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From consultation to closing: The definitive homebuying checklist

Housing Wire

Ill share everything you need to keep the homebuying process running smoothly from your first meeting to closing and beyond. From choosing a property to navigating the closing process, youll need to do a deep dive into their wants, needs, and deal breakers. Think of this as building a roadmap for their homebuying journey.

Closing 372
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What the game Oregon Trail teaches us about land ownership & DEI (Women’s History Month Edition)

Housing Wire

Although the phrase DEI has become like a political leper, which many do not want to touch in this political climate, diversity, equity, and inclusion in home and land ownership have remarkably been a 163-year staple. She established a daycare center for working parents on her land. She founded an elementary school on her land.

Land 221
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Why title insurance is essential to the U.S. system of property rights

Housing Wire

By contrast, many European countries have a centralized, government-managed land registration system, which requires government review before property transfers are effective. system are the speed of the transfer, which in our system depends only on the parties being ready to close. Nor are the land records authoritative.

Title 418
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How a luxury real estate agent fell for a listing scam

Housing Wire

Why listing scams are on the rise Unlike home sales, land transactions often skip in-person meetings or property access, which makes it easier for scammers to impersonate legitimate owners without detection. Watch for these red flags Repeated use of the same property Scammers often recycle the same land listings. Use a service.

Agents 361
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Digital closings have spiked 228% since 2019

Housing Wire

The number of title and settlement companies offering digital closings has increased 228% since 2019, as more of the industry moves online in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, in 2021, 46% offer digital closings, according to Diane Tomb, ALTA chief executive officer.

Closing 497
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Fannie Mae title pilot could save homeowners up to $1,692 per refi

Housing Wire

In sum, our analysis shows Fannie Maes title insurance pilot will have a profound and long- lasting impact on closing costs, potentially eliminating a barrier that prevents many homeowners from pursuing a refinance or other financially beneficial transaction. It is clear this program should continue and expand, a summary of the study states.

Title 468
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Existing-home sales take a sleigh ride to the sky with highest jump since 2021

Housing Wire

For homebuyers, the good news is that the median sale price continues to fall, with Novembers figure landing at $406,100. million sales in 2025, a number that is close to the current rate of 4.15 The growth also bucks the historic trend of sales dropping between October and November. While thats a 4.7% million reported by NAR.

Sales 459