Mike Hughes' Blog

This is a short, but not so sweet lesson.  (This may be different for other states ... this occurred in MA.) •1.       A buyer must buy title insurance to protect the lender's interest in real property. •2.       A buyer SHOULD ALWAYS, ALWAYS, ALWAYS buy personal title insurance to protect themse...

                                * * * *  HARD CORE REAL ESTATE TALK  * * * * Kent Simpson wrote, "it seems that many lenders are starting to figure out how to move their foreclosed properties in a timely manner". Not in my area.  In my experience, the process of selling bank owned properties has ...

During a recent meeting with one of our local real estate offices, a question came up about how to create an effective Internet presence through the use of social media/networks. A comment was made about how many profile pictures are out-dated, and give an 'inaccurate' representation of the parti...

No one likes personal property disputes. I mean really, closing days are meant to be "happy days" when everyone celebrates, not when you yell or scream because the surround-sound speakers are "missing" or worse...the flat screen TV is no longer mounted on the bedroom wall! All kidding aside...if ...

Do Your Clients Love You Enough to Keep Coming Back? For a brief period I took a break from mortgage lending and became a Regional Corporate Trainer - Customer Support for a nationwide telecom company.  I was recruited into the position by a client of mine.  She called me up one day and offered m...

A recent post by impassioned and renown blogger, Lola Audu, one of my favorite people on Active Rain, prompted this post!!! Lola discusses many important aspects of a typical business transaction, and rather than present a summary that does no justice to her post, I recommend you drop over to Lol...

With the Holiday Season upon us, we will all probably be guests of someone or will have guests staying with us.  If relatives or friends are planning on visiting you anytime of the year, make them feel welcome by doing a few special things that will make them more comfortable while being away fro...

Noticed how the local newspaper looks a little thinner lately? It is especially obvious to me in Sunday Real Estate supplement. It's not just the current economic situation that is causing the decreased amount of print advertising, it is marketers changing their tactics in favor of online media. ...

Many homeowners are concerned and confused about everything within the mortgage industry these days. But at least there is a little relief concerning the tax liability on the forgiven debt in a short sale or foreclosure. There is tax relief available to struggling homeowners. H.R. 3648, the "Mort...

Happy Thanksgiving!!  I wish you and your families a wonderful Thanksgiving.  The housing market is "tough," the stock market is down, but there is so much more to be thankful for.  Be sure to take some time this week to really consider how lucky we are!  Eat a bunch of turkey and when you wake-u...