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Seller Impersonation Fraud Education Resources
Sophisticated fraudsters are using the real property owners' Social Security and drivers' license numbers in transactions, as well as legitimate notary credentials, to commit seller impersonation fraud and illegally sell commercial or residential property. ALTA has created several handouts to educate your staff and consumers about this threat. There also is a document that ALTA members can customize and is available in several languages.
Georgia Law Requires Proper ID When Filing Documents
A law that went into effect Jan. 1 requires a process to validate a person’s identity when any real estate or property records are filed. Under Georgia HB 1292, self-filers must do so via electronic filing. A self-filer is anyone who is not an insurance agent, attorney, bank or credit union agent, mortgage lender or servicer, land surveyor or public official. The self-filer must provide any information requested, including their driver’s license, passport, military identification card or another type of personal ID card.
Guarding Your Closing Funds: Strategies to Combat Wire Fraud
Listen to this webinar recording as experts examine emerging fraudulent schemes, including the use of AI deepfake technology and seller impersonation, and provide essential strategies for companies to protect themselves and their clients.
Closinglock Secures $34 Million in Series B Funding
Closinglock said the new financing, which was led by Sageview Capital and supported by Headline and RWT Horizons, will advance the company’s mission to power and protect U.S. real estate transactions by securing the transfer of funds and information.
Qualia Acquires RamQuest, E-Closing
The deal allows Qualia to expand the capabilities of title production offerings, which Old Republic will use to support its direct division, agents and customers.
Discover Market Trends with Compass President Neda Navab at ALTA EDge
March 19-21, 2025 | Louisville, Ky | Register Today
Discover your professional edge at ALTA EDge, your new spring conference designed to provide title professionals with the tools and knowledge to thrive. Taking place March 19-21 in Louisville, Ky., ALTA EDge offers sessions tailored to industry challenges and opportunities, including a must-see general session sponsored by the FNF Family of Companies.
Old Republic Reports 2024 Earnings
Old Republic International Corp. reported its title insurance segment generated $144.1 million in pretax income during 2024. This compared to pretax income of $133.5 million in 2023.
ALTA, Housing Trade Groups Applaud Reintroduction of Bipartisan Congressional Real Estate Caucus
ALTA along with 13 housing trade groups thanked U.S. Reps. Mark Alford (R-Mo.), Tracey Mann (R-Kan.), Luis Correa (D-Calif.) and Brittany Pettersen (D-Colo.) for reintroducing the Bipartisan Congressional Real Estate Caucus. Last year, the caucus urged the FHFA to halt its misguided title insurance waiver pilot until the agency solicits public input and thoroughly vets the program.
U.S. Supreme Court Allows Corporate Transparency Act Enforcement
Following the ruling, however, FinCEN on Jan. 24 issued guidance that reporting companies are not currently required to file beneficial ownership information with FinCEN despite the ruling in the Texas Top Cop Shop case due to a separate nationwide order issued by a different federal judge in Texas.
ALTA Joins Letter in Call for National Data Privacy Law
ALTA joined 37 other organizations in a letter requesting Congress take legislative action to develop a comprehensive national privacy law. The letter outlines several principles that should be included in the development of the privacy standard.
NotaryCam Reports Record Year for RON Transactions
NotaryCam, a Stewart-owned company, reported it completed more than 154,000 remote online notarizations (RON) in 2024.
2025 Market Outlook: Insights and Projections
The economic and housing landscapes remain at the forefront of conversations about growth, stability and opportunity. During an ALTA Insights webinar, Odeta Kushi, deputy chief economist at First American Financial Corp., analyzed economic indicators, mortgage rate projects, housing inventory forecasts and market dynamics that will affect title order volume.
Why AI Will Actually Restore Some of Our Humanity
Occasionally, a tool emerges that helps civilization make a quantum leap forward. The automobile. The telephone. The personal computer. The internet. The smart phone. The rise of AI is undoubtedly one of these watershed moments in history. AI could bring more opportunity for people to “untether” themselves from once unavoidable and inescapable tasks, such as responding to floods of routine emails. Along the way, the rise of AI could actually restore some of our humanity.
Fannie Mae: Higher Mortgage Rates Likely to Keep Existing Home Sales Near Multi-decade Lows
The recent jump in the 10-year Treasury yield and the resulting rise in mortgage rates are expected to continue to weigh on existing home sales in the near future, likely keeping them at or near their lowest level since 1995, according to the January 2025 commentary from the Fannie Mae Economic and Strategic Research (ESR) Group.
Hear the Maker’s Mark Story at ALTA EDge
Join us at ALTA EDge for a captivating general session, sponsored by the FNF Family of Companies! Rob Samuels, the eighth-generation distiller behind the world-renowned Maker’s Mark bourbon, will take on the main stage to share his extraordinary story of one of the whiskey industry’s most iconic brands. Register Today
First American Recognized as Top Innovative Company
First American Financial Corp. was named the silver winner in the Most Innovative Company of the Year (large company) category at the Best in Biz Awards. The 14th annual program saw competition among hundreds of entries from public and private companies, representing all industries and regions in the United States and Canada.
SoftPro Enhances Integration With Proof
SoftPro's latest integration with Proof encompasses new features including identity verification, identity-verified eSignatures and standalone eSignatures. The extended integration means users can now order identity verification for buyers, sellers and borrowers without leaving the SoftPro platform.
CFPB Report Examines Risks of Home Equity Contracts
These contracts—often called home equity “investments” (HEIs)—are relatively new financial products in which homeowners get an upfront payment from a company and, in exchange, must repay a single lump sum repayment in the future that is based, in part, on the home’s value. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's report details how these products often come with non-standardized disclosures, carry high costs and have other traits that can make them risky for consumers, especially when these agreements become due.
Amrock Rebranding as Rocket Overhauls Identity
As part of the overarching "Rocket" brand, the company also is rebranding key businesses as part of its evolution. Amrock, Rocket’s national title producer, settlement provider and appraisal management company, will be changed to Rocket Close. Additionally, Amrock Title Insurance Co. has relaunched as Rocket Title Insurance Co.
DataTrace Expands Automated Title Search, Adds New Search Functionality
DataTrace expanded its automated title search to nearly 1,000 counties and launched significant enhancements to its data and product lines. The expanded automated title search capabilities are available via TitleIQ Search Automation, with additional title search access through the DataTrace System (DTS) and through the DataTrace Digital Gateway.
Elite Provider Profile: SoftPro
The ALTA Elite Provider Program features distinguished service providers committed to furnishing extensive benefits to the title insurance and settlement services industry. SoftPro has renewed as an ALTA Elite Provider for the 10th year. SoftPro’s systems address ALTA Best Practices Pillar 2—to maintain appropriate controls for escrow trust accounts; Best Practices Pillar 3—to maintain a written privacy program to protect NPI; Best Practices Pillar 4—to adopt standard real estate settlement procedures; and Best Practices Pillar 5—to maintain procedures for title policy production, delivery, reporting and premium remittance. SoftPro offers 20% off any new license fees for current ALTA members through the ALTA Elite Provider program.
H.B. Wilkinson Title Establishes Terrie Miller Title Agent Designation Course Scholarship
This annual scholarship, created in partnership with the Illinois Land Title Association, will honor the life, legacy and contributions of the late Terrie Miller IEP, ITP, NTP, a dedicated professional and volunteer in the title insurance industry for over 30 years.
Special Pricing for ALTA Advocacy Summit Ends Friday
Washington, D.C. | May 5-7, 2025 | Get Discounted Rate
The United States officially has a new president and Congress, bringing fresh challenges and opportunities. At the ALTA Advocacy Summit, May 5-7 in Washington, D.C., you’ll have the chance to ensure the concerns of title professionals are heard loud and clear. Register before Jan. 31 to unlock exclusive pricing!
First American Donates to Los Angeles Wildfire Relief
First American Financial Corp. made a $25,000 donation to the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) Foundation, while the company's employees donated more than $20,000 to the American Red Cross through a fundraising drive. Additionally, First American launched an initiative to provide wildfire victims with free access to property deeds that may have been lost to the wildfires.
HUD to Modify Procedures for Partial Claim Payoffs, Extend Recording Time
In a draft Mortgagee Letter, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development announced it will extend the time allowed to record partial claim security instruments. The agency also will establish a new procedure for mortgagees to obtain and provide partial claim payoff statements.
ALTA Insights: 2025 Housing Market Forecast
Listen to this webinar recording to learn key trends that will shape the 2025 housing market. Odeta Kushi, deputy chief economist at First American Financial Corp., analyzes economic indicators, mortgage rate projects, housing inventory forecasts and market dynamics that will affect title order volume.
First American Names President of Direct Operations
Most recently, Jim Dulle served as senior vice president and managing director of First American Title's Direct Division. Janette Waller, who previously served as the Direct Division president, will support the transition and remain with the company through March 2025 before retiring.
Sing, Dance and Howl with Good Deeds!
The spotlight is calling! Join us at Howl at the Moon for a night of unforgettable live entertainment, all in support of the ALTA Good Deeds Foundation.
President Profile: Building on ALTA’s Legacy of Leadership, Integrity and Innovation
Richard Welshons grew up in Hastings, Minn., the same town where his dad and grandmother were born and raised. His father, Paul, and grandfather, Amos, formed Dakota County Abstract Co. (DCA) in 1957. Welshons is ready to take the industry to new heights serving as ALTA’s president for the 2024-2025 association year. With more than 40 years of experience in the title insurance industry, he brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership to the role. Read on to learn more about Welshons and his priorities for 2025.
ALTA Foundation Donates $10K Toward Los Angeles Fire Relief
The ALTA Good Deeds Foundation awarded a $10,000 emergency grant to the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) Foundation to help support local firefighters during the massive fires across Los Angeles County that started on Jan. 7. The LAFD Foundation supports the 3,500 firefighters, paramedics and sworn personnel who risk their lives to keep Los Angeles safe.
RTP Payments Volume Jumps 94% in 2024
The Clearing House reported its RTP network reached $246 billion in 2024. On Feb. 9, the individual transaction limit on the network will increase to $10 million from $1 million.
Utah Regulator Fines Title Companies for Closing Deals Without Lender’s Policies
The Utah Insurance Department in November took regulatory action against three title companies for violating state law by closing transactions without issuing lender’s title insurance policies.
CertifID Acquires Paymints.io
With the addition of digital payments via its acquisition of Paymints.io, CertifID extends the protection it provides customers in combatting cybercrime and delivering safe closing experiences for clients.
Captivate Your Audience at ALTA EDge
Give the people what they want! In-person event attendees crave interaction, with 75% preferring live demonstrations or hands-on activities over other learning formats. This insight from the 2024 Freeman Trends Report highlights a major opportunity for your business.
Understanding the Role of Attorneys General and Impact on Title Industry
1:00-2:00 p.m. ET | Tuesday, Feb. 11 | Register Today
State attorneys general play an increasingly important role in enforcing consumer protection laws and establishing standards that impact a broad swath of companies. Register for this free webinar to learn how these state enforcers can affect business.
ALTA Updates Several TIRS State Compliance Guides
Gain exclusive access to the most comprehensive collection of regulatory information and practices available in the title industry! The TIRS State Compliance Guides will save you valuable time while providing you with the support you need to be compliant. ALTA recently updated the guides for Florida, Georgia, Illlinois and New York.
Stewart Promotes Kightlinger to Chief Underwriting Counsel
In this role, Wilhelmina Kightlinger will focus on strengthening the company’s corporate underwriting capacity and growing Stewart’s footprint in underrepresented markets. As Kightlinger steps into her new role, Jeremy Poetker has been promoted to chief underwriter for Stewart's National Commercial Services (NCS) division.
AmTrust Title Appoints Florida State Counsel
AmTrust Title Insurance Co. appointed Steven Presley as Florida state counsel to support the underwriter’s continued expansion in the state.
Unlocking the Potential: Practical Uses of AI
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has moved beyond the realm of science fiction and academic research to become a key player in the modern business landscape. Title companies, among other industries, are beginning to recognize the transformative potential of AI. Read on to learn practical ways title companies are using AI and how this technology is driving efficiency and improving customer service.
Volly Launches Marketing Automation Suite
Volly, a subsidiary of Williston Financial Group (WFG), released a new marketing automation suite to support collaborations between loan officers and real estate professionals.
Room Block Closing for ALTA Commercial Network
Designed exclusively for commercial title professionals, the ALTA Commercial Network, being held Feb. 16-18, at The DeSoto Hotel in Savannah, Ga., delivers tailored education, peer-led discussions and invaluable connections that will help you stay ahead in the new year. The room block closes Jan. 16.
First American Partners With Simplex 3D to Offer 3D Platform for NYC Metro
Through the strategic relationship, First American will leverage the Simplex 3D platform to augment automation efforts and accelerate informed analysis, forecasting and decision-making.
From Vision to Reality: Inspiring Change Management in the Age of AI
1:00-2:00 p.m. ET | Monday, Feb. 10 | Register Today
The use of artificial intelligence (AI) is changing our personal lives and how we conduct business. To keep pace, leaders in the title industry should focus on strategies and techniques for guiding an organization through a significant change in its leadership approach or overall direction. Register for this CertifID-sponsored ALTA Insights webinar to get a better understanding of human behavior and the strategic steps necessary to adopt AI effectively.
Old Republic Forms Cyber and Tech Company
Old Republic Cyber Inc. will focus on providing specialized cyber- and technology-related coverage. The company will be led by CJ Pruzinsky as president and Kevin McGowan as executive vice president and chief underwriting officer.
The Docket: Arizona Appeals Court Affirms Responsibilities of Closing Agents
Michael R. O’Donnell, co-managing partner of the law firm Riker Danzig LLP, and Shelley Wu, an associate with the firm, provided today’s review of a decision by an Arizona Appeals Court that affirmed the dismissal of negligence and breach of duty claims against a settlement/escrow agent. Read on to learn why this ruling is important to the title industry.
ALTA Policy Forms Update
The ALTA Board of Governors in October approved a recommendation to adopt revisions to the 2021 ALTA Forms Collection, as well as the approval of two new Collateral Assignment endorsements. The forms are now final and went into effect Jan. 2 after going through a comment period.
ALTA Congratulates Latest NTP Designees
Thomas Hamauei of Bayou Title Inc. in Shreveport, La., and Thomas Imperiale of Agents National Title Insurance Co., join the list of title professionals who have earned their national title professional designation (NTP).
Community Title Network Acquires Competitor
Maryland-based Community Title Network LLC recently made its eighth acquisition with the purchase of Apex Settlement Services LLC.
Is Google Calendar the New Phishing Playground?
Many title professionals rely on Google Calendar for scheduling, reminders and staying organized in their personal lives. Unfortunately, cybercriminals have discovered a clever method to exploit this popular tool though phishing Google Calendar invites. Genady Vishnevetsky, chief info security officer for Stewart Title Guaranty Co. and chair of ALTA's Information Security Work Group, details how this attack is carried out.
Open Holdings Invests in First Title and Escrow
Staffing and recruiting company Open Holdings LLC recently made an investment in Maryland-based First Title & Escrow. First Title & Escrow will continue to be managed by its longstanding president, Stephen Papermaster, and Chief Operating Officer Pamela Gibbons.