We are excited to announce Ticor Tech Farm, an automated way of organizing your focused areas of prospecting, marketing, and lead generation.  With Ticor Tech Farm’s live property data and rich insights, FARMing just got a whole lot better!  The old ways of managing static mailing lists, generating neighborhood reports, and engaging potential sellers are a thing of the past. 

Has Your Farm Become Stagnant?

Download a Ticor Tech Farm Flyer here

With Ticor Tech Farm, our dashboard analytics allow you a quick 360 view of your farm giving you the ability to make insightful and effective business decisions.

Download a Ticor Tech Farm Flyer here.

The Old Way of Farming

In the past, farm lists were generated based on our clients’ specific search criteria and delivered via spreadsheet or mailing label format, providing a snapshot of information from a moment in time.  The challenge with this approach to generating farm lists is that neighborhoods are fluid as home owners are continually buying and selling. Thus, farm lists would require regular maintenance, otherwise ownership information and sales stats would become increasingly less accurate as time goes by.

New! Dynamic Farming with Ticor Tech Farm

Ticor Tech Farm has live property data and eliminates the need for the tedious process of manually updating ownership and sales information in your farm lists.  In other words, once farms are loaded into the system, they will automatically be updated as new information is recorded with the assessor. This is a huge time saver and enables real estate professionals to make insightful business decisions based on current information.  

What Do I Get With Ticor Tech Farm?

• Instant access to the detailed property data
• Automatic updates for any changes on new ownership
• Manage multiple farms on one site
• Easily import/export detailed farm reports
• Gain a competitive edge by analyzing your farm

What Does It Cost?

Price per farm is $2.10.  Premium data options are available for a fee.  Contact your sales executive for more information.

We are pleased to introduce two new additions to our Ticor team. Kyle Dedden as a new Sales Executive and Wendy Pham as a seasoned LPO closing out of our Westlake Branch.

About Kyle Dedden

Kyle was born and raised in the University Place area, graduating from Curtis High School and then Eastern Washington University where he earned a degree in Professional Accounting.  After almost 10 years in corporate accounting, he made the decision to enter the real estate space as a Commercial Broker in the greater Puget Sound area. 
He specialized in purchase and lease negotiations while also gaining unique experience in project management for various construction projects.  Kyle enters the Title and Escrow space with a focus on building strong, long lasting reciprocal relationships with all of his clients.  He understands the importance of finding solutions and prides himself on putting his client’s success at the forefront of his efforts.

Kyle doesn’t just represent the greater Tacoma area, he also lives in University Place with his wife and three kids, which is where you’ll find him outside of work enjoying all of the great amenities the area has to offer. 
Kyle also enjoys playing ice hockey, snow skiing and boating in the summer.

About Wendy Pham

Wendy started her career in 1995 at a real estate brokerage firm, where she moved on to working with a Real Estate Attorney handling Escrow closings.  This is the foundation that catapulted her career in Escrow.  Eventually she moved to a major title company handling high volume closings in resale, refinances and short sales. 

With over 20 years’ experience working in Title & Escrow closings,
she is passionate about her work and enjoys mentoring clients
throughout the escrow closing process.  She prides herself in
providing exceptional escrow services tailored to each transaction she
comes across.  Wendy’s ability to be positive, focused, detailed
oriented and utilize her knowledge to assist clients has been her
strong point in escrow closings.  

In her spare time, she volunteers at Operation Night Watch to feed the homeless.  She also enjoys traveling, cooking, and spending quality time with her son, family and friends. 

Please join us in welcoming Kyle Dedden and Wendy Pham to the Ticor Title family!

Real estate wire fraud is real.
Learn how to be WireSafe.

What is a wire?

A wire, or wire transfer, is an electronic transfer of money across a network from one bank or credit union to another. With a wire, no physical money moves between bank locations, but people or entities are able to “wire” money to another person or entity as long as they have a bank account. Wires are typically used in most real estate transactions because funds are received more quickly (usually the same day), and there are no holds placed on the money once received.

What is wire fraud?

Wire fraud typically involves a hacker gaining access to an email account and posing as a trusted party involved in your real estate transaction. This could be someone pretending to be your real estate agent, loan officer, title agent, or even an attorney. Once the hacker has access to a trusted email account, the hacker sends an email from that account or from a similar account that looks “almost” the same as one of the parties in the transaction – with information related to your transaction, including wire instructions for your closing funds. If you react to that email, your funds are sent to an account controlled by the hacker in some manner. Once receipt of the money is confirmed, the hacker immediately withdrawals your funds from that account using multiple transfers to accounts normally outside the United States. Once these transfers occur, the likelihood of recovery is small, if at all.

What are wire instructions?

Wire instructions are the directions you follow when sending money electronically to another person or entity. In the case of your home purchase, the funds are typically sent to your settlement agent. Wire instructions typically include:

• Bank Name and Address
• Bank ABA Number
• Bank Account Number
• Account Holder’s Name
• Reference Information (in real estate transactions, this is usually a file number)

There are steps you can take to help protect yourself.

Wire fraud is real and home buyers and sellers are the biggest targets. For this reason, we have developed the WireSafe program to help educate customerson wire fraud. Be WireSafe by following these 4 steps every time.

CALL, DON’T EMAIL
Confirm all wiring instructions, including specific banking information, by phone before transferring funds. Use the phone number for your closing agent/escrow officer provided on their website or from a business card. Never rely on phone numbers in email communications.

BE SUSPICIOUS
It’s not common for title companies to change wiring instructions and payment information.

CONFIRM EVERYTHING
Ask your bank to confirm the account number and the name on the account before sending any wire.

VERIFY IMMEDIATELY
Call your closing agent/escrow officer to confirm the funds were received.

Remember to inquire before you wire. Be WireSafe.

Were you the target of wire fraud?

If you think you may have been the victim of wire fraud, here are some steps you must take. Time is of the essence – every second and minute counts. Contact banks, transaction parties, and law enforcement immediately upon discovery.

Immediately call your bank

• Ask them to issue a recall notice due to fraud for your wire
• Ask them to reach out to the receiving bank’s fraud department to:
  • Notify them of the recall due to fraud
  • Ask for a freeze on the account involved

Report the crime to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)

https://bec.ic3.gov

Report the crime to Law Enforcement

• Local Police/Sheriff
• FBI Field Office
• Secret Service

Please join us at our Hawaiian themed Open House!

Come by for some Hawaiian grindz and drinks! We would love to see you there!  Save the Date for Thursday July 18th 2019 from 4pm to 7pm. 

Free parking out front after 4pm and plenty of room in the lower garage

Ticor Title
1700 Westlake Ave N #105
Seattle, WA 98109

Tour our office, chat with our team, and enjoy a lovely afternoon with industry professionals.
Grass skirts not required but certainly encouraged. We’ll have Hawaiian Leis for all that attend!

We are looking forward to seeing you there! 

Ticor Title is pleased to announce the opening of our latest beautiful office on Westlake Ave. 
This location has a truly stunning setting that will make your visit memorable for you and your clients! 

Ticor Title
1700 Westlake Ave N #105
Seattle, WA 98109
Phone: (206) 720-0114

The Title & Escrow Experts

Our leadership team recently sat down with KIRO Radio’s Dave Ross to have a brief conversation on the steps we’ve taken to help prevent wire fraud on real estate transactions and ensure timely closings with no surprises.

Listen below to the Radio Spots with Dave Ross at KIRO

Ticor Title is committed to safeguarding your transactions even with our fast 10 day closings.

startSecure is our new digital closing experience. Learn more about it here.

Which Title Insurance Policy Should I Choose?

We hear this question often. There are three types of owner’s policies; Standard, Extended, and ALTA Homeowner’s. It’s important to note that the ALTA Homeowner’s Policy is specified by default on the NWMLS (Northwest Multiple Listing Service) Form 22.

Selecting the right Title Insurance Policy is an important decision. 

We recommend the ALTA Policy.

Why would the ALTA Homeowner’s policy be the top choice? The ALTA Homeowner’s policy offers the highest level of protection for homeowners that exceeds the coverage of the Standard or Extended policies. Some home buyers may not be aware of the risks to title that exist and thus not understand the explicit value of broader coverage. Nonetheless, buyers should know that they always have a choice.

Continues Strong Momentum of 2019

Ticor Title is a member of the Fidelity National Financial family of companies and the nation’s largest group of title companies and title insurance underwriters – Fidelity National Title, Chicago Title, Commonwealth Land Title, Alamo Title and National Title of New York – that collectively issue more title insurance policies than any other title company in the United States.

Collectively, the FNF title brands remain the largest and the most profitable in the industry. As always, we remain committed to managing our business with discipline, providing the best possible customer service, and remaining the financially strongest title insurance provider for our policyholders, clients, and partners.

Our standings with third-party rating agencies are a testament to our longevity, financial strength, and claims paying ability. For 12 of the last 13 years, we have held a position on the FORTUNE 500® list.

On April 28th, 2019, The Washington State Legislature passed a 2-year budget that will have a significant impact on most sellers of commercial and residential real estate.

What is REET?

Real estate excise tax (REET) is a tax on the sale of real estate. The real estate excise tax is typically paid by the seller of the property, although the
buyer is liable for the tax if it is not paid. The tax applies to the seller. The tax also applies
to transfers of controlling interests (50% or more)
in entities that own property in the state.

How are the funds used?

1.3% of the state tax collected by counties is retained to cover administration costs. Of the net proceeds to the state, 2% goes into the public works assistance account, 4.1% to the education legacy account with remaining amounts going the general fund.

Effective Jan. 1, 2020, ESSB 5998 made changes to the real estate excise tax program. Some of these changes include:

• a graduated state REET rate structure for sales of real property
  • exception: agricultural land/timberland is excluded from the new rate structure and will continue to have a state REET rate of 1.28%
• updates for controlling interest transfers (greater than 50% change of ownership in an entity that owns real property)
  • expands the transfer period from 12 months to 36 months
  • changes the reporting requirements during the annual corporate renewal cycle to disclose any transfers 16% or more

Please note* Additional County and/or City Taxes Will Apply

More information is available at the Washington State Department of Revenue https://dor.wa.gov/find-taxes-rates/other-taxes/real-estate-excise-tax

If you have any questions, please contact your Sales Executive or
Escrow Officer for further information.

In this deep dive interview our management team discusses Fraud Protection, Title Insurance and more on the Home Matters radio show that aired on ONMY.FM.

Some of the topics covered

• What is Title Insurance?
• How does it protect you and your property?
• What are the steps needed to protect yourself from Wire Fraud?

About Home Matters

Home Matters is a home improvement and lifestyle show that covers everything having to do with your home: treating your deck, winterizing your home, keeping your electric bill down, and how to pair your food and wine.

Be sure to listen to the full interview here https://mynorthwest.com/category/podcast_player/?a=0c832081-a379-4b23-b581-aa9000f2f587&sid=1021&n=Home+Matters

When it comes time to sell your home, you may have thought about listing it as a For Sale By Owner (FSBO). But there are many important factors to consider before taking on this responsibility.

Preparing the home, setting the price, marketing & advertising, qualifying buyers, negotiating, setting appointments and navigating the closing process are all part of a successful real estate transaction.

• Are you equipped to set the correct price for the home?
• Are you prepared with an optimal advertising strategy and budget?
• Do you have the ability to negotiate the sale?
• Are you prepared to qualify potential buyers?
• Are you familiar with the closing process?

Click the link below to read the answers to all these questions and more valuable information.

Because most consumers purchase title insurance only a handful of times in a lifetime, questions do arise when the time comes to purchase a property. What is Title Insurance and why do you need it? Title Insurance is the Most Effective, Most Accepted and Least Expensive way to Protect Property Ownership Rights.

Questions to consider

• What is Title Insurance?
• Why Should I Purchase Owners Title Insurance?
• How Long Am I Covered?
• What Does Owner’s Title Insurance Cost?

Follow the link below to read the answers to all these questions and more valuable information.

Buyers and sellers desire a secure and simple way to start their real estate transactions. When you choose to work with Ticor Title and startSafe, buyers and sellers can safely begin their real estate transaction, share preferred contact methods, and review WireSafe wiring instructions without relying on potentially unsecure email inboxes.

Learn what to expect with the new, more secure digital opening experience. Watch the informational video by clicking on the link below.

Title Insurance is a great value providing peace of mind. You only pay your Title policy premium once, but your policy is good for as long as you own your home even transferring to your heirs. Ticor Title is part of the Fidelity National Financial family of companies and an industry leader in claims paying ability.  We will be here when you need us whether it is this year or 100 years from now. 

A few questions to consider when choosing a Title Company.

Q.) How long have they been around?

A.) Ticor Title was Title Insurance and Trust Company, often called “TI” , opened for business on January 15, 1894. Ticor Title is a member of the Fidelity National Financial, Inc. family of companies. FNF is a leading provider of title insurance, mortgage services, and diversified services. In financial strength and claims-paying ability, Ticor Title and FNF consistently receive high marks. FNF is ranked #402 in the 2019 Fortune 500 list.

Q.) Should I be concerned about the claims paying ability of my title insurance provider?

A.) A Title insurance provider’s claims paying ability is determined by the amount of reserves held to pay claims. Due to the state of the real estate market over the last 4 years, a title insurer’s claims paying ability has become more critical as the number of claims filed have sharply increased. Ticor Title and FNF have claim reserves exceeding $1.5 Billion.

Some of the feedback we have received regarding the digital closing methods used by less established Title Companies can be challenging at times especially when urgent communication is required for a particular transaction. At Ticor Title we are ultra-communicative and readily available to answer any questions or concerns. Our employees are committed to providing our customers with a level of satisfaction that is unparalleled in the title insurance industry. Based on our experience and expertise, we are confident that you’ll see the difference. 

To find out more about our Strength and History follow the link below. 

The time after you close on your property can be very exciting and sometimes feel like a whirlwind. We at Ticor Title are here for you throughout this process and want to ensure you have the best experience possible.

Outlined below are a few helpful tasks and processes you can expect after your property has closed.

• Post Office change of address
• Transfer the Utilities
• Check with your local DMV to see if you need to update your Drivers License
• Change your locks for better security
• Keep an eye out for your Deed in the mail from the County Recorder’s Office

Follow the link below to download the complete quick guide. 

Your Ticor Sales Team has over 236 Years of Combined Industry Experience. Ticor Title has been steadily growing in the Puget Sound region with added locations, recruitment of additional local industry experts, refined processes, and ever-improving service levels. Our vast expertise can offer solutions to help grow your business in ways that are leading the marketplace. Stay up to date on the latest in Real Estate trends by partnering with your Ticor Sales Executive.

Contact your Ticor Title Sales Executive today about our latest tools and resources to help you in your business!

Today’s homeowner stays in their home an average of 11-15 years. So it’s understandable that the typical home buyer may be unfamiliar with how escrow operates, what protection title insurance provides, and how to be ready for the escrow process when the time comes to make a real estate purchase. We’ve assembled a series of brief videos that provide an overview of escrow & title insurance as well as insights into what to look for in a title insurance company and how to be prepared for escrow closing.

Escrow & Title Insurance Videos

• What is Escrow?
• What is Title Insurance?
• What to Look for in a Title Insurance Company?
• What to Expect at Closing?

Follow the link below to watch these informational videos and to learn more.

After weeks of looking, it may be easy for a buyer to forget what exactly they liked about homes they’ve viewed. Over time, the details may fade or become vague. However, the House Hunter Scorecard helps to keep a record by organizing and comparing what the buyer likes best about their top two or three home choices. With so many characteristics to assess and compare, it helps to have a tool that can itemize factors, clarify expectations, and build confidence that the home-buyer’s ultimate home choice is the best fit for their desired lifestyle.

Selecting Your Next Home is a Breeze with the House Hunter Scorecard. 

Ticor Title is happy to offer the House Hunter Scorecard, a simple tool designed to improve the home-buying experience.

Download Here

There are three basic situations when the owner has died. Of course, each of these has additional variations, mostly relating to whether the deceased had a will, and whether or not the estate (with or without a will) is being probated. If there is a probated will, devisees (those named in a will) will get the property or the proceeds from the sale if it’s sold before the probate is closed. If there is no will, then state law provides who inherits. It can get complicated to work it all out.

• First, the owner was single – not married or a domestic partner.
• Second, the owner was married or a domestic partner, but it was separate property (not community property).
• Third, the owner was married or a domestic partner and it was community property.

Follow the link below to learn more about Death & Probate.

We are proud to say we have partnered with long time consumer protection advocate and local area Herb Weisbaum of KOMO to bring you morning Technology and Title Tips.

KOMO Technology Tips

• Don’t get hacked when you charge your mobile device
• Think cyber-safety even when on vacation

Ticor Title Tips

• Protect Yourself and Your Clients From Wire Fraud
• True Story: A Vacant Lot and Fake Sellers Caught

Listen to an informational KOMO and Ticor Tip below!

What’s in a name? When a title company seeks to uncover matters affecting title to real property, the answer is, “Quite a bit.” An ID Affidavit provides title companies with the information they need to distinguish the buyers and sellers of real property from others with similar names. After identifying the true buyers and sellers, title companies may disregard the judgments, liens or other matters on the public records under similar names.

These are the two most common questions relating to ID Affidavits. 

• What is an ID Affidavit?
• What Does an ID Affidavit Do?

Follow the link below to read the answers and download the complete quick guide.