All Forum Posts by: Jess Barker

@Kevin Barrett You are correct. A title search IS and SHOULD always be done when a property is put under agreement. On a new home purchase, the bank generally requires a current owner search or e&o report, which covers at least a 24 month chain of title up to 30 years -- which should cover any outstanding "voluntary" or "involuntary" liens on the property.

@Bill Gulley You are correct in the assessment between Abstract of Title and a Title Search. Most title companies and/or individual investors require a current owner search aka e&o report. This search is used in most new home purchases, as well as refis. This report requires at least a 24 month chain of title and up to 30 years -- depending on how long the current owner has been in title. These searches range anywhere from between $50-$100. Anything over 30 years is considered a "full search", and is considerably more expensive. The time frames required for "full searches" vary by state.

@Scott Dixon Thanks for the welcome and it's always nice to meet a grad from my Alma Mater. I'm in the process of starting to look into my own investments and am still surveying the territory for where I'd like to start. My primary directive in the interim is finding out about over arching investments strategies, trends, and markets that could aid in that side of my existing business. How is the current market in your neck of the woods? Are there still good deals to be had? @Brandon Turner Thanks for the great tip! I'll set some of those up now.

@Matthew B. , Thanks for the info. The buddy system is an interesting strategy and seems like a good deal for everyone -- since you have novices driving prices up. Sorry to hear that the market is getting tough for you guys.I'm wondering if the new mortgage regulations that rolled out for first time buyers will have any effect on the process -- hopefully eliminating those in the market who don't actually have the assets to be a serious investor. Any thoughts?

Hi all,

With home prices steadily rising throughout 2013 and the steady rise of interest rates, are individual investors out there still getting good deals on foreclosures? What markets/regions are you looking at in 2014? Have Arizona and California deals dried up? Just wanting to get some ideas of how people are feeling about the coming year. Thanks!

Hello all!,

My name is Jess and I'm from central Illinois. I stumbled across biggerpockets forum while doing some research on real estate investment, and was very impressed with the wide range of professionals engaged in conversation. I've worked in real estate information for over 20 years -- dealing mostly with large corporations, but have recently been intrigued by the individual real estate investor market. I look forward to meeting like minded people within the real estate community and discussing emerging markets and trends. Looking forward to a prosperous and productive New Year for all!