Cost-Benefit Analysis [Editor’s Note: The views expressed here are solely those of Ross Kaplan, and do not represent Edina Realty, Berkshire Hathaway, or any other entity referenced. If you need legal advice, please consult an attorney.] Homeowner’s title insurance really isn’t like any other insurance consumers buy. Unlike health or life insurance, it doesn’t protect...Read More
Cost-Benefit Analysis [Editor’s Note: The views expressed here are solely those of Ross Kaplan, and do not represent Edina Realty, Berkshire Hathaway, or any other entity referenced. If you need legal advice, please consult an attorney.] Homeowner’s title insurance really isn’t like any other insurance consumers buy. Unlike health or life insurance, it doesn’t protect...Read More
An Umbrella for Any Legal Rain Clouds Ok, so as blog post headlines go, the above may not be so sexy (maybe if I added “Kardashian”?!?). But, it’s one of the last hurdles before closing confronting Buyers. The decision: whether to fork over $400 – $800 (or more) for a Homeowner’s title insurance policy, to supplement...Read More
Make That Four Theories (#4. Overreaction) In my post on Thursday, “National Moratorium on Foreclosures,” I puzzled over the seeming disconnect between the stocks of publicly-traded title insurance companies (barely affected), and the supposed tidal wave of claims headed their way due to defective mortgage foreclosures. I posited three possible explanations: 1) the aforementioned companies...Read More
National Moratorium on ForeclosuresSurprise, Surprise . . . the same banking behemoths that recklessly originated trillions in dubious mortgages — fuel for Wall Street’s securitization juggernaut — are apparently now running roughshod over the rights of delinquent borrowers as they seek to foreclose on their homes. How big a problem is this? And who’s going...Read More
A Realtor’s Perspective While the Realtor serves as the deal “quarterback,” there are many other professionals involved with a residential home sale. They typically include a lender or mortgage broker; a home inspector; and a title company and closer. Of the three, title is easily the most obscure, but hardly any less important: a defect...Read More
