September 2023
Pre-Qualifying vs. Pre-Approval
Pre-qualification is an informal way to see how much you may be able to borrow. A pre-approval is the lender’s commitment to lend to you.
insurance and real estate settlement
needs, serving Wisconsin & Minnesota
before they become closing issues!
10 Locations
With Town n’ Country Title offices in Appleton, Arcadia, Green Bay, Holmen, Janesville, Kenosha, La Crosse, Tomah, Wauwatosa, and Winona, we are here to serve you wherever you need us.
Title Tip of the Month
September 2023
August 2023
August 2023
Don’t Get Spoofed!
An incoming phone call never takes the place of an outgoing confirmatory call before wiring funds. ALWAYS make sure you’re calling to confirm with a known closer and phone number before sending funds!
July 2023
July 2023
A New Layer of Security
eSignature platforms apply a “tamper-evident seal” to electronic documents. Any attempt to alter the documents will break the seal and expose that the documents have been changed.
June 2023
June 2023
Don’t Take The Bait!
Accepting wire and disbursement instructions via email, fax, or phone can be dangerous. Always call a trusted phone number to verify, not the one in the message.
May 2023
May 2023
Purchase Money Mortgage:
A judgment may have priority over a purchase money mortgage if the mortgage states, on its face, that it is a purchase money mortgage.
April 2023
April 2023
Wire Fraud
One of the most common real estate-related cybercrimes is wire fraud: a sophisticated tactic used by cybercriminals to trick unsuspecting homebuyers and closing personnel into wiring funds to a fraudulent account.
March 2023
March 2023
Title Insurance Myths
Myth: Title insurance costs too much.
Fact: A one-time premium protects the homeowner for as long as you or your heirs own the home, and may last forever for any title warranties made in the deed when you sell your home.
February 2023
February 2023
Coverage that grows!
Your Homeowner’s Policy will automatically increase by 10% in value each year for the first five years (up to 150% of the original Policy Amount) to help cover increases due to appreciation.
January 2023
January 2023
Alternative Title Products
Title insurance offers greater protections than alternative title products. Title insurance protections not provided by alternative title products include the validity and enforceability of the mortgage and off record liens such as HOA assessments.
December 2022
December 2022
Title Commitment: Schedule B-II
This section of the Title Commitment notifies the buyer and/or lender of exceptions from coverage. Examples include: restrictive covenants, mineral or water rights, or utility easements. These exceptions from coverage will not be insured on the title policy.
November 2022
November 2022
Payoffs
The title company insurance that all existing mortgages and other liens are paid off after closing pursuant to written payoff instructions.
September 2022
September 2022
How to Avoid Errors in Public Records
Completely avoiding errors in public records is nearly impossible because buyers have no control over a property’s past or a mistake that could have been made by those filing and recording these documents. However, an Owner’s Policy of title insurance will help protect your ownership rights from errors and defects found in public records. This insurance may cover both the legal costs to defend your interests as well as certain losses sustained as a result of a covered title defect.
August 2022
August 2022
Joint Tenancy with Right of Survivorship
An undivided interest in property, taken by two or more joint tenants. The interests must be equal, accruing under the same conveyance, and beginning at the same time. Upon the death of a joint tenant, the interest passes to the surviving joint tenants rather than to the heirs of the deceased.
July 2022
July 2022
Warranty Deed:
This is the strongest deed and warrants to the Grantee – this is the deed most used in insuring titles to real property and gives the most protection to the Grantee.
June 2022
June 2022
Anywhere it Rains, it can flood:
Flood zones are land areas identified by Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Make sure you’re protected with adequate flood insurance!
May 2022
May 2022
Purchase Money Mortgage
A judgment may have priority over a purchase money mortgage if the mortgage states, on its face, that it is a purchase money mortgage.
April 2022
April 2022
Making an Offer
Placing an offer to purchase on a home can be a delicate process. The current market condition, time of year, work needed on the home, and length of time the home has been on the market can affect your offer – not to mention your own budget. The price is not the only factor within an offer, you can also negotiate closing costs, necessary repairs, etc. If you have questions, reach out to a trusted Real Estate Agent if your area!
March 2022
March 2022
Marital Status
Spouses may be required to sign certain closing documents even though they do not intend to hold title and their name will not appear on the deed. Check with your closing agent and lender to see what documents you and your spouse will be required to sign at closing.
February 2022
February 2022
Transfer by Affidavit
If the current owner has acquired the real estate via a Transfer by Affidavit, 30 days must pass before we can insure a subsequent sale of the property.
January 2022
January 2022
Special Warranty Deed
These deeds are often used when the conveyance is from an executor, administrator, trustee, guardian, etc. There must be a valid reason for the Grantor to be limiting the warranty.
December 2021
December 2021
Legal Description
A Legal Description is the description of land recognized by law, based on government surveys, spelling out the exact boundaries of the entire parcel of land. It should so thoroughly identify a parcel of land that it cannot be confused with any other. You can find your property legal description in your Title Commitment.
November 2021
November 2021
Earnest Money Deposit
Earnest Money is a down payment made by a purchaser of real property as evidence of good faith; a deposit or partial payment.
October 2021
October 2021
Disbursement Date
The Disbursement Date is the date the amounts are to be disbursed to a buyer and seller in a purchase transaction or the date funds are to be paid by the borrower or third party in a transaction that is not a purchase transaction.
September 2021
September 2021
Closing Disclosure (CD)
A Closing Disclosure (CD) form is designated to provide disclosures that will be helpful to borrowers in understanding all costs of a transaction. This form will be given to the consumer three business days before closing.
August 2021
August 2021
eNotarization
Process of applying the notary signature and notarial seal to electronic documents in Wisconsin was enacted on March 3, 2020.
July 2021
July 2021
Hazard Insurance Policy
A hazard policy, also known as homeowner’s insurance, with the lender designated as the insured holder of the mortgage, is required on most loans. Evidence of hazard insurance, including a paid receipt, must be provided PRIOR to closing.
June 2021
June 2021
What is FIRPTA?
FIRPTA stand for the Foreign Investor in Real Property Act. In the U.S., tax law requires that all persons whether foreign or domestic, pay income tax on disposition of US real property interests. This Act was put in place to collect taxes from foreign persons.
May 2021
May 2021
Protection with an Owner’s Policy
Your home may be new to you, but every property has a history. There may be hidden issues in the chain of title, which could affect your homeownership! Errors in Public Records, Unknown Liens, Undiscovered Wills, Forgeries. Unknown Easements and more. Get your Owners Policy from a title company you trust, like Town n’ Country Title.
April 2021
April 2021
Life Estate
A common way title can be held is by Life Estate. It is a grand or reservation of the right of use, occupancy, and ownership for the life of an individual.
March 2021
March 2021
American Land Title Association
The American Land Title Association (ALTA) is a trade group made up of over 6,000 title companies, underwriters, and other title specialists. Fun Fact: Town n’ Country Title is active in several ALTA committees including Best Practices, Talent Development and HOP!
February 2021
February 2021
ALTA Short Form
The Short Form Policy is a lender policy of title insurance adopted on 12/09/2012. This short version of the “long form” includes all of the terms, exclusions, and conditions from the 2006 ALTA Loan Policy.
January 2021
January 2021
What is an eClosing?
An eClosing refers to an “electronic closing” which can include an eNotary, eDocument, eSignature, or eRecording.
Our Services
TITLE INSURANCE POLICIES
TITLE INSURANCE POLICIES
We offer protection from loss due to liens, encumbrances, and title defects by offering title insurance. An owner’s policy has a one time fee paid at the time of purchase to protect the buyer, and a loan policy protects the lender. We offer a Simultaneous Issue rate when purchased at the same time, as well as a Reissue Rate, which could save homeowners money.Learn MoreCLOSING/SETTLEMENT SERVICES
CLOSING/SETTLEMENT SERVICES
Our closing agents work with lenders, real estate agents, buyer, legal professionals and sellers to order title insurance, collect the documentation needed to facilitate the closing of real estates transactions, disburse funds and make sure all necessary recordings are completed. This allows the final Title Insurance Policy to be delivered free of title issues.Learn MoreCONSTRUCTION DISBURSEMENT SERVICES
CONSTRUCTION DISBURSEMENT SERVICES
We work with lenders and consumers throughout the construction process, residential or commercial, to best guard against construction liens, cost overruns, and loss due to incorrect disbursement of funds. We also work with contractors to ensure correct and timely payment of draw requests.Learn MoreTestimonials
I have worked with Town n’ Country Title in Green Bay for many years. They have a fantastic team and are very dedicated to helping me & my clients. Chris Charles is fantastic. He is the best closer around. He is so helpful and accommodating. I recommend their services whenever I possibly can.
Lori WotrubaFinance of America, Green Bay, WI
The most customer service friendly company I’ve ever had the privilege of working with. Friendly, efficient and a “get it done” attitude. I highly recommend Town n’ Country Title!
Jeff Zuelke Zuelke Real Estate Team, Janesville, WI
Town n’ Country Title is filled with staff who are professional, helpful and who are constantly going above and beyond. They work hard to take care of their clients and make sure each transaction goes as smoothly as possible. They are an incredible resource and offer a welcoming environment to ask any questions. What has impressed me most about Town n’ Country Title is their dedication not only to their clients, but their entire real estate industry and our community. If you’re looking for the best service and knowledgeable staff contact Town n’ Country Title!
Jessica Himmer@Properties, La Crosse, WI
I recently sold a duplex for my father without a realtor. When I researched title companies I found most charged a lot of different fees. I chose Town n’ Country Title because they were extremely knowledgeable, very responsive to my first request, plus they didn’t charge seller closing or deed prep fees, making them significantly less expensive. They used a prior abstract to reduce the cost further, and when it came time for the actual closing, they were on-time and made the process incredibly smooth. I am now using them for another property that I just sold through our realtor.
Troy BurkeFor Sale By Owner, Janesville, WI
It’s the service that sets them apart and I have nothing but good things to say about Jim and the Town n’ Country Title team. At first I thought the service I was getting was because I was a new customer that they were trying to impress, but that service has continued. I know if I am in a bind I can call and they will do everything they can to help me out. I would recommend Town n’ Country Title to anyone.
Steve PossBank of Galesville, Galesville, WI
I have been working with Town n’ Country Title for the past couple of years. They are my preferred title company and are always professional, prompt, knowledgeable and fun! I had a particularly ugly deal last year and Maria went BEYOND the extra mile to help my seller close. I truly love working the gang at Town n’ Country!
Tara HenkeHome Town Realty, Campbellsport, WI
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