Lakeview Title

Understanding the Legalities of Foreclosures

Lakeview Title — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 00:00:00 ET

With loan modifications becoming increasingly more challenging to obtain, the amount of short sales and foreclosures continue to rise.

Short Sales that Stop Short: Why Agent-Driven Short Sales Close Poorly

Lakeview Title — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 00:00:00 ET

Tips for successful short sale transactions.

A Rescue Plan for Distressed Short Sales

Lakeview Title — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 00:00:00 ET

Short sale transactions are on the rise. The poor economy, rising unemployment and reduced home prices across the nation have all contributed to this trend. But what does this mean for you if you're a home buyer, seller or real estate agent? Read more to find out.

How to Rebuild Your Credit � Part 2

Lakeview Title — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 00:00:00 ET

You will recall from the previous article that we discussed some of the initial steps you can take to rebuild your credit score.

In this article we continue that conversation and introduce three fundamental habits that you must have in order to maintain a strong credit score.

How to Rebuild Your Credit Part 1

Lakeview Title — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 00:00:00 ET

Have you checked your credit score lately? Is it listed as bad or poor on loan and credit applications?
Whether you’ve had poor credit in the past, or you’re struggling to maintain good credit currently, there are easy steps you can take to rectify the situation.

Everything You Need to Know About Title Insurance

Lakeview Title — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 00:00:00 ET

Have you ever wondered what title insurance is all about? What purpose does it serve and how does it benefit you as a homebuyer? Well, when you finally obtain approval for your home loan, the mortgage company will begin to speak with you about title insurance.

What Does a Title Company Do?

Lakeview Title — Tue, 19 Jul 2011 00:00:00 ET

Title companies are mysterious to people who don't understand what the term 'title' really means. A lot of folks think of 'title' as a piece of paper that shows ownership of property such as a car, or a house. This is only one piece of the pie. This article tells you everything you need to know about what Title companies do.

When To Refinance Your Home Mortgage

Lakeview Title — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 00:00:00 ET

Are you having trouble paying your mortgage? Do you often wonder when is the right time to refinance? Well this article explains some important considerations to make as you figure out whether it's time for you to refinance your mortgage.

10 Mistakes to Avoid Before Buying a Home

Lakeview Title — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 00:00:00 ET

Home buying is rarely a quick and easy decision. It requires lots of pre-planning and preparation. Unfortunately many buyers do not plan adequately for this occasion. Sometimes they don't even know how to plan. Thus they end up getting disappointed when they cannot - for various reasons - purchase the home of their dreams. Here are 10 common mistakes to avoid before buying a home.

Worth Fighting Over: How Shared Driveways Come Between Good Neighbors

Lakeview Title — Wed, 25 May 2011 00:00:00 ET

When you're in the market for a new home convenience is right on top of your wish-list together with location and other amenities. But what if your dream home comes with a shared driveway? Most people might assume that they automatically have the right to use a shared driveway. Unfortunately, that's not always the case.

Home Inspection Contingency: Straight Talk about Home Inspections � Part Two

Lakeview Title — Tue, 26 Apr 2011 00:00:00 ET

The previous article discussed the importance of a home inspection contingency clause as part of the sales contract. In particular it focused on the Maryland Association of Realtors (MAR) inspection addendum, widely used in Howard County and surrounding areas. This week’s article analyses the Greater Capital Area Association of Realtors (GCAAR) inspection addendum which is used mostly in Montgomery, Frederick and Prince George’s counties and other areas in Maryland and Virginia surrounding Washington D.C.

Home Inspection Contingency: Straight Talk about Home Inspections � Part One

Lakeview Title — Tue, 19 Apr 2011 00:00:00 ET

Buying a home is the one of biggest investments you will ever make. Once you purchase a house, there’s no option to exchange it or return it if things go wrong. A home inspection gives the buyer a better understanding of the physical condition of the structure by conducting a visual inspection of the house and its systems.

Understanding Your Lease Option Agreement

Lakeview Title — Tue, 12 Apr 2011 00:00:00 ET

From a buyer’s point of view, a lease option is excellent when you wish to buy a piece of property but aren’t quite ready due to credit or financial problems.

The lease option gives you time to work out your finances while giving you some control over your ‘new home’. In a buyer’s market, a seller may also benefit from a lease option, if they have property that has been on the market for a long time or if they need to move quickly and need their house occupied as soon as possible.

6 Familiar Short Sale Troubles

Lakeview Title — Tue, 05 Apr 2011 00:00:00 ET

Short sales present a less disruptive option to financially troubled home-owners than do foreclosures or bankruptcy. But they do have their fair share of problems. When a short sale buyer or seller is well informed about these potential pitfalls, then they can plan accordingly and even take some steps to reduce the impact of their effects.

How to Get People to Do What You Want: The Science of Persuasion

Lakeview Title — Mon, 20 Sep 2010 00:00:00 ET

Being persuasive may be more important than having three letters behind your name. But don't tell that to all those overpriced institutions of higher education.

How to Recession-Proof Your Business

Lakeview Title — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 00:00:00 ET

Has the weak economy put your pockets in a pickle?

How are Record-Low Mortgage Rates Affecting the Housing Market?

Lakeview Title — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 00:00:00 ET

With 30-year fixed mortgage rates at 4.5%, buyers and refinancers should be rushing to loan officers as if it were Christmastime at Walmart. Are they?

3 Marketing Mistakes to Avoid

Lakeview Title — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 00:00:00 ET

Most experts agree that marketing is key to maintaining any business. But, what is marketing?

How to Stay Up in a Down Real Estate Market

Lakeview Title — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 00:00:00 ET

Summer is here. The housing market has picked up and continues to gain momentum, mortgage rates are still low, buyers are out and about, there are multiple offers on single properties, and even though the federal tax credits have expired, transactions are still taking place. So, life is good . . . right? Hmm . . . not so fast.

Is the Real Estate Market Stressing You Out?

Lakeview Title — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 00:00:00 ET

The real estate market is challenging. Foreclosures, short sales, price markdowns, high demand/low supply, RESPA/HUD-1 confusion, it's enough to stress you out. And we all know what stress can do.

How Will the U.S. Jobs Bill Affect Local Real Estate Development?

Lakeview Title — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 00:00:00 ET

House passes job legislation, but is it all good news?

How to Handle Difficult Clients

Lakeview Title — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 00:00:00 ET

Realtors can acquire a number of special designations in order to make themselves more marketable, such as: Commercial Specialist, Seniors Real Estate Specialist, Appraiser Specialist, Short Sale and Foreclosure Specialist, Green Specialist, and the list goes on. But I've never seen a designation for "People Specialist " You know . . . a designation that would qualify you as an expert in "How to Handle Difficult People or Clients." Bummer.

How to Prioritize and Make Life Easier

Lakeview Title — Thu, 20 May 2010 00:00:00 ET

You have a million things to do and they all need to get done yesterday! But since there's only one of you, what gets done and what doesn't?

7 Best Ways to Negotiate Real Estate Contracts

Lakeview Title — Mon, 10 May 2010 00:00:00 ET

Negotiation is at the heart of successful real estate contracts. Each side comes to the table with expectations and if all goes well each side leaves feeling satisfied with the outcome.

Real Estate Agents: Will Driving a Flashy Car Make You Richer or Will the Clunker Get Her Done?

Lakeview Title — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 00:00:00 ET

Clunker vs. Flashy Car. Does it really matter?

9 Secrets of Success in Real Estate Sales

Lakeview Title — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 00:00:00 ET

Real estate sales can be a lucrative business. Do you have what it takes?

Lakeview Title Company Real Estate Market News

Lakeview Title — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 00:00:00 ET

The housing market is in recovery. Are we headed for another boom? Or will growth sputter and stall? Has there been any job growth? Has the foreclosure rate risen?

5 Reasons Why Buyers May Be Bummed Out About the Real Estate Market

Lakeview Title — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 00:00:00 ET

Far be it for me to be the bringer of not-so-rosy news because I like to think optimistically. And not-so-rosy news really gives me the heebeegeebees!!

In any event, it is what it is, so read on.

Real Estate Agents: 12 Best Ways to Market Yourself

Lakeview Title — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 00:00:00 ET

After you've done your research and identified your target market, marketing involves building and maintaining relationships with people who are interested in buying what you are selling. It means regular communication that lets people know you can help solve their problems or give them what they want.

Is It Better to Be a Jack of All Trades or Master of One? - Part II

Lakeview Title — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 00:00:00 ET

This is Part II of a two-part series. Part I addressed specializing. If you missed it, by all means, feel free to go check it out. Part II will address generalizing.

Is It Better to Be a Jack of All Trades or Master of One? - Part I

Lakeview Title — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 00:00:00 ET

Real estate professionals have an abundance of choices when it comes building, maintaining, and expanding their businesses. But when you think about it, it comes down to two basic strategies: generalize or specialize.

Lakeview Title Company Real Estate Market News

Lakeview Title — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 00:00:00 ET

Are people buying or just kicking tires? Is the economy looking up? Will short sales become easier? Has Spring sprung? What's going on with downtown Columbia? And why on earth am I asking so many questions?!!!

Do Buyers Have the Right to Choose Their Own Title Company?

Lakeview Title — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 00:00:00 ET

Title companies are not created equally. Neither is title insurance. So, shouldn't a buyer have the right to choose?

Will the O'Malley Foreclosure Mediation Bill Solve the Foreclosure Crisis?

Lakeview Title — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 00:00:00 ET

Maryland is above the national average in foreclosure filings. And during the last quarter of 2009, foreclosures in Maryland increased significantly from the previous year. So, what's a governor to do?

Cyber Security Hub in Maryland Will Bring Jobs and Housing

Lakeview Title — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 00:00:00 ET

The Pentagon's proposed Cyber Command at Fort Meade could mean good things for the region

What a Snowtastic Week!

Lakeview Title — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 00:00:00 ET

I know . . . I know! You were stuck in the house for days watching television, surfing the internet, and drinking hot cocoa. Meanwhile, business nearly came to a screeching halt.

Short Sales Going Rogue!!! - UPDATE

Lakeview Title — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 00:00:00 ET

Short sales almost went into cardiac arrest last month. But thanks to the attorney general's office . . . they're still on life support!!

It's Tidbit Tuesday . . . so here's a tidbit of what's going on in the market

Lakeview Title — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 00:00:00 ET

What's going on with mortgage interest rates? Are home sales up or down? What's the FHA talking about? Look no further. The answers to all that and more . . . now . . . on Tidbit Tuesday!

Short Sales Going Rogue!!!

Lakeview Title — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 00:00:00 ET

The audacity of stealing hope . . . hope that a short sale would actually make it to the settlement table!

What Do Real Estate Agents and NFL Players Have in Common?

Lakeview Title — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 00:00:00 ET

Big money? High stakes? What do real estate agents and NFL players have in common?

Jack Be Nimble, Jack Be Quick . . . Interest Rates Are Headed for an Uptick

Lakeview Title — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 00:00:00 ET

We've all become accustomed to low interest rates. Is the party over?

5 Great Reasons Why You Should Get Excited About the Real Estate Market in 2010 and Beyond

Lakeview Title — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 00:00:00 ET

A wise person once said that in order to be happy you need three things: Something to do, something to love, and something to look forward to. I admit I cannot help you with the first two, but I certainly can try to help you with the last one.

70-Something Ways You Could Lose Your Home

Lakeview Title — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 00:00:00 ET

One of our title insurance companies, First American Title Insurance Company, produced a great summary of what can go wrong if your title insurance is lacking. They titled it "70-Something Ways You Could Lose Your Home." We've reprinted it below for all of our clients to read. Thanks to First American for this useful information.