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Showing posts from October, 2015

Halloween Traditions From Around The World

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When we think of Halloween, most of us think of dressing up in costumes, going trick-or-treating, and carving pumpkins with our friends and families. While these fun activities have become staples of our holiday traditions, but many other countries celebrate Halloween very differently. This week, the team at Arrowhead Title is here to broaden your horizons with this quick look at some of the different ways other countries celebrate Halloween. Ireland Many Celtic families celebrate Halloween in many of the same ways we do. Children dress up in costumes and go trick-or-treating. Some children also bob for apples or play "snap-apple," a game in which an apple is hung from a string and the kids take turns trying to bite into the dangling fruit. In some areas, Celtic people also light bonfires to honor the sacred fires burned centuries ago. China Halloween festivals in China are called "Teng Chieh." Traditionally, Chinese people place water and food in front

5 Crucial House Hunting Hints

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We love helping new homeowners protect their investments with title insurance at the Lake of the Ozarks . Before they can protect their investments, though, they have to first find the home they want to invest in! This week, the team at Arrowhead Title, Inc. is here to help you find your dream home at the Lake with these quick and easy home hunting tips. 5 House Hunting Hints 1. Identify Your Priorities Buying a house at the Lake of the Ozarks is a very exciting process. It's easy to get so swept up in thrill of it all that, if you're not careful, you get thrown off track. Before you spend too much time "oohing and ahhing" over the granite countertops or the endless view of the main channel, make sure that the home meets your basic requirements. 2. Bring A Notebook When you tour multiple houses, the different properties will start to run together. Rather than taxing your brain trying to remember if the brand new carpet was in the same home as the tiny mast

Reverse Mortgages FAQ - Part 2

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Home equity is a valuable asset for multiple reasons. As one example, homeowners are able to turn their equity into cash via second mortgages. Also called reverse mortgages or home equity loans, these loans essentially enable you to borrow money against your house, so you can take advantage of your equity without having to sell your home. Last week, our blog featured answers to some frequently asked questions about reverse mortgages . This week, we're here to finish the conversation with answers to a few more common questions. Reverse Mortgage FAQ (Part 2) 8. Am I Responsible For Paying My Homeowners Insurance & Property Taxes Taking out a second mortgage does not change any of your other responsibilities associated with homeownership; you will still be required to keep your insurance and property tax current at all times. In some situations, lenders can impound your taxes and insurance and pay them for you when they become due. 9. Does My House Have To

Reverse Mortgages FAQ - Part 1

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You spend years of your life paying off your mortgage loan and building equity in your home - but what can you do with all that equity? Equity can be used for a number of different things, such as going towards the down payment on your next home, funding your retirement, or taking out a reverse mortgage. A reverse mortgage (also called a "second mortgage" or a "home equity loan") is a loan you take out that allows you turn your home equity into cash you can use for home improvements, buying land around your home, or any number of other possibilities.  Reverse mortgages tend to be varied and complex. You should talk to a mortgage lender to get all the information you need before officially deciding whether or not to take out a second mortgage, but the team at Arrowhead Title, Inc. is here to help you get the ball rolling. Reverse Mortgage FAQ (Part 1) 1. How Do I Qualify For A Reverse Mortgage? In order to be eligible for a reverse mortgage, you have to me

Facing Foreclosure? You Have Options.

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Real estate foreclosures are somewhat like divorce - no one wants to think it could happen to them, but unfortunately, it is a fact of life for many people. Foreclosures can be daunting and a little scary, but it's important to realize that you do have some options. A Notice of Election and Demand for Sale signifies the start of the foreclosure process. Before taking any action, you should always consult with a local real estate expert to discuss your specific situation. The team at Arrowhead Title, Inc. is here to help by providing you with a starting point for continued discussion. Step 1: Identifying Your Financial Situation Before you can identify which alternative to foreclosure will work best for you, you have to evaluate your current financial situation. Which one of these situations apply to you? Solvent: Your monthly income exceeds your monthly expenses, and you have some savings or assets. Income = Expenses: Your monthly income equals your monthly expenses,