Stewart Title Esquire Division

08/14/2025

Thinking about buying a home? It’s exciting, but did you know the down payment is just the beginning? Many homebuyers get surprised by costs that can quickly add up and impact your budget. From essential fees like title insurance and property taxes, to expenses like home warranties, loan origination fees or HOA move-in fees, these costs are important to factor in before you close the deal.



Planning ahead for extra homebuying costs can keep your finances on track and your experience smooth. Stewart is here to provide the knowledge and support you need to be fully prepared every step of the way.



For more educational resources, visit stewart.com/home and get confident in your journey to homeownership!

08/08/2025

Cybercriminals are targeting the insurance industry, using social engineering as their primary tactic. An example of how this may work is a fraudster impersonating a company’s IT department and requesting access to an employee’s computer. By using tools to change caller ID names to make the call look legitimate, the fraudster asks an employee to install remote access software onto their company computer. The employee can be asked to go to a website, install specific software or enable built-in software called “Quick Assist”. Then, the fraudster gains access to the device, locks out the employee and gains access to sensitive information or internal systems.



Remember, never give remote access to your laptop to anyone unless you call your company’s support team. Do not respond to calls requesting access to your computer. Hang up and alert your IT security team immediately.



Stay vigilant.

07/04/2025

Wishing you and your family a happy Fourth!

07/03/2025

Hosting more pool parties this summer? Here are 7 pool safety tips to help keep visitors and loved ones safe: https://www.stewart.com/en/insights/essential-pool-safety-tips-for-your-home

Learn essential pool safety tips for your home, covering supervision, barriers and emergency preparedness.

06/19/2025

On this day in 1866, federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas to announce that enslaved African Americans were free. The troops’ arrival came two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed declaring that enslaved people were free. What once began as a celebration in Texas has spread throughout the United States as African Americans gather to commemorate the day, also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day.



We wish you a Juneteenth filled with reflection and celebration. Our offices will be closed today and will reopen tomorrow, Friday, June 20.

06/15/2025

Shoutout to all the grill masters, advice-givers and role models. Today is for you, we wish you well today and always. Happy Father's Day!

06/04/2025

Real Estate FAQ: Is flood insurance included in my home insurance policy?



Unfortunately, coverage for loss or damage to your home or belongings due to flooding is excluded from almost all home insurance policies. Flood insurance provides separate coverage if your home or belongings are damaged due to rising water. As a result, your home and belongings could suffer significant damage. Flooding cost Americans between $179.8 and $496 billion annually according to the Joint Economic Committee.



It’s crucial to know if your house, or the house you’re interested in buying, is in a flood zone. Your location determines if you are in a high, moderate, or low-risk flood zone. Even if you are not in a high-risk zone, moderate to low-risk zones still account for over a third of the disaster assistance for flooding. Take extra precautions during storm season and secure coverage before a threat.



Remember: Once a storm is named, you may not be able to secure or update these policies.



Read our Insights article on the four insurance coverages you should consider as we head into storm season: https://www.stewart.com/en/insights/review-these-four-insurance-coverages-before-seasonal-storms-beg

05/21/2025

Owning a home comes with more than just a mortgage. Regular upkeep is key to protecting your investment. 🏡 Here are a few essential maintenance tasks every homeowner should keep on their radar year-round.

05/15/2025

Real Estate FAQ: How long does closing take?

From the moment your offer is accepted to getting the keys to your new house, the closing process involves many steps to finalize the purchase. The average closing on a house takes 30 to 60 days. Why does it take so long? Many steps go into a closing, including title search and examination, document preparation, loan settlement and more. Title issues, low appraisals and renegotiations can delay your closing.

Have more questions about the closing process? Reach out to your local Stewart Title team and visit stewart.com/home for more information about title insurance, the home buying process and more.

05/11/2025

From the first step through the front door to every cherished memory inside, moms fill our homes with love, warmth and meaning. Happy Mother’s Day to the ones who make a house a home!