Why You Should Not Make Any Major Credit Purchases

Don’t go on a spending spree using credit if you are thinking about buying a home, or in the process of buying a new home. Your mortgage pre-approval is subject to a final evaluation of your financial situation. Every $100 you pay per month on a credit payment could cost you about $10,000 in home eligibility. For example, a car payment of $300/month could mean that you qualify for $30,000 less in a mortgage. Even if you have accumulated enough savings, you should consider not making any large purchases until after closing. The last thing you want is to know that you could have purchased a new home had you curbed the urge to spend.

The Meadows In Sarasota, FL

Situated in a prime location in Sarasota, Florida The Meadows community has a diverse range of activities and amenities. The list incudes 3-18 hole golf courses, tennis courts, pickle ball courts, swimming pools, walking trails, clubhouses, pro shop, and restaurants, All of this can foster a sense of community and provide opportunities for residents to engage in recrational activities and social events. The Meadows is a beautiful setting known for its lush greenery and picturesque mature landscapes It features tree-lined streets, manicured lawns, and numerous lakes, providing a serene and scenic environment. There is a wide range of housing options, including single-family homes, townhouses, and condominiums. Whether you're looking for a cozy home or a spacious property, The Meadows likely has something to suit your needs. As a resident of The Meadows you will have close access to everything Sarasota has to offer. Sarasota has some of the best beaches in Florida. One of them is Siesta Keys with its white fine sand. Sarasota is also known for its cultural activities, including small art galleries, theaters, and museums (one of the most famous is the Ringling Museum). UTC Mall is right around the corner and soon the MOTE aquarium will be complete. If you are considering moving to the Meadows community or any other area, it's always a good idea to visit the place in person to get a feel for the neighborhood and see if it aligns with your preferences and lifestyle. For more information on The Meadows amenities please visit their website: The Meadows Community Association

Statements of Information

What’s in a name? When a title company seeks to uncover matters affecting title to real property, the answer is, “Quite a bit.” Statements of Information provide title companies with the information they need to distinguish the buyers and sellers of real property from others with similar names. After identifying the true buyers and sellers, title companies may disregard the judgments, liens or other matters on the public records under similar names. To help you better understand this sensitive subject, the Land Title Association has answered some of the questions most commonly asked about Statements of Information. What is a Statement of Information? A Statement of Information is a form routinely requested from the buyer, seller and borrower in a transaction where title insurance is sought. The completed form provides the title company with information needed to adequately examine documents so as to disregard matters which do not affect the property to be insured, matters which actually apply to some other person. What does a Statement of Information do? Every day documents affecting real property--liens, court decrees, bankruptcies--are recorded. Whenever a title company uncovers a recorded document in which the name is the same or similar to that of the buyer, seller or borrower in a title transaction, the title company must ask, “Does this document affect the parties we are insuring?” Because, if it does, it affects title to the property and would, therefore, be listed as an exception from coverage under the title policy. A properly completed Statement of Information will allow the title company to differentiate between parties with the same or similar names when searching documents recorded by name. This protects all parties involved and allows the title company to competently carry out its duties without unnecessary delay. What types of information are requested in a Statement of Information? The information requested is personal in nature, but not unnecessarily so. The information requested is essential to avoid delays in closing the transaction. You, and your spouse if you are married, will be asked to provide full name, social security number, year of birth, birthplace, and information or citizenship. If you are married, you will be asked the date and place of your marriage or registered domestic partnership. Residence and employment information will be requested, as will information regarding previous marriages or registered domestic partnerships. Will the information I supply be kept confidential? The information you supply is completely confidential and only for title company use in completing the search of records necessary before a policy of title insurance can be issued. What happens if a buyer, seller or borrower fails to provide the requested Statement of Information? At best, failure to provide the requested Statement of Information will hinder the search and examination capabilities of the title company, causing delay in the production of your title policy. At worst, failure to provide the information requested could prohibit the close of your escrow. Without a Statement of Information, it would be necessary for the title company to list as exceptions from coverage judgments, liens or other matters which may affect the property to be insured. Such exceptions would be unacceptable to most lenders, whose interest must also be insured. Conclusion Title companies make every attempt in issuing a policy of title insurance to identify known risks affecting your property and to efficiently and correctly transfer title so as to protect your interests as a homebuyer. By properly completing a Statement of Information, you allow the title company to provide the service you need with the assurance of confidentiality. Article by CLTA

Considering Offers

When reading an offer, keep in mind that you are out to get the best price AND the best terms for you. If you focus solely on the price, you may overlook terms that could be favorable to you as a seller. Some terms that may work in your favor: higher-than-market-interest in a second mortgage for your home the buyer will pay for most or all of the closing costs the buyer will take care of any repairs quick close - the buyer is pre-approved and ready to close in a timeframe that best suits you all-cash deal When reading through offers, remember to look at the whole package. Take the time that you need to assess what is being offered and if it meets your needs.