Sales of Existing Homes Jump in May - News You Can Use from Alpha-Omega Title

By Kent Hoover, Tampa Bay Business Journal

Sales of existing homes jumped nearly 5 percent in May to an annualized rate of 4.9 million, the biggest monthly increase in nearly three years.

May’s sales volume, however, was 5 percent below what it was a year earlier, according to the National Association of Realtors.

Still, the strong report was good news for the housing industry.

“Home buyers are benefiting from slower price growth due to the much-needed rising inventory levels seen since the beginning of the year,” said NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun. “Moreover, sales were helped by the improving job market and the temporary but slight decline in mortgage rates.”

The median existing-home price in May was $213,400, which is 5 higher than a year ago.

Yun said more new home construction is needed to boost the housing market’s inventory.

Another issue facing the housing market: Only 27 percent of buyers in May were first-time buyers.

That percentage could improve if interest rates stay where they are and inventory improves, said NAR President Steve Brown, co-owner of Irongate Inc. Realtors in Dayton, Ohio. This would mean buyers would have a better chance “make a competitive offer that’s in return accepted by the seller,” he said.

Click HERE to read this article on the Tampa Bay Business Journal website.

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Alpha-Omega Title Services, Inc.

14001 North Dale Mabry Highway

Tampa, FL 33618

813-963-3009 (office)

813-963-5336 (fax)

www.alpha-omegatitle.com

lwilson@alpha-omegatitle.com

[This blog is maintained by our social media manager, C.J. Johnson. He can be reached at cjjohnson@alpha-omegatitle.com.] 

Alpha-Omega Title Video

After 30 years of award-winning service, we continue to serve as one of the largest independent title insurance agencies in Tampa Bay. We have closed and insured billions of dollars of real estate transactions, and we are the title agent for some of the largest and most financially sound title insurance underwriters in the country. We know what it takes to ensure smooth closings.

Alpha-Omega Title believes that each client is important and unique, and we understand the needs of realtors, lenders, builders, and homeowners. Our staff works closely with you, and we guarantee to offer you the high-quality service you deserve. Our promise is that we will meet your needs and exceed your expectations.

Would you like to learn more about Alpha-Omega Title? Our CEO, Gibbs Wilson, shares an overview in this video! http://bit.ly/AOTWelcome

Contact us for more information -- 

 

Alpha-Omega Title Services, Inc.

14001 North Dale Mabry Highway

Tampa, FL 33618

813-963-3009 (office)

813-963-5336 (fax)

www.alpha-omegatitle.com

lwilson@alpha-omegatitle.com

[This blog is maintained by our social media manager, C.J. Johnson. He can be reached at cjjohnson@alpha-omegatitle.com.]

Services for Lenders

Turning a Corner…

The decline in housing activity over the last few years brought with it a significant contraction in home financing. Until recently, short sales and foreclosures were a significant source of activity and a significant drain on lenders, and mortgage refinancing represented a large portion of all mortgage applications due to the interest rate environment. Those were difficult days for lenders.
But with all signs now pointing toward a recovery in the housing market and continued low interest rates, the outlook looks promising. Mortgage applications for home purchase are now on the rise. New home construction lending and commercial lending are both recovering nicely with year over year gains. Alpha-Omega Title's Commercial Closing Team is led by a 20-year title veteran who is well-respected in the industry. 

Lenders Now Operate With Increased Regulation 

Since the housing crisis began, mortgage lending guidelines and regulations have been continually changing in an attempt to eliminate the problems that caused the crisis. Each of those has had consequences for borrowers, lenders, the housing market and the broader economy.
New levels of documentation and verification are now required for a loan approval. Stricter underwriting standards and more lender accountability are now the norm. All of that combines to slow down and complicate the mortgage loan process.
All of these factors and others increase the importance of minimizing uncertainty when it comes to choosing a title services company. Expedient, comprehensive and accurate service is a must in today's real estate market to ensure a smooth closing every time.

You Need a Trustworthy Partner Who Understands Your Needs

Alpha-Omega Title has had the privilege of working with lenders for 30 years and we understand your title insurance needs. We understand the increased regulatory environment, are knowledgeable of situations that could delay closings and know how to address those issues. Alpha-Omega Title wants to be your title services partner to provide a superior closing experience with your client and serve you with excellence.

Alpha-Omega Title will handle all of your title insurance needs with efficiency, innovation and personalized service. We are committed to consistently delivering service that is timely, responsive and accurate.

"It is always a pleasure to work with Alpha-Omega Title for commercial and residential title orders. Their employees work efficiently in the most professional manner to expedite our closings. I would recommend Alpha-Omega Title to anyone requiring title services."  - Lindsay Lipsky, Branch Banking and Trust Company

 

Through our experience with mortgage lenders, we have built a team that understands the ever-changing needs of lenders and partners with them to provide top quality service to them and their borrowers.

Here Are the Promises Alpha-Omega Makes to You as a Lender:

• Competitive Rates - We understand that the costs of lenders policies and closing costs for homebuyers can be burdensome. With this in mind, Alpha-Omega strives to offer competitive rates to keep costs to a minimum.
• Responsiveness and Speed - Alpha-Omega Title provides quick turnaround time on preliminary closing statements, title commitments, and other documents.   
• Risk Mitigation - Around a quarter of all real estate transactions have some sort of title problem which must be remedied prior to closing. You want your title company to be able to address any title issues accurately and efficiently so your closing is not delayed. We will advise you on the best procedures for clearing title defects or removing encumbrances.
• Experience - Our knowledgeable, courteous and professional representatives are intimately aware of the special requirements of lending institutions. Our experienced staff of experts understands how increased government regulations and scrutiny impacts your business.
• Relationships - We want a long-term relationship with you and your institution. Relationships require trust first and foremost. Trust comes with time as you realize how experienced, fast and responsive Alpha-Omega is.
• Personal Service - You will have a dedicated team working on your files from order to closing. 
• Innovation - Alpha-Omega uses Best Practices for the most efficient ways to close transactions and provide our customers the information they need. We continually strive for excellence in all that we do. 
• Expertise - Our experienced teams provide expertise in all areas of title lending transactions including residential, commercial, builder services and REO transactions. 
• Smooth Closings - Our dedication and experience ensure your loan closing will get done efficiently and accurately. We anticipate issues that may arise, and we work with you to get these situations resolved promptly. 
• Regular Communication - There are many steps that must be completed in the closing process. We will provide you information in the manner in which you prefer to communicate. Some clients prefer phone calls, others prefer emails.We are committed to effectively communicating with our clients throughout the closing process. 

Click HERE to view this page on our website!
 
Contact us for more information -- 

 

Alpha-Omega Title Services, Inc.

14001 North Dale Mabry Highway

Tampa, FL 33618

813-963-3009 (office)

813-963-5336 (fax)

www.alpha-omegatitle.com

lwilson@alpha-omegatitle.com

[This blog is maintained by our social media manager, C.J. Johnson. He can be reached at cjjohnson@alpha-omegatitle.com.] 

Business Wire: "Alpha-Omega Title Insurance is one of the Top-10 Best Places to Work in the Tampa Bay Area" - June 2, 2014

By Helen Knight

TAMPA, Fla. -- Alpha-Omega Title Insurance ranked among the top 10 companies in the Tampa Bay Business Journal's 2014 Best Places to Work. The only title insurance agency of 60 finalists, it placed ninth out of hundreds of applicants from businesses of all sizes.

"The award helps us honor local companies and recognize the good in the workplace," said Pam Huff, director of news operations for the Tampa Bay Business Journal.

Its Best Places to Work in Tampa Bay is based on an online survey taken by the employees of each company that measures employee engagement, loyalty and retention. The survey examined 10 key engagement categories, including feeling valued, team effectiveness, trust in senior leaders, and manager effectiveness along with compensation and benefits. Only employees with no corporate ownership participate in the survey and determine the scores.

"We're honored to be recognized," said Gibbs Wilson, CEO of Alpha-Omega Title. "Employees say our culture is like a large family. We support each other professionally and personally and bring that mindset to helping our customers achieve their goals."

The corporate culture fosters employee retention; some title professionals have been with Alpha-Omega Title for more than 20 years, one for 27 years. Profit sharing, "Team Spirit" initiatives, and corporate support of charities important to employees all contribute to morale. Its "Going the Extra Mile" program encourages employees to nominate coworkers for recognition, promoting teamwork while acknowledging individual contributions to the company's success.

About Alpha-Omega Title
Representing some of the largest, most financially sound title insurance underwriters in the country, Alpha-Omega Title has closed and insured billions of dollars in real estate transactions during the past three decades. Services include residential and commercial title searches and closings, mortgage refinance closings, and short sale transactions. Additionally Alpha-Omega Title serves builders, handling title services on land acquisition, construction and bridge loans and placing on-site personnel in builders' sales centers to handle closing questions and open escrow on new sales. Founded by Gibbs Wilson in 1983, Alpha-Omega Title Insurance Company is the oldest of the large, independent title agencies in Tampa. The firm has three locations in South Tampa, North Tampa and Brandon, Fla. and can be reached via www.alpha-omegatitle.com or by calling 813-963-3009.

View the article by clicking on the following link - http://bit.ly/AOTTopTenBestPlacesToWorkInTampa

Contact us for more information -- 

 

Alpha-Omega Title Services, Inc.

14001 North Dale Mabry Highway

Tampa, FL 33618

813-963-3009 (office)

813-963-5336 (fax)

www.alpha-omegatitle.com

lwilson@alpha-omegatitle.com

[This blog is maintained by our social media manager, C.J. Johnson. He can be reached at cjjohnson@alpha-omegatitle.com.]