Continental Title Company News & Events

Continental Comments--Homes Sales Increasing

2011-12-23T09:54:00.007-06:00

Although this time of year is generally thought of as slow in the real estate industry, CTC is finding that to be very untrue in 2011! Our offices are bustling with purchases and refinance files...and don't seem to be slowing down anytime soon.

After perusing through various industry related news, we found some great uplifting articles...It appears that throughout the US, home are selling like hotcakes...finally! Check out these articles that we deemed totaly newsworthy!

KCTV5 News: New home sales in KC up 16 percent
KANSAS CITY, MO (KCTV) - New home sales in Kansas City are up by 16 percent compared to this time last year. And builders are hoping this year's Parade of Homes will keep that momentum going. During the two-week homes tour, 246 houses will be on display metro-wide.
While sales in new houses are up from last year, the latest numbers show a decrease in signed contracts in August compared to the previous month. The tour hopes to attract buyers at a time when the economy is slowing down. Experts said buyers can find some of the best prices in new homes. "Prices in Kansas City remain stable. We are usually one of the top 10 markets as far as price value ratio to what you get. There is a lot of creative builders in this town that deliver really a wonderful product," said Mark Mather with Richard Mather Builders.

Existing-Home Sales Continue to Climb in November
This article from Realtor.org states that existing home sales were up 12.2% in November 2011 compared to November 2010. According to the National Assocation of Realtors Chief Economist, who has spoken many times in Kansas City and around the country, Lawrence Yun, more people are taking advantage of the buyer’s market. “Sales reached the highest mark in 10 months and are 34 percent above the cyclical low point in mid-2010 – a genuine sustained sales recovery appears to be developing...We’ve seen healthy gains in contract activity, so it looks like more people are realizing the great opportunity that exists in today’s market for buyers with long-term plans.” Click the article title above to read the full article from NAR's website.

CTC Holiday Party Photos (St. Louis)

2011-12-12T11:23:00.002-06:00

As we celebrate this holiday season, we will be posting pics from the St. Louis area CTC parties. Check out the photos here.

Continental Comments - Agents! Think Safe!

2011-12-08T11:53:00.003-06:00

If you think about it, being a real estate agent can be dangerous. Unfortunately, meeting complete strangers in empty locations is part of the job. If you are a Realtor, don't forget to take the proper precautions to keep yourself safe!

Meet potential clients at your office, make copies of their identification, make sure people know where you are and who you are meeting, carry pepperspray, etc. Your life may depend on it!

Check out this article from ABC News

CTC Dressing Down for Charity

2011-11-23T14:01:00.004-06:00

As Continental Employees sported their favorite denim this week, they also raised money for local charities! The Kansas City region raised $700 for Harvesters Food Network. Springfield and Branson rasied $100 that will go to Ozarks Food Harvest, and the Lawrence raised money for the Lawrence Food Pantry!
Thank you to all of our great employees that helped donate to these great causes!

Continental Comments-Dressing Down for Charity

2011-11-21T09:06:00.011-06:00

You just might notice your favorite Continental Title employees dressing in denim this week...The Kansas City, Lawrence, Springfield and Branson regions are taking part in "Dressing Down for Charity."

Each region has chosen a local charity of their choice to donate to. This Thanksgiving week, employees are jumping at the opportunity to donate money and in return "dress down." If you see denim and a blue button...it means they've donated!

Kansas City employees' donations will be going to Harvester's Community Food Network.

Springfield and Branson's donations will be going to Ozark Food Harvest.

Lawrence donations will be going to The Ballard Center Food Pantry.

Continental Comments--QR Codes, Phone Apps--what do you think?

2011-10-28T11:32:00.015-05:00

Ahh, the age of technology! Well, its 2011 ... and everyone is starting to realize the importance of catching up with that little thing they have been calling "technology."

In an effort to keep up with the "Joneses," Continental Title is excitedly making moves to use technology to better serve our clients.With our new website launching soon--that will feature a new rate calculator with a quote email option--and our new QR Codes that lead you to our web site, locations, and online order entry, we are making strides to embrace the "T" word!

Additionally, we have a phone app in the works! To make these strides the most useful for our clients, we want your feedback!

What do you think of QR Codes? Do you use them? Would it be beneficial to have an automatic link to place an order right from your closer's business card on your phone?

What features are important to you for a Smart Phone App? Would you use it?

We want your feedback!! Let us know!

Send us your thoughts and opinions to info@ctitle.com!!

Happy Friday friends!!

Continental Comments-Helping Children's Mercy

2011-10-18T09:33:00.005-05:00

Thanks to all of our friends that participated in the 6th Annual CTC Golf Classic, we were able to present Children's Mercy Hospitals with $5,800 which will help go to their Family Time Cart. A special thanks to Commerce Bank for their donation of $500 to the cause! Thank you to everyone for helping make a difference!

Continental Title's CFO, Matt McBride and Childeren's Mercy's Director of Corporate Relations, Megan Day.

6th Annual Golf Classic for Children's Mercy

2011-10-07T09:09:00.004-05:00

WOW! With 143 golfers and some much appreciated sunshine from Mother Nature, the 6th Annual CTC Golf Classic benefitting Children's Mercy Hospitals proved to be the best yet!

The tournament, held at Blue Hills Country Club, started at 10am with a shotgun start. As the golfers approached each hole they were greeted by CTC Employee Volunteers with giveaways, contests, food, drink, or some sort of activity!

Through registration, sales of mulligans and raffle tickets, the Tom Watson Drive, and donations throughout the course and at our Bloody Mary/John Daly Bar, we were able to raise close to $6,000 for Children's Mercy Hospitals and Clinics!

Thank you to everyone who helped and participated! We couldn't have helped make this difference without you!

Click here to view some great pics from the day!

Continental Comments--In the Community!

2011-09-26T10:36:00.009-05:00

Wow! So much has been going on for CTC!!

In the Kansas City area, CTC was a proud sponsor of the Kade Meyer Celebration Run in Gardner on Saturday, September 24. They had a great turnout for a great cause! You can view the results and pictures from the run at http://www.seekcrun.com/htmdocs/2011events/09-24-11kade.html

The Kansas City CTC offices also joined YPN KC (Young Professionals of KC) collected canned food items for 2 weeks to donate to Harvesters. We successfully collected an entire bin of food that will go to help many of the homeless and hungry people in and around the KC Metro.

We are gearing up for our 6th Annual Golf Classic that benefits Children's Mercy Hospitals! This year's tournament is being held at Blue Hills Country Club in Kansas City on October 3. There are only a few spots left! If you are interested, please email Lindsay Sproul at lindsays@ctitle.com

Continental Comments--We have Desk Calendars for 2012!

2011-09-13T15:24:00.004-05:00

Do you like to know what date it is? Do you like to keep track of your appointments? Heck...Do you like to have something to"doodle" on while you are on the phone at your desk ?

Guess what!!!

2012 is coming and we already have our large

DESK CALENDARS

ready for you!

Contact one of your local CTC Marketing Reps to reserve yours today!

www.ctitle.com

Continental Comments--FOOD FOR HARVESTERS!

2011-09-01T12:24:00.005-05:00

Continental Title Comany is proud to join with YPN KC to do our part as September is Hunger Action Month. Continental Title's Overland Park Office, located at the corner of SE corner of 435 & Roe, will be a drop off spot for YPN KC's Food Drive benefitting Harvester's, going on September 1-September 22. Stop by anytime Monday-Friday from 8am-5pm to drop off your donations!

Did you know? Your donations DO make a difference!

Harvesters distributes food to as many as 66,000 people per week in the Kansas City Metro and surrounding counties...37% of which are children.

Are you a member of YPN KC? Do you want to network with other enthusiastic real estate agents in the area? Then, save the date for September 22nd, 5-7pm at 810 Zone Town Center for YPN KC's "Network for a Cause," benefitting Harvester's. Check their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/YPNKC for more details on September's event!

Continental Comments--NEW KC LOCATION!

2011-08-25T13:19:00.007-05:00

Ready...Set...Grow!!

We are so excited to announce the opening of our newest KC Metro location! Our South Overland Park Office is set to open September 1!

South Overland Park

15108 Glenwood

Overland Park, KS

Main Ph:913.685.1724

Main Fax: 913.685.1749

Jennifer Mann,Escrow Closer

jenniferm@ctitle.com

Keep checking back with us on our blog and Facebook page for info on more upcoming offices!!

Continental Comments--Looking for Experience? We've got it!

2011-08-12T13:48:00.018-05:00

If you are looking for experience...Continental Title has it! Continental Title's KC region celebrated as Doug Simmons, was awarded by KLTA (Kansas Land Title Association) for 40 years of service and Kim Burgett, Title Manager, was awarded for 25 years of service. With 65 years of experience between just 2 people...think how much experience CTC brings combined with our staff of over 195 people!

Doug Simmons
Administration Coordinator, Underwriting

Kim Burgett

Title Manager

Continental Comments: Handy Cell Phone Tips!

2011-08-02T15:20:00.004-05:00

These days, just about everyone carries a cell phone...here are two great tips we thought everyone should put in their contact list =)

Emergency: The Emergency number worldwide for Mobile is 112. If you find yourself out of the coverage area of your mobile network and you have an emergency dial 112 and the mobile will search any existing network to establish the emergency number for you, and interestingly, this number can be dialed even if the keypad is locked. Try it.

Hidden Battery Power: Imagine your cell is very low. To activate press the keys *3370#. Your cell phone will restart with this reserve and the insturment will show a 50% increase in battery. This reserve will get charged when you charge your cell phone.

Continental Comments---CTC Among Top 150 Private Companies

2011-07-26T16:31:00.006-05:00

Continental Title is so excited to announce that we have been recognized by the

Kansas City Business Journal as one of the Top 150 Private Companies! As #130, CTC is proud to be the only title company to make the list!

Thank you to our loyal customers for choosing us to be your partner in the title business! Thank you for helping us be so successful and being part of our continued growth!

Thank you to our valuable employees for all of their hard work and dedication!

6th Annual Golf Classic benefitting Children's Mercy Hospitals & Clinics

2011-07-11T13:06:00.016-05:00

As one of the top children's hospitals in the country, Children's Mercy understands the unique needs of families when their child is ill. When it comes to caring for kids, they are committed to doing everyhthing they can to make sure that every child has access to the best health care possible.

Many of us have our own story about how Children's Mercy Hospitals and Clincs have helped our loved one's or our friend's loved ones. Children's Mercy Hospital is a valuable asset to our community that everyone should feel proud to support.

We hope you will join us on

Monday, October 3rd, 2011

at Blue Hills Country Club

in Kansas City,

for Continental Title's 6th Annual Golf Classic and enjoy a fun day of golf, gifts, prizes and a great opportunity to support CMH!

In the last 5 years, this annual tournament has rasied $15,000 that has gone straight to Childrens' Mercy.

In 2010, we had a full tournament with 120 players at Brookridge Country Club and raised $5,000 that funded Children's Mercy Family Time Program.

"I just wanted to share an experience I had last week which directly relates to Continental Title. My daughter had a planned cranial surgery last week at Children's Mercy, and while we were in the waiting room, a group of volunteers came by with a cart of refreshments decorated as 'Family Time.' I was in a bit of a daze obviously and was thanking one of the volunteers, and she told me that they were sponsored by Continental TItle. That instantly brought a smile to my face. I wanted to thank you for your donation and sponsorship, and let you know that it does reach people and make a difference." --Josh Gabriel, Assistant Vice President, Block Real Estate Services.

CLICK LINK BELOW TO GET YOUR REGISTRATION FORM AND SIGN UP TODAY!

http://www.ctitle.com/2011GolfFlier.pdf

KC Continental Comments--July Roundtable Discussion: The Title Process from Start to Finish

2011-06-27T13:47:00.007-05:00

KC Friends!! It was so popular last time, we thought we would do it again! Reserve your spot today for our Roundtable Discussion,

"The Title Process: Start to Finish."

July 14

11:30-1:30

Brio Tuscan Grill

RSVP to valeries@ctitle.com to save your spot!

Continental Comments---GOLFERS! Save the date!

2011-06-20T10:02:00.005-05:00

ATTENTION GOLFERS!

Registration info coming soon!!

6TH ANNUAL CTC GOLF CLASSIC

benefitting Children's Mercy Hospitals and Clinics

SAVE THE DATE!!

Monday, October 3

Blue Hills Country Club

Kansas City, MO

Continental Comments: Tips for the Appraisal Process

2011-06-13T16:01:00.005-05:00

Recently, our Kansas City region held a Roundtable Discussion titled "Appraisals: The Dirty Little Word in Real Estate." We wanted to pass on some valuable tid-bits from the discussion!

What are the differences between FHA and Conventional Appraisals? ***Well, not as much as there used to be. The main difference our expert noted was that fact that FHA Appraisals are more concerned with the structural soundness and safety of the subject property.

How can agents help during the appraisal process? ***Definitely get involved. The more proactive the agent is, the more positive the outcome. Our expert says that it is a huge help when agents provide the comparable properties they used to reach their price as well as explanations, lists of upgrades and updates and amenities.

What can a home owner do to help the appraisal process? ***First impressions are key! Even small things such as painting the front door can help improve the sensed value of the home. If the home appears to be well cared for, it will improve how the appraiser views its value.

How do appraisers determine whether or not a room is considered a bedroom? ***Obviously they make sure bedrooms have closets and windows, however, with the occasional exception of reverse 1.5 story homes, appraisers only look at bedrooms above grade. They do, however, note that there are additional bedrooms "below grade," but do not technically count basement bedrooms as such.

How do appraisers choose comparable properties if there are several foreclosures in the neighborhood and the subject property is not a foreclosure? ***Our expert explained that while they do use the foreclosure properties on occasion, they always try to use properties that have not gone through the foreclosure process. In addition, they do try to take into consideration that the "comps" were foreclosures or even short sales. He will go outside of the normal radius to find the best comparables for the subject property.

If you are dissatisfied with your appraiser, you can always request a different one from the bank. They have pools of appraisers and need to know if they have someone who is not doing their job correctly or professionally.

When it comes to roofs, 3 Layers is acceptable for appraisal purposes as long as the 3rd layer is in good shape.

Continental Comments - Just a funny=)

2011-06-07T15:07:00.004-05:00

We got a nice little chuckle from this and hope you do too! Just remember to look on the bright side! Someone else always has it rougher than you!

A client bought a new home and the broker wanted to send flowers for the occasion.

They arrived at the home and the owner read the card; it said "Rest in Peace."

The owner was angry and called the florist to complain. After he had told the florist of the obviuos mistake and how angry he was, the florist said, "Sir, I'm really sorry for the mistake, but rather than getting angry, you should imagine this: Somewhere there is a funeral taking place today and they have flowers with a note saying, 'Congratulations on your new home.'"

KC June Roundtable Event-"Appraisals: The Dirty Little Word in Real Estate"

2011-05-24T14:29:00.006-05:00

We are STILL celebrating our 10 Year Anniversary with great monthly events! With our dedication to educating our partners we are excited to announce June's Roundtable Discussion. "Appraisals: The Dirty Little Word in Real Estate!" RSVP today to get answers to those pesky questions like:

What are the differences between FHA and conventional appraisals?

What does an agent need to look for when deciding if a home will be approved for an FHA loan?

How can a Realtor help the appraisal process in a positive manner?

What can a homeowner do to help during the appraisal process?

What items do you most commonly see that you have to note on appraisals as a hazard?

Explain how you determine whether or not a room is considered a bedroom.

What are some new and upcoming regulations that appraisers have to follow?

How do you choose comps if there are several foreclosures in the neighborhood and the subject property is not a foreclosure?

Continental Comments: How Bad Are Your Credit Card Mistakes?

2011-05-19T11:16:00.008-05:00

Check out the website below...We think it has some awesome information on credit card mistakes. This article rates credit card mistakes from 1 to 10. 1 being losing a few dollars... and 10 being losing your house! Check it out to make sure you are avoiding these mistakes

http://www.creditcards.com/credit-card-news/10-point-credit-card-mistakes-grade-scale-1265.php

Continental Comments -The 10 Commandments When Applying for a Mortgage Loan

2011-05-19T09:35:00.009-05:00

Thanks to Barry Allen with First Federal Bank in Overland Park, KS for supplying us with these 10 great tips for your borrowers when they are applying for a loan!

#1) Thou shalt NOT change jobs, become self-employed or quit your job.

The reason that this is so important is if you would happen to change your job there is usually a certain amount of time that you would have to wait before you would be able to close. FHA for instance requires that you have been at your current job for 1 month prior to closing. If you happen to quit your job and become self- employed then in order to be able to use your income we would at least need 1 year of personal tax returns with your new position and most loan programs require two years. If you decide to quit your job before closing and the lender will be using your income for qualifying it may cause your loan to be denied. Before any of this takes place please contact your mortgage consultant and explain to them what you are planning on doing when it comes to your job.

#2) Thou shalt NOT co-sign a loan for anyone.

During the loan process, any changes to your credit report or status could negatively affect your ability to close your loan on time or at all. Co-signing any type of car loan, students loans, or other loans would result in inquires into your credit and additional financial responsibilities. All of these could result in loan closing delays or denials. If this situation applies to you, please contact your Mortgage Planner.

#3) Thou shalt NOT buy a Vehicle (or you may be living in it)!

Applying for credit to purchase a vehicle will be recorded as an inquiry into your credit by credit bureaus. This may decrease your credit score or decrease the amount of money that you may qualify for when purchasing a home. It is very important to avoid applying for these types of loan throughout the loan process. If this situation applies to you, please contact your Mortgage Planner.

#4) Thou shall NOT use charge cards excessively or make late payments on ANY of your accounts.

Excessive use of credit cards can have 2 negative affects on your credit rating. One, inquires will be recorded by credit bureaus and could decrease your credit score. Two, balances on credit cards exceeding 35% will affect your debt to income ratio and could decrease your credit score. Also, late payments of any sort can decrease your credit score, increase your home loan interest rate, delay loan closing, or cause loan denial. If this situation applies to you, please contact your Mortgage Planner.

#5) Thou shalt NOT spend money you have set aside for closing.

Most conventional loans require 2 months of reserve money to be verified in your available financial accounts. Once it has been verified for use at close, spending these reserve funds may result in loan closing delays or even loan denial. If this situation applies to you, please contact your Mortgage Planner.

#6) Thou shalt NOT omit debts or liabilities from loan application.

Please be very honest and clear about ALL of your debts or liabilities early in the loan application process. Having the right information will allow your Mortgage Planner to provide you the best qualifying loan value. Unrecorded debts or liabilities that are found later in the process may affect the amount of money you qualify for in addition to causing delays or even denials of your home loan. If this situation applies to you, please contact your Mortgage Planner.

#7) Thou shalt NOT buy furniture, appliances, or household items before closing.

Although many people are anxious to furnish their new home, during the loan process is NOT the right time. Large purchases causing deductions in your banking accounts or additional debt on credit cards can negatively affect your loan process resulting delays or even denials. If this situation applies to you, please contact your Mortgage Planner.

#8) Thou shalt NOT originate any inquires into your credit.

As mentioned before, multiple inquires into your credit may result in decreasing your credit score. As this applies to vehicles, furniture, appliances, and household items; it also applies to ANY credit checks. Applying for additional lines of could negatively affect your ability to qualify for a home loan. If this situation applies to you, please contact your Mortgage Planner.

#9) Thou shalt NOT make large deposits without first checking with your mortgage consultant.

Abnormal deposits or large deposits into checking, savings, or any financial account beyond normal payroll deposits must have money sources verified by Underwriting. Making these deposits could result in loan processing delays or even denials. If this situation applies to you, please contact your mortgage planner.

#10) Thou shalt NOT change bank statements.

Because the loan process requires a 2 month history of reserve funds, opening new financial accounts near a closing date may void the history. New bank accounts will not have the 2 month history available and cannot be used. This may result in loan closing delays or denials. If this situation applies to you, please contact your Mortgage Planner.

Continental Comments--Fannie Mae Offers Deals to Consumers

2011-05-16T10:51:00.007-05:00

We really liked this article by Brian Collins from www.nationalmortgagenews.com! What an awesome opportunity for buyers right now!

TO MOVE REO, FANNIE OFFERS DEALS TO CONSUMERS
By Brian Collins

To spark more interest in its massive holdings of foreclosed properties, Fannie Mae is offering to cover up to 3.5% of closings for homeowners who can close by June 30.

"Fannie Mae wants to help more buyers afford to purchase their new home. That is why we are offering up to 3.5% in closing cost assistance for HomePath properties," the GSE said on Twitter.

Through its HomePath Program, Fannie provides low-down payment financing on sales of REO properties with no requirements for mortgage insurance or appraisals.

Fannie offered closing cost assistance during the fourth quarter of last year for the first time, but the GSE said it still ended up with an inventory of nearly 165,500 REO properties as of December 31.

In the fourth quarter, Fannie recouped 55% of the unpaid principal balance on the defaulted mortgages through the REO sales.

Fannie sells most its REO properties through HomePath, which also provides financing for second homes and investment properties.

Buyers receiving closing cost assistance must certify that they will be owner occupants.

Continental Comments 5/9/11

2011-05-09T13:49:00.004-05:00

We came across this funny cartoon and just had to share! Happy Monday!!