Industry News

White House Executive Order Includes Expansion of Title Acceptance Pilot; ALTA Stresses Consumer Protections

October 22, 2026

The White House issued an executive order signed by President Trump on Oct. 22 outlining several policy changes aimed at improving housing affordability, including a provision that would authorize the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) to expand its title acceptance pilot for eligible mortgage refinances into an ongoing program.  

The order authorizes FHFA Director Bill Pulte to expand the pilot nationwide through Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. The director could expand eligibility to refinance transactions with loan-to-value ratios above the pilot's current 80% limit when title risk remains low, according to the order. It also would allow additional title-assessment providers to participate in the program to promote competition.  

ALTA supports efforts to make homeownership more affordable but cautions that cost-reduction initiatives must preserve protections for homeowners and their property rights and not shift risk to consumers and taxpayers. 

“The administration’s focus on housing affordability and expanding opportunities for Americans to achieve the dream of homeownership is critical,” said ALTA CEO Chris Morton. “The title industry shares that commitment and continues to embrace innovation that lowers costs, improves efficiency and protects American homeowners. In fact, research shows that the inflation-adjusted cost of title insurance coverage declined 32% between 2016 and 2024."  

Meanwhile, 33% of respondents to a new survey of 1,000 Americans from Clever Real Estate believe mortgage lenders and banks are responsible for the housing affordability crisis. The survey also blamed corporate and institutional investors (37%) and homebuilders and developers (33%). 

ALTA Highlights Growing Fraud Risks 

ALTA also is emphasizing the risks associated with reducing title protections as fraud threats continue to grow. The association’s latest research found that 59% of surveyed title firms experienced seller impersonation fraud attempts in 2025, more than double the 28% reported in its 2024 survey. 

Fraud and forgery account for more than 40% of title insurance losses and expenses associated with mortgage refinances, according to ALTA. Average fraud and forgery claims tied to refinances approach $207,000, creating a substantial potential financial burden when title-related risks result in losses. 

“Any effort to make housing more affordable, however, must also preserve the essential consumer safeguards that protect Americans’ most valuable assets," Morton said. "Fraud is unaffordable, and the threats facing homeowners are growing. Research shows that seller impersonation fraud attempts have more than doubled in two years, and fraud and forgery claims associated with mortgage refinances average nearly $207,000. Now more than ever, we need to ensure that efforts to lower housing costs do not shift significant financial risks onto American families or the broader housing finance system."

ALTA argues that eliminating a title insurance requirement does not eliminate the underlying title risk. Instead, the association warns, reducing protections could shift financial exposure to homeowners, lenders and the broader housing market. 

Title Professionals Play a Key Role in Risk Prevention 

Title professionals help identify and resolve ownership issues, liens, fraud and other title defects before a real estate transaction closes. Title insurance also provides protection against covered losses that may arise from title problems. 

First American Financial Corp. estimates that the industry's work maintaining reliable property records mitigates between $600 billion and $900 billion in annual title risk exposure. 

The association has consistently engaged with lawmakers on Capitol Hill, the White House, lenders, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and FHFA to explain the value of title insurance and raise concerns about the pilot. 

The existing pilot, launched in 2024, allows certain eligible refinance loans to proceed without requiring a lender’s title insurance policy or an attorney opinion letter. The program is intended to test alternative ways to verify title on transactions considered to present low risk. FHFA has described the pilot as a way to explore potential savings for homeowners refinancing their mortgages.  

ALTA says technology and innovation can help streamline title searches and closings, improve fraud prevention and support lower costs. The association also points to the evolution of title insurance products and endorsements as examples of how the industry can adapt to changing market needs while maintaining protections. 

“Title professionals and title insurance are essential safeguards for American homeowners and the integrity of our nation’s housing market," Morton said. "We welcome the opportunity to continue advocating for policies that protect consumers and preserve the American dream of homeownership.”

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