Lydia Blair

Title Tip: Should You Duke it Out Over Earnest Money?

By CandysDirt.com Contributor / November 13, 2018 /

By Lydia Blair Special Contributor Business conflicts always seem to revolve around money. It’s no surprise that some of the worst disputes we see at title companies are over earnest money: Who wants it. Who is entitled to it. Who thinks they’re entitled to it. Etcetera. It can get uglier than avocado appliances and shag carpet.…

Title Tip: Should You Escrow Funds For Repairs After Closing?

By CandysDirt.com Contributor / November 6, 2018 /

By Lydia Blair Special Contributor Let’s call this real estate horror film Mission Impossible – Saving the Sale. It’s the sequel to Mission Impossible – The Roof Needs Repair starring Surprised Seller and Upset Buyer. Also featuring Scrambling Realtor and Cautious Escrow Officer. The scene opens with a pending sale on a property that needs…

Title Tip: Should I Pay My Last Mortgage Payment Before Closing?

By CandysDirt.com Contributor / October 30, 2018 /

By Lydia Blair Special Contributor A reader asks: “Should I make my next mortgage payment before my house closes? We are under contract and scheduled to close on the 14th of the month. “ This is a fairly common question for title companies. And the answer depends on your closing date and time. Before closing,…

Title Tip: There’s a Real Estate App For That

By CandysDirt.com Contributor / October 23, 2018 /

By Lydia Blair Special Contributor    There are hundreds of mobile apps specifically focusing on real estate. Most are aimed at potential home buyers and sellers. Apps like Realtor.com, RealScout, and Homesnap help consumers search for properties for sale. Other apps provide neighborhood and property data like RPR Mobile and AreaPulse. Updater is an app…

Title Tip: October is Property Tax Season

By CandysDirt.com Contributor / October 16, 2018 /

By Lydia Blair Special Contributor For most North Texas homeowners, the 2018 tax statements started coming out last week. You may not have received your bill in the mail, but your tax bill is out and due for payment by Jan. 31. Simply go online and search for your county tax assessor to get your…