Changes to Federal Housing Administration (FHA) financing may mean that the doors are opening for more entry-level buyers. These new condominium rules could also mean an uptick in available homes to help meet buyer demand. The Department of Housing and Urban Development has revised its condo...
Proposition 13 has been around since 1978, but voters have the chance to potentially change the California property tax initiative in 2020. Currently, Prop 13 treats all California property taxes in an identical manner, but opponents of the measure are calling for it to exclude...
While you don’t always have control over every aspect of your closing, there is some preparation that you can do ahead of time to ensure a smooth, stress-free experience when you sit down for the last time in escrow. Here are a few hints that...
Gentleman's Farm $2,495,000 This stunning, five-bedroom, six-bathroom Mediterranean Estate listed by Ted Clark & Partners is located in Altadena, California, about a half mile east of the Altadena Golf Course. Built in 1927, this classic estate features extensive grounds, orchard, and organic gardens. Situated on a...
Understanding contingencies is important when you are considering making an offer on a property. A contingency is a condition in the Purchase Agreement that allows the buyer(s) to remove themselves from the contract with their deposit refunded if certain conditions are not met after their...
Los Angeles Times recently published an article that outlines a mortgage scam currently affecting residents across the United States. According to reports by the United States government, the individuals running the scam are selecting current homeowners to whom they are sending letters. The letter explains...
Earnest money, also known as a good faith deposit, dates back to ancient times. In the old days, it was known as the earnest penny and represented the payment binding a purchase, often times an animal or a piece of land. It has since evolved...
Whether you are a first time homebuyer or in the process of selling your second home, the escrow process can come across as unfamiliar territory to both homebuyers and sellers. The knowledge and expertise that is required of an experienced escrow officer often takes years...
If you've ever purchased a home, or are in the process of buying, it will come as no surprise to you that the home buying process is one of the biggest decisions you’ll ever make.Although some aspects of your new home purchase will be handled...
At American Trust Escrow and our sister companies, Glen Oaks Escrow and Coachella Valley Escrow, we speak many different languages. We know our community is very diverse and understand the importance of making your clients feel comfortable during the escrow process. We believe that delivering exceptional...