Stride Sales Coach: https://go.retipster.com/stridesalescoach/yt-wV0N3rxeWno Stride CRM: https://go.retipster.com/stride/yt-wV0N3rxeWno In this video, I walk you through a game-changing tool we just launched: Stride Sales Coach. If you're a land investor or real estate professional who relies on phone conversations to close deals, this is for you. Instead of guessing how you did on a call, or paying thousands for a sales coach, this software automatically analyzes your recorded calls, […]

Listen as former CFPB attorney David Friend, owner of Friend Mortgage Consulting, explains the differences between two distinct types of mortgage fraud that have made headlines recently.

Stride Sales Coach: https://go.retipster.com/stridesalescoach/yt-RF9H3jZlqa0 Stride CRM: https://go.retipster.com/stride/yt-RF9H3jZlqa0 After every sales call, how do you really know if it went well? In this video, I show you how Stride Sales Coach can instantly review your sales calls, score them out of 10, and show you exactly what to say better next time. Whether you're a solopreneur or leading a full sales team, Stride helps you stop guessing and start improving, with no fluff, no […]

Rowland Title Company, Inc., a Cornerstone of Anderson and Madison County Announces Sale to Meridian Title Company

First American launches product to aid review process for home equity loans - The new title data-driven solution designed to accelerate collateral review on home equity loans while helping reduce title risk.

Old Republic’s title insurance revenue up year-over-year - Old Republic International Corp. reported title insurance revenue increased by 8 percent in the third quarter compared with the third quarter of 2024.

How will new credit scoring changes impact the real estate finance marketplace? - A longtime industry analyst had plenty of insight to share about recent changes in FICO’s approach to credit scoring.

Banking regulators are considering deposit insurance reform to better protect consumers and businesses. Congress is also considering deposit insurance reform through a proposed act titled the Main Street Depositor Protection Act (S.2999). The question is, who will the deposit insurance reforms really benefit? Is this reform focused on consumers and businesses or billionaires? This episode examines an article from the Epoch Times (subscription required) titled “Deposit insurance for […]

Mortgage fraud is back in the headlines — but understanding how it really happens requires a closer look. In this episode, attorney and former CFPB Senior Counsel David Friend joins host Mary Schuster to unpack the difference between “fraud for money” and “fraud for housing,” why proving intent is so difficult.

In this episode of the REconomy Podcast™, Chief Economist Mark Fleming and Deputy Chief Economist Odeta Kushi shine a light on the housing market’s scariest headlines, exposing the myths shrouding reality. They explain why slowing price growth, a modest uptick in delinquencies, and low sales volumes point to a market that’s steadily rebalancing, rather than crashing. Don’t miss a single REconomy episode, subscribe today: https://blog.firstam.com/reconomy-podcast

Flexible Pay, Flexible Culture: Supporting Work-Life Balance Through Compensation   In today’s workplace, employees are looking for more than just a paycheck. They’re seeking balance, flexibility, and a culture that supports their well-being. One way companies are meeting this need is by rethinking compensation strategies. Flexible pay models are quickly becoming a cornerstone of modern The post Supporting Work-Life Balance appeared first on Corporate Payroll Services.

The question of how much an executor of an estate is entitled to charge for their services is a common one, especially for individuals who are not named as beneficiaries in a will. In Texas, the compensation for an executor is governed by state law, which sets a maximum amount that is often far less than what people assume. The Statutory 5% Fee: Not What It Seems Texas law, specifically Texas Estates Code Section 352.002, allows an executor to receive a commission for their services. This […]

Knight Barry Title hires new branch manager - The employee will manage the Lake Geneva and Janesville offices in Wisconsin.

The Clearing House’s RTP network processes record number of transactions - The RTP network set a new single-day record, processing more than 1.8 million transactions valued at $5.2 billion.

Redfin: U.S. homes record lowest turnover rate in three decades - Twenty-eight out of every 1,000 homes have changed hands in 2025, according to Redfin.

title and escrow What is Annexation in Real Estate? And How Does it Work? Navigating the intricate landscape of real estate transactions, as title and escrow professionals know, can get complicated. Orchestrating property closings with precision and expertise is a must, but every now and then, you are likely to stumble upon a type of […]

title and escrow Guide to HOA Documents for Closing - Title and Escrow As an Escrow officer, dealing with HOA documents for closing might seem like a mundane and repetitive task. However, it is crucial to understand the importance of acquiring complete and accurate HOA documentation before closing. Failing to secure such can delay or […]

In this episode of Conversations with My Real Friends®, Jennifer Felten welcomes Emma DeRoche, Luxury Interior Designer and founder of Emma DeRoche Interior Design, to explore the art of “Managing Client Expectations in Interior Design.” Emma shares how building trust, listening actively, and clearly communicating what’s possible (and what’s not) are essential to a successful design experience. It’s about balancing realistic outcomes, creative vision, and the risks and rewards […]

First American marks a decade as one of Fortune’s Best Workplaces for Women - Great Place To Work and Fortune magazine selected First American as one of the 2025 Fortune Best Workplaces for Women

Vanguard Title celebrates first employee’s 20 years of service with firm - This staffer has worked with both commercial and residential clients, providing guidance on transactions of all sizes and complexities.

SoftPro chosen as finalist for NC TECH Awards - The firm was selected as a finalist in the Culture & People in Tech category for the awards that are being presented by the North Carolina Technology Association.

According to an FBI report, bank robberies in the U.S. have declined from a high of approximately 9,500 in 1992 to less than 1,400 in 2023. Why have bank robberies decreased? This episode reviews are article from Investopedia titled “The death of the bank heist: Where have all the bank robbers gone?” This article presented five theories, 1) not a big enough payout, 2) fewer targets, 3) easier to get caught, 4) tougher prison sentences, and 5) better alternatives. A link to the article is […]

In this episode of closing time, John Williams CEO and Founder of Bluegrass Land Title. As one of the largest agents in the Midwest, John has seen many interesting closings throughout his career. He shares one of the most memorable he handled for a newlywed couple and how he pivoted from his initial dream of a career in hospitality to finally landing in the title insurance industry. Watch part 1 to hear how John went from thinking "title" was something only relating to cars to owning his own […]

In this forward-looking episode, host Ann Allard sits down with Nate Baker, CEO and Founder of Qualia, to discuss the transformative power of AI in the real estate and title industries. Nate shares how Qualia is leveraging AI to streamline workflows and improve the closing experience—and how its strategic partnership with Old Republic Title is driving innovation across the industry. Tune in for a behind-the-scenes look at the evolving technology landscape, what’s coming next, and how agents […]

In the second part of this episode of "Closing Time," Iain Bryan, Group President of Stewart Agency Services, discusses company culture and expansion with Amy Gregory, President of Florida Agency Network. As a fast-growing company, Florida Agency Network has used opportunity and innovation to expand and diversify services for its clients while investing in company culture and its employees. Starting as an office manager at one of Florida Agency Network's, Amy's current role as President […]

In this episode of the REconomy Podcast™, Deputy Chief Economist Odeta Kushi and Senior Commercial Economist Xander Snyder break down whether the commercial real estate market has reached peak distress, explaining why shifts in debt maturities, delinquency rates and sales activity across asset classes may offer a glimmer of optimism. Don’t miss a single REconomy episode, subscribe today: https://blog.firstam.com/reconomy-podcast

By Mike Trowbridge |  Vice President, Regional Agency Manager ALTA ONE in New York City was more than just another industry conference. For Westcor and our incredible network of title agents, it was a milestone moment—a chance to celebrate success, honor a remarkable legacy, and connect with the people who make our work meaningful. Honoring Mary O’Donnell’s Legacy One of the most memorable highlights of ALTA ONE was the tribute to our CEO and President, Mary […]

Paul F. AlphenMy cousin Vinnie, the retiring suburban real estate attorney, was on the Cape for a family wedding, so we made a point of getting together at my place after the festivities.  Vinnie had, perhaps, recently completed his final function as a practicing attorney, as an expert witness in a land use case. I took him for a boat ride around Waquoit Bay, to tear him away from my bourbon collection. “Paulie”, Vinnie bellowed, “I was on the stand for the better part of four […]

  Withholding Forms ScenariosWithholding Form - Maine Withholding Form - Rhode Island Withholding Form - Vermont ·       REBA Letter

In the real estate industry, establishing a distinct and trustworthy brand is essential for title agents who want to stand out. A strong brand identity does more than just make you memorable; it builds credibility with clients and partners, creating a foundation for long-term success. For independent agents, developing a personal brand is a powerful way to communicate your expertise, reliability, and unique value proposition in a crowded marketplace. It's about showcasing what makes your...

Presented by Michael S. McKay, Security Title Guarantee Corporation of Baltimore, Assistant State Manager Reading Between the Boundary Lines: What Your Land Survey Really Means…

SANTA ANA, Calif., Oct. 16, 2025 – First American Data & Analytics, a leading national provider of property-centric information, risk management and valuation solutions and a division of First American Financial Corporation (NYSE: FAF), today released its September 2025 Home Price Index (HPI) report. The report tracks home price changes less than four weeks behind real time at the national, state and metropolitan (Core-Based Statistical Area) levels and includes metropolitan price tiers […]

 Stephen Wiseman What is a preliminary injunction? A preliminary injunction is a tool used by litigants to obtain relief from thecourt prior to the resolution of a case on the merits. They are only appropriate in certain circumstances, where a party may be irreparably harmed if an injunction is not granted while the case is pending. Rule 65 of the Massachusetts Rules of Civil Procedure provides specific requirements governing the issuance of injunctions, including that the party […]

Bridget M. Rose Last April, the Boston launched a new Co-Purchasing Housing Pilot Program (“Program”). The Program, which is one of several initiatives adopted inaccordance with Mayor Wu’s Boston’s 2025 housing strategy, is a new loan program intended to improve homeownership opportunities by encouraging co-purchasing to permit multiple households to leverage their combined purchasing power to acquire multifamily properties. Zero-percent interest deferred loans, payable upon […]

 Katherine Prifti Ownership of real estate by religious organizations raises unique concerns for conveyancing attorneys. When insuring the title to property owned by a religious organization, it is crucial you determine the various approvals required – not to mention, who should be signing the deed or mortgage. This article will discuss several types of religious organizations and outline who the authorized parties are to convey real property.  In Massachusetts, a religious […]

In this eye-opening episode, host Ann Allard chats with Sue Morgan, who shares a not-so-sweet trip to the dentist—and the powerful customer service lessons it revealed. Sue reflects on how that uncomfortable experience translates to the way we treat clients in the title industry. With warmth and wisdom, she breaks down the do's and don'ts of customer care and reminds us why empathy, communication, and consistency matter more than ever.

Join Sarah and Matt in this spine-chilling Halloween special where they dive into the eerie world of real estate fraud where even the deceased aren't safe from scammers. From cyber criminals in hoodies to fraudsters trolling obituaries, this episode uncovers the dark and twisted tales of how properties are stolen using the identities of the dead. To stay ahead of fraud risks and cybercrimes in real estate, sign up for the First American CyberSmart Newsletter: […]

In this episode of the REconomy Podcast™, Chief Economist Mark Fleming and Deputy Chief Economist Odeta Kushi break down why Federal Reserve rate cuts don’t always translate into lower mortgage rates and how today’s complex economic environment may make the housing market less rate sensitive than many believe. Don’t miss a single REconomy episode, subscribe today: https://blog.firstam.com/reconomy-podcast

In this episode of the REconomy Podcast™, Chief Economist Mark Fleming and Deputy Chief Economist Odeta Kushi break down why Federal Reserve rate cuts don’t always translate into lower mortgage rates and how today’s complex economic environment may make the housing market less rate sensitive than many believe. Don’t miss a single REconomy episode, subscribe today: https://blog.firstam.com/reconomy-podcast

If you have not yet registered for the Annual Conference scheduled for Monday, April 20 and Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at The Jung Hotel in New Orleans,…

The cost of title insurance is based on the purchase price of your home as well as the state the property is located, so it will vary. According to one source*, in California the average homeowner’s title insurance policy cost is about $830 for a $200,000 home purchase. Title defects aren’t common, but when they do occur, the result can be serious. It could even result in the loss of the property!

If a defect is not discovered or is undiscoverable through the title search, and later causes a problem with the title, a title insurance policy helps cover the cost of resolving the issue. Of course, this is a simplified explanation of title insurance – defects in title can be very complicated. For example, a prior owner could have had unpaid property taxes, construction bills, or a previous unpaid mortgage! Any of these problems could result in a lien against the property. A lien is a […]

🏠 FinCEN Residential Real Estate Reporting: What’s Covered? The clock is ticking toward the implementation date of the FinCEN Residential Real Estate Rule! Doreen Strothman, Underwriting & Claims Counsel for Security Title Guarantee Corporation of Baltimore, breaks down what counts as a covered or reportable transfer under the rule. 👉 You’ll learn: Which property types qualify as residential real estate under the new rule What defines a “non-financed transfer” […]

October Research LLC Hosts Two Webinars This Month Q4 Economic Outlook featuring Sam Williamson 2 p.m. ET, Oct. 16th Join us for the next edition of the popular Economic Outlook series featuring First American’s Sam Williamson, where you’ll gain the timely insight needed to close out 2025 with confidence and prepare strategically for 2026. This webinar will break down the latest economic developments, including the recent […]

Dawn D. McDonald Problem: The covenants of our association prohibit pets.  An owner who moved in recently is blind and has a seeing-eye dog that she insists sheshould be allowed to keep. When the board cited her for violating the covenants and began fining her, she sued. Solution: This situation is not unusual, but can be problematic for boards, especially if they do not understand what the law requires. The federal and state fair housing laws require housing providers (including […]

By Steve Black |  Executive Vice President In the title insurance industry, unfortunately maintaining status quo is often the standard. But at Westcor, we think differently. We believe that to make a real impact, you need more than just an underwriter; you need a partner who is as committed to your success as you are. For independent title agents, the future is about leveraging technology and strategic partnerships to grow. That’s where we come in. Westcor is the insur-tech […]

 Dillon Brown  It has been said so often it is trite but nonetheless true:  An oral contract isn’tworth the paper it’s written on.  Also, true but not said nearly often enough:  A written lease isn’t worth much either if it doesn’t contain the language needed to protect the landlord. Residential Leases What should residential landlords not include in their leases?  Specifically, a newly-enacted Massachusetts law prohibits landlords from charging their broker’s […]

Larry A. Wasson, President of North Vernon Abstract Co. Inc., was recently presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Indiana Land Title Association (ILTA) at its annual President’s Banquet.

FinCEN Announces Postponement of Residential Real Estate Reporting Until March 1, 2026 WASHINGTON––To reduce business burden and ensure effective regulation, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) today announced that it will postpone reporting requirements of the Anti-Money Laundering Regulations for Residential Real Estate Transfers Rule (RRE Rule) until March 1, 2026. FinCEN is […]

In this must-hear episode, host Ann Allard is joined by Brad Hoeschen for an insider’s look at the latest FinCEN reporting requirements and what they mean for title professionals. Brad shares his expertise on the regulatory changes, how they’re being implemented, and what agents need to know to stay compliant. From practical tips to real-world scenarios, this conversation helps demystify a complex topic and empowers listeners to approach FinCEN with clarity and confidence. Update: Please […]

In this episode of the REconomy Podcast™, Chief Economist Mark Fleming and Deputy Chief Economist Odeta Kushi explore the state of housing affordability through the lens of history and even the NFL. They compare affordability levels today with those from the late 1970s and early 1980s, revealing why the “cheaper” homes of the past weren’t necessarily more affordable, and highlight the results of the 2025 Affordability Bowl, which ranks first-time home buyer affordability across NFL […]

What is title insurance, and why do you need it when buying a home? 🛡️ This video explains how title insurance protects homeowners from hidden defects in a property's title — even after a thorough title search. Learn the key differences between title insurance and other types of insurance, and why this one-time purchase is so valuable for peace of mind. Ideal for new buyers and anyone navigating the home buying process! #TitleInsurance #HomebuyerTips #RealEstateExplained […]

What exactly is a title when it comes to owning property? 🏡 In this quick explainer, we break down what “title” means in real estate, how the Chain of Title works, and why it’s essential to review a property's history before you buy. Learn how title searches help uncover potential problems — also known as defects — and how those can impact your ownership rights. Perfect for first-time homebuyers or anyone curious about the real estate process! #WhatIsTitle #RealEstateBasics […]

Article by Kay M. Creasman & John Mashack Overview: Over the years other VLTA Examiner articles and VLTA seminars have covered the basics of underwriting a commercial transaction, but agents experienced in residential matters now need additional information about the role of the escrow agent, instruction letters, title search issues, ALTA/NSPS surveys and endorsements specific to … Continue reading Commercial Transactions: Settlement Basics

Article by Becky Taylor, VLTA President Last year, we celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Virginia Land Title Association.  As we entered the 51st year of VLTA, we used the Power of the Past to Focus on the Future. To that end, in September 2024 the Board of Directors met for a two-day Strategic Planning Retreat … Continue reading VLTA 2025 Outgoing President’s Message From Becky Taylor

Share with VLTA what you’re doing in your community, your new jobs, promotions, retirements, milestones, professional accomplishments, good deeds, events, awards, or even a member advocacy story, or testimonial while you’re at it! News can include a relevant link to an article, blog post, press release, video, landing page, or website. S & T Law … Continue reading VLTA Members in Motion – September 2025

Article by Hayden-Anne Breedlove When a buyer, lender, or settlement agent asks, “Do we really need a survey?”, they’re rarely thinking about the downstream risks. Yet for Virginia title professionals, surveys are one of the most powerful tools for uncovering problems before they turn into litigation, coverage claims, or unmarketable title. The American Land Title … Continue reading Why ALTA®/NSPS Surveys Matter in Virginia Residential Real Estate Transactions

Article by Jerry C. Booth, Jr. I. Introduction A judicial tax sale is a legal process used to collect delinquent real estate taxes by selling the property through a proceeding in the local circuit court. The procedure is governed by Article 4 of Chapter 39, Title 58.1, et. seq, of the Code of Virginia.  The … Continue reading Guide to Judicial Tax Sales For Examiners & Underwriters in Virginia