In this episode of Home and Finance Insights, host Kevin Mathews sits down with seasoned title expert Tim Mikulin to break down the often-overlooked—but crucial—world of title and escrow. Whether you're a first-time homebuyer, homeowner, or a real estate professional, this conversation sheds light on the importance of title insurance and escrow, how the escrow process works, and the common title issues that can derail a transaction.

Kevin and Tim also tackle the risks and potential fraud involved in real estate deals, offering practical tips on how to protect yourself and ensure a smooth closing process. With clear explanations and real-world examples, this episode is a must-watch for anyone navigating the home buying journey.

🔑 Topics Covered:

Why title insurance matters

How the escrow process works

Common title problems to watch for

Preventing fraud in real estate transactions

Communication tips for buyers and agents

Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction to Home and Finance Insights: Guest Tim Mikulin
03:07 - Title Insurance and Escrow Explained
06:15 - Real-Life Title Insurance Scenarios
20:29 - Risks in Foreclosure and Tax Sales
23:21 - Choosing a Title Company
26:38 - Common Title Issues
32:54 - Wire Fraud and Security
36:34 - Closing Day Procedures
38:34 - Misconceptions About Closing
40:27 - Final Thoughts for Home Buyers

🔔 Subscribe to Home & Finance Insights for expert tips on homeownership, lending, insurance, and wealth-building.
📧 Contact Kevin: kevinmathews@empirehomeloans.com
📍 Guest Info:
Tim Mikulin - AVP Sales Executive at Fidelity National Title
tim.mikulin@fnf.com

Kevin Mathews - kevinmathews@empirehomeloans.com
https://www.kevinmathews.com
Empire Home Loans Inc. NMLS #234253 & 1839243
DRE #00884691 & 02086593

Equal Housing Opportunity. Equal Housing Lender. Refer to www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org to see additional licensing information. The corporate office address is 4401 Hazel Ave., Ste. 225, Fair Oaks, CA 95628; www.empirehomeloans.com. This communication is for informational purposes only. This is not a commitment to lend. All programs are subject to change or cancellation at any time and without notice. Empire Home Loans, Inc. supports equal housing opportunity.

Do you own a home? Then you need an estate plan—here’s why.

In this episode of Home & Finance Insights, mortgage and real estate pro Kevin Mathews sits down with estate planning attorney Mauriah Conway (of Meisner, Ruggles & Thompson, Inc.) to explore the most important legal and financial strategies homeowners need to protect their home, family, and legacy.

They cover:
✔️ The difference between a will and a trust
✔️ How to avoid probate (and why you definitely want to)
✔️ What happens to your property if you don’t have a plan
✔️ Important documents you should have in place by age 18
✔️ Mistakes that lead to tax burdens, legal disputes, or lost assets
✔️ Estate planning for non-married couples and blended families
✔️ Real talk on costs, timelines, and why online templates can backfire

Whether you’re a new homeowner, nearing retirement, or managing family property, this episode is packed with essential knowledge—and real-world examples—to help you make informed decisions.

Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction: Why Estate Planning Matters for Homeowners
02:05 - Meet Mauriah Conway, Estate Planning Attorney
04:10 - What Happens to Your Home If You Don’t Have a Plan
06:20 - Wills vs. Trusts: Key Differences Explained
10:55 - Avoiding Probate: Why It’s So Important
15:40 - Common Estate Planning Mistakes Homeowners Make
18:30 - When Should You Start Estate Planning?
21:15 - What Documents Every Adult Should Have by Age 18
25:40 - Non-Married Couples, Blended Families & Property Rights
29:10 - Titling Your Home Properly: What to Watch Out For
32:45 - Using a Trust to Protect Real Estate Assets
36:50 - Life Events That Should Trigger an Estate Plan Update
40:10 - Estate Planning and Real Estate Taxes
45:25 - Why Online Estate Templates Can Be Risky
49:15 - How Much Does Estate Planning Cost?
51:10 - Final Thoughts & Where to Get Help


🔔 Subscribe to Home & Finance Insights for expert tips on homeownership, lending, insurance, and wealth-building.
📧 Contact Kevin: kevinmathews@empirehomeloans.com
📍 Guest Info: www.lawofficeinc.com | conway@lawofficeinc.com | (916) 920-5983

⚖️ Disclaimer: This episode is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please consult your own attorney for personalized guidance.

Notes: The process to move a primary residence to a beneficiary that is under $750,000.00 will be a Petition to determine Successor to Primary Residence See Judicial Counsel Form DE-310.

The value of using an affidavit of personal property is that a gross estate must be below $208,850 if the decedent dies on or after April 1, 2025. See Judicial Counsel Form DE-300

HIPAA is short for the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act

Kevin Mathews NMLS #234253. CA DRE #00884691.
Empire Home Loans, Inc., NMLS ID#1839243, CA DRE# 02086593, CFL License #60DBO-95315, AZ Lic: MB-1012019. Refer to www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org to see additional licensing information. The corporate office address is 4401 Hazel Ave., Ste. 135, Fair Oaks, CA 95628; www.empirehomeloans.com. This communication is for informational purposes only. This is not a commitment to lend. All programs are subject to change or cancellation at any time and without notice. Empire Home Loans, Inc. supports equal housing opportunity

#EstatePlanning #Homeownership #TrustsAndWills #AvoidProbate #RealEstatePodcast #FinancialPlanning #HomeAndFinanceInsights

In this conversation, Kevin Mathews and Ryan Nuttall delve into the intricacies of home insurance, discussing its importance, common misconceptions, and the various factors that influence premiums. They explore the role of claims history, the impact of home improvements on policies, and the significance of proper documentation for personal property. The discussion also highlights the California Fair Plan, reinsurance, and recent regulatory changes affecting the insurance landscape. Additionally, they emphasize the importance of fire safety measures and the need for homeowners to proactively manage their insurance needs.

Takeaways

• Home insurance is essential for securing loans on properties.
• Many homeowners mistakenly believe all their possessions are covered.
• Claims history can significantly affect insurance premiums.
• Home improvements often require policy adjustments to ensure coverage.
• Preventive maintenance can help avoid costly claims.
• Documenting personal property is crucial for claims processes.
• First-time homebuyers should shop for insurance before making offers.
• The California Fair Plan provides coverage for high-risk areas.
• Reinsurance plays a critical role in the insurance market.
• Technology is changing how insurance is assessed and managed.