Res-Title_Welcome Home Magazine_SPRING 2025_WEB_NEW by res_title

get to know us!

Get to know Res/Title! We’re your premier resource for all things title and closing across the nation!

Since 1994, we have been dedicated to providing top-notch service and expertise to our valued clients. With the recent announcement of our family of companies

JESSICA POIRIER Director

508-948-3310

jpoirier@res-title.com

in January 2025, we are proud to stand as one of the largest independently-owned title insurance companies in the industry. Our commitment to excellence means that whether you’re buying a home or closing a deal, we’re here to ensure a smooth and successful transaction!

A message from our Editor

Spring is finally here! I don’t know about you, but that winter seemed very long. We’re thrilled to welcome you to our 2025 Spring Magazine! This edition is bursting with exciting content all about spring and innovative tools designed to not only drive your business forward but also make your JOB EASIER!

As always, our dedicated team is here to support you—so if you have any questions or need assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out at any time! Let’s spring into success together! Happy reading!

Spring Housing Market

Temps are heating up and so is the spring housing market!

Here’s what to know:

The spring is typically when the housing market sees the most activity from buyers and sellers, experts say, as homebuyers are often looking to close a purchase before summer kicks off and well in advance of the new school year.

Sellers often want to capture the “sweet spot” of listing their home when more buyers are looking and when their property looks the most attractive.

So get ready buyers! There are signs of a more buyer-friendly housing market emerging for the spring homebuying season. It’s shaping up to be a more favorable for home shoppers that it’s been in recent years. Home prices are rising more slowly, Mortgage rates remain elevated- but have been mostly easing and could be headed lower, and most importantly, the number of homes on the market is up sharply from a year ago. While the inventory of homes for sale nationally is still low by historical standards, active listings surged 28.5% last month from a year earlier, according to data from Realtor.com.

“It’s a little hard to say that it’s a buyer’s market, but I’d call it a much more balanced market than it’s been in the last couple of years, where it’s really been a predominantly seller’s market.”

— JOEL BERNER, SENIOR ECONOMIST AT

REALTOR.COM

As homes take longer to sell, prices have started dropping in many markets. These trends should give prospective homebuyers more leverage as they negotiate with sellers this spring.

In this competitive real estate market, having a reliable title and settlement provider is crucial for ensuring smooth transactions. A trusted partner in this field not only provides essential services but also contributes to a more efficient closing process.

Did you know... Off-white houses are the most popular?

Recently surveyed homeowners said lighter colors are better for a home’s exterior. A 2023 Alside poll found that off-white/cream is the preferred siding color, followed by light gray, white, and light brown.

cover story

RES/TITLE’S LATEST INNOVATION:

Property Reports

We are excited to share something special with you: our valued clients! With this invaluable resource, you can now stand out to borrowers by providing them with INSTANT access to crucial property data NATIONWIDE (excludes ID & MT).

Each report includes essential owner information, detailed comparable sales data, tax information, and more!

May is Brain Tumor Awareness Month

Go Gray in May

In May, we come together for Brain Tumor Awareness Month – a month dedicated to education, raising awareness

Brain cancer is generally rare, with a lifetime risk of developing a brain tumor at around 1%. That translates to approximately 6.2 people per 100,000 individuals each year. But what does that 1% really mean? What if it were you or someone you love who received that diagnosis?

In May 2023, brain cancer became a part of reality for one of our employees, Jessica, when it affected someone incredibly special in her life—her husband. One day he was perfectly healthy, and the next, they were faced with the shocking news that a tumor the size of a clementine was growing on his brain. The initial shock was surreal; how could this be happening to a 37-year-old who was so active, intelligent, and seemingly healthy? The truth is, brain cancer can affect anyone, and that reality hit them hard.

This experience has ignited a fire in Jessica and her family to raise awareness about brain cancer. It is as critical as any other type of cancer, yet we often don’t hear enough about it. That’s why at Res/Title we’re

Scan here to donate!

excited to participate in Go Gray in May! We invite all of you to join us in wearing gray on Tuesday, May 27th, on National Wear Gray Day! You can participate by wearing gray clothes, ribbons, or other gray accessories, and encouraging others to do the same.

Res/Title will also be supporting Jessica and her family at the Brain Cancer 5k on May 18th hosted by the RI Brain and Spine Tumor Foundation.

This wonderful organization donated not only funds, but also emotional support to her family in her time of need. Since then they have been determined to give back and we are Res/Title are happy to take part! This is an opportunity for us to come together, spread awareness, and show support for everyone affected by this disease.

In addition to joining Jessica on the walk, Res/Title will be making a donation to this cause. Last year the Poirier Posse raised $1000, and have goals to exceed that this year! All proceeds support the RIBSTF brain tumor research and treatment.

If you’re interested in learning more we encourage you to check out Jessica’s team page at: Poirier Posse - The Blazin’ Battle Against Brain Cancer (QR code can be found at top of the page).

Together, we can make a difference and shine a spotlight on brain cancer awareness!

THANK YOU!

N ew! User-friendly updates to RES-TITLE.COM

We are thrilled to share some fantastic news!

Right on our website home screen, you now have access to all of our resources, all in one convenient place!

No more searching or wondering how to navigate – everything you need is literally at your fingertips.

Check it out now at www.res-title.com!

Your #1 trusted title partner is here to make your experience seamless and enjoyable.

Don’t miss out!

Streamlined Solutions All in One Place

Property Profile

Access vital information about any property nationwide, including tax information and comparable sales

Contact Your Team

Whether it’s a question of a file in process, or just a hypothetical one, we are here to help!

State Compliance Resource

Your quick guide to the requirements in each state to keep your closing compliant

Access Your Closing Documents and file updates available to you 24/7 and kept protected for you and your client in the future

Send Closing Funds

Direct ACH payments for all your closing deposit needs through our Res/Title Pay system.

Secure Send

Easy secure hassle-free way to send us all the information we need to get your order completed fast.

Place an Order

Easy online form complete with option to securely send your order form directly to our team

Quick Quote

Instant Fees for your borrowers to provide a snapshot of what to expect for their cash to close

Spring Vegetables

Running out of ideas for easy tasty meals for your busy days? Try out these recipes for the fresh spring season!

☐ 3 1/2 pounds skin-on, bone-in chicken quarters

☐ Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper

☐ 1 lemon, halved

☐ 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

☐ 1 pound fingerling or other small potatoes

☐ 2 bunches radishes

☐ 1 bunch scallions

☐ 1 bunch baby carrots

☐ 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill

Preheat the oven to 500 degrees F. Rinse the chicken and pat dry. Season with salt and pepper, then place skin-sideup on a rimmed baking sheet. Squeeze 1/2 lemon over the chicken and drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Roast 15 minutes.

Meanwhile, cut the potatoes and radishes in half and cut the scallions into thirds. Toss the potatoes, radishes, carrots and the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil in a bowl; season with salt andpepper. Remove the chicken from the oven and scatter the vegetables around it. Continue to roast until the vegetables are tender and the chicken is golden and cooked through, about 20 more minutes. Squeeze the remaining 1/2 lemon over the chicken and vegetables. Top with the dill and season with salt.

Top 5 Spring Perennial Flowers

These gorgeous blooms return every season, from spring or fall to all summer long

1. Clematis

Prefers full sun; blooms early to mid-summer, then again late summer to late fall

2. Daffodil

Prefers full sun or partial shade; blooms late winter to early spring

Strawberry Icebox Cake

☐ 1 (8-oz.) package cream cheese, room temperature

☐ 1 cup powdered sugar

☐ 3 cups heavy cream, divided

☐ 1 Tbsp. vanilla bean paste or extract

☐ 1 Tbsp. lemon zest

☐ 20 graham cracker sheets

☐ 1 1/2 lb. strawberries, sliced about 1/4-inch thick (about 4 1/2 cups)

☐ 1/2 cup sliced almonds (optional)

3. Baby’s

Prefers full sun; blooms late spring through early summer

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the beater attachment, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the powdered sugar, beating until smooth.

Scrape down the sides of the bowl. Add 1 cup of heavy cream and beat at low speed until smooth. Add the remaining 2 cups of cream and beat at medium to medium-high speed until soft peaks form, increasing the speed as the mixture begins to thicken. Fold in the vanilla and lemon zest.

Spoon 1/4 cup of the cream mixture into the bottom of a 9-by-9-inch pan or baking dish, spreading into a thin, even layer.

Top with the graham crackers in a single, even layer, breaking them as needed to fit. Spread about 1 1/2 cups of the cream mixture over thegraham crackers, using a spoon or off set spatulato smooth into an even layer. Top the creammixture with an even layer of strawberries,about 1 1/2 cups. Sprinkle evenly with 1/4 cupof almonds, if using.

Repeat once more, then top with a fi nal layer ofgraham crackers, cream mixture, and berries.

Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate at least4 hours or up to overnight.

Tip: The almonds in the recipe add a lovely crunch, but feel free to leavethem out if you prefer softer layers.

Prefers full sun; blooms late spring to early autumn

Prefers partial or full sun; blooms early spring

Breath

4. Roses

5. Tulips

AJessica family favorite!

checklist

15 steps to purchase your first home

Here are some sure tips to make sure you’re ready

1. Set a budget to stick to

When setting a budget look at all of your expenses and your income. Decide what a realistic budget is for you and your family’s needs.

2. Check your credit score

A few months before you start house hunting, obtain a copy of your credit. Examine and begin fixing any blemishes.

3. Get pre-approved

Now that you have set a budget and have cleaned up your credit score, get pre-approved.

4. Financing

Arrange for financing, typically in the form of a loan. Financing options may include a second mortgage. Attorney may also represent the lender at the closing.

5. Start researching neighborhoods

Now that you have set a budget and have cleaned up your credit score, get preapproved.

6. Hire a realtor

Once you have an idea what you can afford, and where you would like to look, hire a professional.

7. Real estate contracts

Offer to purchase shows you are seriously interested in the property. Finding contract is when the offer is accepted by the seller.

Purchase and sale agreement is the early selection and consultation with an attorney.

8. Purchase and sales agreement

Check with your realtor to see if an attorney is required in your area. Read through your contract thoroughly.

9. Hire a home inspector

Do not go with the sellers recommendation. You will want an independent inspector.

10. Other requirements

A plot plan of the property from a certified engineer or surveyor, confirming that the home purchase is located on the land that is being sold and shows there are no encroachments.

11. Homeowners insurance

You will need this at least two weeks prior to closing.

12. Perform title search

A title examination must be completed for the property.

13. Get title insurance

Lenders require that you purchase title insurance in an amount equal to the mortgage to protect their interest in the property.

14. Closing documents

The closing attorney will provide the buyer with a closing disclosure, settlement statement, which serves as a summary or accounting of the financial aspects of the transaction.

15. The closing

Be sure to bring your drivers license or state ID to the closing. Also, if you are coming with funds, be sure to bring a bank check for the amount. Congrats and good luck!