SCHUTT LAW FIRM, P.A.
Phone: 239.540.7007
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Schutt Law Firm, P.A. - Attorney Profile
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
From crafting compelling listings to leveraging digital platforms, discover strategies and essential tips for marketing a property effectively in this post by Stewart: Schutt Law in Fort Myers.
Safeguard your property rights and ensure a worry-free home purchase with title insurance. Don't leave your investment to chance – contact Schutt Law in Fort Myers today at (239) 540-7007.
Crafting a Compelling Listing
In the dynamic world of real estate, capturing the attention of potential buyers requires more than just a standard property listing. It involves the artful crafting of a compelling narrative that showcases your home's unique charm and distinctive features. Keep reading for four essentials when creating your listing.- Captivating Headline: Your property's headline is the first impression potential buyers will have. Craft a compelling and descriptive headline that highlights the property's key features. For example, "Charming Family Home with Modern Upgrades" is more enticing than a generic "3-Bedroom House for Sale."
- Detailed Property Description: Go beyond the basics. Provide a clear yet concise description of your property, emphasizing its unique selling points. Highlight recent renovations, proximity to amenities, and standout features that set your property apart.
- High-Quality Photos: Invest in professional photography to showcase your property in the best light. High-quality, well-lit images can significantly impact a buyer's perception. Include a variety of interior and exterior shots to give a comprehensive view of the property.
- Virtual Tours: In the digital age, virtual tours have become increasingly popular. Consider creating a virtual tour to provide potential buyers with an immersive experience, allowing them to explore your property from the comfort of their own homes.
Leveraging Digital Platforms
Leveraging digital platforms is more than just a trend; reaching a vast and diverse audience of potential homebuyers is necessary. Let’s explore a few strategies worth exploring in your home-selling journey.- Social Media Marketing: Utilize social media platforms to reach a broader audience. Share visually appealing posts with a link to your listing. Consider creating targeted ads to reach potential buyers based on demographics, interests, and location.
- Online Listing Websites: Take advantage of popular real estate listing websites like Zillow, Realtor.com, and Trulia. Ensure your listing is complete with accurate information, and regularly update it to keep it fresh in search results.
- Email Marketing: Build a list of potential buyers and real estate agents. Send out newsletters showcasing your property, including updates, price adjustments, and upcoming open houses. Personalized communication can make a significant impact.
- SEO Optimization: Optimize your online listing for search engines to increase visibility. Use relevant keywords in your listing description, include a detailed address, and encourage satisfied visitors to leave positive reviews.
Worried about unforeseen title issues? Secure your peace of mind with title insurance from Schutt Law in Fort Myers—call (239) 540-7007 to proactively protect your property.
Traditional Marketing Strategies
Amidst the digital evolution of real estate marketing, the enduring influence of traditional strategies remains a cornerstone when selling your property.- Print Advertising: Don't overlook the power of print media. Create visually appealing flyers or brochures to distribute in your community or local businesses. Include striking images and essential details about your property.
- Open Houses: Host well-organized and inviting open houses. Ensure your property is in pristine condition, and consider offering refreshments to create a positive and memorable experience for potential buyers.
- Networking: Establish connections with local real estate agents and professionals. Attend networking events and collaborate with those who can help showcase your property to a broader audience.
Pricing Strategies
Pricing is a pivotal factor that can make or break the success of your home sale. Here are three excellent strategies to keep in mind when pricing your property.- Competitive Pricing: Research comparable properties in your area to determine a competitive yet realistic price. Overpricing can turn away potential buyers, while underpricing may lead to missed opportunities.
- Incentives: Consider offering incentives to attract buyers, such as covering closing costs, including appliances, or providing a home warranty. These incentives can make your property stand out in a competitive market.
- Flexible Financing Options: Explore flexible financing options to make your property more accessible to a broader range of buyers. Offering seller financing or working with mortgage brokers can enhance your property's appeal.
In Conclusion
Successfully marketing a property requires a multifaceted approach that combines digital strategies, traditional methods, and smart pricing decisions. Take the time to understand your target audience, highlight your property's unique features, and stay adaptable in the ever-evolving real estate market. With these strategies in place, you'll be well on your way to confidently selling your property.Invest in your property with confidence. A thorough title search and reliable title insurance from Schutt Law in Fort Myers can make all the difference. Dial (239) 540-7007 to secure your investment and ensure a smooth home-selling process.
12601 New Brittany Blvd
Fort Myers, FL 33907
Phone: 239.540.7007
Fax: 239.791.1080
