Thursday, 22 December 2011

Real Estate Closing Software Enhanced My Reputation

As a real estate professional, life has never been easy. A real estate transaction involves compliance with so many laws and regulations, state as well as federal and filing of forms and documents that one has to be very careful and specific about each transaction. With an increased workload and ever increasing number of clients, keeping track manually was becoming a difficult task. The only solution was to go in for real estate closing software and from the many confusing choices available from various sources I was able to zero in on one that to me seemed the right one, with the most comprehensive set of features. The way it worked for me I think a real estate professional must have been involved in its making.
The real estate software I chose does all that I had to take care of manually and these functions included:
  • Enter vital data at one point and populate all forms and documents simply at the click of a mouse. Corrections are just as simple and are reflected across all documents.
  • Preparation of HUD-1 form and HUD-1A form effortlessly in compliance with the new 2010 RESPA regulations
  • The HUD software has a facility to modify forms too according to amendments in laws or according to regulations in force in one state of the US .
  • Enable separate personnel to work on various parts of the real estate transaction and then compile all documents and forms in a central folder for review and printing
  • Submit forms online where possible
  • Email from within the software
  • Convert to Word or PDF document and print easily
  • Automatic calculation of property taxes according to State and Federal laws
  • Print out closing balance statements
  • Print Checks
  • Generate 1099-S forms
  • Summary Transaction sheet
  • Pre-closing documentation and post closing formalities
  • Compile and archive all documents post closing
  • The HUD-1 software has an efficient HUD settlement statement system, filling out all HUD forms automatically, updating databases.
  • Prepares general lender statement showing gross loan, amount disburses and deductions
  • The HUD software generates a GFE-HUD comparison sheet automatically
The real estate closing software integrates HUD software and delivers all the functions needed by property brokers and real estate lawyers as well as professionals like me. It does everything necessary; it does it fast and free of errors. Once finished, a transaction can be archived for storage and retrieval at any future date in case of audits. It can also be ported to my smartphone, enabling me to work while on the go. I complete transactions in record time and flawlessly too and am glad to say the real estate closing software enhanced my reputation no end. It did cost money but with the increased business I will easily recoup the cost and consider it more as an investment.

Tuesday, 13 December 2011

HUD Software Leverages Technologies for Real Estate Closing

In any transaction where legal compliances have to be met, there is inevitably and invariably a lot of documentation involved in the process. A real estate transaction involves compliance to many legal procedures, submission of forms and statements like the HUD-1 form for purchase or the HUD1A for refinance in accordance with the new 2010 RESPA regulations in force. These new regulations have introduced complexities in real estate transactions and the best way to keep track and comply with all requirements of law is to have real estate closing software that factors in these compliances. The latest and the best is HUD software, leveraging technologies for real estate closing paving the way for higher productivity, reduced manpower needs and increased turnovers. This HUD software or the HUD-1 software is indispensable in today's world of real estate settlement attorneys.

Comprehensively designed and integrated real estate closing software automates all repetitive tasks. One can enter data at a single point and have all the forms and documents populated with the names and figures without any errors. In the same way, corrections at one point are reflected across all forms and documents. This eases life for all those involved in property transactions, especially those who have to submit forms and comply with Federal, State and Income-tax requirements. The HUD software takes care of preparing HUD settlement statements like Form HUD-1 or HUD-1A and then preparation of IRS Forms 1099-S.

Documents pre-closing and post closing like filing of record of deeds, mortgages, liens, affidavits etc. become easy and automated when one used the appropriate HUD-1 software . Any professional engaged in real estate transactions would naturally expect the real estate closing software to be easy to use with a very easy to follow menu system. Prepare forms and documents, even file them online through the software itself and then compile them all in one folder for easy access and reference anytime in future, avoiding risks of penalties or disbarment in case of queries or audits.

Any real estate agent knows that the deal is not finished with signing of the legal documents. There are tasks like closing disbursements in accordance with IOLTA code of ethics, trust transaction accounts and filing the necessary information with the IRS in order to consider the transaction final and complete. The HUD-1 software has user-friendly features that let you manage all these post transaction activities and maintain a complete record. Besides, one can easily convert documents and forms to Word or PDF format for transmission or printing. Real estate closing software that can be ported to your smart phone helps you edit or review documents while on the move and can be a great time saver.

The utility and user-friendliness of the HUD software is further enhanced by the fact that different people can work on different parts of the transaction and then all forms or documents so prepared can be compiled into one central location for review, printing and filing. It doesn't get any better and when one looks for real estate closing software , features like this give that particular HUD-1 software an edge.

Monday, 5 December 2011

Family Law Software Selection The Smart Way

As a family law attorney I know just how smart people can be when they want to put across their side of the deal and how you can be short changed in the process. Time and again my lawyer friends had mentioned how they had benefited by a family law software and time and again quite a few had expressed how dissatisfied with the software they were and how a smart salesman had managed to slip one over them. I was not going to get caught in the same trap. I decided to be smart and study all aspects of the family law software available in the market. I was not going to be saddled with buggy software or software that did not have all the features necessary for a lawyer involved in family law cases. I made a list of all the functions I carried out in my daily practice as a family law attorney. The checklist of parameters for the ideal and most suitable family law software went like this.

Must Have Features
•  Easy menu system and user friendly family law software with a short learning curve. I did not want to go over complex manuals and spend time studying.
•  Enter data at one point and have the software fill in all necessary forms and documents with the figures and names. Make corrections at one point and have the corrections reflected across all forms and documents.
•  Family law involves complex calculations related to alimony, child support and settlements, tax implications and division of assets. I wanted the software to provide what if scenarios and output worksheets showing the implications and the best one for my client.
•  Generate all forms automatically, populating them with data entered at the central point and further customize these forms.
•  Software with customization that takes into consideration specific laws prevailing in each state and an ability to generate worksheets, documents and forms in conformance with State laws.
•  Compile all forms and documents related to a case in one folder and save in word of PDF format for easy portability and printing.
•  An ability to send email from within the program itself.
Desirable Features
Customization according to state laws: If I wished to handle a family law case in Pennsylvania it would be nice to have Pennsylvania family law software for easy generation of forms and calculations with child and spousal support in conformity with Pennsylvania Guidelines. For a law case in Arizona the Arizona family law software would need to have all features in addition to calculations and forms that follow the new State guidelines effective from June 2011. For a case in New York I would want the New York family law software to provide a New York statement of net worth, maintenance worksheet and child support worksheet form UD8 in conformance with the State laws.

Now if the family law software could have mobile portability and porting to divorce settlements, in addition to all the above, it would be just right for me, save me a lot of time and let me handle more cases. That's the way I figured it and I will be comparing software from different vendors and hitting on one that has all these in a compact, easy to use, affordable package.

Where Was This Real Estate Software All These Days

As someone whose business is to handle Real Estate deals in the US, let me tell you it can be a real pain. Back in the old days money changed hands, you shook hands, wrote on a piece of paper and that was it. Now, there are so many forms to fill in and file, paperwork to be done, records to be maintained, tax compliances, calculations and formalities before, during after a property transaction that it can take up a lot of one's time. I used to employ staff specifically for all these formalities but since I installed the real estate closing software, life has become easier, smoother, faster and of course I save money since the same staff could be put to better use, handling more cases and drumming up business. Where was the real estate software all these days I wondered.

It did take time and effort to home in on the right real estate software that could handle everything from HUD forms to closing. This HUD software does everything in a minute that took hours to do manually and what is more, it maintains records flawlessly in one place for easy access at any time in the future. This HUD-1 software has made all back office operations so smooth and effortless that I do work in a relaxed way with no pressure. It generates HUD settlement statement and the forms in a comprehensive way, including everything that needs to be included without leaving out anything important. I can review, edit and finalize all forms, considering various options.

The vendor assured me that this HUD and real estate software complies fully to the 2010 RESPA Final Rule and it truly does, including the latest HUD forms and GFE-HUD comparison sheets along with the HUD-1A settlement statement . It has smart itemization feature and consolidates all costs in respect of each transaction. It automatically has setoff tracking of the GFE charges in all statements.
Oh, and I forgot to tell you that it was very easy to learn the software in a couple of hours. It has a simple, user-friendly menu system. I can enter data at one point and then populate all the myriad forms with this data. I carry out corrections at one point and all documents are automatically updated. What a relief!
An admirable feature of this real estate closing software is that it is better than a personal assistant; it takes care of the post transaction formalities like closing forms connected to a particular transaction, disbursement ledgers and check printing facility. Without my saying so, it prepares the 1099-S filing and lien release and what is more, since electronic filing is becoming so common these days.

After doing all this it does not go to sleep. When a transaction is complete it compiles all documents into one folder and gives me the choice to save them in Word, PDF or Excel files. I save them in all three. One can't be too careful! Any audit query would be embarrassing, needless to say.

Tuesday, 29 November 2011

HUD Settlement Software Streamlines Property Transactions

For anyone involved in property transactions like a real estate agent, a broker or an attorney, the entire process involves involved documentation pre-closing, closing and post closing. These have to be done perfectly and without errors across various forms like the HUD forms and HUD-1 forms for HUD closing. This is just one part of a complex real estate transaction scenario. A number of computerized real estate closing software are available. Real estate agents or attorneys choose packages that do not deliver according to need and therefore discard them. The right HUD settlement software streamlines property transactions and helps those involved to process more cases within a shorter time, saving on manpower, time and money. Consider the features of HUD software or real estate closing software carefully before choosing one in order to derive maximum functionality and benefit. Evaluate it thoroughly before making a final decision. Key features to look for are given below.

The real estate closing software should include HUD related software in a comprehensive solution or as an added feature. In combination, these permit entry of key data at one point through a user-friendly interface and this data can populate all HUD closing statements , HUD settlement statements , HUD-1 and HUD forms in a single click, with corrections at a key entry point being reflected in all forms that are already generated. A user should be able to add new forms or customize forms as he goes along and then assemble all documents in one click in one location for printing, in Word or PDF format. Support from vendor with constant updates are a must have feature for any such software since laws keep changing.

Does the software under consideration have an efficient HUD settlement statement system? It should perform all calculation and fill in HUD forms automatically, update database and consider the local council tax, transposing them to the HUD-1. The software should include a General Lender statement showing gross loan, amount disbursed and lender deductions in respect of each seller and buyer. The right software automatically calculates property transfer taxes according to the State where the transaction takes place, enters pay off information and generates a GFE-HUD comparison sheet automatically under various heads. If there are changes, these changes are reflected automatically in all documents in a capable HUD software .

Real estate agents and attorneys involved in property deals appreciate a network ready software that allows various people to work on various documents involved in the transaction and then assemble all in one location for easy access at any time in the future, for printing and review. Selecting the right HUD software permits easy generation of HUD, HUD1 and HUD 1A forms easily and automatically along with closing documents. Users can print out closing balance statements and print checks, generate 1099-S substitute and exemption forms and have a summary transaction sheet. Just as much as pre-closing documentation and compliances are important, so are post closing procedures and any real estate software you consider should have all features integrated to allow these procedures to be followed so you have a complete record of the entire transaction in one place.

Look for a vendor of real estate closing software offering HUD software integrated or as a plug in for seamless integration and easy user operability. The cost of such software is easily recouped through speedy completion of cases and higher throughput.

Thursday, 10 November 2011

Choosing the Right Real Estate and HUD Closing Software

Computerization, availability of software at affordable prices and familiarity with computers lead people to rush out and buy the first software that they hope will work miracles for them in their daily or professional lives. However, it is not always the case and some missing features invariably results in people discarding such software and reverting to manual practices. Lawyers, attorneys, real estate agents, brokers and those connected with real estate transactions go in for the first available HUD software or real estate closing software in the hope that it will do all that they have been doing manually since long. Shortcomings in these mean they have to do certain work manually and the inconvenience that results leads to abandoning the software altogether.
In order to avoid such a disappointing scenario from developing, property managers, real estate agents, brokers and attorneys involved in this field need to consider key features of a software and analyze its features thoroughly before choosing the right HUD 1 software that will actually help, not hinder, them. Ideally, the real estate closing software incorporates HUD closing statement or HUD settlement statement , HUD forms , HUD 1 forms and much more in a comprehensive manner, including everything, considering all possible alternatives and options and leaving out nothing. Proper consideration of all the key factors and options leads to avoidance of disappointments and in money being well spent.
A practical and well designed HUD and real estate software ensures full compliance to 2010 RESPA Final Rule. This means the software includes HUD forms, GFE-HUD comparison sheet, the HUD 1 settlement statement and smart itemization along with consolidation of costs and charges related to the real estate. Simply by entering data at one point, users of the software can generate HUD closing statement or HUD settlement statement and HUD 1 closing documents and forms, populate these forms and maintain accurate records in one folder for easy access at any future date.
At the very least a real estate closing software and HUD closing software would include closing forms related to the transaction, disbursement ledgers and check printing facility, electronic 1099-S filing , lien release tracking and an ability to save these forms in Word or PDF document format, email them from within the program and archive them. From beginning to end, the transaction should be recorded leaving nothing out that might raise queries or doubts at any stage long after a transaction is over.
Since a number of people will be working on different aspects of a real estate transaction, the software should have the feature of being centrally operated with staff able to enter data at different terminals that are all compiled in a central location for easy access and printing. An ability to port the forms to your smart phones would certainly help you review them while on the go and save time.
A little bit of time spent in reviewing and assessing the potential HUD software will help you be more productive, handle more clients, generate more revenue and recoup costs.

HUD software Speeds up Real Estate Closing

A real estate transaction involves many compliances prior to and post transaction, submission of HUD 1 forms for the HUD 1 closing and documents besides making sure that all details are perfectly accurate and precise across documents throughout the transaction. This can slow down a real estate closing. These days property and real estate agents as well as attorneys and registering authorities make use of HUD software or real estate closing software . This makes filing HUD closing statement and the HUD settlement statement easy and automated, with online submission of HUD forms. HUD software speeds up the entire real estate closing processing and saves time, freeing real estate attorneys to process more cases.
An ideal HUD software is easy to use with a menu system anyone can understand and operate easily. It has a simple interface permitting input of all data of buyers and sellers and agents in one entry point. This data can then be used in all HUD, HUD-1 and HUD-1A forms and other documents such as letters, deeds, affidavits and contracts, ensuring accuracy throughout the transaction. The real estate closing software includes over 200 real estate forms, generates closing ledgers, prints check, generates & electronically submits 1099-S, a printable summary transaction sheet and capabilities to compile all documents in one location, ready to print in Word or PDF format. Reports on HUD closing statement , HUD settlement statement and just about any item can be generated easily with only a few keystrokes.
Property managers, real estate agents and real estate lawyers using this HUD1 settlement statement software have reported huge savings in time, manpower and costs over time. The software carries out all calculation and completes HUD forms to also include tax proration, calculates lender statement showing the gross loan, disbursed loan and deductions and calculation of property transfer charges relevant to each State in the US .
The HUD software has all these features and a host of productivity enhancing features. It is network ready: different people can work on a case and have all relevant documents compiled in a central location, with a case log generated in respect of all actions and transactions for easy tracking purposes. These and other user-friendly features make it a must have for real estate transactions involving HUD forms, HUD1 forms and HUD closing statements. Today this real estate closing software has become indispensable and is universally used by everyone connected with real estate transactions on a daily basis.
Rounding off the excellent features, the HUD closing software incorporates all actions related to post closing transaction like Electronic 1099-S reporting and submission from the HUD software . Accuracy ensures minimal chances of rejection by IRS. The software eliminates last minute rush and hassles entirely since all data is already there and simply needs to be channeled to the appropriate 1099-S form. Additionally, its Lien Release tracking service integrated with HUD makes post transactions very easy and finally rounds off a transaction for your and your client's peace of mind.
In today's frenetic pace of life, real estate transactions without the right HUD closing software would be unthinkable.

Thursday, 29 September 2011

Real Estate Closing Software for Real Estate Agents and Property Lawyers

It is no piece of cake. A real estate transaction needs all those involved to be very particular about each aspect of the transaction, about complying with real estate laws, about documents and filing all necessary forms with the appropriate authorities. What used to be a complicated and intense process has now become easy with real estate closing software or a real estate legal software as it is known. Right from generating hud settlement statement, hud forms and all other property papers, it also keeps track of all data required for the property sale. Software like this is error free and avoids any issues due to errors in the data fields. The software has single point data entry and all the data entered is then used across all documentation and forms like the HUD-1 closing and Hud-1 form, IRS papers and all legal compliance documentation.

A real estate transaction is an extended process. A typical transaction involves:

  • Examining and clearing titles to the property in question
  • Examining mortgages, clearing existing mortgage and arranging for new mortgage
  • Fund handling and transfer to connected parties
  • Record of Deeds
  • IRS form filing
  • Trust transactions
  • Closing disbursement
  • Compliance to Truth in Lending Laws

The real estate closing software works perfectly for real estate attorneys involved in the transaction, seamlessly integrating data across multiple forms and generating local laws compliant documentation.

The real estate legal software has been so well designed and thought out that various staff involved in the transaction, as usually happens in an office environment, can work on entering data and preparing various documents. They can finally compile the entire set in one location, ready to be printed and processed.

It has further user-friendliness as one can easily monitor the stage of the transaction anytime through an easy to use screen and menu system. A property agent or a real estate lawyer can generate reports of transactions and status reports anytime and have up to the minute information at his fingertips. There is no need to go through cumbersome files or manually prepared sheets that are time-consuming to update. It shows what has been completed so far and what remains to be done.

The real estate legal software also computes tax implications and generates necessary HUD settlement statements from one single screen and it works fast in a paperless environment. Enter data effortlessly and retrieve it anytime you wish to have a look. Carry out corrections at one point and it is automatically updated throughout all the relevant documents.

The benefits are incalculable. The real estate closing software saves a lot of time for any professional involved in such transactions, ensures accuracy of date, ensures all legal—local and federal—regulations are complied with, keeps record for easy retrieval in future and frees them to handle more cases and thus earn more.

Wednesday, 28 September 2011

Real Estate Closing Software Offers Seamless Integration of All Processes

A real estate transaction involves compliance with so many legal requirements that it becomes quite a chore for a real estate professional or agent to keep track and implement the right process at the right stage for a successful final closing. The January 2010 introduced Federal Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA) dictates that all parties receive HUD settlement statement and HUD-1 Form or HUD1A form, further complicated by the Good Faith Estimates (GFE) obligations involving complex calculations. This has significantly increased the burden and raised the onus on attorneys and real estate professionals in respect of compliances from start to finish.

As a busy real estate attorney or professional, you may be handling several deals at the same time and each may be at a different stage of progress. Doing it manually involves having additional staff and then there is no guarantee of accuracy. A better way is to go in for Real estate closing software that makes real estate transactions a breeze. Post transactions too you have easy access to detailed records and reports through the real estate legal software. Technology implemented in a user-friendly package with a short learning curve enables even non-computer savvy people to use it productively throughout the whole process.

A typical real estate deal involves negotiations and drafting of contract, property record searches, fixing the closing date, preparing HUD forms and HUD settlement statements, title insurance matters, existing mortgage settlement, loan for the new buyer, transferring funds across buyers and sellers and mortgage lenders, filing record of deeds, mortgages, affidavits after the transaction as also IRS Form 1099S. If you have only a few deals in hand, doing it manually works but if you have a number of clients, managing each one's case and complying with all requirements within the scheduled time limit becomes difficult. However, real estate closing software offers a variety of forms templates with customizable features and facility to integrate the entire transaction through merging into one final output in Word document or PDF format that can be printed or emailed.

Entering data, changing it and correcting it is easy through a central data entry point and once this is entered it can be used in all forms and documents. If you consider the number of documents and forms, this features saves a lot of time and money with perfect accuracy guaranteed throughout the process.

While the initial and intermediate stages are important, the closing and post closing processes such as disbursements, accounting for trust transactions, filing 1099-S and other agencies are equally important.

The real estate software takes care of all these tasks and processes quickly and efficiently, with no margin for errors so you can handle more cases, become more productive and profitable.

Tuesday, 13 September 2011

Real Estate Closing Software: Enhance Productivity and Be Accurate

The right documentation and record keeping is at the heart of real estate transactions across the country. There are specific laws governing closing by way of HUD-1 closing form for outright purchase of HUD-1A form for refinance cases, as laid out by the Federal Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA).

A real estate transaction involves coordination and completion of related activities within a time frame for a final closing to take place to the satisfaction of all concerned. This will include contract drafting, property record searches, preparation of the HUD settlement statement and hud forms, examining and clearing titles, insurance, mortgages, loans, fund handling and transfer to connected parties, IRS Form filing, maintaining records and then filing record of deeds and all related documents. A professional has taken care of accounting for trust transactions, closing disbursement of monies and reporting to the IRS. As one can see, a real estate deal involves a series of sequential and parallel running procedures to go off in perfect coordination. Professionals consider the transaction from a tax angle too and ensure that the compliances are met with that include accounting, taxes, title, banking, compliance to Truth in Lending Laws and negotiations.

In such cases, keeping track of the state of affairs in each real estate transaction can become cumbersome and place a heavy burden, sometimes leaving very little time for the actual work in hand. However, having the right real estate closing software frees real estate professionals of all these manual and time-consuming tasks. Time is money for all professionals and the more time they have for their business, the more profitable they are. Real estate legal software helps keep track of ongoing processes, fill in hud settlement statements and ensure that the entire case is settled satisfactorily.

The perfect real estate closing software is easy to use for all real estate closing professionals and agents, helping him finalize HUD-1 closing easily. Inputs from all parties involved are compared and clarified, fixing errors and help in complying with the regulatory obligations in the right way by using this user-friendly software. This translates to higher efficiencies for real estate professionals. Entry is made only at one point and all required data is automatically entered into the HUD settlement statement, using automated calculations wherever necessary. Using real estate legal software also helps professionals work in paperless environments, retrieve data and carry out corrections wherever necessary, all at one single point with the entire records are automatically updated through this software. The cost of the software is recouped through huge savings in time, energy and higher productivity.

Thursday, 25 August 2011

HUD settlement statement - Enter it Once Enter it Forever

If you're a real estate closing professional or settlement agent, then you know. From the buyer, seller, and lender, to the realtor, title insurance agent, and governmental entities: there are easily about a dozen parties involved in any given HUD-1 closing.

That's a dozen extra opportunities to receive inaccurate, outdated information-from each of these parties. That's what makes Easy Soft's data entry philosophy far more than a time saver. It makes it a “closing” saver. It'll clarify your closing, streamline your communications with parties and clients alike, sift out time-consuming errors, and help bring you into compliance with your HUD-1 regulatory obligations.

Here at Easy Soft, we specialize in legal software that helps professionals like you to become more efficient. After all, technology ought to help you in your mission to streamline your work effort, reduce your overall energy expenditure, and leave you with the time to turn your attention to the finer, more discretionary tasks inherent in your job.

So we introduced the theme of “enter it once” to all of our legal software. What this means: once you enter your client's information, you're done. That information populates all of the data fields that require it. It fills in raw numbers for automated calculations (say, on your HUD settlement statement), provides name and address details for correspondence, forms, and other filings and documentation, and lets you prepare all of the myriad things you need to: without duplication of effort. This is true of divorce data, billing data, and trust data. And it's certainly true of HUD-1 closings.

Outside of your closings, you can also use the data in more creative ways. You can use it for streamlining your records-and making them paperless. You can use it for your Rolodex-or Outlook Contacts files. It's already organized-in a fashion that you are familiar with, and can navigate around.

The data is there for when you need to correct a number or a spelling error (you only need to correct it in one place, at one time). It's there if this client and/or lender retains you again—or you have any other dealings with the same party (ies). It won't be misplaced, and (if you're backing up properly), it won't go away.

Practicing law and handling real estate closing becomes much easier when you can enter it once: and enter it forever.

To learn more about any of our legal software, call us at 800 905 7638.