Safe Harbor Title Agency

02/13/2026

02/07/2026

“Starting March 1, 2026, any all‑cash sale to an LLC, corporation, or trust will require the title company to collect ownership and control information and report the transaction to FinCEN, per federal law. This may require extra documentation upfront and could impact closing timelines if information is delayed.”

Federal law requires title and settlement professionals to file a Real Estate Report with FinCEN for certain non‑financed (all‑cash) transfers of residential real property when the buyer is an entity or a trust. This expands prior geographic orders to a nationwide rule with no minimum price threshold.

What Transactions Are Covered?
• Residential real property: 1–4 family homes, condos, co‑ops, townhomes, and certain residential‑use land.
• Non‑financed transfers: Includes all‑cash or private/seller financing without AML/SAR obligations.
• Buyer is an entity or trust: LLCs, corporations, partnerships, domestic/foreign trusts.

Who Files and When?
Settlement Agent (Title Company) must file. Due date: later of (a) the last day of the month of closing, or (b) 30 days after closing.

Information Title Will Need to Collect
• Transferee LLC/Corporation/trust details and beneficial owners (≥25% ownership or substantial control).
• Identifying information for individuals signing on behalf of the entity/trust.
• Seller information and property details.
• Purchase price and payment details.

What REALTORS® Should Do Now
• Ask upfront if the buyer will be an LLC, corporation, partnership, or trust.
• Gather entity/trust documents and beneficial‑owner info early.
• Inform clients that closings may be delayed without required information.

Examples of Transfers Typically Not Reportable
• Transfers due to death, divorce, or certain court orders.
• No‑consideration transfers from an individual to a trust they or their spouse created.
• 1031 exchanges and transactions with no reporting person.

Reminder: This rule changes what must be disclosed, not who can buy or sell. It primarily affects cash/entity or trust buyers and moves information‑gathering earlier in the process.

Questions? Contact Safe Harbor Title Agency — We’ll guide you through FinCEN’s new requirements and keep your closing on track.

08/10/2025

🏡 Buying with Cash? Read This!
Starting Dec 1, 2025, FinCEN requires reporting of certain non-financed residential real estate transactions—especially those involving LLCs or trusts.

💼 If you're a buyer, seller, or agent involved in a cash closing, you need to know how this affects you.

✅ We're ready to help you navigate the new rules with confidence and compliance.

📲 Contact us today to learn more or schedule a compliant closing.

08/07/2025

🏡 Thinking of Buying a Home? Don’t Skip the Owner’s Policy for Title Insurance! 🛡️

Buying real estate is one of the biggest investments you'll ever make—protect it with an Owner’s Title Insurance Policy. Here’s why it matters:

🔍 Hidden Issues Happen – Liens, unpaid taxes, forged documents, or unknown heirs can all threaten your ownership… even after closing.

💰 One-Time Cost, Lifetime Coverage – A small, one-time fee at closing gives you protection for as long as you (or your heirs) own the home.

⚖️ Covers Legal Fees – If your ownership is ever challenged, your policy helps cover legal defense costs.

🏠 Peace of Mind – You insure your car and your health—why not protect your most valuable asset?

✅ Don’t just hope the title is clear. Know you’re protected.

📲 Contact us today to learn how an Owner’s Policy can give you long-term peace of mind.

07/30/2025

🏡 How Title Insurance Protects You When Creditors Come Knocking
If you’ve ever worried about hidden claims against your property—like a creditor suddenly trying to collect on an old lien—you’re not alone. These situations can be stressful, especially when the creditor doesn’t take the proper legal steps to resolve the issue, such as filing a quiet title action. That’s where title insurance steps in to protect you.

🛡️ How Title Insurance Helps
Title insurance is a one-time purchase made during closing that protects you from financial loss due to title defects. If a creditor tries to collect on a claim that wasn’t disclosed during the title search, your title insurance policy may cover:

Legal defense costs to fight the claim
Settlement or judgment payments if the claim is valid
Loss of property value due to unresolved title issues
Even if the creditor refuses to file a quiet title action, your insurer can step in to defend your ownership rights and resolve the issue—saving you time, money.

✅ Real Protection, Real Peace of Mind
Without title insurance, you might be forced to go to court yourself, spending thousands on legal fees to clear your title. With it, you have a team behind you ready to fight for your property rights.

Safe Harbor Title Agency is here to help you understand your coverage and ensure your property stays protected. If you have questions about your title insurance or suspect a creditor issue, reach out today.

📍 Safe Harbor Title Agency | Middletown, OH
📞 (513) 424-1660

11/23/2023

🦃 Wishing you a bountiful Thanksgiving filled with joy, gratitude, and delightful moments! Our team is thankful for your continued support and trust. May your day be as wonderful as the feast on your table. Happy Thanksgiving from all of us! 🍂

11/10/2023

🇺🇸 Today, as we honor Veterans Day, Our office wants to express our deepest gratitude to all the brave men and women who have served and continue to serve our country. Your sacrifices, courage, and dedication have shaped the very foundation of our freedom.

Thank you, veterans, for your selfless commitment to protecting our liberties and ensuring a better future for generations to come. Your unwavering courage and sacrifice inspire us all.

On this special day, let's remember and appreciate the incredible individuals who have answered the call of duty, facing challenges and adversity with resilience and determination. Your service is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the values that make our nation great.

To every veteran out there, we extend our heartfelt thanks. Your bravery has not gone unnoticed, and your contributions are immeasurable. May we always remember and honor your service, today and every day.

Happy Veterans Day! 🇺🇸