SCHUTT LAW FIRM, P.A.
Phone: 239.540.7007
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Title Insurance
Hiring movers*? This guide from Stewart: Schutt Law in Fort Myers, FL* provides expert advice on finding reputable movers, avoiding scams, and ensuring a smooth move.
Moving can be an exciting but stressful time. One of your biggest decisions is choosing the right moving company. To help ensure your move is as smooth and stress-free as possible, here's what to look for when hiring movers.
Navigating a real estate transaction? From contract to closing, Stewart: Schutt Law in Fort Myers, FL provides expert legal guidance every step of the way. Call us today at (239) 540-7007 to ensure a smooth and successful closing.
1. Get Recommendations and Read Reviews
Start by asking friends, family, and colleagues for recommendations. Personal experiences can offer valuable insights. Next, delve into online reviews on sites like Yelp, Google My Business, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Look for patterns in reviews – both positive and negative – to get a well-rounded picture of the mover's reputation.
2. Verify Credentials and Licensing
Reputable movers should have the necessary licenses and insurance. For interstate moves, movers must be licensed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). You can verify a mover's license on the FMCSA website and check their complaint history. For in-state moves, check with your state's transportation department for licensing requirements.
3. Obtain Multiple Estimates
Don't settle for the first estimate you receive. Get at least three written estimates from different moving companies. Ensure each estimate includes a detailed breakdown of services, costs, and potential additional fees. Be wary of estimates that seem significantly lower than others, as this could be a red flag for a less reputable company.
4. Insist on an In-Home Inspection
A reputable mover will insist on conducting an in-home inspection to accurately assess the volume of your belongings and provide a more precise estimate. This also allows the movers to identify challenges, such as narrow doorways or stairs, and plan accordingly.
5. Understand the Contract Terms
Before signing any contract, read it thoroughly. Pay close attention to the following:
- Liability Coverage: Understand the mover's liability for loss or damage to your belongings.
- Valuation Options: Explore the different valuation options and choose the one that best suits your needs. Full-value protection provides the highest level of coverage.
- Payment Terms: Clarify the payment schedule and accepted methods of payment. Be wary of companies demanding a large upfront deposit.
- Cancellation Policy: Understand the terms for canceling the move and any associated fees.
Don't let legal complexities derail your real estate goals. Stewart: Schutt Law in Fort Myers, FL offers comprehensive legal support from contract negotiation to closing, ensuring your transaction is handled with expertise and care. Call (239) 540-7007 today for a consultation.
6. Beware of Red Flags
When hiring movers, be cautious of these red flags:
- No Physical Address: A legitimate moving company will have a physical address listed on their website and in their communications.
- Demands for Cash Payment: Reputable movers typically accept various forms of payment and won't insist on cash only.
- Blank or Incomplete Contracts: Never sign a blank or incomplete contract. All terms and conditions should be clearly outlined.
- High-Pressure Sales Tactics: Avoid companies that use aggressive sales tactics or pressure you to make a quick decision.
7. Ask About Additional Services
If you need help packing, unpacking, or storage, inquire about these additional services. Some movers offer full-service packages that can simplify your move.
8. Confirm Insurance Coverage
Before the move, confirm that the moving company has adequate insurance coverage to protect your belongings in case of damage or loss. You should also check with your homeowner's or renter's insurance policy to understand your coverage during the move.
9. Prepare for Moving Day
On moving day, be present to supervise the loading and unloading of your belongings. Keep valuable items, important documents, and medications with you. Do a final walkthrough of your home to ensure nothing is left behind.
10. Address Concerns Promptly
If any issues or concerns arise during the move, communicate them with the moving company immediately. Most reputable companies will work to resolve any problems quickly and professionally.
By following these tips, you can make an informed decision when hiring movers and increase the chances of a smooth and successful move. Remember, thorough research and clear communication are key to a positive moving experience.
Buying or selling a property? Ensure a seamless experience with Stewart: Schutt Law in Fort Myers, FL. We provide expert legal assistance throughout your real estate journey, from contract to closing—call (239) 540-7007 to discuss your needs.
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
12601 New Brittany Blvd
Fort Myers, FL 33907
Phone: 239.540.7007
Fax: 239.791.1080
