New scams are popping up everywhere these days. Emails about winning money, theft of personal information, and insurance scams have unfortunately become present in daily news or conversation. It is important for everyone to be aware of these scamming tactics and to learn how to...
When real estate is sold in California, the state requires that income tax for that sale must be withheld. In this post we will discuss sellers who are individuals or who may qualify as an individual. We will also explain qualified exceptions and exemptions to...
Tuesdays, here at the American Trust Escrow website, we post Technology Tips designed to help you, the REALTOR®, grow your business, keep up to date on the latest technologies, and move you forward into the new era of real estate. Facebook. You’ve heard all about it. You...
From all of us at American Trust Escrow, we wish you health, comfort, and prosperity this holiday season. May your home be filled with the joy of family and friends. Merry Christmas!! ...
When purchasing a home, lenders will require home buyers to purchase Private Mortgage Insurance on FHA loans because their down payment is less than 20% of the value of their new home. This insurance allows borrowers with less cash to purchase a home with smaller...
Senate Bill 931, providing California Short Sale Deficiency Protection, will go into effect on January 1, 2011. This new law states that existing lenders of record who have approved and agreed upon a short sale will not be able to obtain a deficiency judgment against...
In every purchase/sale of Real Estate, a Preliminary Change of Ownership Report (PCOR) must be filed. The PCOR must be filed for other types of transfers as well, but in this blog we will consider only purchase/sale transactions. After opening escrow, a buyer can expect...
During this time of Thanksgiving, all of us at American Trust Escrow would like to express our sincere appreciation for our readers! Thank you for taking the time to read our blog and the wonderful feedback you provide. From our family to yours, we wish...
At the time of signing loan documents, the buyer is presented with an estimated settlement statement by their escrow holder. This statement includes the initial amount the lender will collect in order to establish the Impound Account. This amount often brings up questions from the...
An Impound Account, also known as an Escrow Impound Account, is an account set up and managed by mortgage lenders to pay property taxes and insurance on behalf of the home buyer. These accounts are set up with the lender during escrow to ensure that...
