Other TitlePlus Services
At TitlePlus of LA, we pride ourselves on offering a diverse range of services tailored to meet the unique needs of our Louisiana clients. Whether you’re a homebuyer, investor, or business owner, our expertise helps to deliver a smooth and efficient transaction. Discover how TitlePlus services can help you navigate the complexities and legal matters of residential and commercial real estate.
Reverse Mortgages
A reverse mortgage, or a Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM), is a type of loan available to homeowners aged 62 and older. This loan allows you to convert a portion of your home equity into cash.
Unlike a traditional mortgage, where the homeowner makes monthly payments to the lender, a reverse mortgage pays the homeowner. The borrower isn’t required to make monthly payments on the loan. Instead, the loan balance is due when the homeowner sells the house, moves out, or passes away. It’s a way for older adults to access funds for retirement while continuing to live in their homes. However, the homeowner is still responsible for property taxes, insurance, and maintenance to avoid foreclosure.
With TitlePlus of LA, you get expert help understanding this complex financial option. We make sure you understand every step so you can make confident decisions!
1031 Exchange
A 1031 exchange, named after Section 1031 of the Internal Revenue Code, is a strategy for deferring capital gains taxes when you sell an investment property. It allows investors to sell one investment property and purchase another of equal or greater value without immediately paying taxes on the profits from the sale.
This exchange must meet specific requirements, such as identifying the replacement property within 45 days and completing the exchange within 180 days. The replacement property must be used for business or investment purposes, just like the original property.
By utilizing a 1031 exchange, investors can reinvest their gains into new properties, thus continuing to grow their investment portfolio. TitlePlus of LA guides you through the complexities of a 1031 exchange, navigating IRS regulations, ensuring compliance, and maximizing your investment’s potential.
Title Insurance
Title insurance protects real estate owners and lenders against any potential disputes or claims over a property’s ownership. When you buy a home or other real estate, you want to make sure that the person selling the property truly owns it and that there are no hidden legal issues.
Title insurance protects against various risks that could affect your rightful ownership, including:
-
Unpaid taxes
-
Outstanding mortgages
-
Or liens
It comes in two main types: owner’s policy and lender’s policy, both of which aim to secure the investments of respective parties. With TitlePlus of LA services, we meticulously evaluate property titles to help ensure your real estate transaction is secure and stress-free.
Successions
Succession is the legal process that occurs after someone passes away to ensure that their property and assets are correctly passed on to their heirs. It involves transferring ownership of the deceased person’s estate to their rightful beneficiaries.
In this process, an executor or administrator may be appointed to manage the estate, settle any outstanding debts, and distribute the assets according to the will, if there is one, or state law if there isn’t. TitlePlus of LA assists in simplifying this process, handling these sensitive matters with care and precision, and providing expert legal support throughout the process.
Tutorships
Tutorship is a legal arrangement in which an adult — known as a tutor — is appointed to care for and manage the property and affairs of a minor who has lost their parents or whose parents cannot fulfill their responsibilities. This includes taking care of the minor’s personal well-being and managing their property or assets until they reach the age of majority.
The tutor acts in the best interests of the child. This makes certain that their needs are met and that their inheritance, if any, is preserved and utilized appropriately.
TitlePlus of LA offers guidance and support throughout the tutorship process. Let us provide clarity and assistance to ensure the tutor’s responsibilities are fully understood and the minor’s best interests are always prioritized.
Subordination of Minor's Mortgage
When a minor inherits property or receives money from a lawsuit, a tutor may be appointed to manage those assets. If the tutor, acting as a buyer, needs to take out a new loan using the property as collateral, the existing claim (or mortgage) on the minor’s property must be made secondary or “subordinate” to the new loan. This ensures the lender for the new loan has priority in the event of foreclosure.
To achieve this, the court responsible for protecting the minor’s assets must be approached to approve this change. In simple terms, subordination of the minor’s mortgage is about repositioning the priority of claims on the property to help with financial management and enable further borrowing.
TitlePlus of LA can guide you through the legal steps involved, ensuring the minor’s interests are protected throughout the process.
Donation Inter Vivos
A donation inter vivos is a legal term for a gift that one person gives to another while they are both alive. This kind of donation transfers ownership of property or assets from a donor to a recipient without any expectation of repayment.
For the donation to be valid, the decision to transfer property must be made freely, without pressure or coercion. The donor must also intend to give up all rights to the asset permanently. The process often requires legal documentation to ensure that the transfer is recognized under the law.
At TitlePlus of LA, we make sure that the donation inter vivos process is handled smoothly, satisfying legal requirements and ensuring clarity for both parties involved.
Power of Attorney
A power of attorney is a legal document allowing someone else — an agent or attorney-in-fact — to make decisions on your behalf. This could include handling financial decisions, taking care of legal matters, or making health care choices if you cannot do so yourself. The person granting this power is called the principal.
This arrangement is beneficial if you become ill, are traveling, or otherwise unavailable. Power of attorney can be temporary or permanent. Choosing someone you trust is essential since they’ll have authority over important aspects of your life.
At TitlePlus of LA, we help you establish a power of attorney that fits your needs, ensuring clarity and protection for your interests when you cannot attend closings in person.
Certificate of Authority
A Certificate of Authority is a crucial document for corporations that want to transfer property. It is executed by the corporation's members or managers to officially authorize an agent to act on its behalf in property transactions.
This certificate serves as legal proof that the agent has been granted permission to transfer property. It is a key tool in ensuring property rights are respected and the transactions are legitimate.
When you choose TitlePlus of LA services for a Certificate of Authority, we ensure that every aspect of issuing a Certificate of Authority is clear and compliant with legal standards. Our expertise ensures the proper execution of these transfers, providing peace of mind throughout the transfer process.
Curative Work
Curative work refers to the essential processes aimed at resolving issues or defects that may arise in a property’s title. This helps ensure a clean and marketable title for both buyers and sellers. Defects might include:
-
Errors
-
Ambiguities
-
Conflicting information in property documents.
The primary goal of curative work is to ensure that the land's actual use and possession align with what is documented in the public records.
By clarifying and correcting such discrepancies, TitlePlus of LA helps protect your investment and prevent future legal complications, ensuring confidence in property transactions.
Bond for Deed
A bond for deed — also known as a contract for deed — is a special agreement between a buyer and a seller when purchasing real estate. In this arrangement, the buyer pays the purchase price to the seller in a series of installments rather than all at once. Once a specified amount has been paid, the seller agrees to transfer the legal title of the property to the buyer.
This setup can benefit buyers who may not qualify for traditional mortgage financing. TitlePlus of LA can guide you through the bond for deed process, ensuring all legal stipulations are clear and helping you confidently secure property ownership.
Lease Purchases
A Lease Purchase Contract, often called a Lease Purchase Agreement, is a unique arrangement that combines the features of a traditional rental agreement with the option to buy the property later. It allows a tenant to rent a home with the potential to purchase it in the future.
This contract includes an exclusive right of first refusal, meaning the tenant has the precedence to buy the property before the owner can sell it to someone else. This setup is an excellent choice for those who might not be ready to buy immediately but wish to secure the opportunity to purchase a home while continuing to live in it.
TitlePlus of LA’s services for Lease Purchases offer guidance through this process, ensuring every detail is clear and assisting you in transitioning from renter to homeowner with ease. Our expertise in drafting these agreements ensures clarity and fairness, preparing both parties for a future sale.
Contract Creation and Review
Contract creation and review involves drafting and evaluating a formal agreement between parties to ensure the terms are clear, fair, and legally binding.
Creating a contract means writing it down accurately, reflecting what both sides have agreed on, such as the duties each party will fulfill, any timelines, pricing, and other conditions. On the other hand, review is the process of carefully examining the contract to identify any issues, ambiguities, or unfavorable terms that could lead to misunderstandings or disputes. This ensures that all potential legal pitfalls are addressed, protecting the interests of all parties involved.
At TitlePlus of LA, we offer comprehensive contract creation and review services, ensuring all agreements are legally sound and beneficial to our clients. TitlePlus contract services focus on protecting your interests in every transaction.
Commercial and Business Litigation
Commercial and business litigation involves resolving disputes that arise in the business world. This could mean taking legal action when contracts are not honored or when businesses have disagreements over transactions, partnerships, or intellectual property.
In practical terms, it’s about using the legal system to solve problems affecting how companies operate and interact. For example, if two businesses have a contract and one side doesn’t deliver on its promises, the other might need to go to court to enforce the agreement or seek damages.
At TitlePlus of LA, we offer support and guidance in handling these disputes, helping businesses protect their interests and find resolutions efficiently.
Find the Right TitlePlus Services for Your Needs Today
TitlePlus of LA is ready to assist with all your real estate and legal needs. Our comprehensive services ensure every transaction is handled with expertise and care. To learn more or to set up a consultation, reach out to your nearest TitlePlus location in Baton Rouge, Denham Springs, or Prairieville. Alternatively, request a quote online and let our team support your journey with reliable, expert guidance. Contact us today to find the right TitlePlus services for your needs.