Yes, An Owner's Title Policy is the Best Way to Protect Your Home!

Though your first reflex may be to brush off buying an owner's title policy as you navigate your new home purchase, you should reconsider. Yes, you have your money and time tied up in so many other things that come with buying a house, but title insurance can protect all of the money you've put into the investment. 

"I don't want to spend extra on title insurance. What's the Big Deal?"

The big deal is that you may not know how title insurance works in the first place and may severely miss out on its benefits. Your mortgage lender's title insurance does not cover you. Also, title insurance isn't a recurring monthly payment but a one-time payment paid at the closing of your home buy. From then on, you're fully protected. 

The highest risk for buying a home without title insurance is the possibility of claims that may appear due to any issues with the deed. These claims range from the discovery that an owner didn't report the complete picture of the financials on one end and the surfacing of a forged deed on the other. Unknown heirs who hold previous claims can materialize to challenge ownership, not to mention any liens that may not have been appropriately reported. 

 "So What Do I Do?"

Take Title Insurance into serious consideration. Peace of mind aside, you will have your legal fees covered in the unfortunate event of legal challenges, and if the claim succeeds, then it provides a net to hold back any loss on your investment. Homestead Title is known for its guidance unique to each client and facilitating the particulars of purchasing title insurance and every other step of closing on a property along the way. We understand that buying a home is an anxious, confusing journey, and we're here to offer our expertise. If you'd like to discuss title insurance for your upcoming home or property purchase, reach out to schedule an appointment or call (504) 581-6427 to discuss your options. 

Homestead Exemptions In Orleans Parish - What You Need to Know

As of January 1, 2012, if you reside in Orleans Parish, the Homestead Exemption you receive on your property will be permanent for as long as you own your property and declare it as your domicile. Once you have successfully applied for a Homestead Exemption, you will no longer need to reapply annually.

For every home, there can only be one homestead exemption. As of August 2016, it is a punishable crime according to state law to claim more than one homestead exemption.

Every homeowner in Orleans Parish can claim an exemption from property taxes for the first $75,000 of the value of their "domicile" or the home they occupy as their primary residence, guaranteed by the State

Constitution. As of 2017, for those declared 100 percent disabled by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or the surviving spouse of a veteran, policeman, fireman, or state trooper killed in the line of duty, the exemption is for the first $150,000 of a home's value. 

AGE, DISABILITY, VETERANS

Homeowners 65 years of age or older, may qualify for a Special Assessment Level (SAL) if they meet certain conditions. You must be on permanent disability, be the documented surviving spouse of a member of the Armed Forces or Louisiana National Guard who was killed in action, is missing in action, or is a prisoner of war. The SAL places a "freeze" on the property's assessed value, even though the appraised value may fluctuate with the market.

HOW TO FILE FOR A HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION:

To claim a Homestead Exemption, all owners who occupy the property must appear in person at the Assessor's Office and present the following documentation:  

1. Proof of ownership (either an Act of Sale or Warranty Deed);

2. A valid Louisiana Driver's License or Louisiana State I.D. (address must match the property's address on your application);

3. A current unpaid Entergy bill for the property, (service location and mailing address must match) showing a standard residential usage; OR

4. A landline telephone bill or cable bill (Direct, Dish, or Cox).

Note that your Sewerage and Water Board bill will not count towards proof of residency.

100 PERCENT DISABLED VETERANS EXEMPTIONS

To claim a Homestead Exemption for a 100 percent Disabled Veteran,

you must show the following: 

1. Proof of ownership (either an Act of Sale or Warranty Deed); 

2. Proof that the owner qualified for the current year's Homestead Exemption; 

3. 3. A valid Louisiana Driver's License or Louisiana State I.D. (address must match the property's address on your application);

4. 4. A current unpaid Entergy bill for the property, with service location and mailing address being the same, showing standard residential usage; OR 

5. 5. A letter from the Veterans Administration (V.A.) which states the veteran owner is 100 percent disabled. 

WHAT IS AN AGE FREEZE AND HOW TO QUALIFY 

An Age-related abatement or "age freeze." 

To qualify for an age-freeze, the homeowner must be at least 65 by August 1 in the year preceding your tax year. You must also meet certain income restrictions. Note that the maximum qualifying income for an age freeze changes annually—Call 504.658-1300 to verify the current maximum. Once successfully gained, the age freeze will be permanent, and you will not have to reapply for it on an annual basis.

Age-related abatements or "freezes" must be documented by:

1. A valid Louisiana Driver's License or Louisiana State I.D. (address must match the property's address on the application);

2. Proof of annual income: 1040 adjusted gross income of the prior year's income tax return or Social Security award letter for individuals with no income or job.

 At Homestead Title, we handle the coordination of all parties of interest so that your refinancing runs efficiently. We also take the time to ensure that all documents are in order, so that you will experience a “smooth road” to refinancing. Call us today at (504) 581-6427 if you have any questions or would like further information on how we can help you.