CCTE BLOG

Cape Cod Title & Escrow is more than a #title company... We are the premier #lawfirm on #CapeCod specializing exclusively in residential #realestate closing and #legal services.

[cctitleescrow-blog]

Cape Cod Title & Escrow, P.C. President’s Recap of 2017

2017 was an amazing year here at CCTE.  First and foremost, I must thank our attorneys and staff for all their hard work and dedication.  CCTE is my passion (my fourth child if you will) and I am truly honored and humbled by the extraordinary ladies who have joined me on this journey.   We recently all met for a holiday dinner – as I sat at the table and looked around at them – they were chatting away, laughing, telling funny anecdotes about work and such.  I’ve watched this scene many times, and yet it always strikes me – causes me and catch my breath and wonder how I could possibly be so fortunate to have these wonderful women in my life.  They have my back and each other’s.   I truly admire each and every one of them and can only hope I demonstrate that to them on a regular basis.  

I really enjoy how they work together, support one another and share my vision of this firm.  We have five brilliant attorneys – Liz Cotter, Stacey Curley, Joanne O’ Sullivan, Morgan Grozier and Lisa Still.  They all have their own styles and strengths – what they have in common is that they are wonderful attorneys who practice with a passion and grace I truly admire.  Liz is so smart, feisty and quick-witted – her clients love her sense of humor and her tenacity.  As managing partner, she has certainly evolved to become a true leader at our firm and I am honored to share the helm with her.  Stacey is kind (yet firm), patient and calm – I sometimes tease her by calling her the “hand holder” for her clients, but her clients love her and she always takes the time to hear them out and they are always comforted by her confidence and expertise.  Joanne is our calming force – nothing frazzles Joanne.  I am always impressed with her brilliance and her grace under pressure (even when her office has been flooded), which never waivers.  Morgan is our youngest attorney, but she demonstrates the poise, skill and professionalism of an attorney way beyond her years.  Lisa is our “expert” – no one knows more about title than this lady!  She is always willing to offer the rest of us the benefit of her experience and expertise in this field.  

Our staff is the foundation of this firm – they provide amazing support to our attorneys and work so well with our clients.  We affectionately refer to our head paralegal, Lynn, as “Lady Lynn” as her patience and grace under fire are infallible.  She always manages to keep calm and effectively handle even the most difficult problems that come up with such poise and confidence.  Jenn is always so diligent and proficient – and is always willing to help out and rises to every challenge.  Laura is our “go-to” paralegal (especially when you’ve worn out the patience of your assigned paralegal)– with the background of a title examiner, her knowledge and expertise are a tremendous asset to us and she is always looking for a way to help her fellow colleagues and graciously handles all of our attorneys’ “emergency” requests for assistance with last minute matters.  Shelley and Blake are our newest paralegals and have certainly settled in quite nicely this year – both have clearly accepted (and maybe even like ;P) our silly sense of humor around the office and have demonstrated that they have a lot to contribute to this team!

I look forward to 2018 with this remarkable group of women and I thank them for doing an amazing job in 2017.

[cctitleescrow-blog]

The Artful Workspace

Cape Cod Title & Escrow, P.C.-- Not Your Typical Legal Offices...

When you think of a law office, what comes to mind? Perhaps, rows of reference books on tall shelves, mahogany wood, dark leather, and dim light? The truth is, that stereotypical picture is not so far off base from most real estate, financial, and legal offices.  Here on Cape Cod, commercial offices and work spaces quite often pale in comparison to the beautiful residential architecture and interior design that is unique to this coastal area.  But there is certainly a diamond in the rough.... 

Cape Cod Title & Escrow, P.C. (CCTE) now with three offices in Barnstable, Falmouth, and Orleans, is the Premier Real Estate Law Firm on Cape Cod. Not only does their name and reputation live up to their tag line, but so does their work culture.  CCTE is a female-owned and operated business, with an impressive all-female staff who specialize in real estate title, closing, and legal services.  Angela Philbrook, CCTE’s owner and principal attorney, comments, “We work with Realtors and clients of all demographics and guide them through the home buying and selling process.  It’s important that they know we aren’t your typical ‘stuffy old’ attorneys.  We’re relatively young, extremely professional, and progressive in our approach.  We are real women, mothers, wives, sisters, community role models, and business leaders.  That’s what sets us apart.  In addition to knowledge and talent, we’re down to earth and approachable.  We’re here to help and that’s what we do best.”

The offices reflect the type of atmosphere that aligns with Philbrook’s business philosophy; they are bright, airy, modern, and gorgeously decorated with a coastal feel inspired by the local climate and real estate market.  

“I want my team to wake up and want to come to work every day.  I realize the importance of not only motivating my staff with a beautiful work space, but also by having a gorgeous and relaxing well-decorated and aesthetically pleasing environment, our clients and associates feel at home when they walk in for consultations and closings.” ~ Angela Philbrook

Philbrook teamed up with local photographer and fine artist John Tunney (www.jtunney.com) to showcase his work, featuring abstract beach scenes, in her offices and throughout the www.capecodtitleandescrow.com website.  

Nauset Wave by John Tunney (above)

A signature feature you will also find in each office is candy jars.... That’s right, in addition to the beautiful decor, each conference room offers jars of skittles, sweedish fish, and other fun and colorful goodies.  It’s a playful (and yummy) touch that adds to the positive atmosphere each office promotes.

Most recently, CCTE relocated their Orleans office to a larger location on Rte. 6A in Orleans.  The design and build-out was completed by Philbrook Engineering & Constructions Services Group (www.pecsg.com), not so coincidentally an extension of the Philbrook clan’s work.  PECSG maintains all three commercial properties for CCTE, and specilializes in residential and commercial engineering, construction, renovations, and property maintenance.

Before

After

On April 13th, an Open House reception was held in the new space.  This celebration was attended by friends and associates in the real estate and business community.  As you can see it was a great party and a wonderful turn out (catered by Sumptuous Catering/Mahoney’s Atlantic Bar & Grille, with cocktails and wine provided by Fuller’s Package Store).

“We’re delighted to be in this fantastic space and overwhelmed by the amazing response to what has been created here.  We’re proud to attract great clients, associates, friends, and team members and look forward to continued growth and success in 2016.” ~ Angela Philbrook

Deborah Mason - Cape Cod ERA Real Estate (left) and Angela Philbrook - Cape Cod Title & Escrow (right) 

[cctitleescrow-blog]

Cape Cod Title & Escrow, P.C. talks TRID

Attorneys Angela Philbrook and Liz Cotter update us on Cape Cod residential real estate transactions and how the new TRID mortgage regulations are effecting local home buyers.

Work with a trusted, knowledgeable, local Real Estate law firm who understands these laws and can guide you through the process with ease. Whether you are a REALTOR, home buyer, or seller, CCTE is here to assist you.  Contact us today http://www.capecodtitleandescrow.com/ or call 508.744.7539

[cctitleescrow-blog]

TRID For Sellers

New Regulations in the Mortgage Industry Effect the Seller.  Find Out What You Need to Know...  

Angela Philbrook, Principal and Attorney with Cape Cod Title & Escrow, P.C. discusses the new TRID regulations and how they effect Sellers.  After several recent closings with the new laws in effect, she and Attorney Liz Cotter give you valuable advice on how to navigate these new guidelines...

As Angela and Liz suggest, don’t forget to choose your A-team early -- Assemble a winning team with the best and most knowledgeable attorneys, agents, and lenders to ensure success in your real estate transaction and eliminate potential delays and confusion.  Contact CCTE for your Free Title Review.  Visit http://www.capecodtitleandescrow.com/ or call 508.744.7539

[cctitleescrow-blog]

New Law Will Resolve Thousands of Foreclosure Title Defects

New Law Will Resolve Thousands of Foreclosure Title Defects In Wake of U.S. Bank v. Ibanez Ruling

After a five year legislative struggle, Governor Baker has signed into law the Act Clearing Title To Foreclosed Properties.  The bill will potentially resolve thousands of land titles which were rendered defective and nontransferable after the SJC’s landmark ruling in U.S. Bank v. Ibanez. The Ibanez ruling invalidated thousands of foreclosures across the Commonwealth due to lenders’ paperwork errors.

The problem addressed by the legislation is that scores of innocent buyers purchased these foreclosed properties, fixing them up, renting them out, etc., unaware of title defects  These defects were discovered when the owners went to refinance and sell. Title insurance companies have been bogged down trying to solve these defects, and in the meantime, many innocent people have been left with homes which cannot be sold or refinanced. The same bill passed the Legislature last year, but was later vetoed by Governor Patrick after a vehement movement by housing activists.  After several amendments addressing the housing activists’ concerns, a new bill was again passed, and signed into law by Governor Baker on November 25, 2015.

The bill, which was effective on Dec. 31st, 2015, gives foreclosed owners a 3 year statute of limitations to file a challenge to a foreclosure, after which the foreclosure is deemed to have been conducted legally. The new law imposes a one year waiting period for foreclosures which have already been concluded.  The bill retains a homeowner’s right to seek compensatory and punitive damages for a wrongful foreclosure, provided it is within the statute of limitations. The bill also requires the Attorney General’s Office to spearhead more robust foreclosure prevention solutions with the HomeCorps Program and housing activists groups.

The passage of the bill is great news for homeowners and potential buyers/investors of foreclosure properties. 

[cctitleescrow-blog]

Know Before You Owe

Making the mortgage process easier

The Know Before You Owe mortgage disclosure rule replaced four disclosure forms with two new ones, the Loan Estimate and the Closing Disclosure. The new forms are easier to understand and easier to use. The rule also requires that you get three business days to review your Closing Disclosure and ask questions before you close on a mortgage.

Helping REALTORS Understand the Changes

Real estate professionals are trusted resources for people choosing to buy a home. The new rules change your clients’ home buying experience.  Be sure you know all the facts and can guide your clients effortlessly and seamlessly through the process.

The Know Before You Owe mortgage initiative is designed to empower consumers with the information they need to make informed mortgage choices. It includes the implementation of the TILA-RESPA Integrated Disclosure rule, which is often referred to as “TRID.” 

Mortgages are complex and confusing. This new rule primarily does two things:

It simplifies and consolidates some of the required loan disclosures, and

It changes the timing of some activities in the mortgage process.

This CFPB Guide will help you work with your clients to ensure smooth and on-time closings:  http://www.consumerfinance.gov/know-before-you-owe/real-estate-professionals

For a comprehensive diagram and information to assist you in understanding this new rule and streamlining the process, click here:  http://www.consumerfinance.gov/know-before-you-owe/real-estate-professionals/new-disclosures-streamline-process/

The CFPB has also created a Homebuyer’s Toolkit to ease your clients through the process:  http://files.consumerfinance.gov/f/201503_cfpb_your-home-loan-toolkit-web.pdf

Did you know that CCTE Real Estate School offers exceptional Continuing Education classes for REALTORS on important topics and industry-mandated course material, such as Trid?  Our instructors are second to none when it comes to industry knowledge and effective teaching styles.  Our classes are fun, interactive, and they are always accompanied with complimentary lunch from our many sponsors and community partners!  Want to learn more? Check out our RE School website (New 2016 CE Classes and Lunch & Learn Seminar Dates and Offerings will be announced soon...). www.ccteseminars.com

Here is a preview from a 2015 CE Class with CCTE Attorney Liz Cotter ~ “The Trid Effect”:

[cctitleescrow-blog]

‘Tis the Season for Home Buying?

Some great tips and advice to share from a recent article from our friends at Zillow:

If you’re house hunting over the holidays, you’re likely a serious buyer with an immediate need.  Perhaps you have to relocate for a new job opportunity, or there’s been a change in your personal life? Regardless, while you may assume it’s not an ideal time to be looking — namely because there isn’t much to look at — there are some advantages to buying this time of year.

Less competition

Let’s start with the obvious one: less competition. This lowers the chances of multiple offers and bidding wars (something we saw a lot of last spring/summer), and should translate into a bigger discount for you. Know your market! This is where sites like Zillow come in handy. Start your research here for comps in your area and to see what homes are selling for.

Serious home sellers

Why would sellers pick such an inconvenient time — while everyone is busy entertaining family and friends and enjoying the spirit of the holidays  — to list their properties? Probably because they need to sell and may feel compelled to do so before the end of the year for tax purposes. What this means for you: less hassle when it comes to negotiating; a greater willingness, on the part of the seller, to agree to concessions; less chance of the seller waffling; and greater respect for your offer, even if it’s a little lower than the seller was perhaps expecting.

Faster mortgage approval

Lenders aren’t as busy this time of year, and less volume could mean faster approval. Some lenders might even be willing to reduce fees during the off-peak season in hopes of gaining your business. Regardless, don’t just go with the first lender who comes along. It pays to shop around. Get multiple quotes and check out lender reviews on Zillow Mortgage Marketplace.

Greater affordability

Sure, home prices have been rising, but they’re typically lower in December than during any other month (so you don’t have to be as aggressive with your initial first offer, compared with buying during peak to high season). Zillow’s third quarter Real Estate Market Reportsshowed home value appreciation slowing. As we enter the slower home shopping season many overheated markets are moving away from bubble brink and ultimately becoming more affordable than they have been historically. If you want to take advantage of low interest rates, the time to act is now.