community. We all know these are difficult times and it is tough to make ends meet but remember "tough times never last, toug...

Federal Land Titling System Again?...Pass it on! Representative Marcy Kaptur (D-OH) revived her misguided proposal from last year and is once again trying to create a political path for a federal land titling system. If passed, the Transparency and Security in Mortgage Registration Act of 2011 (H.R. 2425) would require HUD to study the creation of a federal land titling system. The bill also effectively kills the Mortgage Electronic Registration System (MERS) by banning the GSEs from using the system which will result in title agents not being able to identify the holder of a note through MERS. ALTA believes the recording of documents associated with the local transfer of property should not be governed the federal government. Property rights need to continue to be protected through local county recorders working with the land title industry. Please contact your member of Congress to ask them not to support H.R. 2425. CLICK HERE TO CONTACT YOUR REPRESENTATIVE! Title Junction thanks y...

According to the State of Florida Division of Agent and Agency Services the following were actual cases. (Note: All administrative investigations are subject to referral to the Division of Insurance Fraud for criminal investigation.) Case: An investigation of a title insurance agent alleged that she misappropriated escrow funds, failed to remit premiums due to an insurer and failed to disperse funds in accordance with HUD-1 Settlement Statement. Disposition: License revoked and permanently banned from the insurance industry Case: An investigation of a title insurance agency alleged that an officer overcharged for a recording fee, charged separate line items that were part of the closing fee, failed to reconcile the escrow account, failed to maintain proper records, and failed to provide a current business license to the Department. Disposition: License surrendered for 24 months.

Here are a few great tips to for your exterior of your home. Look at your property from the buyers’ vantage point as they approach in their vehicle. If the mailbox is the first thing they see, it should be free of dents, clean, and fresh in appearance. Are trees or shrubs along the drive properly trimmed back? Is the lawn mowed, hedge trimmed, garden pruned? If you are selling your home in the fall, try to keep the leaves raked and the lawn cleared of other debris. Next, that all-important first critical look at the house itself. Put yourself in the buyers’ shoes. Stand in the driveway and imagine you are seeing your home for the first time. Make certain the walkway to the front door is swept, that there are no children’s toys scattered about. See that the roof and gutters are clean, windows washed, doorknobs gleaming and welcome mat in place. If you discover any obvious signs of disrepair — blistered or peeling paint, rusted drain spouts, or missing shingles — ask your Realtor whether...

This article brought to you by: Old Republic National Title Insurance caught my attention so I thought I'd share with you to get your opinion, I'd love to hear from you! The housing industry is criticizing a rule proposed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. that would require homebuyers to make a minimum 20 percent down payment to receive a "qualified residential mortgage." The rule proposed as Congress continues to work on financial reforms, NAR said the high down payment would burden homebuyers and significantly impede the economic and housing recovery. The National Association of Home Builders said, "By mandating a 20 percent down payment on qualified residential mortgages, (regulators) are excluding those without huge cash reserves, which constitutes most first-time home buyers and many middle-class households." The NAHB said borrowers who cannot afford a 20 percent down payment and who do not qualify for FHA financing would be required to pay a pre...

On average, sellers reduce their list prices after about 2.5 months by eight percent when a property hasn't sold yet, according to a new report by Trulia.com. After making one price reduction, 35 percent of those sellers will make a second price cut, too. However, Trulia found some sellers tend to be a little more "stubborn" when it comes to slashing prices, waiting 80 days before making an initial listing price cut. According to the report, there stubborn sellers are most often found in: * New York City * El Paso, Texas * Charlotte, N.C. * Cleveland * Raleigh, N.C. * Louisville, Ky. * Kansas City, Mo. * Memphis, Tenn. Other sellers don't seem to cut their prices enough the first time around and likely will have to slash prices further. According to Trulia, those sellers are most often found in: * Phoenix * Mesa, Ariz. * Jacksonville, Fla. * Baltimore, Md. * Chicago Meanwhile, the report found that sellers in Minneapolis, Minn., were quickest to cut prices, slashing p...

Title Junction, Cape Coral And Fort Myers Title Insurance Company, Focuses On … – Online PR News (press release)

When it comes right down to it, title insurance protects you from the unforeseen claims arising against your property. These claims may come in the form of liens against the house, probate issues or even old-fashioned forgeries. Higher foreclosure rates may also contribute to more and more claims against a property. From a particularly uncivilized divorce to unpaid contractors, the possibility of claims arising against property do exist. With title insurance you have protection against these claims. In the grand scheme of things, the few hundred dollars you'll pay for the policy may be the best money spent on your property purchase.

Title Junction wants everyone to stay safe during the hurricane season which officially begins today and runs through November 30. Please see the list below for supplies you will want to have on hand in case of a disaster. - Water - at least 1 gallon daily per person for 3 to 7 days - Food - at least enough for 3 to 7 days — non-perishable packaged or canned food / juices — foods for infants or the elderly — snack foods — non-electric can opener — cooking tools / fuel — paper plates / plastic utensils - Blankets / Pillows, etc. - Clothing - seasonal / rain gear/ sturdy shoes - First Aid Kit / Medicines / Prescription Drugs - Special Items - for babies and the elderly - Toiletries / Hygiene items / Moisture wipes - Flashlight / Batteries - Radio - Battery operated and NOAA weather radio - Telephones - Fully charged cell phone with extra battery and a traditional (not cordless) telephone set - Cash (with some small bills) and Credit Cards - Banks and ATMs may not be available for extende...

The term "starter home" seemingly refers to an entry level property, one that is affordable yet needs tender love and care. But with many homes available in today's market, current first-time buyers want places with a little less need for improvement. In a survey of 300 consumers who purchased their first home last year, 87 percent said finding a move-in ready home was important to them. According to the National Association Of Realtors, first-time homebuyers accounted for half of the market. Several consumers experienced benefits after buying their first home: *67% said the market afforded them the chance to obtain a home sooner than expected. *Half said they found a home in a more desirable neighborhood than expected *61% were able to get a home at a better price than expected *43% locked in a lower interest rate than expected Buyers can be choosy about what appeals to them and are now recognizing the benefits of the low price and wide selection of ma...

The Wall Street Journal reports that its survey of banks in nine major cities indicates the median down payment is now 22 percent, almost double what it was just three years ago. The Journal linked the high down payments to tighter lending standards by banks. The newspaper also noted that the Obama administration is calling for higher down payments on conventional loans, seeking a 10 percent threshold on mortgages covered by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Our industry has seen a lot of changes over the past few years. Do you think this is a good one, do you think they should raise the down payment requirements for convention loans??? We would love to hear your opinion.

This May marks Stacy Wylie's one year anniversary with Title Junction. Stacy is our marketing / networking representative, she is doing fabulous. Recently Stacy has completed her education to become a notary. In the near future she will be assisting with our courtesy witness closings. We would like to congratulate Stacy for all her efforts.

According to the State of Florida Division of Agent and Agency Services the following were actual cases. (Note: All administrative investigation are subject to referral to the Division of Insurance Fraud for criminal investigation.) Case #1: An investigation of title insurance...an agent alleged that she knew or should have known that her mother was conducting the business of insurance without a license at her agency, and that she demonstrated a lack of adequate knowledge and technical competence, thereby violating the insurance act. Disposition: License Revoked. Case #2: A complaint led to an investigation alleging a title agent made overcharges for title services and failed to properly document the closing services listed on the HUD-1 Settlement Statement. Disposition: In Lieu of being charged in an administrative complaint, the Department and agent entered into a settlement agreement, wherein she agreed to make full restitution to ten consumers, pay a $1,250 fine, and in the f...

Here are simple 8 tips to help you go green. Anything easy we can do to help save the earth, I say go for it! 1) Get a reusable water bottle and coffee cup, NO disposables. 2) Use ONLY energy saving bulbs. 3) Recycle ALL paper products. 4) Redecorating? Look at furniture and accessories you ALREADY have and change them from one room to a room for a new look, instead of tossing and buying new things. 5) Use the phone or video chat with Skype for meetings INSTEAD of driving your car. 6) BUY earth-friendly cleaning products when possible. 7) Try to BUY local produce and food. 8) Turn your car OFF while waiting in car-pool pickups to avoid idling. See these tips aren't so bad, I bet you can do all 8! You will love yourself for doing it, and the earth will thank you too! It's win win for everybody. Thank you USA Weekend for these wonderful suggestions.

Whether you are staying local or going out of town, Title Junction has found a few good deals for you and your family to enjoy. Busch Gardens is offering pay for a day, and come back all year to enjoy all the thrills of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. Enjoy unlimited general admission through December 31, 2011 for only $77.99. The price is based on a grownup or child (ages 3-9) single day admission. Add Sea World and double your fun. You must be a FL resident. For more information please visit: www.buschgardens.com Sun Splash Family Waterpark is also offering a discount on their annual passes. Save $20 per annual pass when you get your passes no later than Sunday April 10, 2011. "Early Bird" prices are only $43-$59 for Cape Coral residents and $69-$79 for non-residents to enjoy a whole lot fun and discounts at Sun Splash! For more information please visit: www.capecoral.net Lastly, if you are unable to get away how about sending your kids to Spring Adventure Camp. If y...

I saw this great checklist for Snowbirds in FL Weekly. These 10 tips brought to you by IFW insurance fire & water restorations, www.ifwrestorations.com - Make sure all smoke alarms are working and have fresh batteries - Place timers on indoor lamps - Forward mail - Return all library books - Return rented videos - Wedge dowels in window tracks and sliding doors to prevent burglars from prying them open - Set air conditioners/thermostats at 80 degrees to prevent mold growth - Discard all perishable items - Unplug electrical appliances and computers (except refrigerators) susceptible to lightening and power outages - Disconnect electric garage door opener to prevent burglars from entering I hope you have found them useful.

Owning the property title on real estate carries with it a traditional bundle of legal rights that are typically transferred from seller to buyer in a real estate transaction. These rights include right of possession, right of control, right of exclusion, right of enjoyment, and right of disposition. While all of this appears logical, it does not mean that a real estate title cannot have defects in the ownership of the property. For this reason, a title search is done on the real estate before it changes hands in a real estate transaction. Title Junction accomplishes a title search in Cape Coral, Fort Myers, and all around Florida by creating a chain-of-title on the property. Anyone can perform this duty; however, it is recommended that a professional title company, like Title Junction, be retained because of our expertise in doing title searches. Establishing the property title begins with the current ownership of the property. The title company will search the owner’s name, est...

It's that time of the year again, yes it's March Madness. Title Junction thought it might be fun to give you a link for a printable men's college basketball bracket. It's always nice to catch up with your friends, relatives, and colleagues to see how you are doing compared to their picks. There will always be something to talk around the water cooler. What upsets will there be this year? Who is your favorite and will they win it all??? Go ahead and print and let us know how you did. http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/tournament/bracket Good Luck!

I came across this very interesting article the other day and thought I would share it with you. The statics were amazing and made me feel great about being a home owner again! According to National Association of Realtors studies show that home ownership has a significant positive impact on educational achievement, civic participation, health and overall quality of life. For more great benefits of home ownership click visit: www.buyandsell.houselogic.com

Congress recently extended legislation that makes mortgage insurance (MI) premiums tax deductible for many homeowners through 2011. Families with a household income of $100,000 or less can deduct the full amount of their MI premiums on their federal tax return. Households earning up to $109,000 can qualify for a reduced deduction. That could mean $200 - $400 in your pocket! Click here for further information.

Being it's Valentine's Day I thought about sharing with you an article I read in the Martha Stewart Living Magazine issue on kissing. According to the article "Pucker Up!" a great smooch will boost your mood instantly. Your brain on kissing, a kiss sends sensations directly to the limbic system, those parts of our brains associated with love, passion, and lust. As neural impulses bounce between the brain and the tongue, the facial muscles, the lips, and the skin, they stimulate our bodies to produce a number of neurotransmitters and hormones. One of the most important neurotransmitters is dopamine. Spiking during a kiss, dopamine is responsible for a rush of elation and craving can also result in the obsessive thoughts that many of us experience with a new romance almost like an addiction. It primes us to want more, making us feel energized. People who take dopamine even lose their appetites or find that they cannot fall asleep not surprisingly, the same "...

Every agent should be familiar with The Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act of 1980 ("FIRPTA") which requires withholding when a foreign person or entity disposes of an interest in real property located in the United States unless the transaction meets one of the exemptions form the withholding requirement. However, what do you do when you have a short sale involving a foreign seller? Many fall into a trap thinking that there is no FIRPTA withholding in a short sale because the seller does not receive any net proceeds from the closing. This is not true!!! There is no exemption from FIRPTA withholding for a short sale simply because it is a short sale. Just because the seller does not receive cash at closing does not mean that the "amount realized" by the seller is zero dollars. Under the Treasury Regulations (Treasury Reg. 1.14451 (g)(5)), the " amount realized" by the seller for purposes of determining whether to withhold under FIRPTA is the ...

After reading this article, I thought I'd share with you, who couldn't use 3 simple tips to get our brains in "tip-top" shape. Thank you, Martha Weinman Lear,with PARADE magazine I loved these ideas and so will you! Practical tips for making your memory better and whipping your mind into shape. Martha Weinman Lear is the author of "Where Did I Leave My Glasses?" and "Heartsounds." 1. Associate Names Link what you want to remember to what you already know. You meet a Jennifer: Picture her in your mind's eye with other Jennifers-Aniston, Lopez. Visualize them together, which is what makes it work. 2. Get Organized Dr. Margaret Sewell, director of the Memory Enhancement Program at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York, suggests changing the way you organize your tasks. For example, no calls and no e-mail until the current job is done. "It's amazing," she says, "the difference people see as they cut down on nonessential multi-taskin...

If you need to borrow the funds, then YES, all lenders require title insurance for the amount equal to the loan. You might ask why and the answer lies in the way financial institutions operate. Mortgage loans in Cape Coral, Fort Myers, or anywhere in Florida are generally made by persons acting in fiduciary capacity, which means that they are or could be lending money that belongs to someone else. To safeguard this investment, the lender asks for title insurance against the loss of security as a result of real estate title problem. Even if you pay cash, you will want to have your investment protected. Not only does the lender benefit from title insurance, so do the purchaser and seller of the property. The purchaser will gain protection against serious financial loss due to a defect in the property's title. Title insurance protects against claims arising out of title problems that could have been discovered in the public records and non-recorded deficiencies that could not be...

Title Junction will be conducting a series free classes; “Let’s Talk About…” Jennifer Ferri will be covering Doc Stamps, Homestead, and Power of Attorneys. Make sure to mark your calendar for this very insightful free class being held on January 20, 2011 at 10 am in Title Junction’s office; 6313 Corporate Court, Suite C, Fort Myers, FL 33919. Please RSVP on or before January 19, 2011 to: swylie@title-junction.com, call 239-415-6574 or visit us on the web at www.title-junction.com

Are you thinking of buying another home and keeping the current to possibly use as an investment property? Homeowners should weigh a few factors before deciding whether to sell or rent and wait for the market to recover. MSN Real Estate has provided five great questions to ask yourself. 1. How much equity do you have? Homeowners with significant equity should sell, unless their home is desirable rental and they want to take on the challenges of being a landlord, says Diane Rule-Enos, a registered financial consultant with The Patriot Financial Group in Beverly, Mass. 2. What's the lowest rate you can get? "Homeowners with significant equity usually have lower mortgage payments, so they are more likely to have positive cash flow when renting the property," he says. For homeowners who owe more on their mortgage than their home is worth or for those with little equity, the decision to sell depends first on whether they have cash to bring to closing. If not, they can ...