The below article was written by Jordan Winter, originally published in an internal company newsletter.

I officially met Charles Ward when I began working for Attorney’s Title Group in 2020. I was still supervising the title curative and post-sale departments for Wilson & Associates at the time, but ATG needed help, and I had some time. I had worked with Charles a few times before on post-sale files, but that was just through an email from time to time. Over our few prior interactions, though, I could tell Charles had boundless knowledge in real property title. When I began working full time at ATG in 2021, Charles trained me on their title processes. He always seemed to have the answer, and I appreciated his willingness to let me pick his brain on a title question. I knew Charles had worked at the firm a long time, but it wasn’t until I started working with him on a daily basis that I truly understood how lucky the firm was to have him and how lucky I was to learn from him. Now on the brink of retirement, I find it fitting to take a brief look back on Charles’ career and the 30 years he has dedicated to the W&A and ATG.

Charles is a Little Rock native and attended Hall High School (shout out to the class of 1973). His first jobs growing up were a local paper route and a bagger at a grocery store. I’m sure he hit the front porch every time and double-bagged like the best of them! After high school, he went on to Fayetteville where he graduated from the U of A in 1977. Graduating college in four years delighted his father, he said, as he likely wasn’t going to foot the bill for another year. After college, Charles wasn’t exactly sure what he wanted to do in life (like many of us), so he began working at a bank. He chose not to pursue a career in banking, however, and in 1981 he began law school at UALR, graduating in 1984. He served as a law clerk for Wilson & Associates during his last year of law school.

We all get busy. Life throws curveballs, and sometimes, the little things like home maintenance can fall by the wayside. When was the last time you truly inspected your roof? Or gave your HVAC system a thorough check-up? If you're drawing a blank, you're not alone.

However, regular home maintenance is crucial to not only retaining your home's value and avoiding costly repairs, but it’s also important in keeping it safe for you and your family. Let's explore why you should prioritize home maintenance and what inspections to add to your to-do list.

Why Home Maintenance Matters

Your home needs regular care and attention to remain at its best. There are a few key reasons why you should prioritize home maintenance.

• Prevent Expensive Disasters: Home maintenance means you're regularly inspecting your property. Routine inspections help identify and address minor issues before they escalate into major, expensive repairs. A leaky roof left unchecked can lead to more significant water damage, while a neglected HVAC system can skyrocket your energy bills or cause it to malfunction when you need it the most.
• Protect Your Investment: Your home is likely your most significant financial asset. Proper maintenance ensures you get the best possible return on your investment. A well-maintained home is more appealing to potential buyers and can significantly increase your property's resale value. It's a competitive market, with an increasing number of older homes for sale. To boost your property's appeal, keep it well-maintained.
• Enhance Your Family's Safety and Well-being: A well-maintained home is a safe home. Regular checks for potential hazards like fire risks (faulty electrical wiring, clogged chimneys), carbon monoxide leaks, and water damage protect your family, pets, and/or belongings.

Attorney's Title Group is proud to announce that Robbie Wilson was again voted as one of Little Rock’s Best Lawyers in the December 2024 edition of Soiree magazine. Robbie was recognized in the Commercial Real Estate category.

The Little Rock Best Lawyer list is composed of 113 individuals who are determined via a two-component voting system of peer review voting and voting by the readers of Little Rock Soiree and Arkansas Business magazines. The expertise of lawyers is used to determine who should be on the list, and readers votes and experiences with the lawyers determine how individual lawyers rank.

Congratulations to Robbie on this well-deserved achievement.

Buying a house is an exciting milestone, but the journey doesn't end at closing. While you may have budgeted for the down payment and closing costs, new homeowners can face several other expenses that are often overlooked. Planning for these expenses can help you manage your finances better and enjoy your new home without stress.

1. Home Maintenance and Repairs

Home maintenance is an ongoing expense that many new homeowners underestimate. From routine tasks like regular lawn care and gutter cleaning to unexpected repairs like fixing a leaky roof or replacing a broken HVAC system, these costs can add up quickly. Setting aside a pre-determined amount (for example, 1%) of your home's purchase price annually for maintenance and repairs is wise. Some buyers opt in for additional options, such as a home warranty, as an added way to prepare for home repair expenses; however, that cost also needs to be factored into your planning. Don’t forget to consider future cosmetic updates or items such as furniture and housewares you may need.

2. Homeowners Insurance

Homeowners insurance is a necessary expense, but costs can vary widely depending on your location, the age of your home, and the coverage you choose. You may also need additional coverage for events like floods or earthquakes, which can significantly increase your insurance premiums. Also, this cost isn't fixed – there is some potential that it may rise annually.

At Attorney’s Title Group, we believe that every real estate transaction is a journey, and each individual involved plays a crucial role in its success. From real estate agents and mortgage lenders to home buyers and sellers, your partnership is essential to ensuring a smooth and efficient process. We're committed to fostering strong relationships with all of our partners and customers, recognizing the unique value that each brings to the table.

The Importance of Real Estate Agents

Real estate agents are the front-line professionals who guide clients through the complex world of buying and selling property. The expertise, knowledge, and dedication of a real estate agent are invaluable to buyers and sellers. We understand the importance of their role and strive to provide agents with the tools, resources, and support they need to succeed. By offering timely communication, efficient processing, and personalized service, we aim to make their job easier and more rewarding. Our goal is to ensure that the real estate agents we work with feel well represented before, during, and after each closing.

The Role of Mortgage Lenders

Mortgage lenders are the financial architects of real estate transactions, providing the necessary funding to make homeownership a reality. Their careful evaluation of loan applications and adherence to regulatory guidelines ensure the stability and security of the transaction. We value our partnerships with mortgage lenders and work closely with them to streamline the closing process and minimize delays for our mutual customers. By maintaining open lines of communication and providing timely updates, we help to protect their interests and ensure a smooth closing experience.

ROGERS, AR (August 21, 2024) – Attorney’s Title Group, LLC, (“ATG”) has announced that it has hired Kris Conant as a closing agent in their Northwest Arkansas location.

Kris is an experienced real estate professional with a proven track record of success in the title and closing industry. Kris has honed her skills in managing complex transactions and delivering exceptional customer service.

“We’re very excited to welcome Kris on board. Her experience and knowledge will be invaluable as we continue to expand in the Northwest Arkansas area,” said Robbie Wilson, co-managing partner of Attorney’s Title Group.

In addition to implementing ATG’s high level of customer service and delivering exceptional title and closing services, Kris will be working closely with the ATG operations team to ensure that the client experience with Attorney’s Title Group is first rate. Prior to her time in the title industry, Kris worked for 10 years in customer service and retail management. Her background in customer service and retail management has equipped her with a deep understanding of client needs and a commitment to building lasting relationships.

As the name indicates, the “as-is” clause in a real estate transaction means a property is being sold in the current condition, as it exists, with any faults and defects. This brings with it some benefits but also some risks that must be considered.

The benefits to consider are usually pretty clear, some of them being:

• A reduced price: Since the buyer will be responsible for any repairs, an “as-is” property will typically be priced lower, and depending on circumstances, sellers may even still consider lower offers than the listing price.
• Expediency: An “as-is” property will likely require much less paperwork and negotiation time because the seller isn’t obligated to fix any problems beforehand. That means that the inspection would solely serve as an informational tool to understand the property’s condition, and the costs associated with any repairs.

While “as is” doesn’t always mean a home is in disrepair, the risks of buying an “as-is” property could be quite considerable, and they need to be considered before entering into any such contract.

• Hidden issues: The most common problem is, of course, the hidden issues that could come up with the property, including electrical issues, plumbing issues, roof leaks, mold problems, or even foundational cracks.
• While buying a home “as-is” doesn’t mean you’re giving up your legal rights as a buyer, depending on the state in which the property is located, there might be limited seller disclosure, which means the seller might not be obligated to disclose all known issues with the house. That means you could purchase a property with many more problems than you know. Again, this is dictated by state regulations so be sure to ask your real estate agent about the disclosure laws and what information you’re entitled to as the borrower.
• Problems with financing: “As-is” properties are sometimes more challenging to get mortgages for because there is an increased risk of major repairs. Most loan types will require that the property meets certain livability standards, known as “minimum property requirements.” That means you might need to put down a much larger down payment, pay cash, or secure a special loan program. This sometimes depends on the level of repairs needed. It’s important to discuss with your lender before taking any additional action.
• Resale issues: An “as is” property might be challenging to resell in the future, particularly if all the issues aren’t addressed when you purchase the property.

Real estate fraud is becoming an increasingly common way for criminals to steal someone’s property, and while it is less common than other types of fraud, title fraud is a form of real estate fraud that homeowners need to be aware of. Home title fraud is essentially the forging of a deed to transfer ownership of property away from the true owner in order to profit from the theft of the property.

The steps to commit title fraud, sometimes known as deed fraud, generally follow a similar pattern:

• Scammer identifies a property they want to acquire or that they deem as an easy target for committing title fraud (such as vacant properties).
• They forge any necessary real estate documentation, such as a deed, which transfers ownership to them, and have it filed on record with the county.
• The new “owner” either sells the property or takes out a home equity line of credit loan against the property. The true property owner may only discover they no longer own their property when they get a notice of the new mortgage or when a bank begins the process to foreclose on the property.
• The scammer may commit identity theft to steal a homeowner’s identity and transfer the deed to their name (meaning they fraudulently act as the homeowner and then transfer the property to themselves).

Arkansas Money & Politics ("AMP") released its 2024 "Most Admired Companies" list in which readers throughout Arkansas nominated companies in multiple business categories. The criteria used for nominations included financial soundness, bold innovation, brand awareness, quality of product, outstanding people, and social responsibility.

Attorney's Title Group is honored to have been selected as the "Most Admired Title Company" in Arkansas. This recognition is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our team, as well as the loyalty of our customers.

To learn more and see other companies listed, visit AMP online at the following link, or pick up the June 2024 edition of Arkansas Money & Politics.

https://armoneyandpolitics.com/amp-most-admired-companies-2024/

NORTH LITTLE ROCK, AR (May 7, 2024) – Attorney’s Title Group, LLC, (“ATG”) has announced that it is opening its newest office location in North Little Rock. The office is located at 5600 JFK Boulevard, Suite 3, and will be managed by Shirley Worthy.

Worthy began her career in real estate as a real estate agent in 2003. She became a licensed real estate broker in 2016, at which time she began instructing real estate courses. She has a wealth of real estate knowledge, and is also very familiar with North Little Rock, Sherwood, Jacksonville, and surrounding communities.

“We are very excited to join the North Little Rock community. Between Shirley’s background in real estate and her involvement with different organizations in the area, we are confident that this location will thrive,” said Robbie Wilson, co-managing partner of Attorney’s Title Group.

Attorney’s Title Group also offers remote, concierge closings at real estate offices, banks, and businesses. The company is headquartered in West Little Rock, with additional offices in downtown Little Rock, Conway, and Rogers. Attorney’s Title Group welcomes all businesses and homeowners in the North Little Rock area to experience the “Attorney’s Title Group Difference.”

At Attorney’s Title Group, communication is one of our top priorities. Offering convenient closings is equally important. A few years ago, we implemented the use of CloseSimple as an enhanced method of communication with real estate agents, lenders, buyers, and sellers to keep everyone updated of each step of the closing process.

Now we’re taking it a step further to make things even easier for our customers. We’re excited to announce ATG Portal. In addition to sending buyers, sellers, real estate agents, and lenders proactive communication throughout the entire process, ATG Portal is a secure platform to see and share everything related to your closing. This includes updates at each milestone of the process, plus on-demand access to important closing documents.

The ATG Portal allows all parties to digitally interact with all of their transactions in one place and on any device. It is web-based, so it is easily accessed from a computer, smartphone, or tablet. More importantly, it’s secure.

With the ATG Portal, buyer/seller interviews can be completed quickly, documents can be reviewed in advance, wiring instructions can be verified, and documents can easily be reviewed after closing is complete.

Fraud in the real estate industry is constantly evolving. Scammers are continuously searching for vulnerabilities to exploit, putting buyers and sellers at risk. Lately there have been several alarming stories of in real estate fraud in the news, shedding light on the need for heightened vigilance.

Real Estate Fraud Tactics Evolving with Technology

From wire fraud to social engineering schemes, fraudsters have long targeted real estate transactions. One of the more common forms of wire fraud is when a scammer impersonates a title company or real estate agent to get a buyer to transfer funds into a fraudulent account. Recent advancements in technology, such as the use of generative AI, have added a new layer of complexity to these fraudulent activities. AI tools like chatGPT are being employed to mimic voices, enabling scammers to spoof phone numbers and execute more convincing social engineering tactics.

Generative AI has led to a rise in realistic-sounding voice messages and deceptive emails, making it increasingly difficult to distinguish between genuine communications and fraudulent attempts. Scammers use this technology to manipulate victims into transferring funds or disclosing sensitive information, exploiting the trust inherent in traditional communication channels.

Real estate transactions can be complex and intricate processes. Whether you're buying your dream home, selling a property, investing in real estate, refinancing your loan, or engaging in any type of real estate transaction, numerous key players are involved. These individuals or entities play a vital role in ensuring a successful and legally sound transaction. Let's dive into who these key players are and how they work together harmoniously to close the deal.

Buyers and Sellers

At the heart of every real estate transaction are the buyer and seller. The buyer is the party looking to acquire the property, while the seller wants to part with it. These two individuals or entities are the primary decision-makers in the deal. They negotiate the terms, agree on the purchase price, and ultimately decide whether to move forward with the transaction.

Real Estate Agents

Real estate agents act as intermediaries between the buyer and seller. They help market the property, find potential buyers, and facilitate property showings. For buyers, agents can assist in locating suitable properties and negotiating on their behalf. They know the market, they know how to negotiate, and they keep you informed every step of the way. Their expertise in the local real estate market is invaluable when buying and selling a home.

You’re about to close on your dream home. Then you meet with the title company and learn that the title search discovered that the property is subject to an easement.

What is an easement?

An easement gives another party the right to access your property and to use it, or a part of it, in specified ways. An easement agreement between two parties outlines the specific use of the property, along with any applicable payment and termination information. These easements are usually transferred when the property is sold. Though they are not always common knowledge, easements are more common than some may think, and it’s important to be aware of what they are and how they work.

In essence, an easement is a grant of a nonpossessory property interest that gives the easement holder the right to use someone else’s land. This might be something like a utility company needing to come in and repair water or sewer lines or trim trees that impede power lines.

Sometimes, easements can be to the property owner’s benefit. Using the example above, you will want the local power company be able to access the power lines on your property to restore power in the event of an outage after a severe storm.

Attorney's Title Group is proud to announce that Robbie Wilson was voted one of Little Rock's Best Lawyers in the December edition of Soiree magazine. Robbie was recognized in the Commercial Real Estate category.

The Little Rock Best Lawyer list is composed of 113 individuals who were determined via a two-component voting system of peer review voting and voting by the readers of Little Rock Soiree and Arkansas Business magazines. The expertise of lawyers is used to determine who should be on the list, and readers votes and experiences with the lawyers determine how individual lawyers rank.

Congratulations to Robbie on this well-deserved achievement.