​Welcome, future homeowners and savvy real estate professionals to the Next Wave Title blog, Title Talk, where we make title discussions as refreshing and invigorating as a morning dip in the ocean!

In the dynamic realm of real estate, challenges like seller fraud and intricate title issues are lurking, ready to complicate the journey for even the most experienced navigators. This is where we come in, your reliable title agents, equipped with the expertise and tools to keep your transaction on course. From demystifying the intricacies of title insurance to ensuring your closing process is seamless, we're here to address all the common inquiries from real estate agents, buyers, and sellers alike.
 
Ever wondered how to spot a seller scam before it jeopardizes your deal? Or why title insurance is the life vest you didn't know you needed? Dive into our blog as we share tales from our treasure trove of experiences, including how we once identified and halted a seller scam, safeguarding our clients from potential fallout.
 
Grab your board and let’s paddle out together into the Next Wave of Title Talk. With quick, digestible information that you can use to navigate your real estate journey, we promise to keep you informed, entertained, and above water. Because with Next Wave Title, you can expect clear skies and a smooth journey ahead.

Buying or selling a home is already a complex process, but one hidden issue can bring everything to a screeching halt: an open permit. Many homeowners don’t even realize they have one until it’s too late, leading to costly delays, extra paperwork, and even canceled deals.

If you're in real estate—whether as a buyer, seller, or agent—understanding how open permits work and how to resolve them is key to ensuring a smooth closing.
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What Is an Open Permit?
An open permit means that a renovation, repair, or construction project was started but never officially closed with the city or local building department. This could happen for several reasons:
   ✅ The contractor never scheduled a final inspection
   ✅ The city has backlogs or processing delays
When a permit remains open, it signals that the work may not be up to code or unfinished, making it a risk for lenders and buyers.
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Why an Open Permit Can Delay Your Closing
If a title search reveals an open permit, the closing process may be put on hold until the issue is resolved. Here’s why:
   🚧 Lenders Won’t Approve the Mortgage – Banks don’t want to finance a home with unresolved work that could pose safety risks or lead to legal problems.
    🚧  Buyers May Walk Away – Buyers don’t want to inherit someone else’s unfinished project or be responsible for unexpected repairs.
   🚧Closing Costs Could Increase – The longer closing takes, the more expensive it becomes, especially if contract extensions or re-negotiations are needed.

​Next Wave Title is thrilled to announce the appointment of Geoffrey Prichard as our new Business Development Officer. With nearly three decades of experience in the title and real estate industry, Geoff brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the team.

Geoff's impressive background includes strong business development, strategic planning, and operational management skills. His addition to Next Wave Title will further strengthen the agency’s commitment to excellence and help expand connections within the community. Geoff is also an avid football fan, and while he does enjoy watching the Detroit Lions on Sunday, he still enjoys Sunday afternoons at the Tequesta Sandbar.

"We are delighted to welcome Geoff to the Next Wave family," said Tom Paschen, Managing Member at Next Wave Title. "His extensive experience and extraordinary customer service attitude make him the perfect fit to lead our business development efforts. We're excited to see the innovative strategies and growth opportunities he'll bring to our organization."

In his new role, Geoff will leverage his expertise in key areas including:

• Regulatory Compliance
• Risk Management & Quality Assurance
• Business Development & Client Retention

These skills will be instrumental in maintaining Next Wave Title's commitment to the highest standards of service and integrity in the title insurance industry.

Expressing his enthusiasm about joining the team, Geoff stated, "I'm excited to join such a passionate, knowledgeable, and fun team. I'm ready to bring my exemplary performance in leadership and revenue optimization to Next Wave Title. Together, we'll build on the company's strong reputation and create new opportunities for growth and success."

Geoff's appointment comes at an exciting time for Next Wave Title as it continues to expand its services and strengthen its position in the market. His vision and leadership will drive business development strategies forward and enhance client relationships.

In our increasingly connected world, protecting your personal and professional information has never been more critical. With cyber-attacks projected to cost over $10.5 trillion globally by the end of 2024, the stakes are higher than ever. Whether you're a tech novice or a seasoned professional, these five essential cybersecurity tips will help fortify your digital defenses and keep your sensitive data out of the wrong hands.