Blog

When you buy a home, you’re not just purchasing four walls and a roof—you’re investing in your financial future. But what if someone claims rights to your property after closing? What if an undiscovered issue with your title arises? That’s where title insurance steps...

Work-life can be a challenge, but it is essential in this day and age. Oftentimes, work takes precedence over everything as we have a natural desire to succeed professionally. We tend to push aside our well-being, which leads to a poor work-life balance. Creating a...

By: Jessica O. Wilke Partner, Hansen, Howell & Wilkie, PLLC North Carolina Underwriting Counsel, Alliant National Title Insurance Company I. Why do we care? A. Because claims / litigation due to lack of authority or capacity in signing real property documents are...

Sadly, we only see about 25% of owners purchasing a survey when the buy their home. Why? Surveys can run about $500-700 and there is a long wait for them to come in before closing. However, I cannot underestimate how important getting a survey is! Not only does it...

It’s true. One of the most contentious things I’ve seen happen in a closing is when the seller (typically an engineer) reads that North Carolina Property taxes are assessed by the fiscal year (July 1 to June 30) but collects the bills on a calendar year (January 1 to...

In a post-pandemic world, many of us are looking for ways to turn our homes into a place of wellness. Whether that means hiring professionals to do the heavy lifting or taking on some projects ourselves, there are plenty of ways to revive and refresh your home. When...

Wondering if that Foreclosed home is a good deal or not? Be sure to reach out for a referral on a good attorney to do your title search and closing! Not all closings are created equal and there are settlement shops out there that are not attorney owned/operated. This...

So many people think that the end of the month is the best time to close because you will pay less money. I’m not really sure where this myth came from but I know it’s been around since at least the early 90s. I think it may have something to do with per diem...

Believe it or not but this seems to happen all of the time. Congratulations, you are under contract! Closing will be in 30-40 days. Uh oh, one of us are going overseas and won’t be here for closing. The good thing is you have plenty of time to have a power of attorney...

VA loans offer veterans a convenient way into the property market. As they’re backed by the Department of Veteran Affairs, applicants can get away with putting no money down. But, that doesn’t mean you should go ahead without caution. Here are 6 common mistakes to...