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🏠 Should You Be Concerned About Uninsured Deeds? Here’s What You Need to Know

At Team Title Guy, we believe education = power, and one of the biggest blind spots we see in real estate transactions involves something called an uninsured deed.

Sounds harmless, right? Not so fast.

An uninsured deed is any deed that has not been examined and insured by a title company—meaning it could come with hidden baggage like unpaid liens, ownership disputes, or even forged signatures. Translation? Major headaches during the sale of a property.

🔍 What’s the Risk?

Sometimes uninsured deeds are created to add or remove family members from a title, often using instruments like quitclaim deeds. While common, these transactions can create long-term problems if not handled properly.

Here are just a few questions that must be asked before an uninsured deed is accepted:

  • Can all signers’ signatures be verified?
  • Was the deed signed voluntarily (without stress or duress)?
  • Was this to avoid creditors or secure a loan?
  • Was it a gift? Was proper consideration given?

Without this level of vetting, a future buyer—or worse, you—could end up facing serious legal hurdles.

✅ Why Title Insurance Matters

At Fidelity National Title, our job is to ensure the deed is not only legally recorded, but also backed by a comprehensive background check to catch any red flags. This is where simple preparation pays off.

A few smart tips for homeowners:

  • Always work with a qualified title company (yes, like us 😉)
  • Confirm dates and signatures are accurate
  • Never DIY your deed work—always let a professional handle it

🙋‍♂️ So, Should You Be Concerned?

If you’ve added someone to a title, gifted property to a family member, or received a property via quitclaim deed, now is the time to ask questions. Don’t wait until you’re in escrow to find out there’s a problem.

📞 Call to Action: Let’s Clear the Air

Have questions? Not sure if your deed is properly insured?

Contact Ryan J. Orr at Fidelity National Title—your Inland Empire title expert and trusted guide at www.TeamTitleGuy.com. Let us review your situation and help you avoid any future surprises. Whether it’s a sale, refi, or trust transfer, we’ve got you covered.

Because when it comes to title, it’s Win-Win or No Deal.
And now—with a little more hair 😎

🏘️ Don’t Get Surprised at Closing: The Hidden Cost of Real Estate in California

Hey friends, Ryan Orr here—your go-to Title Guy at Fidelity National Title and leader of Team Title Guy. You already know I’m big on education, clarity, and making real estate simple where we can. But there’s one thing that still catches a lot of folks off guard in California real estate…

📢 Transfer Taxes.

Yes, those sneaky little numbers at the bottom of the closing statement can pack quite a punch—especially in cities that add local city taxes on top of the county rate. So let’s break it down and help you stay one step ahead.

🧾 The Basics: What Are Transfer Taxes?

A transfer tax is a government fee charged when real property changes hands. In California, nearly every county charges a base rate—typically $1.10 per $1,000 of sale price.

But some cities? Oh, they decided to get a little fancy.

🏙️ City Transfer Taxes: Who’s Tacking on More?

Check out these examples:

  • Los Angeles (Effective 7/1/2025):
    • 4% for sales over $5.3M
    • 5.5% for sales over $10.6M
    • Plus the standard 0.45% city base tax and LA County’s $1.10 per $1,000
      🧠 Translation: On a $12M sale, taxes alone could total over $727,000.
  • San Francisco:
    • $15.00 per $1,000 on properties between $5M–$10M
    • Up to $60.00 per $1,000 for properties above $25M
  • Berkeley, Oakland, Santa Monica, Culver City, and others each have their own rate ladders. Some are flat fees, others scale with the price tag.

🗺️ From Alameda to Yolo, these city-specific rates vary wildly. And it’s easy to miss if you’re only thinking about the county rate.

🤯 Why This Matters for Realtors and Clients

Imagine your client is selling a $6M home in Culver City and didn’t factor in the 3% city transfer tax. That’s $180,000. Add in county tax? You’re looking at over $186,000 in just transfer fees.

Whether you’re on the buy or sell side, surprises like that kill deals. Educated clients = smooth escrows.

💡 The Solution: Be Proactive, Not Reactive

✅ Use the tools at your fingertips. At Fidelity National Title, we’ve made it easy: 👉 TransferTax.TitleTools.net

There, you’ll find the most up-to-date rates, broken down by city and county. Perfect for net sheets, listing prep, and avoiding closing table chaos.

🔥 Call to Action:

If you’re a Realtor, investor, or buyer in CA, this isn’t just “nice to know”—it’s need to know.

📲 Let’s connect and walk through how to spot these costs early, educate your clients, and use tools like FidelityAgent ONE and TitleTools to calculate with confidence.

🎯 Remember: At Team Title Guy, we’re not just here to close deals—we’re here to build relationships, educate, and help you WIN.

🚨 Measure ULA Update: What Real Estate Pros in L.A. Must Know Before July 1, 2025

If you’re in the business of buying, selling, or advising on high-value real estate in the City of Los Angeles—listen up. Measure ULA (United to House LA), also known as the Homelessness & Housing Solutions Tax, is getting a serious upgrade, and it’s set to impact transactions starting July 1, 2025.

This isn’t just small talk—it’s tax talk, and your next deal could be on the line if you’re not in the know.

🧠 What’s Changing?

Originally passed in April 2023, Measure ULA introduced additional transfer taxes on high-value real estate deals to fund homelessness and affordable housing programs. But come July 1, 2025, the thresholds and tax rates are changing.

Here’s the breakdown:

  • $0 – $5,300,000: 0% ULA tax (only the base city tax of 0.45% applies)
  • $5,300,001 – $10,599,999: 4% ULA tax
  • $10,600,000+: 5.5% ULA tax

That’s on top of the existing 0.45% city base tax and $1.10 per thousand in LA County’s documentary transfer tax. For reference:

  • A $6M sale = $267,000 in ULA tax ($273,600 total with county fees)
  • A $12M sale = $714,000 in ULA tax ($727,200 total with county fees)

Yes, your jaw is allowed to drop.

🧐 What’s the Purpose?

Funds go to the House LA Fund to help prevent homelessness, expand affordable housing, and support community needs—with oversight by a citizen’s committee. It’s an effort to balance a booming real estate market with the growing housing crisis.

💼 Why It Matters to You

If you’re a:

  • Realtor advising high-net-worth clients,
  • Investor with portfolio properties in L.A.,
  • Developer planning a major project,
  • Or title/escrow pro helping to close deals…

You NEED to be aware of these tax impacts. These aren’t rounding errors—these are deal breakers or deal shapers.

✅ What Should You Do?

Don’t wait until Q2 of 2025 to start planning. Start now.

📞 Let’s connect and strategize: Book a meeting with Ryan

🧰 And don’t forget—Team Title Guy has the tools, tech, and title wisdom to keep your deals moving, even when the rules change.

📣 Call to Action:

👉 Stay informed, stay ready, and stay connected. Bookmark TeamTitleGuy.com for updates, tools, and resources to guide you through the Measure ULA maze.

🔍 Top Keywords:

Measure ULA, LA Real Estate Tax, Transfer Tax 2025, Los Angeles Housing Tax, Real Estate Investment, Luxury Property Sales LA, Title Insurance LA, High-Value Transactions, Homelessness Tax, House LA Fund

🔥 Hot Topics in Insurance & Disclosures – Don’t Miss This May 13th Escrow Event!

Are you ready to get ahead of the curve on the hottest topics affecting our industry?

Join us Tuesday, May 13th from 6:00–8:00 PM at The Old Spaghetti Factory in Rancho Cucamonga for an essential evening of updates, insights, and networking—hosted by the Tri County Escrow Association.

💡 Why You Should Be There

From wildfire insurance shake-ups to regulatory changes, the landscape is shifting fast—and what you don’t know can hurt your files. This is a must-attend for escrow officers, branch managers, and company owners alike.

🎤 Featured Speakers:

Judith Pina – California Department of Insurance

Covering the Fair Plan, SB 63, new fire maps, and how the state is working to bring major carriers back into the market.

Lucia S. Camarillo – First American NHD

Breaking down the latest tools, the Fortress Wildfire Report, and the NHD Look-Up tool you need to know.

📍Location:

The Old Spaghetti Factory

11896 Foothill Blvd, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730

👉 Call to Action:

Secure your seat today! Connect with your escrow peers, stay informed, and leave empowered with the knowledge to better serve your clients in 2025 and beyond.

Let’s grow smarter—together.

🏡 Simplified Probate in California: What Real Estate Professionals Need to Know About AB 2016

Big news for California homeowners, heirs, and real estate pros!
As of April 1, 2025, Assembly Bill 2016 (AB 2016) is now in effect—introducing a game-changing update to how primary residences are handled after a property owner passes away.

Gone are the days of complex, drawn-out probate proceedings for many families. This new law paves the way for a simplified and expedited path to transfer real property—especially critical for heirs and those involved in real estate transactions.

🔑 Key Highlights of AB 2016:

✅ Primary Residence Exemption
If the home is valued under $750,000 and was the decedent’s primary residence, it may be transferred without formal probate.

✅ Streamlined Succession Process
Properties can now qualify for a “Petition to Determine Succession to Real Property”, avoiding the full probate process. This is a huge win for families looking for quicker, lower-cost solutions to settle an estate.

✅ Asset Cap Raised
The streamlined process can be used if total estate assets are under $934,500, including up to $184,500 in cash.

✅ Escrow’s Role is Vital
From verifying date of death, property value, heir signatures, and proper court approvals—escrow professionals are the glue holding these transactions together.

✅ Faster Closings, Lower Costs
This can drastically reduce court fees, attorney involvement, and waiting periods—getting families access to inherited homes in weeks instead of months (or years).

💬 Why It Matters

For real estate agents, investors, and families dealing with inherited properties, this new probate exemption creates opportunities for smoother closings and faster listings.
It also adds another layer of value when working with a knowledgeable escrow and title team who knows how to navigate these nuances.

🎯 Action Step:
If you’re representing clients with inherited property or want to better understand how AB 2016 impacts your transactions, reach out today. Education is power, and Team Title Guy is here to help guide you through every step of this simplified probate process.

👉 Schedule a call: https://calendly.com/ryanjorr7/30min
📩 Or contact: Victoria.Rebello@fnf.com | TitleGuy@ryanjorr.com

📌 Top Hashtags:

#CaliforniaProbate #RealEstateLaw #AB2016 #TitleInsurance #EstatePlanning #ProbateSimplified #TeamTitleGuy #FidelityNationalTitle #EscrowExperts #RealEstateInvesting #SoCalRealEstate #1031Exchange #InlandEmpireHomes #RealtorResources #HomeOwnership

📜🔑 When a SUCCESSOR TRUSTEE signs on behalf of a trust after the original trustee’s passing, a certified death certificate + a copy of the full trust & amendments are required.

Got questions? DM me! 💬

EstatePlanning #Trusts #RealEstate #SuccessorTrustee #TitleTips #PlanAhead #FidelityNationalTitle #FNTSoCal

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