This page provides a list of some of our offered services and a brief description of each. If you should have questions about anything, please do not hesitate to call us. We take our customer service seriously, and believe that each customer should have a full understanding of their transaction.
Title Insurance- protects you against ownership claims on your property. Issued in the amount of your purchase price for a one-time premium, coverage lasts for as long as you or your heirs own the property. First, a search of the public land records is done for all matters that affect title to your property. Any errors in the chain of title must be corrected prior to issuing the policy. Most importantly, your policy protects you from problems not uncovered in the chain of title. A claim on your property could arise due to a mistake in the records, previously undisclosed heirs, unrecorded or forged documents or outstanding judgments. In the event of a claim, your policy protects you by negotiating with third parties involved and by paying any legal fees or other costs involved with defending your title. See the links below to open or download rate sheets for our underwriting insurers.
NOTE: Old Republic Star Policy is a premium policy. Please contact our office for further information.
Closing & Escrow Services- ACT performs closing services both in our Mancelona office, or at your Realtor's office. We serve as an impartial third party to help the transaction go smoothly and without trouble. Many people mistakenly believe that they can save a few bucks and do their own closings. They don't take into consideration such important issues as: title searches, title insurance, tax-prorations, delinquent taxes, outstanding mortgages that place a lien on the property, the proper filing of paperwork with various governmental agencies or the proper drafting of deeds or land contracts. As a buyer, be sure to protect yourself; leave it to the professionals!
Title Searches - ACT also offers title searches outside of closings and without the issuance of title insurance. A title search can be done as far back as you specify, and will provide you with a list and copies of any documents that have been recorded against the title of the property since that date. This is especially helpful if you are concerned that a judgement or lien has been placed against your property, or that a recently paid-off mortgage may not have been discharged. A Search will also alert you to anyone who has acquired an interest in your property since the start date of the search. A Search will not reveal who owns the property and ACT cannot interpret any documents found during the search of the chain, but searches are reasonably priced for the peace of mind they can provide.
Construction Draws & Disbursements- ACT works closely with lenders, homeowners and builders/contractors on new home construction files. "Draw Requests" are submitted to the lender in stages, and the contractor is required to provide waivers from subcontractors and vendors at each stage so that you can rest assured that the money is going where it's supposed to. This ensures that no Mechanic's or Construction Liens are placed against your property due to non-payment or mismanagement of your construction loan funds. Ask your construction lender to have Antrim County Title handle your construction draws and disbursements, and relax!
1031 Exchanges- A 1031 Exchange is a method by which a property owner trades one investment property for another without having to pay federal income taxes on the transaction. In an ordinary sale transaction, the seller is taxed on any gain realized by the sale. In a 1031, the tax on the transaction is deferred indefinitely. You don't even need to acquire the new property at the same time that you sell; the replacement property must be acquired within 180 days after closing on the relinquished property. There are, of course, strict requirements that must be met, but to many, the 1031 is considered "The Last Remaining Tax Shelter For Real Estate Investment". Ask us whether your closing can be done as a 1031 exchange.
