Hooded hacker. Cyber attack concept.

Spam Calls From International Phone Numbers

by Cyber Security

Have you been receiving phone calls from unknown callers (mainly from Sierra Leone)?  Well, you are not alone.  These are scam calls.

The FCC advises the following:

  • Do not call back numbers you do not recognize, especially those appearing to originate overseas.
  • File a complaint with the FCC if you received these calls: fcc.gov/complaints
  • If you never make international calls, consider talking to your phone company about blocking outbound international calls to prevent accidental toll calls.
  • Check your phone bill for charges you don’t recognize.

For additional details review the links below:

https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DOC-357304A1.pdf

http://www.fox4news.com/news/officials-beware-sierra-leone-one-ring-robocallers

https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/Dont-Call-Back-FCC-Warns-of-West-African-One-Ring-Phone-Scam-509588711.html

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10 Ways to Live More Eco-Friendly

by Resources

Here are just a few ways to live more eco-friendly:

  • Shop local. Purchasing local products offers an impressive way of reducing pollution that results from supply chain logistics.
  • Opt for natural and organic beauty products. There are many items you already have in your kitchen that you can use for organic beauty products.  It will keep your skin and the environment happy.
  • There are other items around the home that can be recycled outside of kitchen paper and plastics such as unused electronics, old books, and clothes.
  • Avoid drinking bottled water. Plastic waste hurts the environment significantly.
  • Personalize gift wrapping. Creatively re-using wrapping, tags and bows can offer cheap ways for saving the world’s trees.
  • Switch to a bike when you can. It can save you money and help you stay in shape.
  • Always have reusable bags on hand for unplanned shopping. Plastic bags are among the largest contributors to landfills worldwide.
  • Use energy efficient light bulbs to reduce waste and save money.
  • Eat Local! Buy locally grown food and eat out at locally sourced restaurants.
  • Invest in a smart home device that automatically adjusts your thermostat when you are not home, and tracks your usage to help save you money and reduces energy use.
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Spring Maintenance Checklist

by Resources

Once the ground has thawed and the trees begin to bud, it’s time to prepare your home for spring. On top of your regular spring cleaning, you’ll also want to consider these general home maintenance tips. Use our spring home maintenance checklist to make sure everything in your home from the basement to the roof is in tip-top shape.

• Inspect roofing for missing, loose, or damaged shingles and leaks.
• Change the air-conditioner filter.
• Clean window and door screens.
• Polish wood furniture, and dust light fixtures.
• Refinish the deck.
• Power-wash windows and siding.
• Remove leaves and debris from gutters and downspouts.
• Replace the batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
• Have a professional inspect and pump the septic tank.
• Inspect sink, shower, and bath caulking for deterioration.
• Vacuum lint from dryer vent.
• Inspect chimney for damage.
• Repair or replace caulking and weather stripping around windows, doors, and mechanicals.
• Remove insulation from outdoor faucets and check sprinkler heads.
• Have air-conditioning system serviced.
• Drain or flush water heater.
• Fertilize your lawn.

source: www.bhg.com

 

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Win the Day, Win the Business

by Resources

You probably know at least five people in your sphere of influence, circle of friends or in your office that you are a little jealous of, right? It seems like they have it all…they enjoy success in every aspect of their lives, from their careers to their relationships and even their level of creature comforts. We all do and we wonder…how do they do it?

Darren Hardy, former publisher of Success Magazine and New York Times best-selling author, says “You will never change your life until you change something you do daily. The secret of your success is found in your daily routine.”

As a self-proclaimed sales and personal development junkie, the most important lesson of all came to me through a book called The Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod. Republic Title sponsored a lecture by him in January of this year. Since reading that book and others by modern thought leaders and motivational gurus, the ONE thing they all do and advise us to do is to have a morning routine. It is a secret weapon to winning the day and, after practicing one for the past three years, I can tell you…it works.

This may be yours: wake up, make and have some coffee, check the phone, maybe read or watch some news, take a shower, have a quick bite and then out the door. While this is more than likely close to everyone’s habit, this is NOT a morning routine. This is the day taking you for a ride, not you taking the day. All of the pros say that a morning routine should consist of at least three action items. By the way, NONE of them involve your smart phone or television.

Hal Elrod practices and writes about Life S.A.V.E.R.S, which include meditation, affirmations, visualization, reading and journaling. Brendon Burchard practices a Power Hour that includes twenty minutes of exercise, journaling and reading each. Mel Robbins has her own too that includes much of the same.

No matter HOW you do it…just DO IT. You can find a morning routine that is the perfect fit for you by searching Google or any of the people above.

And remember, the modern world we live in is filled with more distractions than we can count. Everywhere we go, our attention is being vied for by something. Technology was created to be a tool for better living, and while our constantly evolving “smart” devices are not the enemy, we must realize that they cannot and should not rule our day, much less our life. It is imperative that we remember the ONE thing that we are in control of…OUR MORNINGS.

Win the Day!

Janet Allen, Senior Vice President/Residential Business Development, Republic Title

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Survey Deletion Coverage Q&A

by Real Estate ArticlesTitle Information

What is Survey Deletion Coverage?

Survey Deletion Coverage is often also referred to as “Survey Deletion”, “Survey Amendment”, and “Survey Coverage.”  When survey deletion coverage is given in the title policy it offers Buyers protection for errors or omissions that may have been made by the surveyor and accepted by the title company by changing the language in the “standard exception” of the title policy to read “Shortages in Area” only.  The “standard survey exception” in a title commitment or policy (before being amended) reads:

“Any discrepancies, conflicts, or shortage in area or boundary lines, or any encroachments or protrusions, or any overlapping of improvements.”

 Upon receipt of an acceptable survey, the title company may amend this exception to read “Shortages in area” only.   Things that a title company will look at to determine if a survey will be acceptable include, but are not limited to, the following:  that items noted on the survey are listed in the title commitment, verify the legal description, check platted building lines and platted easements, and other matters such as the seal and signature of the engineer, date of the survey, and north directional arrow. 

Survey Deletion is addressed in paragraph 6. A. (8) of the TREC One to Four Family Residential Contract, where the parties select between the options of amending or not amending the standard exception in the title policy and who will be responsible for the payment of the premium.

There are other issues that may show up in the review of a survey, such as a building or driveway or fence over a building line, or into a platted easement.  When this happens, the title company may still accept the survey and amend the standard exception to read “Shortages in Area” only, but will generally add a special exception on Schedule B of the title commitment and owner’s title policy for any of these issues that were shown on the survey.              

The cost of survey deletion coverage on residential transactions is 5% of the Owners Title Policy Premium, and is 15% of the Owner Title Policy Premium in a commercial transaction.

For more information on Survey Deletion Coverage, download our Survey Deletion Coverage Q&A flyer 



home

The Closing Process

by ResourcesTitle Information

You finally found THE ONE and put in an offer that was accepted… now what? The process is just beginning for the behind the scenes team that make your dreams a reality and help get you into your new home. We’ve put together a comprehensive chart of the closing process that begins once you are under contract to help you better understand the whole process. You (the buyer), your REALTOR®, Mortgage & Title Companies have lots to do before you get to the closing table and get those keys in hand. Here’s a look at the process.