SCHUTT LAW FIRM, P.A.
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Home Closing 101
Do you know what to expect on closing day?
Most people don’t. And that can lead to some uneasiness. But help is here. The American Land Title Association, or ALTA, has created a website featuring information every homebuyer can use to help familiarize themselves with the closing process before walking into the closing

The Home Closing 101 Site
At Home Closing 101 you will find information you can use to prepare yourself for closing. The site covers topics such as title insurance, escrow fees and closing costs. So when the time comes to sign on the dotted line you’ll feel fully prepared.

Home Closing 101 is especially helpful for first time buyers. Buying a house is an exciting time and the more you know about the process, the more relaxed you’ll be going through it. Spend a little time on the site and you can walk through the home buying process, receiving explanations for each step and helpful hints on how to find the right people to help you on your journey to homeownership.

Click here to start learning about the home buying process.

What Is American Land Title Association (ALTA)?
Founded in 1907, ALTA is the national trade association and voice of the title insurance industry. ALTA members search, review and insure land titles to protect home buyers and mortgage lenders who invest in real estate.

ALTA members advocate safe and efficient transfer of real estate and insist on high standards when searching land title records and preparing insurance documents. The industry seeks to eliminate risk before insuring, which provides homebuyers with the best possible chance of avoiding land title problems. But, title difficulties can and do occur, and members offer both Owner’s and Lender’s title insurance policies as effective safeguards.

Click here to visit the ALTA website.

About Stewart Title Insurance
Stewart (NYSE: STC) is a leading provider of real estate services, including global residential and commercial title insurance, escrow and settlement services, lender services, underwriting, specialty insurance and other solutions that facilitate successful real estate transactions. Stewart offers personalized service, industry expertise and customized solutions for virtually any type of real estate transaction, through our direct operations, network of approved agencies and other companies within the Stewart family. Through a focus on integrity, smart growth and conservative management, Stewart remains committed to serving our customers, innovating and improving to meet their needs in an ever-changing market. 

Please click on the link below for more information:

WHY TITLE INSURANCE?

Owning real estate is one of the most precious values of freedom in this country. You want the assurance that the property you are buying will be yours. Other than your mortgage holder, no one else should have any claims or restrictions against your home.

Title insurance is issued after a careful examination of the public records. But even the most thorough search cannot absolutely assure that no title faults are present, despite the knowledge and experience of professional title examiners. In addition to matters shown by public records, other title problems may exist that cannot be disclosed in a search. Title insurance eliminates any risks and losses caused by faults in title from an event that occurred before you owned the property.

Title insurance is different from other types of insurance in that it protects you, the insured, from a loss that may occur from matters or faults from the past. Other types of insurance such as auto, life, or health cover you against losses that may occur in the future. Title insurance does not protect against any future faults, but does protect you from risks or undiscovered interests. Another difference is that you pay a one-time premium for a policy that remains effective until the property is sold to a new owner - even if that doesn't occur for decades.

What is a Lender's Policy?

A lender's policy, also known as a loan policy or a mortgage policy, protects the lender against loss due to unknown title defects. It also protects the lender's interest from certain matters which may exist, but may not be known at the time of the sale.

This policy only protects the lender's interest. It does not protect the purchaser. That is why a real estate purchaser needs an owner's policy.

What is an owner's policy?

An owner's policy protects you, the purchaser, against a loss that may occur from a fault in the ownership or interest you have in the property. You should protect the equity in your new home with a title policy.

What does an owner's policy provide?

- Protection from financial loss due to demands that may be charged against the title to your home, up to the cost of the title policy.
- Payment of legal costs if the title insurer has to defend your title against a covered claim.
- Payment of successful claims against the title to your home covered by the policy, up to the cost of the policy.

Why the seller needs to provide title insurance?

Any purchaser will need evidence that his investment in your property is free of title defects. The title insurance policy that you provide the purchaser is a guarantee that you are selling a clear title to your real estate, unencumbered by any legal attachments that might limit or jeopardize ownership. It will reassure your purchaser that he or she is protected from any risks or losses and could help you close your deal.

Why the buyer needs title insurance?

Without title insurance, you may not be fully protected against errors in public records, hidden defects not disclosed by the public records, or mistakes in examination of the title. As a result, you may be held fully accountable for any prior liens, judgments or claims brought against your new property. If this should occur, your title policy insures that you will be defended at no cost against all covered claims up to the amount of the policy.

How much does title insurance cost?

The insurance commission approves and controls the premiums for title insurance policies. The premiums are paid only once and the cost depends upon the purchase price of the property and the policy amount must be equal to the purchase price.

What does title insurance protect from?

  • Fraud
  • Adverse possession
  • Rights of divorced parties
  • Deeds by minors
  • Undisclosed Heirs
  • Errors in tax records
  • False affidavits of death or heirship
  • Probate matters
  • Deeds and wills by persons of unsound mind
  • Conveyances by undisclosed divorced spouses
  • Forfeitures of real property due to criminal acts
  • Deeds by persons falsely representing their marital status
  • Documents executed by a revoked or expired Power of Attorney
  • Defective acknowledgements due to improper or expired notarization
  • Mistakes and omissions resulting in improper abstracting
  • Forged deeds, mortgages, wills, releases and other documents
  • False impersonation of the true land owner
5/15/2023
Depersonalizing your home is an important step in preparing it for sale. Learn how to remove personal touches and make your home more appealing to potential buyers in this comprehensive guide by Stewart: Schutt Law in Fort Myers

When selling your home, you want to make it as appealing as possible to potential buyers. One of the best ways to do that is by depersonalizing your space. This post will explain what it means to depersonalize your home, why it's essential, and how to do it effectively.

Make sure your home investment is secure with Schutt Law's comprehensive title insurance services. Protect yourself against any unforeseen issues with your title. Contact Schutt Law at (239) 540-7007 today.

What Does It Mean to Depersonalize Your Home?

Depersonalizing your home means removing personal items and touches that make the space feel like it belongs to you. This might include family photos, artwork, collections, and other sentimental items. Essentially, you want to create a neutral canvas that allows potential buyers to envision themselves in the space.

Why Depersonalization is Important When Selling Your Home

Depersonalization is vital for several reasons. First, it helps to make your home more appealing to a broader range of potential buyers. Depersonalizing your home might make it easier for some buyers to imagine themselves living there. Creating a more neutral space allows you to appeal to a wider range of tastes and preferences. Depersonalization is also important because it can help to make your home appear larger and more spacious. Personal items can take up a lot of visual space, making a room feel cluttered and small. Removing these items can help your home feel more open and inviting. Finally, depersonalizing your home can protect your privacy. When you're showing your home to potential buyers, you don't want them to be able to learn too much about your personal life. Removing personal items helps to maintain some level of privacy and control over the showing process.

Depersonalizing your home is important, but remember to protect it too! Trust Schutt Law to provide you with reliable title insurance services. Call (239) 540-7007 now to learn more.

How to Depersonalize Your Home: Tips and Tricks

Now that you understand the importance of depersonalization let's talk about how to do it effectively. Here are some tips and tricks to help you depersonalize your home and make it more appealing to potential buyers:
  1. Start with the big stuff: Begin by removing large personal items, such as family photos, collections, and artwork. These items can distract potential buyers, so it's best to pack them away and store them elsewhere.
  2. Remove personal touches: Next, focus on smaller personal touches that might be scattered throughout your home. This could include things like throw pillows with your initials, monogrammed towels, and other items that have your personal touch. Also, remove items that reflect your hobbies and interests.
  3. Clean and declutter: While depersonalizing your home, take the opportunity to clean and declutter. This will help to make your home feel more spacious and inviting. Pack away any items that are not essential and organize your belongings in a way that highlights your home's best features.
  4. Neutralize your color palette: If your home is decorated with bold or bright colors, consider neutralizing your color palette. This will help to create a more cohesive and calming atmosphere that will appeal to a wider range of buyers.
  5. Stage your home: Once you've depersonalized your space, consider staging your home with furniture and decor that will appeal to potential buyers. This will help them to envision themselves living in the area and increase the chances of a quicker sale.
  6. Pay attention to details: Remove any personal items from the bathroom, including toothbrushes and toiletries. You should also consider removing religious or political items, as these can be divisive and off-putting to potential buyers.
  7. Remember the outside: When depersonalizing your home, also pay attention to the outside. Remove personal items from the yard, such as garden gnomes or flags. Make sure the landscaping is well-maintained and looks inviting.
  8. Hire a professional: If you need help depersonalizing your home effectively, consider hiring a professional stager or designer. They can provide expert advice and guidance on how to make your home more appealing to potential buyers.

Final Thoughts

Depersonalizing your home is an essential step in preparing it for sale. By removing personal items and creating a more neutral space, you can make your home more appealing to potential buyers and increase your chances of a quicker sale. Remember to focus on the big stuff first, neutralize your color palette, clean and declutter, and pay attention to details inside and outside the home. With these tips and tricks, you can make your home more inviting and help potential buyers to envision themselves living in the space.

Purchasing a home is a significant investment. Ensure that your investment is protected with Schutt Law's title insurance services. Contact their team at (239) 540-7007 to schedule a consultation today.