What Is a Preliminary Title Report?

What Is a Preliminary Title Report?

Whether you're buying your first home in Columbus, closing a commercial deal in Cleveland, or refinancing a property in Cincinnati, there's one document that quietly does a lot of heavy lifting before you ever reach the closing table: the preliminary title report.  It doesn't get talked about as much as the purchase agreement or the mortgage commitment, but it's just as important. Understanding …

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ohio escrow accounts

How Ohio Escrow Accounts Work

Buying or selling a home in Ohio involves a lot of moving parts — inspections, financing, negotiations, and paperwork. One piece that holds everything together is the escrow account. Whether you're a first-time buyer in Columbus, a real estate agent closing deals in Cleveland, or a loan officer working across the state, understanding how escrow works can make every …

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common real estate problems

The Most Common Title Problems Found During a Real Estate Transaction

Buying or selling a property in Ohio should be an exciting milestone. But behind the scenes, title professionals are quietly doing some of the most important work of the entire transaction — searching public records to make sure the property's ownership history is clean, clear, and free of surprises.  Sometimes, it isn't.  Title problems are more common than …

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What Is Owner's Title Insurance and Do You Need It?

What Is Owner’s Title Insurance and Do You Need It?

You've found the right home, signed the purchase agreement, and you're days away from closing. Then your title company uncovers a lien from a contractor who worked on the property three owners ago — and it was never paid off. Without owner's title insurance, that debt could become your problem.  This scenario plays out more often than most buyers expect. Owner's title insurance is …

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How Long Does It Take to Close on a House in Ohio?

How Long Does It Take to Close on a House in Ohio?

Many financed Ohio home purchases close in about 30 to 45 days, but the exact timeline depends on the loan, appraisal, inspections, title work, and how quickly everyone responds. Cash purchases may close faster, sometimes in a few weeks, because there is no mortgage underwriting process. Still, even a cash deal needs title work, escrow coordination, payoff …

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What Does a Title Company Do

What Does a Title Company Actually Do in Ohio?

Buying, selling, or financing real estate in Ohio involves more than signing a purchase agreement and exchanging keys. Behind the scenes, a title company plays a major role in making sure the transaction is handled correctly, funds are protected, and ownership transfers as smoothly as possible.  For many Ohio homebuyers and sellers, the title company …

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Ohio Seller Disclosure Rules: A Homeowner's Guide

Ohio Seller Disclosure Rules

Selling a home involves more than just staging living rooms and hosting open houses. Before you hand over the keys, Ohio law requires you to share specific details about the property's condition with potential buyers. This post will help you understand the Ohio Seller Disclosure Requirement, exactly what information you need to share, and whether your specific …

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Understanding the Ohio Good Funds Law for Closing

Understanding the Ohio Good Funds Law for Closing

You finally made it to closing day. The paperwork is ready, the pens are out, and the keys to your new home are sitting right across the table. But before you can grab them, there is one crucial hurdle to clear: funding.  Bringing the wrong form of payment to the closing table can grind your entire transaction …

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What Is an Escrow Holdback?

What Is an Escrow Holdback?

Closing day is finally here. You are ready to sign the final paperwork, but during your final walkthrough, you notice the seller hasn't finished the roof repairs they promised. Do you have to delay the closing?  Not necessarily. An escrow holdback might be the exact solution you need to keep your real estate transaction moving forward.  When property …

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Demystifying the Closing Protection Letter (CPL): What You Need to Know

Demystifying the Closing Protection Letter (CPL)

Buying or selling a home involves signing a mountain of paperwork. Amidst the stack of contracts, disclosures, and loan documents, you might spot a document called a Closing Protection Letter, or CPL. While it might look like just another standard form, this specific document plays a massive role in keeping your real estate transaction secure. We want …

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