Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Trivia Challenge Hint #4 -- Can you locate it?

A Land description consists of the written words which delineate a specific piece of real property.   Also known as a "Legal Description". In the written transfer of real property, it is universally required that the instrument of conveyance (deed) include a written description of the property.

If you have been following our blog by now you have all four answers to the Trivia Challenge, you only need three of the four answers to be entered in the drawing.  Submit your answers today.

Don't forget to submit your answer to: betsy@thetitleprofessionals.com or contest@thetitleprofessionals.com

Check back here for more hints or check our Facebook book page at http://bit.ly/TTP-FB
Fllow the hints and submit your answer for the drawing for a $25.00 gift card.

Monday, November 29, 2010

Trivia Challenge Hint #3 is Who's Who

A deed must identify the seller (grantor) and buyer (grantee). 

Deeds can be described as contract-like as they require the mutual agreement of more than one person. Deeds can therefore be distinguished from covenants, which, being also under seal, are unilateral promises. However, a deed differs from a simple contract in that it is enforceable without consideration, in some jurisdictions has a liability limitation period of double that of a contract, and allows for a third party beneficiary to enforce an undertaking in the deed, thereby overcoming the doctrine of privity.  In its narrowest sense, a deed is any formal document that confirms or transfers interest or right of ownership (title) to an asset from one person to another, often using a description of it metes and bounds, e.g.,conveyances, transfers, mortgages, charges, or leases; these are known as deeds of title (title-deeds).

Don't forget to submit your answer to: betsy@thetitleprofessionals.com or contest@thetitleprofessionals.com

Check back here for more hints or check our Facebook book page at http://bit.ly/TTP-FB
Follow the hints and submit your answer for the drawing for a $25.00 gift card.

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Gathered in Tradition ... a Time to Give Thanks

When thinking about the Thanksgiving tradition I did some digging on some of the historical facts regarding this revered holiday.  We have all come to associate Thanksgiving with cold crisp weather, large amounts of home cooked food, family gatherings and of course a good game of football.  However, did you know that Thanksgiving wasn't originally celebrated in the fall and many believe the first Thanksgiving didn't even include food?!   The early pilgrims celebrated their first harvest with a day of thanksgiving and FASTING ... hardly what we Americans do today!   In 1630 settlers and Native Americans celebrated the first harvest FEAST of the colonies in Plymouth, MA on July 8th.  It is often disputed that the first official day of "Thanksgiving" was held in December 1619 at Berkley Plantation in our own state of Virginia by the James River.  Although there are many disputed dates as to the first celebration most history books give recognition to the feast held in Plymouth as the first official day of thanksgiving.  What can't be disputed is that Americans have a rich history of taking time to give thanks, for even in the most difficult of times we are a very blessed nation.

It wasn't until 1789 when George Washington declared on record Nov. 26 a national day of Thanksgiving and prayer honoring the day in 1777 Valley Forge when his army stopped on a blistering cold day and observed the first day of giving thanks honoring the new United States of America.  During the 1800's this presidential proclamation of a day of Thanksgiving ceased.
Then in 1863 President Abraham Lincoln resumed the Thanksgiving tradition.  It is said that he started a new presidential tradition of pardoning one of the presidential turkeys to live out his days on farm while the other is dressed and served for Thanksgiving Dinner.  Rumor has it that this came about when Lincoln's son was upset about his pet turkey's impending fate.  To ease the boy's spirits President Lincoln decided to pardon his turkey and guarantee him a life of freedom.   This tradition is said to be carried out today where the president is presented three turkeys and one is pardoned to a turkey farm the other two are served.   

It was in 1941 President Roosevelt proclaimed the 4th Thursday November to be Thanksgiving Day!  
Since that time we have added many traditions of gathering with family, friends, feasting and football. When I think of Thanksgiving, I can't help but think of that famous Norman Rockwell painting, with the family gathered together around the table awaiting the delicious turkey dinner.

Today, lives are so busy and families are spread across the world so gathering together isn't always easy.  We connect through electronics, try to eat a healthier meal and instead of playing that game of touch football on the front lawn, we accept to watch our favorite rival game on the flat screen texting or tweeting each other with up to date scores!  However, let's hope we remember to take time this year to honor the tradition of the holiday and pause and give thanks.  Thanks for our successes, good friends, freedom, and thanks for the excuse we use once a year to put the diets aside and eat that extra serving of turkey, mashed potatoes smothered in rich warm gravy!

The Title Professionals want to thank you for your support and friendship and wish you and your families a wonderful traditional Thanksgiving Holiday!

Friday, November 19, 2010

Trivia Challenge Hint #2 is found in the Delivery

Proper delivery of a deed from the grantor to the grantee is an essential element of its effectiveness. In addition, the grantor must make some statement or perform some act that implies his or her intention to transfer title. It is insufficient for a grantor to have the mere intention to transfer title, in the absence of further conduct that consummates the purpose.
There is no particular prescribed act, method, or ceremony required for delivery, and it is unnecessary that express words be employed or used in a specified manner. The deed need not be physically delivered to the grantee. It is sufficient to mail it to the grantee. Delivery of the deed by the attorney who has written the instrument for the grantor is also adequate. Unless otherwise provided by statute, a deed becomes effective upon its delivery date. The mere fact that the grantee has physical possession of the deed does not constitute delivery unless it was so intended by the grantor.

A deed must be accepted by the grantee in order for proper transfer of title to land to be accomplished. . A deed is ordinarily accepted when the grantee retains it or obtains a mortgage on the property at issue.

Don't forget to submit your answer to: betsy@thetitleprofessionals.com or contest@thetitleprofessionals.com

Check back here for more hints or check our Facebook book page at http://bit.ly/TTP-FB
Follow the hints and submit your answer for the drawing for a $25.00 gift card.

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Trivia Challenge Hint #1 is found in The Execution of a Deed

If you are following our newsletter Trivia Challenge, this is our first HINT.  

In order for a deed to be properly executed, certain acts must be performed to create a valid conveyance. Ordinarily, an essential element of execution is the signature of the grantor in the proper place. It is not necessary, however, that the grantee sign the deed in order for it to take effect as a conveyance. Generally state statutes require that the deed be signed in the presence of witnesses, attesting to the grantor's request.

Don't forget to submit your answer to: betsy@thetitleprofessionals.com or contest@thetitleprofessionals.com

Check back here for more hints or check our Facebook book page at http://bit.ly/TTP-FB
Follow the hints and submit your answer for the drawing for a $25.00 gift card.

Monday, November 8, 2010

Joining the Ranks of Social Media

We are in the process of joining the ranks of the social media.  Check out our new ad on YouTube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d_wfdZ5BKw8

You can also follow us on Twitter and Facebook in addition to this new blog.  Our plan is to have informative, educational information on the blog updated weekly.    We might also add clues to our monthly trivia questions published in our e-newsletter, or just include some happenings around our great Fredericksburg area. 

So make sure you sign in from time to time to see what we might be publishing! 

By the way, now that it is the holidays, the area food banks are in desparate need of re-stocking food items. Make sure you support your local food bank organization.   We are collecting for the Fredericksburg Area Food Bank.  If you would like to participate, just drop non-perisable food items off at either of our business locations by November 23rd.

Thank you!

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Welcome to The Title Professionals New Blog

The Title Professionals have joined the world of blogging ... we hope you enjoy our posts and will follow along.  I appreciate your comments and feedback.  

I am Betsy the new Marketing person for Title Professionals, and have enjoyed my first three weeks with the company.  It has been a whirlwind beginning but I am looking forward to building the relationship and working with such a great community.

I will try diligently to provide you with interesting tips and ideas within the title insurance industry as well as the community ... and who knows, I may even throw in a interesting piece of trivia for fun.

So, hope you read along and have some fun with us!