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...