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Why Altered Checks for Earnest Money are Unacceptable

Altered Earnest Money Check

Settlement agents are regularly pressured into accepting altered checks (which they should not) for earnest money. This usually occurs when the buyer’s original offer to the seller indicates one escrow company and then, somewhere in the negotiations, the principals agree on another escrow company. Real estate agents do not want to go back and ask…

What is bankruptcy? What options are available to the debtor and the creditors?

bankruptcy options

The purpose of bankruptcy is two-fold: (1) to give the debtor (the party filing bankruptcy) a fresh start and (2) to pay creditors in an orderly fashion. Bankruptcy is governed by federal law which usually trumps state law when it comes to the actions of both the debtor and creditors. Liquidation vs. Reorganization There are…

Condo, Townhome, PUD, or Plat? What they are, how they’re different, and how they’re identified.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/52847686@N07/5082458589/

Sometimes questions arise as to the exact nature of certain residential properties: It looks like a house but is it a condo, a townhome, built on a lot in a plat or what? Should I use a Residential Purchase & Sale Agreement or a Condominium Purchase & Sale Agreement form when I write up an…

10 Tips for Saving Resources

Tips for saving energy and becoming more green

Every year on Earth Day we’re all reminded to look for ways to become more efficient, less wasteful, and more considerate of how our actions impact our environment. If you’re looking for ways to become a little greener, check out the tips below: Did you know? Ticor has taken the steps necessary to earn a…

HELOC Spending Spree – Was it Fraud or Ignorance?

HELOC fraud

Honest Mistake? During a refinance transaction, a home equity line of credit was paid off – but not closed. Later the refinance lender foreclosed and sold the REO (bank owned) property to a new owner. One of our underwriters insured the refinance, issued the trustee’s sale guarantee and insured the new owner on the sale…