Introduction Leasehold estates are important in the real estate market. They allow tenants to lease property for a specific period while still having certain rights and responsibilities. This arrangement is common in both residential and commercial sectors, offering flexibility and opportunities for various property uses. Insurance is crucial for protecting the interests of both landlords […]

Understanding the role of a title company is crucial for anyone involved in real estate transactions. A title company ensures that the property being transferred has a clear title, meaning there are no legal issues that could affect ownership. They perform detailed searches and provide title insurance to protect against potential claims or disputes. For […]

1. Opening an Escrow Account First things first after you have a ratified contract to buy a house, send it to a title company to open an escrow account. This account is maintained by the title company as a neutral third party, and it is where you may deposit the earnest money that your contract […]

Navigating through real estate transactions requires understanding the pivotal roles played by various entities, with title companies standing out due to their critical functions in ensuring the security and legality of property purchases. Here, we delve deeper into what a title company is, what it does, and present some comparison data to highlight their importance. […]

Apr 22, 20244 min read Navigating the world of real estate can often feel like deciphering a complex puzzle. Two pieces that frequently cause confusion are escrow and title companies. Yet, understanding their roles is key to a smooth transaction. This guide demystifies these entities, setting you up for success with Pike Title. What’s the […]

Navigating the Home-Buying Process: A Guiding Light Buying a house isn’t just about picking the perfect location or the right number of bedrooms. It’s about making a wise investment in your future. And guess what? The journey from house hunting to holding those keys involves more than just real estate agents and mortgage brokers. Enter […]

Buying a home is an exciting milestone in anyone’s life, but it’s also a complex process that involves numerous legal and financial considerations. For buyers in Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia, enlisting the services of a reputable title company is not just important but essential. Pike Title Smith Mountain Lake plays a pivotal role in ensuring […]

In the intricate landscape of real estate transactions, navigating legal requirements and ensuring smooth property transfers can be daunting. In Virginia, individuals often encounter two key professionals integral to the process: the real estate attorney and the settlement agent. While both play crucial roles, understanding their differences is essential for anyone embarking on a real […]

Real estate settlements in Roanoke, Virginia, embody a critical phase in the home buying and selling process, marking the culmination of a series of intricate steps that lead to the transfer of property ownership. This blog post delves into the nuances of real estate settlements in this vibrant city and the surrounding areas, shedding light […]

When you buy a house, you’re inevitably going to hear about “closing costs.” This general term includes a lot of different taxes and fees that are charged by everyone from the court, to the state, to the septic inspector. Some of these charges are set in stone, like the taxes you owe, but some vary […]

7 REASONS TO PURCHASE TITLE INSURANCE YOUR LENDER’S TITLE INSURANCE DOES NOT PROTECT YOU Your lender will make you purchase a title insurance policy that covers the lender up to the outstanding balance of your loan. As you pay off your loan, the maximum coverage goes down. Once the loan is paid off, the lender’s […]

On February 4, 2022, the Virginia Bureau of Insurance (BOI) released an opinion that comes down on the common practice of “split settlements” or “split closings.” A “split closing” is when a seller chooses a different settlement company to represent her than the buyer. According to the BOI, the practice of having TWO settlement agents […]

Refinancing your home? Choose your own title and settlement company and save! It’s tempting to use the title and settlement agency your lender recommends, or even to assume that you don’t have a choice. Wait! There are two important facts you should consider: 1) If you are refinancing your home in Virginia, only you can […]

You spotted a commercial property that you want to buy and you can see the $$ signs already. Walk, don’t run! There are several steps you need to take before the commercial property is yours and looks can be deceiving, so take your time to do some research before making an offer. TITLE SEARCH The […]

If you are buying or refinaning a home, it is your right to choose your title company. Everone needs one, but only you get to pick it. Title companies are a dime-a-dozen. Your bank has a list, your realtor has a list, if you drive down the road or search online you’ll likely find dozens […]

COVID-19 has affected all of our lives, and real estate purchases and refinances are no exception. However, even though many non-essential Virginia businesses are required to close, real estate title and settlement is permitted to continue. Virginia’s governor issued Executive Order 53, which required many non-essential Virginia businesses to close at midnight on Tuesday, March 24th. […]

Your home purchase settlement is on the horizon (or “closing”). The Buyers want to get into their new home and the sellers, realtors, lender, and everyone else is ready to be paid. Most people aren’t concerned with how we get there, as long as its fast and painless. Hopefully, the purchase is issue-free, but what […]

A home may be the biggest investment of your life. It gives peace of mind to know that your title and settlement company has you covered. At PIKE TITLE we handle millions of dollars of our customers’ money used to purchase new homes, pay off existing liens, and satisfy many other financial obligations of buyers, […]

If you’ve ever owned a home, chances are you’ve purchased title insurance. In one of the hundreds of pages of loan and closing documents you received and signed, a provision undoubtedly stated that your loan was conditioned upon your purchase of a lender’s title insurance policy. Your lender made you buy it because it’s THAT […]

Although your lender will likely require you to purchase a lender’s policy, the owner’s title insurance policy is optional. But, if you think the lender’s policy will protect you, think again. Lender’s title insurance covers the lender for the outstanding amount of your home loan. As you pay down your loan, the lender’s policy coverage […]

The terms “title”, “escrow”, and “settlement” are often used interchangeably to refer to a company that will “close” the sale of your home – or finalizing the sale. So what does it all mean? For most buyers, refinancers and sellers, what matters the most is that the closing happens quickly and without issues. Buyers want […]

Introduction Understanding the roles of real estate title insurance and closing services is crucial in the complex world of real estate. These services are vital to ensure smooth property transactions without any legal issues. A real estate title company plays a key role in this process. Whether you’re buying or selling a home, a house […]

Introduction Navigating the house closing and escrow process can be a daunting task, but understanding these steps is crucial for ensuring a smooth transition of property ownership. This guide aims to demystify the process, providing both buyers and sellers with practical insights to effectively manage each phase. The house closing process involves several key steps: ●  Pre-Approval: Securing […]

Why You Need a REALTOR® for Real Estate Transactions Real estate transactions can be complicated and stressful. That’s why having a REALTOR® is so important. These professionals have the knowledge and experience to help you every step of the way when buying or selling property. Benefits of Working with a REALTOR® Here are some reasons […]

Understanding Title Insurance: A Key Component of Home Ownership Title insurance is a type of insurance that is very important in real estate deals. It protects both people buying property and banks lending money against problems with the ownership of a property. These problems can include unpaid property taxes, fraud, forgery of previous documents, or […]

Introduction Escrow companies are crucial in real estate transactions. They act as neutral third parties, holding and managing funds until all agreed-upon conditions are met. Their main job is to make sure both buyers and sellers fulfill their contractual obligations, protecting the interests of everyone involved. This article is about trustworthy local escrow companies and […]

Introduction Understanding the house closing and escrow process is crucial for anyone involved in real estate transactions. This knowledge not only provides peace of mind but also equips you with the tools needed to navigate this complex phase successfully. In this article, you’ll learn: ●  The fundamentals of the house closing and escrow process ●  […]

Introduction Leasehold estates are important in the real estate market. They allow tenants to lease property for a specific period while still having certain rights and responsibilities. This arrangement is common in both residential and commercial sectors, offering flexibility and opportunities for various property uses. Insurance is crucial for protecting the interests of both landlords […]

When buying a home, especially in areas like Marin County, California, it’s important to hire a title and escrow company. These companies make sure that the property transfer goes smoothly and follows the law. Their role in real estate deals is very important. Importance of Title and Escrow Companies Here are some reasons why title […]

Introduction Closing on a house can be an exciting yet complicated process. Knowing the timeline is important because it helps you set realistic expectations and prepare accordingly. Generally, when someone asks, “How long does it take to close on a house?”, they should expect it to take anywhere from 30 to 60 days. This average […]