Author: Tallgrass Title

Federal Tax Liens: What they are and how they affect real estate.

Federal Tax Liens: What they are and how they affect real estate.

When title companies research property, we conduct a search of public records for previous owners and transfers of title (back at least 25 years to meet the Marketable Title Act practices), outstanding mortgages, unpaid taxes, and many other items that may affect title to the property.  You may not know, but we also search for liens, judgments, and encumbrances of all parties to the transaction that may affect title to the property.  There may be an outstanding mortgage or unpaid taxes to pay off at closing, but sometimes state and federal tax liens can show up in court cases or Register of Deeds searches.  When taxes are not paid or a governmental entity determines there is a deficiency in the amount paid, the state and/ or IRS can file a lien on the title owner.  These liens attach to ALL property owned by the vested title owner, and yes, this even includes inherited property.  That being said, even if the lien does not specifically reference the real estate being sold or purchased, if the seller or buyer has a federal tax lien filed against them, we need to make sure all lien(s) are paid off at closing, so they do not attach to the real estate.

 

 

 

 

 

How long can these liens hang around you ask?  Federal tax liens are self-releasing liens, meaning they automatically drop off; however they can stay in effect 10 years past the last day for refiling.  Best practices and according to the law, the liens can be reinstated up to 30 days past this.  Long story short, when having a title search done, you can trust that we will diligently search the property and parties involved to insure a clear title.

 

By: Angela Turner

What’s new at Tallgrass Title in 2022?

We hope that you had a wonderful Christmas season and we wish you good luck in the coming year. The past two years have been incredibly eventful at Tallgrass Title and we are grateful to every buyer, seller, realtor, lender, and vendor we’ve have the opportunity to work with during such unprecedented times. We’ve seen many businesses bloom as the region responds to growth and an everchanging market. It has been so good to do business with you.  We want to make note of a couple of changes you might notice around Tallgrass in the New Year.

RON is coming to Tallgrass

RON Swanson? Weasley? Not quite! Remote Online Notarization.  Kansas passed legislation last spring that allows Kansas Notaries to complete notarizations through remote audio-visual conferences, beginning in January 2022.  With this capability, we will be able to conduct a deed packet signing or close a loan with your client over a video call. We will be able to close your deals anywhere in the state of Kansas!  Look for an announcement about this service in the coming weeks. This is a service we cannot wait to provide!

New Rates & Fees

Tallgrass takes pride in providing top-notch customer service and the best value for title insurance premiums and closing costs. In order to maintain our high level of customer service, we have made a small adjustment to our premiums for the new year.  To compliment our rate adjustment, we have opted to give back to the consumer by including complimentary endorsements in the cost of our loan policy on simultaneous issue packages.  While growth requires adjustments, we believe we will remain the most competitive option for the services we provide in our tri-county service area.

Again, it is a true delight to serve you and your clients.  We look forward to seeing much more of each other in 2022!

Are you Ready2Close?

We are happy to introduce the newest member of the Tallgrass Title closing toolkit: Ready2Close! Ready2Close is a plug-in to our title software that will work alongside PaperlessCloser and allows buyers or sellers to follow along with the progress of their transaction, from start to finish!
We will continue to use PaperlessCloser as the primary platform for realtors, lenders, attorneys, and admins to stay engaged with the transaction while Ready2Close will function as an additional piece that is both mobile and consumer friendly.

What does it do?

At your request, we will invite your buyer or seller to Ready2Close. Once in, they will see a photo from Google Maps of the property associated with the transaction. Users will also find a Milestone tracker showing the progress of their transaction. Just like ordering a pizza! 😉

Once the user clicks View Details, they will be directed to the other components of Ready2Close. Within Ready2Close, they can do the following:

  • Upload documents to be shared with Tallgrass Title, through a secure platform
  • Access details about their transaction including closing location, date, and time and contact information for their realtor, lender, and closing agent
  • Securely locate wiring instructions
  • Review and e-sign documents

Mobile Access

Ready2Close provides your buyer or seller with the ability to view transaction documents, e-sign, and obtain other details necessary for closing from their mobile device. While designed with the consumer in mind, realtors and other agents associated with the transaction can view all of their current files from one log-in and access requested documents in a mobile-friendly environment.

Security

Users must be invited by Tallgrass Title to create a Ready2Close account and to obtain access to a file.  Much like PaperlessCloser, we will identify which parties will be able to access specific information and will continue to protect your client’s non-public personal information. Your personal and your clients’ log-ins for Ready2Close will be protected by two-factor authentication.

What about PaperlessCloser?

Think of Ready2Close as buyer or seller’s PaperlessCloser. PC isn’t going anywhere, and we hope to harness both of these tools in sync to create ease and transparency in your transactions. If you’d like to give Ready2Close a shot on your next transaction, let us know and we’d be happy to invite both you and your client; you may find that you’d prefer to continue using PaperlessCloser exclusively or you might find you enjoy the mobile access and simplicity of Ready2Close. Or any combination of options. 😊

For Sale By Owner

If you’re a seller or buyer representing yourself, Ready2Close is the best way to stay in sync with the title company and up to date on all stages of your transaction. Give us a call and ask to be invited to Ready2Close on your transaction!

The team at Tallgrass Title is looking forward to providing a more transparent closing experience for the customer and we believe that Ready2Close is the next right step for making that happen.  Notifications will be sent whenever there is a status change to the file and clients have the option to opt out at any time.

If electronic document sharing and signing does not appeal to a party involved in your transaction, we are happy to continue to offer our free courier and mobile notary services. We will continue to do whatever we can to cater transactions to the unique needs of all parties involved.

Accessing Paperless Closer after Closing

With the increased social distancing brought about by the containment of the COVID-19 virus, Tallgrass Title is presenting several solutions for electronic closings.  This week, our closing agent Karissa is presenting how to access Paperless Closer following closing to retrieve any closing documents needed.

Congratulations! Your transaction has closed and managing the final signed docs does not have to be a nightmare. When closing remotely, your biggest concern should not be “how do I get a signed copy?” We can help with that!

All documents that enter our office are uploaded to Paperless Closer and made available online to only the parties who should have access. For example a Buyer’s Realtor will only have access to Buyer specific documents and a Seller’s Realtor will only have access to Seller specific documents. All parties will have access to documents that are not party specific.

Once the transaction is closed we will mark it as such, which in turn clears it out of the Open files list in your Paperless Closer. But don’t worry, you will still have access to all closed, old, and even cancelled orders.

To search files that are not currently open, log into Paperless Closer. In the Lobby, change the Status from Open to the status of your file: i.e. all, canceled, or closed

 

 

 

This will refresh the list of files you can access.

But what if I can’t find the document I need in the list?

The default in the Documents Tab allows you to view ten documents at one time. As seen in the example below, the Displaying items shows 1-10 of 26; you can switch pages using the arrows to the left or clicking on the page number you want.Once you find the document you are looking for in the list of Descriptions click on the button to open in a PDF to print or save.

Our Team here at Tallgrass Title is ready to help keep you organized. Let us keep track of the paperwork so you can focus on helping your clients make their dreams come true.

A message from Tallgrass Title re: COVID-19

Dear clients and friends,

Currently, there is uncertainty regarding how best to deal with the COVID-19/Coronavirus. We at Tallgrass Title recognize that people are utilizing social distancing techniques to protect their health and the health of others. We also recognize that some folks must continue to transact business or are contractually obligated to close their deal. In order to support both goals, we are happy to assist in the following ways:

  1. Free courier service for pickup and drop off. This includes picking up documents from your home.
  2. Electronic submission of contracts and most closing documents.
  3. Delivery of earnest money using the Earnnest web app. https://earnnest.com/
  4. Free wiring of proceeds and commission checks during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Tallgrass Title wants to ensure that you can close your important real estate transactions during these uncertain times and we are here to help! As this situation continues to develop, we acknowledge the need for increased flexibility for all parties. Please be in communication with our office on the best procedures for any upcoming closings. If you or your clients are under the weather or fearful of any contact whatsoever, we are happy to work with you in rescheduling closings as needs arise. By working together, we can keep all parties as safe as possible. Please do not hesitate to contact our offices with any questions or requests you may have.

 

– The Tallgrass Title Squad

Tallgrass Title partners with Earnnest!!

In efforts to further assist our buyers, sellers, and realtors, we are pleased to announce our partnership with Earnnest to bring an additional option to your tool kit.

What is Earnnest?

Earnnest is a web app that allows for the electronic and instantaneous transfer of buyer’s earnest money into our Tallgrass Title trust account.  This service eliminates the requirement of delivering a physical check to our office or paying costly wire fees.

Functioning much like Venmo, PayPal, or Cash App, Earnnest is a perfect tool for transactions with out of town buyers, buyers unable to leave work, or for Millennials without check books!

How does it work?

  • The real estate agent or the title company (that’s us) sends a request to the buyer for the value of the earnest money
  • The Buyer gets a text or e-mail notification
  • The Buyer verifies their identity and makes the payment
  • The title company and escrow holder receives the payment instantaneously!
  • Tallgrass Title generates an electronic earnest money receipt for the realtor file.

With the technology of Earnnest in conjunction with electronic signature apps, the contract signing and escrow set up can be fully digital! No one needs to leave their office or their couch.

At Tallgrass Title, our mission is to make your transaction as smooth and easy as possible.  Earnnest is another step we have taken to continue that mission.  We would love to demonstrate further how this new tool works for you! Please give us a call for details or simply request to get started with Earnnest for your next escrow!

Website Security Added at Tallgrass Title

In the digital age that we live, everything is online.  You can shop online, meet people online, even work online.  The internet has made everything from checking the time for a movie to buying groceries faster and more convenient.  However, while it is super convenient, it comes with its own risks.  Cyber crime is at a record high.  We all know how to use the internet, however, not everyone knows how to keep themselves and their information safe online.  At Tallgrass Title, we recognize the need for people to protect themselves and are constantly looking for new ways to protect our clients.  We blog, teach classes, and review online security with our clients.  However, there is always room for improvement, and we are always looking for more ways to be more secure.  We found one.  Our website document sharing portal is now secured with SSL Certificates.  These are Secure Sockets Layer protocol certificates, or SSL Certs.  Secure Sockets Layer is a standard security technology for establishing an encrypted link between a server and a client.  Without the SSL, anything you send out of your computer is in plain text, something that is more easily read.  However, with SSL, instead of sending out plain text, an algorithm is used to determine the secret code in which the email will be sent.  So, to put it simply, we have made communication with our office encrypted.  Technology is constantly growing and evolving, as are the risks that come with using it.  We tell our clients and patrons different ways to be safe online, but now we can say: We are extra safe for you!

Party at the Principal!!!! Wait…what?

Recently, the Tallgrass Title team, a/k/a “Title Squad” took a trip to the 6th Principal Meridian (6th P.M.) as it intersects the Kansas-Nebraska border.  This geographical location has important significance to Kansas title insurance professionals as all legal descriptions in Kansas, at some point, contain a reference to the 6th P.M.

The 6th Principal Meridian is a north-south surveying line that intersects Kansas and Nebraska and is the basis for all legal descriptions in those states as well as portions of Colorado and Wyoming.  When the first surveyors began the process of surveying real estate in Kansas, they set a marker on the Kansas-Nebraska line and all real estate descriptions in Kansas begin at that point.   If you are east of this line, all legal descriptions will end with “east of the 6th P.M.” and if you are west of the line, well, you get the point.  It begins at the north border of our state and travels south through the towns of Solomon and Wichita.  In fact, Meridian street in Wichita marks the location of the 6th P.M. as it travels through the city.

At Tallgrass Title, we deal with legal descriptions of real estate with every transaction.  We have often joked about the location of the 6th P.M. and commented in jest that we should take a field trip to visit the marker.  Well, a few days ago we did just that!  The Title Squad loaded up and traveled to

visit the marker near Mahaska, Kansas.  Amazingly enough, it just so happens to be located on Meridian Road.  Party at the Principal was a great day of real estate education and fulfilling our office promise of visiting the 6th.

 

 

MHK Office

 

As most of you know, we recently opened an office in MHK. We had the opportunity to talk a little about our new adventure! Check out the video below!

 

 

Thank you Manhattan!

Last week we officially opened a Manhattan, Kansas office.  This move follows requests from real estate professionals to locate an office to better serve their regional needs.  You asked, we listened!  Our Manhattan office (TGT MHK) is located at 210 N. 4th, Suite A in the Hartford Building.  We are fully staffed Monday – Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00pm and are open over the noon hour.  A drop box is located on the front of the building for after hours drop-offs.  Both the Wamego and Manhattan offices are equipped to deal with closings, escrow deliveries, deed packet deliveries and notary services.  Additionally, TGT MHK will continue to offer free courier service in the Manhattan area as well as mobile closings.  We are here to serve your needs!

At Tallgrass Title, we love feedback about how we may better serve your needs.  Feel free to speak with any of our title experts about your needs as a real estate professional.