Real estate developers and owners typically need to close their finance transactions as quickly as possible. Nonetheless, the closing frequently slips a few weeks from the target date. Actively managing the pacing items for...more
Sellers and borrowers involved in real estate transactions are customarily asked to sign indemnity agreements in favor of the title insurer. In April 2024, the Arizona legislature amended A.R.S. § 20-1591, which will impact...more
Although the COVID-19 pandemic is requiring changes in standard practices, many commercial real estate transactions are continuing to close—albeit with various logistical adjustments. To help keep closings on track, we...more
Standard closing procedures continue to apply in jurisdictions where in-person and/or e-recordings are possible. For transactions in jurisdictions where in-person and/or e-recordings are not currently possible, First American...more
With the continuing spread of COVID-19, many clerk and recorder’s offices have announced closures. Some offices are closed to the public, while still allowing mail-in and e-filing, and others are closed for all filings. The...more
COVID-19 has changed life (and business) as we have been accustomed to. For real estate practitioners, closing transactions in the midst of closure of governmental offices including municipal recorders offices has unique...more
To real estate buyers, title insurance options may seem as confusing as the violin rental options do to parents. Title insurance policies can be standard or extended coverage. They also have both exclusions and...more
The Pennsylvania Association of Realtors (“PAR”) Standard Agreement for the Sale of Real Estate (“Agreement of Sale”) is probably the most widely used Agreement of Sale for residential real estate transactions across the...more
A new Michigan law may streamline real estate transactions by allowing remote electronic notarization. The law, Act 330 of 2018, was signed by Gov. Rick Snyder on June 28, 2018. It amends the Michigan Notary Public Act and...more
Fine violins do not have serial numbers, but they do typically have a label inside identifying the maker and frequently the year and location where the violin was made. Many violin makers, or luthiers[i] as they are known,...more
In Belle Meade Title & Escrow Corp. v. Fifth Third Bank, et al., No. 3:17-cv-874, ECF No. 26, — WL —- (M.D. Tenn. Oct. 17, 2017), a federal district court granted Regions Bank’s motion to dismiss the claims against it,...more
Anyone who deals with interests in real estate should be aware that Idaho recently adopted a new set of laws governing notaries and acknowledgments. This is important because Idaho law gives special protection to interests in...more
Over the last 20 years, since the introduction of the electronic land registry system, real estate in Ontario has slowly been making its way into the electronic age. On July 1st, 2015 another step was taken. All real estate...more
The Director of the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (also known as FinCEN) recently gave a speech in San Francisco regarding the agency’s investigative priorities. Director Jennifer Shasky Calvery’s comments drew media...more