In real estate, few things are as critical as ensuring accurate and well-maintained property ownership records. The title insurance industry is pivotal in securing these records and protecting homeowners, lenders, and other stakeholders from costly disputes and legal complications. However, the consequences can be severe when property ownership records are not curated effectively. Drawing insights […]
Refinancing
2024 Title Insurance Outlook: How Lower Mortgage Rates Benefit Insurers
The 2024 title insurance outlook is optimistic, driven by the expectation of lower mortgage rates and the potential for increased real estate activity. As mortgage rates drop, both purchase transactions and refinancing are expected to rise, giving title insurers the chance to boost their revenues. While refinancing opportunities will offer short-term benefits, it’s the anticipated […]
January 2024 Housing Market: Exploring the New Year’s Insights
The January 2024 housing market has emerged as a focal point for analyzing the recent economic and financial developments impacting the real estate sector. With interest rates experiencing fluctuations, the dynamics of buying, selling, and investing in properties are witnessing significant shifts, prompting stakeholders to reevaluate their strategies amidst ongoing challenges. These issues, especially concerning […]
Understanding Mortgage Rate Trends for 2024: An In-depth Analysis
Mortgage rates, the pivotal factor in home-buying decisions, have witnessed a turbulent journey over the past years. As we enter into a phase of economic recalibration, forecasting the trajectory of mortgage rates in 2024 becomes crucial for stakeholders in the real estate market. With comprehensive market insights and analysis, let’s delve into the expectations and […]
Existing Home Sales Rise for First Time in Twelve Months
While the past year-and-a-half took its toll on the real estate market, the latest news offered a glimmer of hope as data saw existing home sales rise. Despite 2021’s massive surge in real estate sales, 2022 generated a lackluster environment. Although the most recent data reflected an increase in home sales, housing inventory still presents […]
Real Estate Market Challenges Contribute to the Declining Originations
May 2022 highlighted numerous real estate market challenges facing prospective home buyers. Now, the data directly supports the drop-off in activity. Higher Mortgage Rates Fueling Real Estate Market Challenges When discussing the latest real estate market challenges, higher mortgage rates take the top spot across many lists. Throughout the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, […]
Declining Loan Originations: Rising Prices & Limited Inventory Hurting Housing
After last year’s record-setting real estate year, 2022 is displaying declining loan originations and refinancing activity. Since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, the housing market took center-stage while home demand skyrocketed. As the dust settles, the numbers now point in the opposite direction. As demand wanes. prices surge, and mortgage, refinancing, and loan applications […]
Owner’s Title Insurance: An Essential Aspect of the Home Buying Process
Owner’s title insurance contains a fascinating history, dating back over 150 years to 1868. In the case of Watson v. Muirhead, the transaction conveyancer discovered that the property in question was under lien. Although an attorney advised the conveyancer that the lien was invalid, a court ruled that it was in fact valid, after all. […]
Should I Refinance My Home When Interest Rates Are Low?
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Fed lowered the already historically low prime interest rate to 0%. Interest rates for 30-year mortgages are currently at historic lows as well, staying around the 3% mark for the past few months since the outbreak of the virus. This is a tempting time for homebuyers, as it […]
Special Report: Coronavirus and Mortgage Rates
This past month saw a tremendous increase of attention given to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. President Trump declared the pandemic a national emergency with plans to increase testing and shut down travel to Europe. Schools, restaurants, bars, sporting events, and other nonessential businesses are closing down for the time being. Across the country, Americans are […]