Resources for Real Estate Agents

Order services, review fees, find forms and advice

When it's time to settle your next real estate transaction, we can provide you with the tools and expertise to complete the task with speed and ease. You can also use our website to save your clients big money through our REAL Credit™ program – a savings of up to $2,000 on closing costs.

Your clients will appreciate your professionalism and attention to detail. You'll be glad to know you're working with a reputable title company that delivers top-notch customer service and more than 70 years of combined experience.

To get started, browse the resources below.

Order settlement services online and save up to $2,000

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The Exclusion Rules of Home Sales

In 1997 Congress enacted the law which states if you own and live in your home for two years, you can take an exclusion of up to $250,000 ($500,000 for a married couple filing jointly) for the old "replacement residence" rules. Unlike the previous once-in-a-lifetime exclusion for senior citizens, the new exclusion may be claimed repeatedly, but usually only once every two years.

When the law was enacted in 1997, homeowners who held property for less than two years could qualify for the following reduced exclusions; selling due to a change in employment, health reasons or "unforseen circumstances". However, these exclusions were loosely defined, so most people had no idea if they would qualify for a reduction. Effective December 24, 2002, the IRS issued temporary regulations, pertaining to home sales within a two year period. If the taxpayer falls within one of these safety zones, they will automatically be entitled to the appropriate exclusion of gain.

Dual Agency* — Definition Code for the District of Columbia and Maryland

There is a lot of confusion about Dual Agency, who can represent whom, what arrangements are legal, what paperwork needs to be completed etc. Keep in mind that Maryland requires full agency disclosure while DC and Virginia only encourage full disclosure. To get started, we have defined some useful industry terms.

FIRPTA Withholding: Tax on Nonresident Aliens Selling Real Property in the U.S.

The Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act (FIRPTA) of 1980 authorizes the United States to tax foreign persons who are nonresident aliens selling U.S. real property interests.A U.S. real property interest includes sales of interests in parcels of real property.

Persons purchasing U.S. real property interests (transferee) from nonresident aliens (transferor), certain purchasers' agents, and settlement officers are required to withhold 10% of the amount realized (the purchase/sales price of the real estate going to transferor) and remit that amount to the Internal Revenue Service within 20 days of the transaction.

DC Landlord - Tenant Information

Under the Rental Housing Conversion and Sales Act (hereinafter the "Act"), [1] District of Columbia residential tenants have unusual rights.Unlike other jurisdictions, before an owner of a housing accommodation [2] may sell the accommodation, issue a notice of intent to recover possession, or issue a notice to vacate (for purposes of demolition or discontinuance of housing use), the owner of the accommodation must give the tenant the opportunity to purchase the accommodation. [3]

The tenant’s rights are somewhat confusing and are outlined in this article.

Maryland Real Estate Withholding Tax

There have been occasions when I have been at the settlement table and the Maryland Withholding Tax became a major surprise to the seller. The seller is surprised when I place an affidavit in front of him asking him to state that he is a Maryland resident and he is not.  The following is some basic information about the Maryland Withholding Tax.

Homebuyer Assistance Programs

Financial aid, tax credits and rebates, for first-time and low-income homebuyers

Here you will find general guidelines as well as state specific information that may affect your closing and closing costs. If you want to calculate your closing costs, please request an instant quote. Click the read more tab and explore links relative the new property's jurisdiction:

Homeowner's Insurance for Condos

When it comes to insuring a condo, the rules are a little different since the homebuyer is sharing walls, ceilings, floors etc.. Be sure your homebuyer realizes the "Master Policy" the condominium association provides probably does not cover items inside the condo.

Typically two separate policies are required to protect the homebuyers new investment. The association should have a clear guideline as shown by an Areas of Responsibility List, which defines those responsibilities.

Homebuyer Tax Tips