While the long-standing trend has been to migrate to a centralized title model, we recently met with an industry friend that had just left a regional lender that had yet to convert. He estimated the lender is using 120+ title companies. We had a few immediate questions. 1) How in the world do you effectively […]
The Endless Benefits of a Centralized Title Model Read More »
The latest annual American Land Title Association (ALTA) One Conference was going to be held in New York, but, due to COVID-19, was held virtually. This year’s theme was “Tell Our Story.” ALTA President, Mary O’Donnell, encouraged all title professionals to tell our industry’s story to consumers: that we are bodyguards, private detectives and problem
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They say, ‘Necessity is the mother of invention.’ Truer words have never been spoken when it comes to how the mortgage industry has been flipped to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. Talk about a perfect storm, lowest mortgage rates in recorded history driving highest home refinancing volumes ever, with one MAJOR problem – national level
The Benefits and Future of Virtual Appraisal Inspections Read More »
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit and stay-at-home orders were passed, businesses were scrambling to figure out how to proceed with their transactions given the restrictions placed on in-person contact. This included the title and closing business. Some states had remote online notarization (RON) laws in place and some did not. Some registrars and clerks had
RON vs. RIN—What’s the Difference? Read More »
1. Mortgage rates remain favorable. Mortgage rates currently sit at 3.75% according to Freddie Mac’s most recent numbers and there seems to be a consensus by those in the lending arena, including Freddie Mac and MBA that rates will remain low next year—likely somewhere between 3.7% and 3.9%. Fannie Mae predicted even lower rates—between 3.5% and
2020 Real Estate Predictions Read More »
The American Land Title Association (ALTA) One 2019 Conference was held in Austin, Texas, the “live music capital of the world.” This year’s theme was “Unbound,” and with live music everywhere, Austin provided a perfect place to encourage everyone to break free of limitations and think outside the box. Outgoing ALTA President Cynthia Durham, NTP,
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Many real estate investors are familiar with the parameters and tax advantages of a Section 1031 tax-deferred exchange to defer the payment of capital gains taxes when exchanging certain qualifying property for other qualifying property. However, there is a newer investment concept that may prove to be just as advantageous to some investors—Opportunity Zones.
Opportunity Zones vs. 1031 Exchanges—Can They Co-exist? Read More »
All businesses must articulate their Value Proposition: What do they offer the marketplace and why should they be chosen over their competitors. At CSS, we know we must deliver to our customers superior results at a fair price. This is true for all of our title and valuation products in each of our service
3 Strategies to Great Customer Results! Read More »
Many in the lending community still harbor reservations over the use of electronic signatures and remote online notarizations. This article is intended to provide a brief overview of the benefits of using this technology and the legal foundation supporting its use. Hopefully, this background raises your comfort level and moves you to secure the benefits
Benefits of eSignatures, RON, and Electronic Recording Read More »
