Articles

Fed Cuts Rates: Now More Than Ever, You Need to Build Your Team and Get a Game Plan
General

Fed Cuts Rates: Now More Than Ever, You Need to Build Your Team and Get a Game Plan

The Fed just cut rates for the first time in nine months, but before you rush into the housing market, you need more than good timing—you need the right team. Learn why a small rate cut doesn't matter if you're overpaying by thousands, what TAR Form 314 reveals about your agent's limitations, and how Vanderpool Law's free contract and mortgage reviews can save you from costly mistakes. With 25 years of experience as your legal concierge and advocate, we have nothing to lose by telling you the truth about your real estate deal.

Tennessee Revocable Trust Guide: 13 Essential Questions
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Tennessee Revocable Trust Guide: 13 Essential Questions

Middle Tennessee attorney Jim Vanderpool answers 13 critical questions about Tennessee revocable trusts. Learn why online trust services can cost more than real lawyers, plus trustee selection, tax savings, and what happens when you die. Real examples, current Tennessee law.

Title Insurance: Is it a complete Waste of Money?
Title Insurance

Title Insurance: Is it a complete Waste of Money?

Is title insurance a complete waste of money? Like all insurance, absolutely—unless you need it. Most Tennessee homebuyers don't realize that standard owner's policies won't cover common problems like fence disputes or unpermitted additions. Even worse, the lender's policy they're required to buy doesn't protect them at all. This plain-English guide breaks down exactly what each type of coverage includes and why buying at closing could save you thousands

Do I Need a Trust, a Will, or Both? A Tennessee Guide for Regular Folks
General

Do I Need a Trust, a Will, or Both? A Tennessee Guide for Regular Folks

Most Tennessee families need at least a will, but here's what surprises people: a trust often costs less than what your family will pay in probate. Think of a will as a letter to the court about your wishes, while a trust is like a lockbox that skips court entirely. This guide breaks down when each makes sense, why having both works like "belt and suspenders," and how to save your family thousands of dollars and months of hassle during an already difficult time.

They Put It in Writing: Title Companies Admit They Don't Represent You
General

They Put It in Writing: Title Companies Admit They Don't Represent You

An attorney who works for a title company called me to review their new disclaimer—based on my article. As I read it, I was shocked. They literally put in writing that they don't represent buyers, can't give legal advice, and work for the title company. It's the confession that proves everything I've been warning about. They finally said the quiet part out loud.

This Ain’t Rocket Surgery: HPRs in Middle Tennessee Explained
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This Ain’t Rocket Surgery: HPRs in Middle Tennessee Explained

Cut through the legal jargon and understand Tennessee Horizontal Property Regimes in plain English. Whether you're buying, selling, or financing, here's what actually matters about Horizontal Property Regimes—and why they're not as complicated as they sound.

Real Estate Wire Fraud Has Hit $500 Million: Here's How to Protect Yourself
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Real Estate Wire Fraud Has Hit $500 Million: Here's How to Protect Yourself

A prevention-focused guide revealing how real estate wire fraud has skyrocketed to $500 million in annual losses, with criminals using AI and deepfakes to target homebuyers. The article provides essential strategies to stop fraud before it happens—including verification protocols, warning signs, and technology solutions—specifically for Tennessee's real estate market. Emphasizes that prevention is the only guaranteed protection against losing your life savings during a home purchase.

The Terms That Actually Matter: Essential Real Estate Vocabulary
General

The Terms That Actually Matter: Essential Real Estate Vocabulary

Learn essential real estate terms explained in plain English by attorney Jim Vanderpool. After 25 years and thousands of closings, discover why understanding terms and documents like promissory notes, warranty deeds, closing disclosures, and title insurance matters. From mortgage underwriting to HOA fees, get clear definitions that eliminate confusion and protect your investment.

For Sale By Scammer:How Criminals Are Stealing Properties Across America in 2025
Legal Tips

For Sale By Scammer:How Criminals Are Stealing Properties Across America in 2025

Real estate attorney Jim Vanderpool reveals how criminals are stealing vacant land by impersonating owners—a scam that's exploded from 22 Tennessee cases in 2022 to all 50 states. Includes critical red flags, enhanced verification protocols, and why realtors must demand two forms of ID for rushed vacant land sales.