In this issue
You’ve seen our hashtag #restitledifference. But what exactly does that mean to you? Find out inside.
Also N ew! Text message feature
Introducing a new text messaging service that goes beyond simple appointment reminders
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 topnotch service and expertise to our valued clients. With the recent announcement of our family of companies
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!
We are excited to announce the launch of our latest feature designed to enhance your Borrower’s communication experience with us, your trusted provider. This year, we are introducing a new text messaging service that goes beyond simple appointment reminders. Your Borrowers can now engage in real-time conversations with a member of our operations team from anywhere, at any time. This innovative feature aims to provide them with immediate support and assistance, ensuring their needs are met promptly and efficiently. We look forward to connecting and enhancing the Res/Title experience further! N ew! Your
A message from our Editor:
JESSICA POIRIER Director of Client Relations
Thank you for taking the time to explore our latest edition of the Welcome Home Magazine! We are excited to bring you valuable insights and tips to ensure your home is cozy and well-prepared for the winter months ahead. In this edition, we’re thrilled to introduce some innovative new Res/Title products that will enhance your closing experience. As always, our team is here to support you. If you have any questions or need assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out. Together, let’s thrive in ‘25 and make this winter a wonderful season for you and your loved ones! Happy reading!
By Jennifer Sor, Business Insider
Between stubbornly high mortgage rates and elevated prices, homebuyers had a tough time navigating the housing market in 2024. And Zillow says more changes could be coming next year. In a recent outlook, the real-estate-listings site forecast a handful of developments for next year’s housing market, which it described as still normalizing after the COVID-19 pandemic.
There are signs that demand and inventory of existing homes are rising. The National Association of Realtors said existing-home sales rose by 2.9% year over year in October, the first annual increase in three years.
The average home value, meanwhile, climbed to $359,099 in October, up by 2.6% annually, Zillow said. And per Freddie Mac, the rate on the 30-year fixed mortgage edged up to 6.84% last week.
Here are four predictions Zillow has for next year’s market:
The firm predicts that home prices will rise by 2.6% in 2025, while existing-home sales will notch 4.3 million, up from the 4 million sales it expects this year.
Zillow predicted that mortgage rates would bounce throughout next year. The firm pointed to recent changes in the 30-year fixed mortgage rate, which fell this year before climbing to nearly 7% as markets adjusted their expectations for borrowing costs amid sticky inflation and a robust economy.
Zillow’s data indicates most “buyer’s markets” in the US are in the Southeast. But it said buyers could find more opportunities in the Southwest next year as more inventory in the region becomes “unstuck” and attracts homebuyers.
Zillow predicted that small homes would continue to rise in popularity. The firm said the word “cozy” appeared in 35% more Zillow listings this year than last year, a sign that buyers could be more interested in downsizing to smaller and more affordable abodes.
Original article can be viewed here: https://www.businessinsider.com/housing-market2025-outlook-buying-a-home-mortgage-rateszillow-2024-11
We are excited to share something special with you: our valued clients!
We believe that feedback is the cornerstone of improvement! Keep on reading to see some examples of the #restitledifference
“Res/Title went the extra mile for me when there was no extra mile to go, made things happen, and the communication was extremely well. Which a lot of times in these types of situations, companies can fall off and leave you hanging. I knew what was going on every single minute of my escrow. The most amazing service.”
“Res/Title is the Most Efficient Title Company that I have had the pleasure to use over 15 years. I have personally used them as Buyer, Seller, Realtor, and Mortgage Broker and Res/Title always exceeds my expectations. Thank You.”
“The key is to set realistic customer expectations, and then not to just meet them, but to exceed them— preferably in unexpected and helpful ways.”
3. Overall, this title company had employees that went above and beyond to make sure closing went smoothly
“They were very responsive with questions I had and answered in a professional manner. I highly recommend them for anyone or company looking for a title company.”
As we gear up for an exciting 2025, we are getting ready to roll out small yet impactful changes and innovative products. These enhancements are designed specifically to elevate your Res/Title experience, ensuring that we remain your #1 resource! Together, let's make the coming year not just good, but extraordinary!
Connect with us today and experience the #restitledifference for yourself!
Thank you for a successful 2024 STAY TUNED FOR NEW PRODUCT AND SERVICES TO ENHANCE YOUR CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE COMING SOON!
LET’S THRIVE IN 2025!
Running out of ideas for easy tasty meals for your busy days? Try out these recipes for the cozy winter season!
☐ 1 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
☐ 8 pieces bone-in short ribs (4 to 5 lb. total)
☐ Kosher salt
☐ Freshly ground black pepper
☐ 3 heads garlic, halved crosswise, one clove reserved
☐ 1 yellow onion, halved and thinly sliced
☐ 4 carrots, cut into 2” pieces
☐ 4 stalks celery, cut into 2” pieces, plus leaves for garnish
☐ 1/4 c. tomato paste
☐ 2 dried bay leaves
☐ 1 28-oz. can whole peeled tomatoes
☐ 2 c. beef broth
☐ 1 c. red wine
☐ 1 Tbsp. lemon juice
☐ 1 tsp. lemon zest
Preheat oven to 300°E Heat oil in a large heavybottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high. Season short ribs all over with salt and pepper. Add short ribs to pot, in batches if necessary, and cook until deeply browned on all sides, about 2 minutes per side. Transfer short ribs to a plate.
Pour off all but 2 tablespoons of fat from the pot. Add garlic, cut-sides down, and cook, undisturbed, until golden, about 1 minute. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring often, until beginning to soften, about 5 minutes. Add the tomato paste and bay leaves and cook, stirring, until beginning to darken on the edges of the pot, about 2 minutes.
Add tomatoes and their juices, breaking up the tomatoes with your hands as you add them, and stir to combine. Add the broth and wine and bring to a boil. Nestle short ribs among the vegetables. Cover, and transfer pot to the oven. Bake, stirring and flipping short ribs as necessary halfway through, until meat is very tender, 3 to 3½ hours. Short ribs can be made up to 3 days ahead. Reheat over medium heat.
Just before serving, chop remaining garlic clove and celery leaves together and place in a small bowl. Add lemon juice and zest, season with salt and pepper, and toss to combine. Serve short ribs and vegetables topped with celery mixture.
Grab a cup of hot cocoa, and let’s make your home the coziest place to be this winter!
As the chilly winds of winter approach for us here in New England, it’s time to turn our attention to preparing our homes for the colder months ahead. Not sure where to begin? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Our comprehensive Res/Winter checklist is designed to guide you through every step of the process, ensuring your home is warm, safe, and snug for winter. From insulating windows to checking your heating system, each item on our list is crafted to help you tackle the tasks with ease. So grab a cup of hot cocoa, and let’s make your home the coziest place to be this winter! After all, its better to be safe than sorry when the snow starts to fly!
PIZZA SAUCE
☐ 1 (28-oz.) can whole peeled tomatoes
☐ 2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
☐ 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped 2 Tbsp. tomato paste
☐ 1 tsp. ( or more) kosher salt
☐ 1/2 tsp. dried oregano
☐ 1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
☐ 1/2 tsp. granulated sugar
☐ (optional)
GARLIC BREAD PIZZA
☐ 1 (10-oz) loaf frozen garlic bread, halved lengthwise
☐ 1 c. shredded mozzarella
☐ 14 pepperoni slices
☐ 2 Tbsp. grated Parmesan
☐ 1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
PIZZA SAUCE
In a blender or food processor, puree tomatoes until mostly smooth.
In a large skillet over medium heat, heat oil. Add garlic and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in tomato paste and cook, stirring constantly, until darkened, 1 to 2 minutes. Add pureed tomatoes, oregano, red pepper flakes, and 1 teaspoon salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until sauce is thickened and reduced by about one-third, 20 to 25 minutes. Taste and season with salt and granulated sugar for sweetness, if needed. Let cool to room temperature.
Make Ahead: Pizza sauce can be made 5 days ahead. Let cool completely, then store in an airtight container and refrigerate, or freeze up to 1 month.
GARLIC BREAD PIZZA
Preheat oven to 425°. On a large baking sheet, arrange bread halves garlic side up.
Bake bread until warmed through and crisp on the sides and bottom, 9 to 11 minutes.
Spread each garlic bread half with 1/ 4 cup pizza sauce. Top with mozzarella, then pepperoni and Parmesan.
Heat broiler. Broil bread until cheese is bubbling and browned, 3 to 5 minutes.
Top with red pepper flakes, if using. Slice and serve.
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 preapproved.
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!
