What are they and do I need them?

 Read More >

New Rules Affecting Buyers and Sellers of Real Estate

Are you currently selling your home or shopping for a new one? If so, you should be aware that the CFPB (Consumer Fraud Protection Bureau) has new rules that go into effect on August 1, 2015! These rules apply to all “closed- end consumer credit transactions secured by real property”, meaning purchase money mortgages, refinances, timeshares, construction only loans and parcels 25 acres or less. The sale and purchase of vacant land, which was previously considered a commercial transaction, is also subject to the new rules. Home Equity Lines of Credit, reverse mortgages, mobile home loans, commercial transactions and private lenders originating less than 5 loans per year (e.g., Articles of Agreement) are exempt from the new rules and forms.  Read More >

If a trust is part of your estate plan, congratulations! You have taken a big step towards making sure that your assets will be managed and distributed in accordance with your wishes. But just having a trust agreement in place is not the end of the story. Once your trust has been established by executing the agreement ownership of your assets need to be transferred to the trustee. A trust without assets is like an empty treasure chest.  Read More >