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The Rising Issue of Vacant Land & Seller Impersonation Scams

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Seller impersonation fraud continues to be a significant concern in the real estate industry, affecting both agents and clients alike. Despite ongoing efforts to combat these scams, they persist as a growing threat, with recent data indicating alarming trends. Seller Impersonation Fraud: A Persistent Threat In 2023, a troubling 28% of title insurance companies reported encountering attempts of seller impersonation. This nefarious practice didn’t diminish in 2024 either, with 19% of companies facing such attempts in April alone. This persistent threat underscores the need for heightened awareness and proactive measures to safeguard against fraud. Learn More about this trend here:   ALTA -Seller Impersonation Fraud Attempts Increase One notable case highlighted the severity of these scams when a fraudulent seller impersonation led to an unsuspecting buyer unwittingly initiating a construction project on land that was never legitimately for sale. The ramifications can be financia...

Understanding New Hampshire's Transfer on Death Deeds (TODD): What You Need to Know

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  Effective July 1, New Hampshire has adopted the Uniform Real Property Transfer on Death Act  (RSA 563-D).   RSA 563-D authorizes the use of Transfer of Death Deeds (TODD) in New Hampshire , bringing significant changes to property inheritance procedures. Here’s what you need to know about TODDs: What is a TODD? A Transfer on Death Deed (TODD) is a legal instrument that allows real property to transfer to designated beneficiaries upon the death of the property owner (grantor). Key Features of TODDs: Non-Testamentary: TODD assets bypass probate proceedings, streamlining the transfer process. Exempt from Transfer Taxes: There are no transfer taxes applied to TODD transfers. Key Requirements: Recording: The TODD must be recorded with the county registry of deeds before the grantor’s death. Timing: It must be recorded at least 60 days after signing to ensure validity. Property Description: A complete and accurate property description is required. No Notice Required: U...

Protecting Your Home: Unlocking the Power of First American's Eagle Owner's Policy in National Homeowner's Month

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June isn't just about celebrating dads and grads; it's also National Homeowner's Month, and this June marks the 242nd anniversary of the bald eagle's selection as our national emblem in 1782. These fun June facts set the stage perfectly to discuss an essential aspect of protecting your home: title insurance. At Broker’s Title & Closing, we emphasize the importance of safeguarding your most valuable asset with the right coverage. Specifically, we highlight the Eagle® Policy from First American Title Insurance, offering the most comprehensive protection available for homeowners. This includes coverage for a wide range of issues, such as: Building permit and zoning violations Encroachment of improvements onto easements and setbacks Subdivision violations Restrictive covenant violations Post-policy forgery Post-policy encroachments by neighbors Post-policy adverse possession Post-policy easement by prescription What s...

A Guide to Closing on Real Estate in New Hampshire

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  "Welcome to the Home Stretch: Your Closing Journey Begins" Are you planning to buy or sell a home in the picturesque state of New Hampshire? Congratulations on taking this exciting step in your real estate journey! Whether you're a first-time homebuyer or a seasoned seller, navigating the closing process can seem daunting. However, with the right guidance, you can handle it with ease. This comprehensive guide will provide you with all the essential information you need to close on real estate in the Granite State successfully. Selecting a Settlement Agent Once you have your signed contract in hand, it's time to choose a settlement agent. In New Hampshire, this can be either a Title Company or an Attorney. Typically, the buyer is responsible for hiring the settlement agent. Choosing the Right Title Company or Attorney Selecting a reputable title company or attorney is crucial for a smooth closing. Here are some factors to consider: Reputation: Choos...

Unlocking the Secrets of Real Estate Closings in New Hampshire – Who Signs the Deed?

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  Closing the deal on the sale of your home is exciting, but the process is not as straightforward as you might think, especially in New Hampshire. The key question is, who really needs to sign the Deed? Let's unravel the intricacies. What is a Deed? The Deed is a crucial document that is signed normally at closing by the seller(s) and is what transfers the ownership interest in the property from the seller to the buyer.   You might have heard that if your spouse isn't on the deed, they don't need to be at the closing. Well, in New Hampshire, that might not be the case. To understand this, we first need to grasp the difference between Title Interest and Homestead Interest. Title Interest Vs. Homestead Interest Title interest is a legal ownership right, granting the privilege to use and occupy the home. On the other hand, homestead interest is an equitable interest deeply rooted in early law, designed to shield the equity in a primary residence from creditors. ...

5 Seller Tips for a Timely Home Closing

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  Selling your home is a significant milestone, but navigating the closing process can sometimes be daunting. However, with the right knowledge and preparation, you can ensure a smooth and timely closing experience. Here are five essential tips to help sellers streamline their closing process: Tip 1: Prepare the Deed As the seller, it's your responsibility to prepare the new deed for the property sale. Typically, you'll enlist the help of a title company or an attorney to assist with this task, which here in New Hampshire usually costs between $150 to $300. Keep in mind that both you and your spouse (if applicable) will need to sign the deed, even if your spouse is not listed on the title. If the property is a homestead, your spouse must release their homestead rights. It's important to note that a Power of Attorney (POA) cannot sign the deed on your behalf. Tip 2: Flexibility with the Closing Date The closing date can sometimes feel like a moving target due to vari...

Navigating the Mortgage Maze: Unraveling the Mystery Behind Payoff Figures

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Greetings, sellers and real estate enthusiasts. Today, we embark on a journey into the pragmatic realm of settlement statement figures, shedding light on the Mortgage Payoff. Recent concerns have prompted us to address common misconceptions and questions surrounding this crucial aspect of the closing process. When selling your property, it falls upon the settlement agent to ensure that all seller debts attached to the property, including current mortgages, are settled at closing. However, it's not uncommon to find that mortgage payoff statements can differ slightly from the figures reported in the seller’s current mortgage statements. Let's explore some of the reasons behind these variances. The Timing Tightrope: Exercising Caution In the pursuit of a seamless closing process, timing is of the essence. The settlement agent is responsible for ordering the mortgage payoff. Ordering a payoff statement too late risks delays, while doing so too early presents its own challenge...