Keeping Your Real Estate Transaction Safe

Homestead Title will be taking extraordinary measures to protect the health and safety of our customers, clients, and team.

Remote Staff: More than 85% of our team are working remotely from home.  We have had remote capabilities for over 15 years and you may not notice a difference.  We still ask for patience and understanding as it is hard to work with co-workers who are toddlers, pets, and family.

Drive-Up Signings: All in-person transactions will be “Drive Up Closings” at our WEST office until Wisconsin’s Emergency “Safer at Home” Order expires (currently set for April 24). Here’s what you should know:

• In-Person Signing at 555 Zor Shrine (WEST): All closings will take place at our West office as “drive up closings.”
• Strict Lock-down of our Office: We are not admitting anyone into our office other than essential staff.
• Alert Us When You Arrive: Call our main number and we will have our closing officer come right out to your car with documents to sign.
• Only Signers at Closing: We urge only signers come to Drive-Up Closings. Others can come, but they will not be allowed in our building and will be asked to stay in their cars in the parking lot.

Digital Closings: We can do fully digital, remote closings for Sellers or Cash Buyers. The mortgage industry is moving fast to add financed buyers, but we are not yet aware of any Banks or Credit Unions that can do a fully remote closing.

Our mission statement is to make the closing process easier, smoother, and less stressful for our buyers and sellers. For the next few weeks or months, we need to add: “… and safer.”

 

What Does A “Shut Down” Mean For Real Estate?

Question:  Does Wisconsin’s Safer At Home order mean we cannot close our Sale, Purchase, or Refinance?

Answer: We are still OPEN and can handle your real estate transaction.  We will take extraordinary precautions to protect your health our ours.

Wisconsin’s Safer at Home Order is not a full “shut down” or “shelter in place.”  It exempts “essential businesses,” including Title Companies. Most real estate related businesses are exempted, “essential businesses,” including:

• Financial institutions and services. Banks, credit unions, and other depository or lending institutions; licensed financial service providers; and insurance services.
• Professional services, including:legal or accounting services,
  • insurance services,
  • real estate services
    • appraisal,
    • home inspection,
    • Title services
  • Note: these services shall, to the greatest extent possible, use technology to avoid meeting in person, including virtual meetings, teleconference, and remote work (i.e., work from home).
• Supplies for Essential Businesses: This may include trades necessary for lenders, realtors, and title companies to operate, such as sign installers, photographers, stagers, testers (Radon, mold, etc).
• CISA List. Any business or worker identified in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), Memorandum on Identification of Essential Critical Infrastructure Workers During COVID-19 Response, updated March 23, 2020, and any subsequent versions of this Memorandum.  This is a broad list. See CISA LIST.

How Homestead Title Will Protect Your Health

In accordance with this order, Homestead Title will take extraordinary measures to limit contact and protect the health and safety of our customers, clients, and team. These measures include digital signings for sellers and cash buyers, a skeletal staff in our office (90% are working from home), and “Drive Up” closings for all in-person closings.

Drive-Up Closings

While the Emergency Order is in place, Buyers and Sellers will sign from their cars, in a designated area in front of our building, to minimize contacts. We will answer questions by phone (and will conference in lenders or Realtors), or from a 6 foot distance.

We will continue these precautions until the Emergency Order is lifted or modified.  The order currently expires on April 24, 2020.

We know we can get through this together and hope that these local, state, and nationwide measures will shorten the time it takes to get back to “normal.”

Digital Closings Are Here!

We can close many transactions digitally from the comfort and safety of your home.

In response to the coronavirus/Covid-19 pandemic, the State and our underwriters have passed emergency rules to allow digital closings and remote notarization!

We will be able to accommodate almost all sellers and many buyers with “Remote Online Notaries,” (RON).  This will allow for fully remote, digital closings without the need to leave home.

Buyers with a loan will need their lender approval to conduct a fully digital closing.  Lenders have many considerations and challenges, including investors, underwriters, mortgage insurance, and legal issues. Some may not be able to offer this service right away and others may allow only some documents to be signed digitally.

Homestead currently uses Notarycam and is trained and setting up Pavaso – two nationally recognized, approved platforms.  We “host” closings with a certified, remote-online notary.  The Wisconsin DFI has temporarily allowed Wisconsin notaries to also become online notaries (without the need for including an out-of-state notary) and our team is also adding this service.

Please contact us if you wish to close remotely and we can determine whether this is an option and coordinate with you.  

 

REMOTE DIGITAL CLOSINGS — Coming to your living room soon?

The self isolation and quarantines of the coronavirus/Covid-19 pandemic creates challenges and disruptions, including in real estate.  The title and mortgage industries are putting forth efforts to overcome these challenges.

Remote Digital Closings May be Available Soon!

A major effort is underway from title underwriters, legislatures, and administrative agencies to allow “Remote Online Notaries,” (RON) in Wisconsin.  This would allow for fully remote, digital closings without the need to leave home. While it would primarily be available to Sellers, some Buyers can also sign remotely.

Buyers with a loan will need their lender approval to conduct a fully digital closing.  Lenders have many considerations and challenges, including investors, underwriters, mortgage insurance, and legal issues. Some may not be able to offer this service right away and others may allow only certain documents to be signed digitally.

Homestead Title is already conducting digital, remote closings for “Cash” Buyers (where none of their documents are notarized and there is no lender).

Look for important updates on Digital Closings in the coming days.

 

Homestead’s Coronavirus Response: We are Here to Help Buyers and Sellers.

Homestead Title has implemented a plan to maintain day-to-day operations in response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Homestead will continue normal operations, without disruption, during these challenging times. We do not anticipate any delays or cancellations as a result of temporary changes to our business. The majority of Homestead’s team will work remotely from home over the coming weeks. Phone and Email will operate as normal and we are available to help.

Closing officers will be available in our office for any scheduled sale or refinance. We will operate with minimal, in-office staff and appreciate your patience and understanding.

We are committed to supporting and serving our employees, their families, and all those involved in our real estate and title insurance transactions.  As we monitor developments and guidance from public health professionals, we will make any necessary adjustments.

Tips for a Healthy Real Estate Closing:

1. Only Signors in the Closing Room: Homestead will not allow anyone in the closing room other than necessary signors (Buyers, Sellers, and their attorneys).  We urge Lenders and Realtors not attend closing and will ask them to wait in our outside lobby.
   1. We will include Realtors and Lenders on all questions by phone.
   2. We will overnight commission checks at no cost to the Realtor or their broker.
2. Sign Separately and Social Distancing: We encourage Buyers and sellers to sign at different times.  We are waiving Seller pre-sign fees until at least June 1, 2020.  Alternatively, we encourage Buyers to arrive on time and Sellers to arrive 35 minutes after the start of closing.  This will allow for minimal contact and more “social distancing.”
3. Remote or Digital Closings: When possible, Homestead will offer remote or digital closings.  Remote notarization is not yet legal in Wisconsin, so fully digital closings are rarely an option other than for cash purchasers. We will explore all options to accommodate our customers and protect the well-being of our community.
4. Clean Office Space:  We are providing clean pens and separate paperwork to minimize contact between people. We are wiping down all surfaces with disinfectant wipe throughout the day.
5. When to Avoid Closing: If any Buyer or Seller is sick,  in contact with anyone diagnosed or suspected of having Covid-19, or has traveled internationally in the last 14 days, please contact us for alternative closing options
6. Celebrate: We are excited to help you buy, sell and refinance. Yet, we will be refraining from hand shakes, high fives, and other close celebrations.  These are scary times, but together we can do this!

What Daylight Savings Time Means For Realtors

Remember to “spring your clocks forward” by 1 hour on March 8, 2020!  This is great news for people who love evening daylight and the start of spring.  But, it brings an interesting twist for Wisconsin Realtors.

The new Wisconsin WB-11 Offer to Purchase defines deadlines as expiring at “11:59 p.m. Central Standard Time.”   Central Standard Time is our time zone in the winter months.  Starting March 8th and continuing all summer, Wisconsin will be using Central Daylight Time.  Arguably, this means that deadlines in the Summer months expire at 10:59 p.m.

What should Realtors do about the time change?  Enjoy the evening sun and try not to work past 10:59pm.  You will avoid this weird time zone glitch and you will get a better night sleep.

Thanks to Evan Swain of Keller Williams for his brilliant insights on this topic!

Happy Spring and don’t forget to spring your clocks forward at 2a.m. on March 8th. 

Time to Refinance?

Is it time to refinance your mortgage?  Probably!

The rate on a 30-Year Mortgage has steadily dropped from already low rates. Although rates can vary by region and lender, the national average has dropped from  nearly 4.5% to under 3.5% over the last 6 months.

The drop in mortgage rates corresponds with a recent drop in the 10-Year Treasury Bond.  The market for these bonds does not directly effect mortgage rates, but it is good indicator of their direction.  In fact, movement of the 10-Year Treasury Bonds almost exactly mirrors movement of 30-Year Mortgage rates over the past 5 years:

As of February 24, 2020, the yield on the 10-Year Treasury bonds were near record lows.

Does this suggest record low mortgage rates?

Yes!  The current mortgage rates are already near record lows.

Will mortgages rates drop further (don’t they drop when the bonds drop)?

Not Necessarily.  Mortgage rates are not directly effected by bond rates — there are many factors that determine mortgage rates.  And, a drop in bond rates may reflect market conditions that are already “baked in” to current mortgage rates.

The recent precipitous drop in bonds may be largely a reaction to the coronavirus, and fears of its effects on the global economy.  Yet, those fears and the current bond yields at least hint at a continuation of low rates, if not a drop in rates.

Disclaimer – if we could predict where mortgage rates will go, we would be on a tropical beach, not writing this blog.  Rates could go up or down. Mortgage rates are already CRAZY LOW and its probably time to refinance if you haven’t already!

Digital Closings

Imagine signing all of your closing documents for the purchase or your house from the comfort of your couch.  Digital closings are coming and this could soon be a reality.

What is a Digital Closing?

A digital closing is a broad term that can include a number of different scenarios, ranging from the review and signing of a few documents on a computer or tablet to signing all documents remotely on a computer. A digital closing simply means a closing where at least some documents are signed electronically.  There are 3, broad categories of digital closings:

Hybrid Closing:  Some documents are signed electronically while others are signed on paper. This typically occurs in person, at the title company, and may include a traditional notarization or an electronic notarization.

Fully Electronic Closing:  All documents are signed electronically, including the use of in-person electronic notary.  The closing occurs in-person, usually at the title company.

Remote Electronic Closing:  The entire closing occurs remotely, via video, with a remote online notary (RON).

So, when can we do an electronic closing?  Some Hybrid closings are already happening. But, there are still challenges before the industry can implement more extensive use of electronic or remote electronic closings. These challenges include technology of lenders, title companies, and consumers; security and privacy concerns; and the interaction of state and federal laws.

Homestead Title recently participated in the American Land Title Association and Mortgage Banker’s Association’s Digital Closing Boot Camp.  Our take away: Digital closings are coming, but not tomorrow and not in a tidal wave.  Digital closings will soon become another tool in our tool box, giving consumers more options. Remote Electronic Closings are a more distant reality in Wisconsin.  Most importantly, we learned that Homestead Title is more prepared than most in the industry.

Look for more information about digital closings and options to make the closing experience easier, smoother, and more convenient.

 

Intro To FIRPTA in Wisconsin

This is the first in a series of videos explaining FIRPTA — the Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act.

Using The Wrong Form When Drafting an Offer

Virtually all real estate transaction in Wisconsin involve the standard WB forms approved by the State.  Unique forms apply to different kinds of properties, including:

• WB-11 for Residential;
• WB-14 for Condominiums;
• WB-13 for Vacant Land;
• WB-15 for commercial property;
• WB-16 for a business with real estate.

Licensed Realtors are required to use these forms, and most attorneys and FSBOS also use them.

Using the wrong form can lead to confusion, misunderstandings and liability for the parties and their Realtors.  As a title company, we’ve seen hundreds of transactions where the parties used the wrong form, many of which have turned into ugly disputes. Here are three examples:

Incorrectly Using The WB-11 on the Purchase of a Condominium:

When Realtors fail to use the WB-14 form on a condo, the offer can overlook critically important things like: rights or ownership in Parking and Storage Units; association fees and assessments; and the buyers’ right to rescind the offer after receipt of condo disclosure documents.  Using the WB-11 means that the parties may not be aware of these rights and may not adequately disclose or even transfer storage or parking units. Disputes over these issues can lead to failed closings and lawsuits.

Incorrectly Using The WB-11 on the Purchase of a Business and Real Estate:

When Realtors fail to use the WB-16 form on the purchase of a business, they overlook various business issues; environmental issues; and the value of the non-real estate assets, such as inventory, accounts receivable, and good will.  The WB-11 is missing these critical terms and contingencies, and a buyer can have serious liability based on these oversights.  That liability is heightened when the transaction involves more complicated and expensive commercial or business issues.

Incorrectly Using The WB-11 on a Vacant Property

The WB-11 does not address important considerations relating to vacant land, such as future uses, maps and surveys, and environmental considerations.  Using the wrong form can mean buyers are unable to do the proper due diligence or protect themselves with important contingencies.

Consequences of Using the Wrong Form

In the worst case scenario, using the wrong form can lead to a lawsuit and serious liability for the parties and their Realtors.  Even without a lawsuit, Realtors can be subject to discipline by the DSPS for violating REEB 16 (use of approved forms) and Wisconsin Statute 452.133(1)(b) (the duty to provide brokerage services with reasonable skill and care).  When representing a seller, Realtors should insist that the Buyer and their agent use the correct form.  When drafting offers, Realtors must use the correct form and should seek guidance if they are unsure.

Attorney Peter Zarov represents brokerages and Realtors throughout the State of Wisconsin.  His practice specializes in real estate, brokerage, and title issues.