Top 10 Questions from Title Source Clients - Day 10

We hope you have enjoyed our Top 10 Questions Series!  Today is our final day and Title Source team members Bob Powell and Lance Davis are delivering the answer to our last question!

Top 10 Questions from Title Source Clients - Day 9

As we near the end of our Top 10 Questions Series we would like to say thank you for joining us over the last nine days!  We hope you found value in the questions we have covered and encourage you to keep the questions coming!  Today, folks want to know more about our appraisal division.

#2
Q:  What is TSI Appraisal? 

A:  TSI Appraisal, a division of Title Source, is a leading Appraisal Management Company (AMC) providing collateral solutions nationwide.  TSI Appraisal offers a variety of products including: conventional, government, limited scope, review and automated valuation reports.  TSI Appraisal employs a nationwide network of over 20,000 certified and licensed appraisers.  Our experienced appraisal and support teams are committed to providing exceptional service to you and your clients!  With TSI Appraisal, you can feel confident that you'll receive accurate, high quality appraisal products. 

Tomorrow is the final day of our countdown-don't miss it!! 

Top 10 Questions from Title Source Clients - Day 8

Welcome back!  There are only two days remaining in our Top 10 Questions Series so let's keep rolling with today's question and answer!

#3
Q:  Are you a national provider?

A:  Yes, our comprehensive knowledge of state-specific requirements and geographic competency allows Title Source to provide nationwide coverage of title, appraisal and closing services. 

Have we answered your question yet?  If not, be sure to ask it here.  You won't want to miss the next two posts so be sure to visit tomorrow and Friday! 

Top 10 Questions from Title Source Clients - Day 7

Thank you for joining us on day seven of our Top 10 Questions Series!  Today, we are explaining why title insurance is required.

#4
Q:  Why title insurance?

A:  Title insurance protects property owners and real estate lenders against any property loss or damage they might experience because of liens, encumbrances or defects in the title to the property. Each title insurance policy is subject to specific terms, conditions and exclusions. While homeowners insurance, flood insurance and auto insurance focus on the possibility of future events occurring, title insurance protects against losses from previously existing defects in the chain of title to a property. A title commitment can reveal defects in the title to a property, such as:

• improper vesting
• construction liens
• conflicting boundaries and encroachments
• access
• undisclosed heirs
• fraudulent instruments in the chain of title

Over half of all real estate transactions have a problem somewhere in the chain of title, whatever the issue our team of experts can help resolve it. We make sure the title to your client’s home is error-free and interest to the property is secure.

National Pretzel Day - Fun Facts

In honor of National Pretzel Day, April 26th, we decided to post these fun, little-known pretzel facts:

• The first pretzel was created in 610 A.D. by a monk in southern France or northern Italy. It was originally called a 'pretiola' and was renamed 'pretzel' later when the idea migrated to Germany and Austria.

• In the 17th century, pretzels were known as a marriage knot. During a wedding ceremony, a couple would wish upon a pretzel, break it (like a wishbone), and eat it to signify their oneness. It is speculated that the term, "tying the knot," originated in Switzerland in 1614 during a wedding between two prominent families.

• In the 18th century, German children would wear pretzel necklaces at the beginning of a new year for prosperity, health and good fortune.

• The birthplace of the hard pretzel was Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. The pretzel, or bretzel as it was called then, first came to America in 1710 with Palatine German immigrants (from the Rhineland) who settled in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania and became known, incorrectly, as the "Pennsylvania Dutch."

• In 1861, pretzel twisting was the second highest-paying job in the Philadelphia region. Today, machines do the twisting, although at some artisan shops, tourists can still see it done the old-fashioned way.

• Oprah Winfrey's favorite type of pretzel is the hard sourdough kind.

What's your favorite pretzel? 

Top 10 Question from Title Source Clients - Day 6

Thank you for visiting.  Today, we are kicking off the second week of our Top 10 Questions Series!  Title Source  is a national provider of title and settlement services and we are often asked about Attorney States.   So, without further ado....

#5
Q:  What is an "Attorney State" in regards to title insurance?

A:  The commonly accepted understanding of an attorney state within the lending environment is the act of presenting documents for closing by an attorney licensed to practice law in that state.

In some states, a title opinion must be issued by a state licensed attorney before a title commitment can be issued.

Don't forget to stop by everyday this week!  Do you have a question for Title Source?  Leave it here!

Top 10 Questions from Title Source Clients - Day 5

Today, we are wrapping up the first week of our of our Top 10 Questions Series! Spring is nearly here and with that the purchase season looming Title Source clients want to know:

#6
Q: Where can you perform purchase transactions? Can you provide a quote?

A: Title Source handles purchase transactions in FL, GA, IL, IN, MA, MD, MI, NJ, OH, PA, SC, VA, WZ as well as 16 counties in CA: Almeda, Contra Costa, Fresno, Kern, Kings, Los Angeles, Madera, Orange, Riverside, Sacramento, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Francisco, Santa Barbara, Tulare and Ventura.

Yes, we can quote purchases in all states listed above. We also have the ability to quote in states that we don't cover, however, these quotes are informational and not guaranteed.

Thank you for joining us all week! Be sure to come back for the second half of our Top 10 Questions Series next week.

Top 10 Questions from Title Source Clients - Day 4

Welcome!  It is day 4 of our Top 10 Questions Series and the answers keep on coming!  Today, Title Source clients want to know about mobile closings.

#7
Q: Do you have mobile notaries/attorneys?  Where and when will they perform closings?   Can I add my preferred notary to your network? 

A: Yes, we have a nationwide network of 30,000 notaries and they can perform closings in just about any preferred location.  If you have a preferred vendor, we can add them to our network as long as they can supply the necessary documentation and sign our contract. 

Remember, we will be answering your questions over the next 6 business days.  Be sure to check back each day!  If you have a question you'd like us to answer, ask it here!   

Top 10 Questions from Title Source Clients - Day 3

Welcome to day 3 of our Top 10 Questions Series!  Today, Title Source clients want to know:

#8
Q: What’s the difference between a title commitment and title policy?

A: A title commitment is the underwriter’s (agent) commitment to insure the title to the property or position of a loan as long as the requirements, set forth in the title commitment, are met by the parties.

A title policy is issued after the requirements have been met and provides actual coverage to the insured. A “marked up” commitment will also provide coverage as long as it is signed by an authorized individual from the underwriter or an approved agent.

Want to see other Top 10 Questions in our Series? Stay tuned, we'll be counting them down for the next 7 business days!  Have a title related question you'd like us to answer?  Leave a comment here!

Top 10 Questions from Title Source Clients - Day 2

Welcome to day 2 of our countdown!  In case you missed our post yesterday, let's recap.  We receive all kinds of questions from Title Source clients and we’re delivering answers!  Visit us everyday this week and see what it's all about! 

                                        #9

Q: What’s the difference between a search and a title commitment?

A: A search is a report of all documents recorded against the property whereas a commitment is examined and only includes the documents that still affect the property.

Have a title related question for us?  Leave it here and we'll get you the answer!

Top 10 Questions from Title Source Clients

We receive all kinds of questions from Title Source clients. You know the saying, “if one person in the room has a question, chances are, someone else is wondering the same thing.” We picked the top 10 most frequently asked questions we’re delivering answers over the next 10 days, so be sure to check back each day! Let’s get started:

#10

Q: Why do title premiums differ so much from state to state?

A: Title Insurance is regulated on a state level. There are three kinds of regulation in title insurance pricing: promulgated, filed and bid. Promulgated states include Texas, Florida and New Mexico. In these states, the insurance commission sets the rates and insurers cannot deviate from them by law.

Filed states, which include Michigan, are states that allow the insurer to file their rates with the commission and once these rates are approved the insurer cannot deviate from them. The difference is that, in promulgated states, the state sets the rate. In filed states, the insurer sets the rate which is approved by the state.

A bid state is what it sounds like - an insurer can bid the price they want to charge for insurance.

Have a title related question you'd like us to answer?  Comment here and we will respond! 

Home Maintenance Checklist

Routine maintenance can increase the efficiency of your home and appliances, and reduce costs associated with emergency repairs.  Keep your home safe and efficient this spring with these simple projects! 

• Install surge protectors on your appliances, electronics and computers.  Power surges from storms can create big problems.
• Inspect your roof to spot loose shingles, and worn or warping areas.  By fixing roof flaws early, you can avoid costly repairs to your homes interior. 
• Change batteries on smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors.
• Call in an expert to inspect your cooing systems, clean ducts and change filters.  A properly running system improves efficiency and ensures your home stays cool. 

What are you doing to make your home more efficient this spring? 

Title Source in the Community

Making a difference in the lives of our clients, team members and community is part of our culture.  Title Source team members have volunteered many hours at local food banks, soup kitchens and hospitals.  We proudly support local organizations like Capuchin Kitchen and Capuchin Earthworks Garden.  Title Source also conducts fundraisers for the March of Dimes and Sponsors Red Cross blood drives.  In 2010, Title Source raised and donated over $5,600 to the Ennis Center for Children and contributed financially to several other community organizations.  What is your favorite charity?