First American Blog - The First Word

Welcome to First American’s blog featuring highlights on home ownership and title insurance. Please also be sure to visit and subscribe to our Innovation Center Blog, our Caring for Our Community Blog and our Economic Center Blog.

Behind Every Home Purchase Is a History of Ownership

A home is more than a place to live. It is an integral part of the American story.As America marks 250 years since the Declaration of Independence, homeownership remains one of the clearest ways people experience the promise of opportunity. Let’s take a moment to reflect on the history of homeownership, and how it has changed over the last 250...

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Topics: Title Insurance Homeownership

America Turns 250: Historic Properties and the Ownership Behind Them

As America marks its 250th birthday, it's worth remembering that the story of this country has always been, in part, a story of property, of homes built, estates passed down, and dreams put down in brick and stone. For more than 135 years, First American has helped bring certainty to that story, protecting the ownership rights that turn a building...

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15 Real Estate Terms You Should Know

Whether or not you are a first time home buyer or have sold and purchased real estate in the past, the terminology your agent will use to explain parts and pieces of the transaction will likely seem foreign. Sometimes, although not intentionally, your agent might use an industry phrase without explaining what it means.

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Topics: Homebuyer and Seller Education Real Estate Terminology

3 Home Renovations To Avoid Before Selling

Are you considering home renovations to increase the value and appeal of your home in preparation to sell? Here are three projects that don’t have the high rate of return you may be looking for.

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Topics: Homebuyer and Seller Education

Should we sell our home or keep it as a rental?

Many homeowners who are preparing to move from one home to another ask themselves this question. Human nature compels us to cling to the things we care about and consider valuable. In order to make an informed decision here are a few things to consider. This article is strictly meant to be thought provoking and should not in any way be considered...

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Topics: Housing

Behind the Scenes of the Home Sale Process

Have you ever heard the expression, “It takes a village?” The process of selling and purchasing a home would be fitting for this expression. A surprising amount of time, expertise, and people are involved in your real estate transaction.  As the buyer or seller, it's normal to experience stress and excitement during the home sale or purchase. It...

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