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3 Things You Need To Know About Contingent Contracts

by Ask the ExpertResourcesVideo
Next up in our Three Things video series are Republic Title’s Janet Allen and Sarah Mann discussing the three things you need to know about contracts contingent on the sale of a buyer’s current home.
 
In this informative conversation they discuss when the buyer must receive the proceeds of their sale, what happens when a seller accepts a back-up offer, and some situations that may cause a buyer default. With the market heating up, this information is vital for agents and their clients.
 
For more information and resources, visit republictitle.com
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3 Things You Need To Know About Title Commitment

by Ask the ExpertEducationResourcesVideo

Looking for the inside scoop on title and real estate? Look no further than our new Three Things video series where we will highlight three things you should know about various title and real estate topics.

First up is Republic Title’s Janet Allen and Matt Visinsky discussing the 3 things you need to know about the Title Commitment. They cover what the title commitment is and the three key parts of the Title Commitment: Schedules A, B and C.

For more information, check out our blog post on the ABC’s of the Title Commitment: https://www.republictitle.com/the-abcs-of-title-commitment/

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May Class Calendar

by Ask the ExpertEducationTechnology

Republic Title is pleased to offer a variety of continuing education classes for our customers. Join us in May for classes including:

Instagram Reels for Real Estate Agents
If you’re looking to connect with more buyers and sellers while growing your brand, then Instagram Reels could be for you. Reels is a powerful way to cast a larger net to grow your followers and to showcase your listings to a wider audience. In this course you will learn the quick and easy steps to create a reel and given examples of content ideas so you can get started today.
May 3rd
11:30 am – 1:00 pm – Lunch will be served from 11:30-12, provided by Chase Crenshaw, Alliance Bank. The 1 hour CE portion of class will begin promptly at Noon.
Republic Title North Coit

FREE Tools to Supercharge Your Marketing
Check out our curated list of the real estate marketing resources you can start using today to supercharge all your marketing efforts, without emptying your bank account.
May 4th
10:00 am – 11:00 am
Zoom

Limited and Lies – Overcoming Beliefs That Hold You Back
Real Estate Professionals know how to do their job and grow their business. All of them struggle to overcome the limiting beliefs and lies that hold them back from success. This course will help agents pinpoint their biggest limiting belief, understand how they were programmed into their minds and then learn three techniques to counteract or re-program those thoughts.
May 9th
10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Zoom

The Prospecting Game
If we are not prospecting we are dying and having a traceable, systematic approach to it will help organize and elevate your business. In this class, Shaun Neidigh, VP/Business Development will discuss an 8-week, step by step program and best practices that will surely elevate you to new heights in your business.
May 10th
10:00 am – 11:00 am
Republic Title Preston Legacy

Maximize Productivity with ChatGPT A Real Estate Agents Guide
Teaching real estate agents to use ChatGPT can improve their overall effectiveness and efficiency in serving clients. Come to this class to learn the many ways ChatGPT can help you create better listing descriptions, social media posts, scripts for videos & blogs, ad copy and so much more.
May 10th
10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Caddo Office Reimagined Lakewood

Build a Better CMA Using Cloud CMA
If you don’t stand out, you don’t stand a chance! Cloud CMA helps you build a better Comparative Market Analysis report that includes interactive presentations that win more listings, provides a lasting impression and builds trust. Join us in this class to learn how to search for comparables in Matrix, review the Buyer Tour/Property/Flyer Tabs, explore the Automatic Reports features, and more.
May 16th
10:00 am – 11:00 am
Zoom

Instagram Reels for Real Estate Agents
If you’re looking to connect with more buyers and sellers while growing your brand, then Instagram Reels could be for you. Reels is a powerful way to cast a larger net to grow your followers and to showcase your listings to a wider audience. In this course you will learn the quick and easy steps to create a reel and given examples of content ideas so you can get started today.
May 17th
10:00 am – 11:00 am
Republic Title Southlake

Maximize Productivity with ChatGPT A Real Estate Agents Guide
Teaching real estate agents to use ChatGPT can improve their overall effectiveness and efficiency in serving clients. Come to this class to learn the many ways ChatGPT can help you create better listing descriptions, social media posts, scripts for videos & blogs, ad copy and so much more.
May 17th
1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Republic Title Southlake

Top Ten Contract Addenda
Join us to review 10 of the most commonly utilized TREC contract addenda including Third Party Financing Addendum, Addendum for Backup Contract and more. APPROVED TREC CONTRACT COURSE
May 18th
10:00 am – 11:00 am
Zoom

Is This Homestead & Why Do Title Companies Care?
Homestead rights can be very confusing! This class will help licensees understand how the State of Texas views homesteads and what factors influence the title company’s underwriting decisions.
May 23rd
10:00 am – 11:00 am
Zoom

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April Class Calendar

by Ask the ExpertEducationTechnology

Republic Title is pleased to offer a variety of continuing education classes for our customers. Join us in April for classes including:

The Intersection of Divorce, Real Property & Mortgage Planning
This class is designed to provide real estate professionals with an understanding of how a divorce involving real estate, spousal support, child support, etc. can affect a real estate closing transaction. We will cover the elements of a divorce and provide a better understanding of successfully working with divorcing clients.
April 5th
11:30 am – 1:00 pm
Republic Title North Coit

Backup, Contingent & Multiple Offers
This class will prepare licensees to handle the unique aspects of backup, contingent and multiple offer transactions by reviewing pertinent TREC addenda along with critical dates and deadlines.
April 6th
10:00 am – 11:00 am
Zoom

Social Media Content Planning 101 
All good social media begins with a plan. Join us to learn how effective content planning and execution will keep you top of mind with your sphere and help you win more business. In this class, you will learn tips for social media content planning, where to find great content resources, and planning tools to help you organize your social media content calendar.
April 6th
11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Caddo Office Reimagine Lakewood

Hit the Road with the MLS-Touch App
Deals are made on the road. MLS Touch is the most advanced Mobile MLS app for agents! Come to this class to learn how to use this tool like a pro from the first time you log in. Seamless integration with Matrix, OneHome Portal, Realist Tax and more. Set up your own branded app to share with clients and on social media.
April 12th
11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Republic Title Park Cities

Hit the Road with the MLS-Touch App
Deals are made on the road. MLS Touch is the most advanced Mobile MLS app for agents! Come to this class to learn how to use this tool like a pro from the first time you log in. Seamless integration with Matrix, OneHome Portal, Realist Tax and more. Set up your own branded app to share with clients and on social media.
April 13th
10:00 am – 11:00 am
Republic Title Southlake

Maximize Productivity with ChatGPT A Real Estate Agents Guide
Teaching real estate agents to use ChatGPT can improve their overall effectiveness and efficiency in serving clients. Come to this class to learn the many ways ChatGPT can help you create better listing descriptions, social media posts, scripts for videos & blogs, ad copy and so much more.
April 18th
10:00 am – 11:00 am
Republic Title Uptown Conference Center

Survey Issues
Join us for this class intended to help licensees understand surveys and the applicable paragraphs in the TREC 1-4 Family Residential Contract and prepare them for any potential survey issues that may arise.
April 18th
2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Republic Title Castle Hills

Maximize Productivity with ChatGPT A Real Estate Agents Guide
Teaching real estate agents to use ChatGPT can improve their overall effectiveness and efficiency in serving clients. Come to this class to learn the many ways ChatGPT can help you create better listing descriptions, social media posts, scripts for videos & blogs, ad copy and so much more.
April 19th
11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Republic Title Preston Frankford

Incredible Canva Tips and Tricks
Boost your listings and properties easily and efficiently using Canva’s beautiful real estate templates. Join us to learn new tips and tricks to make designing even easier and make marketing one of your new favorite tasks!
April 20th
10:00 am – 11:00 am
Zoom

Maximize Productivity with ChatGPT A Real Estate Agents Guide
Teaching real estate agents to use ChatGPT can improve their overall effectiveness and efficiency in serving clients. Come to this class to learn the many ways ChatGPT can help you create better listing descriptions, social media posts, scripts for videos & blogs, ad copy and so much more.
April 26th
9:30 am – 10:30 am
Republic Title Park Cities

Selling Out of an Estate
Join us to learn the requirements for selling real estate if title is held by an estate or there has been a death of a seller.
April 26th
10:00 am – 11:00 am
Zoom

HOA-Issues

HOA Issues

by Ask the ExpertResourcesVideo

Republic Title’s Scott Rooker and Shaun Neidigh sat down recently to discuss all things HOA including HOA issues and the HOA Addendum in the TREC 1-4 family contract.

The 1-4 family TREC contract may have an Addendum for Property Subject to Mandatory Membership in a Property Owners Association, often referred to as the HOA Addendum. Section A shows who is going to pay for the Subdivision Information and when the information is due to be delivered by the Buyer to the Seller. This section may give an out, or right to terminate the contract to the Buyer. The Subdivision Information is defined as both a current copy of the restrictions for the subdivision and bylaws and rules of the Association, and a resale certificate.

Listen in as Republic Title’s Shaun Neidigh and Scott Rooker discuss:

– What are traps you may fall into regarding HOAs?

– How much time should you allow for delivery of HOA documents?

– How can I help protect buyers and sellers from surprises?

For more informative videos from the Republic Title Legal Team, check out our YouTube channel: Republic Title – YouTube

Seller-Leaseback-Issues

Seller Leaseback Issues

by Ask the ExpertReal Estate ArticlesVideo
A Sellers Temporary Leaseback allows the seller to continue living in the home after closing for a limited time. The Seller leaseback begins when the sale is closed and funded and can last for up to 90 days. During this lease term the Seller is the tenant and the Buyer is now the landlord.
 
Join Republic Title’s Sarah Mann and Shaun Neidigh as they discuss:
– What is a Sellers Leaseback?
– What are the other terms that are negotiated?
– Additional considerations when negotiating a leaseback
 
For more informative videos from the Republic Title Legal Team, check out our YouTube channel: youtube.com/c/RepublicTitle/videos
 
Class-Calendar-Blog-Header

March Class Calendar

by Ask the ExpertEducationTechnology

Republic Title is pleased to offer a variety of continuing education classes for our customers. Join us in March for classes including:

Creative Financing Pitfalls in a High Interest Rate Market
All licensees must be prepared to handle aspects of special types of financing. This class focuses on the specifics of alternative types of financing such as Seller Financing, Loan Assumption, and Lease to Own and discusses types of financing to avoid.
March 1st
2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Republic Title North Coit

Tax Planning Program Specifically for Real Estate Agents
Join us for a Lunch and Learn with special guests from Greenlight Tax Group. They’ve designed a tax planning program specifically for REALTORS®. They will share strategies to help you minimize your tax liability and keep more of what you make year after year. Please register in advance, as seats are limited.
March 2nd
11:30 am – 12:30 pm
Republic Title Park Cities

Property Tax 100
Join us as Glenn Goodrich and Jim Goodrich, with PropertyTax.io answer questions about winning the property tax protests in 2021. How will COVID-19 affect the process? What are the deadlines? Which areas will see the largest increase? These questions and more will be addressed in this timely class.
March 7th
10:00 am – 11:00 am
Zoom

Maximizing Your Open House
Holding an open house is a great way to showcase a new listing and attract prospective clients. In this course, agents will learn how to maximize their open house opportunity and learn how to promote the property, generate leads and practice good safety while on the job.
March 8th
2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Zoom

Tax Tips Every Real Estate Agent Needs to Know
This class will cover issues to help REALTORS® with their personal taxes, with removing Federal Tax Liens when closing sales, and with IRS problems they or their client may have. Some of the topics discussed in this one-hour class include: Tips on Keeping Records & Recommended Forms to File, Tax Deductions You Should be Taking, How to Make Estimated Taxes Work with your Cash Flow, Tax Areas of Special Interest to REALTORS®, and How to Use the Home Office Deduction.
March 14th
2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Zoom

New Forms Editor-zipForm®
The new forms editor in zipForm® introduces several intelligent and intuitive features, giving agents and brokers everything they need to prepare and send forms faster than ever. With a new and improved workspace, you can autofill forms, fill out multiple forms at once, mark up documents, add personalized clauses and quickly add signers and property information.
March 22nd
10:00 am – 11:00 am
Zoom

TREC Legal Update I
Legal Update I covers various topics related to changes in regulations, forms, and standards of practice in the real estate industry including: TREC statute and rule updates, an overview of changes to and best practices for promulgated contract and addenda forms, and updated information on fair housing and property management laws and regulations.
March 23rd
9:30 am – 1:30 pm
Republic Title Uptown

Escape Hatches for Buyers
In this class licensees will become familiar with specific conditions & contingencies within the contract and related addenda that, if not adhered to, could result in a Buyer’s valid termination of the contract.
APPROVED TREC CONTRACT-RELATED COURSE
March 23rd
10:00 am – 11:00 am
Caddo Office Reimagined McKinney

Escape Hatches for Buyers
In this class licensees will become familiar with specific conditions & contingencies within the contract and related addenda that, if not adhered to, could result in a Buyer’s valid termination of the contract.
APPROVED TREC CONTRACT-RELATED COURSE
March 23rd
11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Republic Title Preston Frankford

Proactive Business Practices I Mastering “Blue Ocean” Activities
Most Small Business Owners (SBO)/ Real Estate Professionals utilize reactionary business practices. They are utilizing marketing techniques and practices that were unique and forward thinking 6 months ago. They react to market shifts as they happen rather than implement business practices that will keep them ahead of economic shifts. The idea of “blue ocean” is to make sure you have positioned your marketing, your business practices and your business strategies with proactive tools vs. reactionary responses. Agents will evaluate their businesses and business styles. They will create a plan to implement and “catch wind” that will allow them to be seen, heard and felt in their communities. They will “sail into blue ocean” vs. “swimming in red seas”.
March 28th
10:00 am – 11:00 am
Zoom

TREC Legal Update II
Legal Update II covers a host of topics that TREC has deemed critical for all licensees to be familiar with, including fiduciary and ethical duties of the agent, guidance on dealing with water and mineral rights, and important updates to tax laws and rules.
March 28th
12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Republic Title Uptown

Online Contracts via zipForm®
Join us to learn the basics of using Lone Wolf Transactions, zipForm® Edition (formerly zipForm® Plus). zipForm® enables real estate agents to quickly and efficiently create digital transaction files, complete and fill in contract details, attach documents and even get them electronically signed by buyers, sellers and other parties involved in a real estate transaction.
March 29th
10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Republic Title Southlake

Wire-Fraud

Wire Fraud

by Ask the ExpertReal Estate ArticlesVideo

Mortgage wire fraud is a scam in which a scammer poses as someone in your closing transaction typically, your real estate agent, lender, or your escrow officer. They typically gain information on the transaction by hacking into one or more parties’ email accounts. When the transaction is near closing the scammer sends false wire instructions that divert deposits, closing costs and even mortgage payoff funds from their intended recipient. Once the funds are wired to the scammers account it’s very difficult if not impossible to get the money back.

Listen in as Republic Title’s Sheri Groom and Sarah Mann discuss:

– How often wire fraud occurs

– Ways in which wire fraud can occur

– What are things parties should look out for regarding wire fraud?

For more informative videos from the Republic Title Legal Team, check out our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/OHUe02-4c4c

MarketingCLass

Marketing & Business Planning for the Real Estate Agent

by Ask the ExpertEducation

We are excited to present a new Marketing and Business Planning Special Class Series with guest instructors Amy House and Darian Rausch!

Join us for FIVE opportunities to elevate your real estate business in the areas of time management, business planning, building referrals, open house maximization, and optimizing your business strategies. Don’t miss out on this opportunity as we enter the Spring selling season!

All classes will take place on ZOOM. Space is limited.

Managing Your Time as a Small Business Owner/Real Estate Professional –
The goal of this course is to provide real estate professionals with the information needed to understand the nuances of time management. Most Small Business Owners (SBO)/ Real Estate Professionals must use their time effectively and efficiently in order to accomplish tasks successfully. Agents will learn and understand the nuances that have prevented them from mastering time management. They will learn and understand the difference between tasks, routines and project management. Agents will be given an opportunity to use a proven template to plan their time, tasks, routines and projects for the next 30 days.

Date, Time & Location:
Tuesday, February 7th
10:00 am – 12:00 pm
ZOOM
Instructor: Amy House, M.Ed., Instructor and Business Coach, CEO of Growin’ Out Loud Darlin’
CE Information: Course Number: 43976
TREC Provider: Success Shareholders #10601
$20 for 2 TREC CE Hours (no charge for no CE credit)

Writing Your Real Estate Business Plan –
This is an introductory course in business planning for the real estate professional. This course covers five areas of business planning: Financial, Database Management, Lead Generation, Time Management and Goal Setting. There will be a focus on how to build and maintain a referral-based business. Students will walk away with a plan and strategy to take their business to the next level.

Date, Time & Location:
Wednesday, February 8th
2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
ZOOM
Instructor: Darian Rausch, Broker at Urban to Suburban Realty
CE Information: Course Number: 43796 
TREC Provider Number: 10601
$20 for 2 TREC CE Hours (no charge for no CE credit)

Building a Referral Based Real Estate Business –
This course will teach real estate professionals how to build a solid referral business by building trust with customers, clients, and fellow agents. Join us as Darian Rausch with Success Shareholders teaches agents how to use their relationships to generate more leads, and transition from passively accepting occasional referrals to a proactive referral mindset. Participants will walk away with practical and applicable information they can immediately begin implementing in their business model.

Date, Time & Location:
Wednesday, February 22nd
2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
ZOOM
Instructor: Darian Rausch, Broker at Urban to Suburban Realty
CE Information: Course Number: 43783
TREC Provider Number: 10601
$20 for 2 TREC CE Hours (no charge for no CE credit)

Maximizing Your Open House –
Holding an open house is a great way to showcase a new listing and attract prospective clients. In this course, agents will learn how to maximize their open house opportunity and learn how to promote the property, generate leads and practice good safety while on the job.

Date, Time & Location:
Wednesday, March 8th
2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
ZOOM
Instructor: Darian Rausch, Broker at Urban to Suburban Realty
CE Information: Course Number: 43791
TREC Provider Number: 10601
$20 for 2 TREC CE Hours (no charge for no CE credit)

Proactive Business Practices –
Mastering “Blue Ocean” Activities
Most Small Business Owners (SBO)/ Real Estate Professionals utilize reactionary business practices. They are utilizing marketing techniques and practices that were unique and forward thinking 6 months ago. They react to market shifts as they happen rather than implement business practices that will keep them ahead of economic shifts. The idea of “blue ocean” is to make sure you have positioned your marketing, your business practices and your business strategies with proactive tools vs. reactionary responses. Agents will evaluate their businesses and business styles. They will create a plan to implement and “catch wind” that will allow them to be seen, heard and felt in their communities. They will “sail into blue ocean” vs. “swimming in red seas”.

Date & Time:
Tuesday, March 28th
10:00 am – 11:00 am
ZOOM
Instructor: Amy House, M.Ed., Instructor and Business Coach, CEO of Growin’ Out Loud Darlin’
CE Information: Course Number: 43939
TREC Provider: Success Shareholders #10601
$15 for 1 TREC CE Hour (no charge for no CE credit)

Remember, space is limited so register today!
 Residential Education | REPUBLIC TITLE

Legal-Team

Meet Our Residential Underwriting and Legal Team

by Ask the ExpertInside Republic TitleResourcesTitle Information

As an industry leader and authority on the local real estate market, you can count on Republic Title’s highly trained teams and in-house attorneys to ensure your transaction closes quickly, with fast turnaround on title searches and underwriting decisions.

We are proud to highlight our Residential Underwriting and Legal team who are available to answer your questions and be a resource for you in working towards a smooth closing. Be on the lookout in the coming days to learn more about our incredible team of attorneys and how they are committed to helping you get to the closing table!

Matt Visinsky is Senior Vice President/Senior Residential Counsel at Republic Title. Matt has been with Republic Title for nearly 25 years. With experience as both an Escrow Officer and Branch Manager, Matt brings a unique perspective to his role. Matt’s attention to detail and extensive knowledge of the real estate transaction make him an invaluable member of our legal team. In his free time, Matt is an avid sports photographer and his work has been published in ESPN’s The Magazine, Sports Illustrated and GQ.

Wade Bogdon is Assistant Vice President/Residential Counsel and has been with Republic Title for over 8 years. Wade has an extensive knowledge in title rules and procedures which allows him to give excellent service to our customers. Wade is quick to respond to questions and is able to clearly communicate rules and requirements. In his free time, Wade enjoys watching Dallas sporting teams, cooking and restoring and researching historic homes.

With over 52  years in the title business, Jay has worked with developers, lenders, real estate agents and attorneys, gaining him a tremendous amount of experience and knowledge in the industry. Jay is known throughout the real estate community for giving back both within our industry and being incredibly active in the community. With a background as a Branch Manager, Jay has a reputation for his incredible customer service which has built many great lasting relationships over his time with Republic Title. In his free time, Jay enjoys spending time with his family as well as traveling, biking and hiking.

 

Steve Holley is a solution-oriented underwriting counsel who has the ability to make everyone comfortable in the transaction which allows our closing teams the ability to close and insure transactions seamlessly. With 30 years of title industry experience, Steve knows title laws and procedures like the back of his hand. Steve is a highly effective communicator with a plethora of knowledge and is one of our highly sought after real estate class instructors. A proud SMU alumnus, Steve is an avid outdoorsman and enjoys spending his free time with his family and at the ranch.  

Scott is someone that you can count on to handle any complex issues that may arise with your transaction. With extensive knowledge of TREC contracts and procedures, Scott is a sought after teacher who uses his law experience to effectively communicate with our customers. Known for his sense of humor, you’re sure to hear one of Scott’s famous jokes if you have the privilege of taking one of his classes! Scott is an avid golfer, Texas Rangers fan, and coffee connoisseur.

Sarah Mann has 13 years working in the title insurance industry with experience both in the closing room and resolving title issues. In her 10 years with Republic Title, Sarah has served in many roles including Escrow Officer, Branch Manager and Residential Counsel. Sarah is known for her personal attention to each real estate transaction and getting deals to the closing table. Her experience in the closing room enhances the service she can provide to every customer. We are extremely grateful for Sarah’s experience, wisdom and heart for our clients!