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From consultation to closing: The definitive homebuying checklist

Housing Wire

Clarify key steps like inspections, appraisals, and the importance of meeting deadlines and any impacts of missing them. Walk your client through all the pieces of their offer, including price, inspection timelines, closing dates, contingencies and any due diligence or earnest money deposits.

Closing 372
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Contracts for deed are under federal mortgage protections: CFPB 

Housing Wire

In these contracts – also known as “land contracts” or “bond for deed” –the seller retains the legal title to a home until the borrower completes all the payments, leading to some “traps,” according to the CFPB. Home prices are usually inflated, inspections are not made, and loans have high interest rates and balloon payments.

Mortgages 482
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How to Buy Land in 8 Steps: A Guide for Investors

The Close

Buying vacant land can be a wise investment with great returns if you plan carefully and understand what’s involved. While land can be a relatively cheap and low-effort investment compared to a house, making money from it might be trickier. Check access: Make sure you have legal access to the land. It helps to be in the know.

Land 98
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Fraud, forgery claims are costliest expenses for title insurers

Housing Wire

Fraud and forgery claims represented more than one-fifth of the total dollars spent by title insurers on claims expenses and losses over the past decade, according to a study conducted by Milliman and commissioned by the American Land Title Association (ALTA). billion in claims related to losses and loss expenses.

Title 497
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Here are the 2025 Tech100 Mortgage Honorees

Housing Wire

Cooper Group mrcoopergroup.com/ Servicing Coppell, TX Mortgage Machine Services, Inc. Cooper Group mrcoopergroup.com/ Servicing Coppell, TX Mortgage Machine Services, Inc.

Mortgages 417
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What is a real estate broker vs. an agent? We explain the key differences

Housing Wire

Though most commonly thought of for residential deals, real estate agents can also help people buy, sell or rent commercial properties, land and more. With that in mind, it’s a good practice to interview multiple brokerages before deciding where to land. After agents have partnered with a brokerage, it’s time to get to work.

Agents 448
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2020 HW Tech Trendsetter: Sean Faries

Housing Wire

Sean Faries, CEO, Land Gorilla. Land Gorilla founder and CEO Sean Faries is relentless in his pursuit of technology innovations that drive efficiency while simultaneously reducing risk in construction and renovation lending.

Land 317