News + Publications
News + Publications

ALTA’s publications and news center brings the latest information affecting the title and settlement services industry to ALTA members. Whether you are looking for industry news, practical insights on issues affecting title insurance or our suite of legal and regulatory publications we have the news you need.
- TitleNews Magazine
  The industry's essential news magazine contains vital information and analysis for industry professionals.
- Industry News
  Twice a week, the top stories impacting the title insurance industry.
- Legal + Regulatory Publications
  Practical legal analysis of claims and court decisions related to the title insurance industry.
- Title Protects
  Members of the title insurance industry work daily to assist consumers in purchasing new homes and enhancing their communities.
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- Consumers: What to Expect at Closing
  HomeClosing101.org
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Advocacy
Advocacy

ALTA represents its members on a national and state level by working closely with members of Congress, state legislatures and regulators to advocate on behalf of the land title industry.
- Advocacy Issues
- Title Insurance Political Action Committee (TIPAC)
  TIPAC is the only PAC that directly represents the interest of the title industry in our nation's political system.
- Title Action Network (TAN)
  TAN is the premier grassroots organization promoting the value of the land title insurance industry.
- State Legislation Tracking Map
Events
Events

ALTA, along with affiliated land title associations, organizes dozens of world-class meetings each year. Each event is an opportunity for you to learn from industry experts, meet industry vendors and network with your peers.
Career + Learning
Career + Learning

Since 1971 ALTA has been the source of practical knowledge and skill-based training solutions for the title insurance industry. ALTA is dedicated to providing cutting edge educational solutions to our members through several options.
- National Title Professional Designation
  The National Title Professional (NTP) Designation is designed to recognize land title professionals
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Membership
Membership

ALTA is committed to your professional development. By becoming a member of ALTA, not only do you strengthen the industry’s future, you gain access to valuable resources to help your company differentiate itself in the market.
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  Gain access to valuable resources to help your company differentiate itself in the market.
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  On this page, you can find information on engagement groups, their members and responsibilities.
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  You will NOT receive member benefits. ALTA is no longer utilizing an occasional use waiver as a part of the Policy Forms Licensing structure for 2024 and going forward. The Policy Forms License for limited use can be acquired for $50.
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  As an ALTA member you join a family of dedicated professionals working to improve the land title industry. On this page you will find a list of the many items available to you as an ALTA Member.
- Frequently Asked Questions
  Interested in becoming a member of ALTA? Get answers to some of the questions we are often asked.
Business Ops
Business Ops

ALTA’s primary purpose is to help our title industry members succeed professionally. ALTA has cultivated several tools to help ALTA members measure, improve and grow their business. ALTA’s suite of tools can help you at any stage of your business venture.
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Policies + Standards
Policies + Standards

One of ALTA’s main reasons for existing is to provide the title and settlement industry with industry-specific policy forms and standards that help the industry stay compliant with current regulations.
- Policy Forms
  This site provides access to the ALTA® collection of forms and related documents to ALTA Members, Licensees, and Subscribers.
- Best Practices
  Resources and tools for implementing the ALTA Best Practices standards.
About
About

Founded in 1907 and headquartered in Washington, D.C., ALTA is the national trade association and voice of title insurance agents, abstracters* and underwriters are Active Members, ranging from small, one-county operations, to large national title insurers in the united states.
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Topics
Topics

In our topics collection, you can stay up to speed on the most relevant issues in our industry—and learn how ALTA is engaged. Visit a topic page to find all the information ALTA has on that subject—from a summary to relevant events, educational resources, consumer and client-facing materials, business resources, and advocacy information.
- Title Waiver Pilot
  The Biden Administration released a plan aimed at lowering housing costs that includes a pilot to waive the requirement for lender’s title insurance on certain refinances. ALTA called the announcement a political gesture offering a false promise of savings for homeowners while exposing consumers, lenders and taxpayers to greater financial risk.
- Digital Closings
  ALTA strives to help members identify the benefits and risks associated with digital closings in order to put the industry in the best position to solve problems and inspire innovative ideas. ALTA is your source for tools and education about digital closings.
- Artificial Intelligence
  Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as a transformative force in the title insurance and settlement services sector, providing a diverse array of capabilities to enhance both efficiency and productivity.
- Cybersecurity
  Cybersecurity is a critical topic for the land title insurance and settlement industry and an ongoing threat to every title operation regardless of size, location or years in business.
- Wire Fraud
  Wire fraud is one of the biggest threats in the title industry. ALTA members must be aware of this threat and of the resources available to fight the fraud. This page includes many resources, tools and articles to help protect your company and customers from fraud.
- Financial Crimes Enforcement Network
  The proposed rule by U.S. Treasury Department’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) will require title and settlement companies nationwide to report information about all-cash residential transactions nationwide involving legal entities and trusts.

Industry News

Cendant Settlement Services expands in South

March 21, 2006

Acquires assets of Mid South Title Agency

Inman News

Cendant Settlement Services Group, a subsidiary of Cendant Corp., on Monday announced that it has acquired the assets of Mississippi-based Mid South Title Agency Inc. and its affiliates Mid South Title Agency of Alabama Inc., Nationwide Title and Closing Services Inc. and Southern Closing Services Inc.

CSSG purchased the assets from Fred Ross Jr., Mid South's owner and founder.

Mid South Title Agency, based in Jackson, Miss., and its affiliates are licensed and operating in seven states. The terms of the transaction were not disclosed and the transaction is not expected to have a material impact on the financial results of either Cendant or its Real Estate Services Division, according to a press statement.

Mid South Title Agency will now operate as part of Apex Real Estate Information Services, a wholly owned subsidiary of CSSG that is licensed and operating in 35 states, including each of the states where Mid South Title Agency does business: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee.

This acquisition gives Cendant Settlement Services Group a direct title operation in Mississippi with coverage extending throughout the Mid-South region. More importantly, it enables CSSG to directly manage the network of closing agents who provide service to Cendant Mobility customers.

Founded in 1991 as Southern Closing, Inc., the company began operating under the Mid South Title Agency name in 1994 to more accurately reflect its expanding regional market place. The company has provided title and closing services to Cendant Mobility for the past 14 years and is currently serving as one of its eight regional closing offices. Cendant Mobility, another unit of Cendant's Real Estate Services Division, is a relocation services provider to corporate, government and affinity clients.

Laurel, N.J.-based Cendant Settlement Services Group is a national title and settlement services company.

Copyright 2006 Innam News

Contact ALTA at 202-296-3671 or [email protected].