Why title insurance is essential to secure, affordable homeownership

The Federal Reserve’s decision this month to cut its benchmark interest rate by 25 basis points was encouraging news for Americans eager to become homeowners.

Although mortgage rates aren’t set by the Fed, they are impacted by its policy changes. Indeed, prior to — and in anticipation of — the Fed’s announcement, mortgage rates fell to their lowest level since October 2024, with the 30-year fixed rate dropping to 6.39% — spurring a 29% spike in mortgage loan applications.

While high mortgage rates are contributing to the housing affordability crisis, lack of housing supply and regulatory barriers to development continue to be the main drivers of our nation’s housing market challenges. The Trump administration is already exploring measures to address the lack of housing supply, including potentially opening up federal land for residential use, and there are reports that additional affordability measures are also being considered.

In Congress, Reps. Mark Alford (R-Mo.), Tracey Mann (R-Kan.), Lou Correa (D-Calif.), and Brittany Pettersen (D-Colo.) earlier this month introduced the Saving the American Dream Act, which would establish an interagency task force to plan and initiate a whole-of-government approach to the housing affordability crisis. The bill calls for federal agencies to develop policy solutions on several fronts, including increasing housing supply, reducing local barriers to development, and strengthening disaster recovery, among several other approaches. The American Land Title Association (ALTA) is proud to support this legislation.

ALTA shares the goal of making homeownership more accessible, especially for first-time borrowers. For that to be done effectively, there needs to be greater understanding about the critical role that title insurance plays for homebuyers and the health of the U.S. economy.

Title insurance plays a dual role in real estate transactions, protecting the financial interests of the homeowner and the lender while also providing stability and security to the broader real estate market.

For lenders, title insurance is a way to protect their investment should any issues arise that could impact the ability to collect on the funds disbursed to the homebuyer. By protecting the lender’s financial interests, title insurance mitigates the risk they are taking in extending a mortgage loan that might otherwise appear too risky — giving assurances that their investment is safe and promoting a stable, secure lending environment.

While buying a home is a monumental life event, it’s also a significant financial investment, and homebuyers want to know they won’t have ownership issues years later. Title insurance offers assurances that their investment is secure, giving them the peace of mind to proceed with the transaction. This adds a safeguard to the real estate transaction that provides critical confidence to the broader real estate environment.

With title insurance, homebuyers are protected against undiscoverable defects not found during the title search — like fraud, forgery, and unrecorded liens — for as long as they own their homes. Should a dispute arise, title insurance ensures the homeowner isn’t on the hook for the fees incurred during a legal fight over their property rights.

The nuts and bolts of title insurance are often misunderstood. It’s not just a document or records check. It’s a one-time investment, rather than a recurring premium, that supports perhaps the most important purchase a person will ever make. Title professionals spend an average of 22 hours resolving issues like unpaid liens, boundary disputes, and recording errors — issues that, if left unaddressed, could take the certainty and sustainability out of homeownership.

The work done every day by the industry’s 155,000 title professionals — 90% of whom are small businesses on main streets across America — doesn’t end at the closing table. The title industry remains in homeowners’ corners to help resolve and cover challenges to their property rights. In fact, the title industry has paid nearly $2.9 billion in claims over the past five years. The average cost for a title company to defend a claim can range from over $26,000 for common claims to over $143,000 for more complex issues like fraud and forgery, which are rising in prevalence.

Finally, when it comes to costs, the industry is not standing still — it’s innovating. Thanks to technology and process improvements, the average cost of title insurance coverage has decreased by 5% in recent years, based on ALTA’s analysis of annual financial statements submitted to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC).

Fees for title insurance and settlement services are well below other costs charged to borrowers over the life of the mortgage loan, with most of what is paid supporting the skilled professionals, systems, and services that ensure secure and efficient closings.

We recognize that affordability challenges are real, and we are committed to being part of thoughtful discussions on how to address these challenges without sacrificing protections for homebuyers or increasing risk in the real estate market.

To that end, we are hopeful the Federal Reserve’s decision is a step toward a series of smart, balanced policies that make homeownership more affordable and accessible for all homebuyers.

Read more at Housingwire

Related Links

• Why Experts Say Mortgage Rates Should Ease Over the Next Year

• 6 Things Real Estate Agents Say You Should Always Fix Before Selling Your Home

• Closing Costs Unpacked: State-by-State Breakdowns for Today’s Buyers

If there is a home that you would like more information about, if you are considering selling a property, or if you have questions about the housing market in your neighborhood, please reach out. We’re here to help.

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Why Lawn Pros Swear October Is the Secret to a Greener Yard by Spring

Any turf pro will tell you: Some simple lawn care in October can help your grass look better next year. Cooler air reduces stress, but the soil stays warm enough so roots can still grow fast. This combination is perfect if you need to pull out weeds, then fertilize those thin patches.

Add in more consistent rainfall, and you have peak conditions to make every bit of your effort count. We spoke with lawn experts to pin down exactly what to do this October (and what to skip) for a thicker, greener yard by spring.

Why October Is the Ideal Time for Lawn Recovery

This month is about smart lawn maintenance tasks that can deliver long-term results. “After a summer of heat, drought, and heavy foot traffic, your lawn is often stressed and in need of recovery,” says Matthew Koch, PhD, director of biotechnology, genetics, and seed at Scotts Miracle-Gro. “October provides the perfect conditions, like cooler air, warm soil, and increased moisture, to rejuvenate your lawn.”

As far as what you should focus on, Koch says fertilizing and weed removal in the fall helps repair damage and gives grass roots time to rebound before winter. “Fall weed control targets broadleaf weeds still actively growing. Each step builds stronger, deeper roots for a thicker, greener lawn in the spring.”

What You Need to Do to Care for Your Lawn

Now that you know why October matters, here’s how to proceed with your lawn care. These expert-backed steps will help strengthen your grass before winter sets in.

Fertilizing

The first step? Fertilize your lawn based on your grass type. “Cool-season grasses respond well to fertilizer in the fall,” says Craig Elworthy, lawn expert and the founder of Lawnbright. “You can’t go wrong with any fertilizer approach in the fall, since your lawn will readily accept whatever you throw at it. I like to use this time to amend pH and make sure I’m applying plenty of micro and macronutrients.”

Here’s how Elworthy fertilizes cool-season grass in the fall:

• Mow and rake to clear away debris, then apply liquid fertilizer every two to three weeks.

• Apply a winterizer in late October or early November just before shutting off the irrigation for the year.

Elworthy says warm-season grasses are not growing quickly in the fall since they’re preparing to go dormant for the winter. “Now is not the time to fertilize, but potassium can be applied to help build immunity, so potassium-rich inputs like Sea Kelp should be used around this time.” Koch suggests one feeding on warm-season grasses just before winter hits.

Weed Control

Weeds may look harmless in the fall since everything else in the yard is fading, but this is when they’re most vulnerable to treatment. “Fall is a great time to get perennial weeds like dandelions and clover under control with a fall weed and feed product,” says Koch. He suggests looking for one that simultaneously controls weeds while also feeding your lawn.

Elworthy also thinks October is an excellent time for natural weed control since weeds are taking everything they get and storing it in their roots for the winter, so any herbicide (or DIY weed remover) will work exceptionally well. “Products that contain chelated iron work best in the cool nighttime temps of fall,” he adds.

Mowing and Leaf Removal

Yes, keep mowing regularly, even if the grass isn't growing. “It’s boring, but mowing is the single best lawn care practice you can do in October,” says Elworthy. “Your lawn’s growth will slow down significantly, and at some point, you’re mowing just to get the leaves off the grass, which is very important.”

There is some debate on whether or not you should pick up leaves from your lawn, but Elworthy says fallen leaves can really kill a lawn if they’re left intact over the winter. That said, you don’t need to completely remove them. “An added benefit of mowing is that by mulching the leaves back into the soil, you’re adding to the overall organic content and improving soil composition.”

What You May Want to Wait on Until the Spring

Not every lawn task belongs on your October checklist. These are the tasks you may want to hold off on until spring, according to lawn experts.

Aeration

The best time to aerate your lawn is in the late summer and early fall (late September), Elworthy says, but only if your soil is compacted. While Elworthy personally would not aerate in October, Koch still thinks your lawn has time to recover if you do it early in the month on cool-season grasses only.

“For homeowners with a cool-season lawn, now is the ideal time to aerate because the grass is actively growing and can recover quickly,” says Koch. “For warm-season lawns, however, it’s best to wait until late spring through early summer when growth is at its peak.”

If you decide to take a chance on aerating your lawn right now, here’s how to have the greatest chance of success:

“Before aerating, make sure the soil is moist, not too dry or too wet,” says Koch. “We recommend watering the soil the day before to soften the ground. After aeration, leave the soil plugs on the surface because they'll break down naturally and help return organic matter to the soil.”

“If you’re going to mechanically aerate, make sure to mark any sprinkler heads or underground wiring so you can avoid them,” says Elworthy. “Most will hire this activity out to a pro, as mechanical aerators are heavy and difficult to operate.” Alternatively, he says you can try liquid aeration since many homeowners find it easier to use.

Overseeding

Elworthy has a conservative view on overseeding right now: “October is generally too late to overseed cool-season grasses, as the first frost and winter dormancy are just around the corner.” But Koch says this year might be an exception.

“In a normal year, this is late to be overseeding [cool-season grasses],” says Koch, but the drought this year pushed back the opportunity to take advantage of fall rainfall. “As long as the air and soil temperatures remain warm (which the long-term forecast is showing for about the next 3 weeks), Northern grass seed can continue to germinate and establish.”

If overseeding in October, Koch says it’s important to do it soon (early October) and maintain good growing conditions (water and fertilizer) for as long as the season allows. “This will give the seedlings the best chance to survive the winter and thrive in the spring.”

Regarding warm-season grasses, both experts agree that late spring or summer is the best time for overseeding. “Warm-season grasses are generally not overseeded with the exception of Bermudagrass warm-season grass seed," says Elworthy. "In any case, the time to seed would be in the spring. Warm-season grass typically goes into dormancy in September to October."

Read more at Real Simple

Related Links

• Why Experts Say Mortgage Rates Should Ease Over the Next Year

• 6 Things Real Estate Agents Say You Should Always Fix Before Selling Your Home

• Closing Costs Unpacked: State-by-State Breakdowns for Today’s Buyers

If there is a home that you would like more information about, if you are considering selling a property, or if you have questions about the housing market in your neighborhood, please reach out. We’re here to help.

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Mortgage rates aren’t budging during the shutdown. How long will it last?

The story of the 2025 housing market hasn’t been as positive as many industry professionals would like, but the last three months of the year could serve as a warm blanket to an otherwise chilly environment.

On Tuesday, HousingWire’s Mortgage Rates Center showed that 30-year conforming loan rates averaged 6.38%, unchanged from a week ago. Rates for jumbo loans were down 3 basis points to 6.26% and rates for 30-year loans through the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) were unchanged at 6.20%.

Roughly two weeks after the federal government shutdown, mortgage rates have yet to be impacted, but that’s not expected to last indefinitely.

Melissa Cohn, regional vice president for William Raveis Mortgage, said that the shutdown is impacting housing professionals through a “data void.” The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, for example, didn’t release employment numbers for September, and that’s expected to create decision-making hurdles for Federal Reserve monetary policymakers when they meet again later this month.

“As much as the current administration would like to see interest rates much lower, they have to understand that some of the ramifications of their actions could actually cause rates to go up,” she says.

CBS News reported Tuesday that the Senate will vote Tuesday on a House-approved funding proposal. It’s the eighth vote since the shutdown began Oct. 1, with many Democrats refusing to join Republicans in reopening the government as they push for an extension of health insurance tax credits.

In written commentary released last week, Samir Dedhia, CEO of One Real Mortgage, indicated that there’s prime opportunity for consumers who’ve been on the fence about purchasing a home.

“This is now the third time in the last five weeks we’ve seen rates settle near their lowest levels in a year, a clear signal that we’re no longer in the volatile rate environment of earlier this year,” Dedhia said following the release of Freddie Mac’s weekly mortgage rates data.

“These steady improvements are beginning to make a meaningful impact on consumer behavior,” he added. “Buyers who had paused their home search due to affordability concerns are showing renewed interest, and the data reflects it. We’re seeing a consistent uptick in purchase activity, as more consumers grow confident that this lower-rate window may last longer than expected.”

Where does the fall housing market stand?

This week’s Housing Market Tracker, powered by HW Data, shows that national for-sale inventory of single-family homes dropped last week but remains 17% higher than one year ago. New listings are also down from their peak in May, although the 64,770 listings this week are up from 62,879 at this time in 2024.

“Regardless of how inventory ends in 2025, this has been the most positive story for housing as supply grew, price growth cooled down, and we have a much healthier housing market,” HousingWire Lead Analyst Logan Mohtashami wrote.

Mohtashami also pointed out “favorable mortgage pricing” due to lower spreads between the 10-year Treasury rate and the 30-year mortgage rate. The trend toward a neutral policy rate should continue, barring any market disruptions.

Conditions are likely to improve in the near future as Fed officials are expected to cut rates in October. According to the CME Group’s FedWatch tool, 97% of interest rate traders believe the federal funds rate will be lowered by 25 bps this month to a range of 3.75% to 4%. And roughly the same percentage are calling for another 25-bps cut in December.

In a speech given last week in Minnesota, Fed Governor Michael Barr said that while he supported last month’s 25-bps cut, he remains concerned about elevated risks to both sides of the Fed’s dual mandate to promote maximum employment and price stability.

“I agree with Chair (Jerome) Powell’s succinct view that there is no risk-free path forward for monetary policy,” Barr said. “While inflation has come down a great deal since 2021, it is still above our 2% target and is now rising. And although several data points indicate that the labor market may be roughly in balance, we also know there has been a sharp drop in job creation since May, which suggests risks to the labor market going forward.

“The most difficult circumstances for making monetary policy decisions are when both mandate variables are at risk.”

Along with increased home purchase activity, Dedhia said that demand for refinances is likely to grow “as homeowners recognize the opportunity to lock in savings, especially those coming off adjustable-rate products or pandemic-era forbearance exits.”

Refinance application activity is 18% higher on a year-over-year basis and refis account for more than 50% of all applications, according to Mortgage Bankers Association data for the week ending Oct. 3.

“While some economic uncertainty remains, what we’re seeing now is a balancing act, as inflation is cooling, the labor market is softening slightly, and the Fed is being more measured in its approach to further rate cuts,” Dedhia said.

“For buyers and homeowners alike, this may be one of the most favorable stretches we’ve had in the past 12 months, and it’s creating an opening for more momentum heading into the fall.”

Read more at Housingwire

Related Links

• Why Experts Say Mortgage Rates Should Ease Over the Next Year

• 6 Things Real Estate Agents Say You Should Always Fix Before Selling Your Home

• Closing Costs Unpacked: State-by-State Breakdowns for Today’s Buyers

If there is a home that you would like more information about, if you are considering selling a property, or if you have questions about the housing market in your neighborhood, please reach out. We’re here to help.

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Astrology Meets Real Estate: Do Planetary Alignments Influence Property Decisions?

When it comes to making life’s significant decisions, people often look for guidance beyond the tangible. Astrology, with its celestial insights, has long served as a compass for decisions about careers, relationships, and even property investments.

But can planetary alignments truly influence real estate decisions? Let’s explore this fascinating blend of cosmic wisdom and bricks-and-mortar practicality.

The Cosmic Connection: Astrology and Real Estate

Astrology suggests that planetary movements and alignments affect energy fields, which in turn influence individual actions and decisions. This belief extends to property investments in several intriguing ways:

1. Auspicious Dates: Many buyers and developers consult astrologers to identify favorable dates for property-related milestones—be it signing a purchase agreement, laying the foundation stone, or performing a housewarming ceremony. These dates are believed to align cosmic energies to ensure success and prosperity.

2. Zodiac Preferences: Astrological signs can shape preferences for property types and locations. For instance:

   • Cancerians, ruled by the Moon, often gravitate toward homes near water bodies or places with serene, nurturing vibes.

   • Taureans, associated with the Earth element, might prefer homes surrounded by lush greenery or natural landscapes.

   • Leos, ruled by the Sun, may seek grand, opulent spaces that reflect their vibrant personalities.

3. Vastu Shastra and Feng Shui: In India and beyond, systems like Vastu Shastra and Feng Shui incorporate cosmic principles into architectural design. These practices aim to harmonize a property’s energy with the universe, ensuring well-being, prosperity, and happiness for its occupants.

Planetary Influences on Real Estate

Astrologers often highlight the roles of specific planets in real estate decisions:

• Jupiter (Guru): Jupiter governs growth, expansion, and prosperity. Its favorable placement in a horoscope is often interpreted as a green light for making significant investments, including real estate.

• Mars (Mangal): As the planet associated with land and property, Mars’s strength in a chart can indicate success in property dealings, particularly in acquiring land.

• Saturn (Shani): Saturn represents stability and long-term investments. While its influence may cause delays, it encourages well-thought-out decisions that lead to enduring benefits.

• Mercury (Budh): Mercury governs communication and contracts. Its retrograde periods are often seen as challenging times for signing agreements, as they may lead to miscommunication or delays.

Astrology and Market Trends

Beyond individual decisions, some astrologers believe that planetary movements can influence broader real estate market trends:

• Market Cycles: Saturn’s slow transits are thought to align with periods of market correction or slowdown, while Jupiter’s expansive energy is associated with growth phases.

• Buyer Sentiment: Astrological events, such as eclipses or Mercury retrograde, may subtly impact buyer confidence, leading to fluctuations in market activity.

Balancing Astrology with Practicality

While astrology offers comfort and guidance to many, it’s essential to balance celestial insights with real-world considerations:

• Market Analysis: Location, pricing, infrastructure, and future development prospects should remain the primary drivers of property decisions.

• Financial Planning: A sound financial strategy is critical for real estate investments, regardless of astrological influences.

• Psychological Confidence: For believers, astrology’s biggest contribution may be the psychological boost it provides, instilling confidence and reducing decision-making anxiety.

Skepticism and the Science of Property Investments

Critics argue that real estate decisions should be rooted in tangible data and market trends rather than celestial movements. Yet, the psychological impact of aligning decisions with cosmic forces—a sense of assurance and positivity—cannot be ignored.

Finding Harmony in the Stars

Astrology and real estate need not exist in isolation. For those who value the guidance of the stars, combining astrological insights with practical planning can create a holistic approach to property investment. Whether you see astrology as a guiding influence or a reassuring ritual, it adds an enriching dimension to the art of buying and selling real estate.

Astrology’s role in real estate may range from a lighthearted belief to a serious consideration, depending on the individual. From identifying auspicious dates to choosing properties aligned with zodiac preferences, astrology provides a unique perspective on property decisions. So, whether you’re a firm believer or simply curious, this cosmic connection adds a fascinating layer to the real estate journey.

What’s your take? Do planetary alignments hold the key to property success, or is it all a cosmic coincidence?

Related Links

• Why Experts Say Mortgage Rates Should Ease Over the Next Year

• 6 Things Real Estate Agents Say You Should Always Fix Before Selling Your Home

• Closing Costs Unpacked: State-by-State Breakdowns for Today’s Buyers

If there is a home that you would like more information about, if you are considering selling a property, or if you have questions about the housing market in your neighborhood, please reach out. We’re here to help.

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6 Halloween Decor Trends You're Going to See EVERYWHERE This Year

Halloween might mean non-stop horror movie marathons or excuses to have an extra piece of candy for some, but if you're obsessed with interior design? It's time to unleash your creativity with some decorations.

But make no mistake, there's more to your Halloween decor than hanging up the same leafy garland and broomstick that you do every single year. Like most things, there are actually Halloween trends that vary from year to year.

If you're looking to make your home equal parts creepy and current this year, you're in luck. Here, designers share the Halloween decor trends that are poised to be everywhere this year. Get inspired to put any of them to the test.

A Moody Moment

Though the fiery shade has long been associated with Halloween decor, Sarah Evans of a Colorado-based firm called Inside Stories says decorating enthusiasts will finally say, "enough with orange." "Ditch the clichés, embrace the season’s richness, and let your decor whisper 'elegant Halloween' rather than scream 'haunted house.'"

Instead, Lauren Saab recommends jewel tones like rich green and deep purple. "These shades have range," the Texas designer explains. "They look good in modern settings, as well as traditional ones, and they tie in with what is already in the room so the effect is seasonal without feeling forced." Or, if you're more of a minimalist, try black. "It's always chic," Evan adds. "If your style skews light and neutral, all you need is a few black taper candles on the coffee table or charred branches in a vase to strike the perfect balance."

Frightful Foliage

If you ask Drew Michael Scott of Lone Fox, the best Halloween decor works with your home, not against it. "I’ve moved away from the classic skeletons and broomsticks and started focusing on decor that actually fits with the rest of my space," he explains. Ditto for jack-o'-lanterns. "If pumpkins aren’t your thing, swap them out for dried florals in autumn colors," he says. "They’re just as seasonal but with a softer, more elevated twist." Bonus points: Since dried flowers are already dead, they'll last long after spooky season.

Punchy Pumpkins

Craving jack-o'-lantern might one of the most popular Halloween decorations, but it's about to get a big makeover. "I am currently loving the idea of glow in the dark painted pumpkins over jack-o-lanterns to spice up the regular display," explains Nureed Saeed, an interior designer who splits her time between California and New Jersey. Not artistic enough to create a full-blown fresco on a pumpkin? No problem. In fact, some people are favoring decoupage pumpkins by applying pressed flowers with a coat of mod podge.

Boo-tiful Busts

Goodbye, minimalism: With the rise of charming details like painted floors and skirted furniture, traditional interiors are totally in. So, why not incorporate that look into your Halloween decorations? Scott says a bust will bring "a little edge" to your spooky season style. If you want to dial up the drama, make it a multi-sensory look with a scented candle.

Themed Looks

Say goodbye, skeletons and flapping bats: It's time to think outside of the box. Most people festoon their homes with goblins and ghouls, Saeed recommends committing to a different and somewhat unique theme. "While you can never go wrong with a beautiful display of pumpkins and jack-o-lanterns, for me a good theme never goes out of style," she says. "I always start with a fun or scary theme that I can build a full Halloween-themed space that is known to be scary to even the teenagers in my neighborhood."

Saeed loves the idea of a Willy Wonka or Star Wars-themed home—"The emperor is pretty scary, people!" she says—but you can always go for a haunted house moment. That said, the secret to a well-appointed theme is intentionality. For example, instead of tablecloths and ballons with Yoda's face on it, try to recreate the Death Star in your personal digs.

Crafty Candles

Speaking of which, candles are a great way to add a ghoulish glow to your room. “This year we’re loving how candles have become such a big part of Halloween decor," says Guadalupe Alvarado, the DIYer behind the Cherry Patio. "They bring warmth, a little spookiness, and for us, they’re the perfect touch for a cute table setting or a fun DIY activity!" While black or pumpkin-shaped wax might be fall-friendly, Alvarado loves to paint cute designs on long, tapered candles.

Once you add wax pens to your e-cart, you can create the candles of your dreams—or, since it's Halloween, nightmares. "[It's] safe, easy, and fun to tackle," she says."A must-do, for sure!”

Regardless of which trend you opt into, one thing's for sure: These ideas are all treats, zero tricks.

Read more at Good Houskeeping

Related Links

• Why Experts Say Mortgage Rates Should Ease Over the Next Year

• 6 Things Real Estate Agents Say You Should Always Fix Before Selling Your Home

• Closing Costs Unpacked: State-by-State Breakdowns for Today’s Buyers

If there is a home that you would like more information about, if you are considering selling a property, or if you have questions about the housing market in your neighborhood, please reach out. We’re here to help.

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