On December 31, 2015, a MA bill to clear title on foreclosed properties was signed into law. This is great news for anyone who may have purchased a property that was previously foreclosed. Below, we provide some helpful information to understand the details of this law, its impact, and why it’s needed. The Foreclosure Title Issue It is common for mortgages to …
Responsibilities of Closing Attorneys in Massachusetts
In the real estate industry, a lot of terms are used under the assumption that everyone already knows what it is. “Closing attorney” is one such term. If you’re unsure what the responsibilities of closing attorneys in Massachusetts are, this information might help. Responsibilities of Closing Attorneys in Massachusetts As the title implies, a closing attorney performs the actual closing for …
Sealing Criminal Records in Massachusetts
If you have a criminal history, you may experience challenges when applying for a job, looking to rent an apartment, or attempting to volunteer. Having your criminal record sealed would prevent certain information from appearing in your CORI report. Here is some important information on sealing criminal records in Massachusetts. Situations Where Background Checks Are Performed Background checks may be performed in …
What Happens If You Die Without a Will in MA
Most people generally know that it’s a good idea to have a will. However, most people d not actually prepare one. Understanding what happens if you die without a will in MA is important and may change what you decide to do. Benefits of a Will In general, wills allow you to dictate who shall receive your assets and in what …
Overview of CORI Reports in MA
CORI stands for Criminal Offender Record Information. It is a record of arrests, criminal convictions, and open criminal cases. CORI reports in MA are available online and may be accessed for a fee. Certain parties, such as landlords and employers, have a right to access these reports in order to screen prospective tenants, employees, or volunteers. If you have been …
Types of Signatures on Legal Documents
In this day and age, documents are often shared electronically. Original signatures on physical documents has become rare in many cases. When it comes to signatures on legal documents, electronic copies are often acceptable but there are a few cases where real signatures are required. Fax or Scanned Signatures General contracts, including real estate documents, are commonly shared via fax …
Closing Delays from TIL-RESPA Integrated Disclosure
The new integrated disclosure forms to be used by mortgage lenders is set to begin next week (October 3, 2015). The new forms are designed to simplify the information provided by lenders and to make fees and other costs easier for consumers to understand. Massachusetts home buyers and sellers should be aware that there may be closing delays from TIL-RESPA integrated disclosure. …
FHA Changes Affect First Time Home Buyers
FHA recently (September 15, 2015) applied some changes to their mortgage qualification process and criteria. Many of this round of FHA changes affect first time home buyers, especially those in or recently graduated from college. If you are a first time home buyer currently searching for a home and hoping to use an FHA loan, this information will be important …
Probation in Massachusetts
Probation in Massachusetts allows you to return to society, but there are certain restrictions to your freedom. There are different types of probation and specific terms that may apply. The following is a general overview of some common probation terms. Reasons for Probation in MA Probation may be granted as an alternative to jail time. Most defendants are thankful to receive probation …
Pedestrian Accidents and What to Do | MA Driving Accidents
According to the US Department of Transportation, there were 76,000 pedestrians injured in accidents in the United States during 2012. 4,743 pedestrians were killed during that same year. In Massachusetts alone, there were 72 pedestrian accidents in 2012. Pedestrian accidents are very scary and certainly something that all Massachusetts drivers would want to avoid. Here is some helpful information on MA driving accidents, …