September 2011

FEATURED ARTICLE

How Do Your Operations Measure Up?

By Jeremy Yohe | American Land Title Association (ALTA)
Unlike insurance agents who sell other forms of insurance, title insurance agents spend the majority of their time and resources preventing claims and protecting homeowners' property rights. While members of the industry know this, many outside the industry do not. Policymakers don't understand the majority of the one-time title insurance premium covers the cost to discover, identify and repair events that occurred in the past. There's little knowledge that before a policy is issued, a title agent examines the history of a property contained in public records, scrutinizing prior deeds or mortgages, divorce decrees, court judgments, delinquent taxes and child and spousal support payments, vesting, covenants, conditions and restrictions, general encumbrances and utility or other kinds of easements.

Find out how you compare as ALTA’s latest Abstracter and Title Agent Operations Survey measures operating statistics and curative actions. Read the full article.

BUSINESS & INDUSTRY NEWS

 
 

Top 10 Lawsuits Impacting the Title Industry 

By the American Land Title Association (ALTA)
A mortgage market scuttling along the bottom mixed with complex legislative and regulatory changes continue to create difficult operating conditions for title companies. An active judicial system constantly scrutinizing the title insurance industry provides another Molotov cocktail, as several court cases handed down over the past year could severely impact the title insurance industry. To keep industry members abreast of what's happening in court rooms across the country; ALTA's Title Counsel Committee members provided a synopsis of 10 lawsuits they believe have significant ramifications on the title insurance industry. Read the full story.

TLTA Renews Commitment to Help Save Historic Texas Courthouses

With more historic county courthouses than any other state, Texas is privileged to house more than 235 temples of justice that are at least 50 years old. The Texas Historical Commission’s (THC) award-wining Texas Historic Courthouse Preservation Program has enabled the complete restoration of more than 50 of these structures, but the continued support of the TLTA ensures these beautiful buildings maintain their newly restored glory.
Now in its sixth year of commitment, TLTA has provided grants enabling the THC to offer its successful Texas Courthouse Stewardship Workshop program. TLTA has recommitted a generous grant for the 2012 workshop, renewing its support to this unique public/private partnership that provides needed training and technical assistance to newly restored historic county courthouses. A press release about the program issued by the THC and was recently featured in newspapers across the state.

TLTA Members Keri Roberts and Clyde Cockrum, Mills County Abstract & Title Company, attended a THC re-dedication ceremony for the Mills County Courthouse on August 27. The first Mills County Courthouse was built in 1890, but burned down in 1913. The county hired noted San Antonio architect Henry T. Phelps to design the new courthouse. Phelps chose the Classical Revival style for the three-story structure with basement, using a rectangular form, a central, ornamental pediment and fluted, engaged columns. Read more about the Courthouse Preservation Program. You may also view TLTA members and their courthouses here.

TDI Moving to New Web Address

Update your bookmarks! The Texas Department of Insurance website is moving to www.tdi.texas.gov. The old address, www.tdi.state.tx.us, will continue during a transition period, but you should update saved links and bookmarks as soon as possible.

TDI Has Job Opening for Program Specialist in Title Division

The Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) is seeking to fill a Program Specialist II position in the Title Division. Two years of title or real estate experience is required. View the full job posting.

MEETING YOUR NEEDS - TLTA TOOLS & RESOURCES

 

 
Distinguish Yourself With TLTA Certification 

Demonstrate your expertise to clients as a TLTA Certified Title Professional and become part of an elite group of title professionals. Certification testing is available across the state this fall, and it's not too late to sign up. Start the TLTA Professional Certification process today by visiting the links below or contact our staff Certification specialist, Kim Schoppert at 512.472.6593. 

Test Dates and Locations

October 11 - Houston

October 13 - DFW
November 9 - Tyler  Application Deadlines
September 27 - Houston/DFW
October 18 – Tyler
 
How Do I Get Started?|Certification Designations|Certification Study Resources



Plan to attend this live seminar featuring important title industry topics that will help you become more effective and efficient during your busy work day!

Expert speakers Janet Minke, CTIA, Alliant National Title Insurance Company, and Richard Melamed, Attorney at Law, Bellaire, will take you through key topics, including:

Comprehending and Utilizing Endorsements 
Commitment and Policy Preparation
Involuntary Liens
Lender’s Closing Documents and Correction Documents
Up to 4 hours of Escrow, MCLE and/or MCE credit are available!


Detailed Information | Register Online | Download .PDF Registration Form


Stick around after the seminar for TLTA’s Regional Town Hall Meeting where we'll update you on issues of vital concern to the industry, including important information on legislation passed during the recent 82nd Legislative Session and how they will impact your business. We'll also update you on what's happening at TDI and what's coming out of Washington D.C. Seminar attendees receive a $5 discount off the Regional Town Hall Meeting fee - register here.

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

 
 

Dawn Bowers, Customer Advocate, University Title Company

Chair, TLTA's Marketing and Communications Committee

How did you get started in the title industry?
First American Title Company hired me as their receptionist in Newport, Oregon in February 1998. Tony Hale, the branch manager, shared later that he hired me because I had a Texas accent, and he always liked the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders.

What are some of the biggest challenges you face as a title professional?
Consoling clients who are angry for reasons far beyond my control is incredibly challenging.

What’s the most unusual situation you’ve encountered in the title industry?
A client walked out of his closing and collapsed to the floor on his way to the lobby. University Title Company later learned that he had a massive heart attack. His collapse to the floor jarred his heart hard enough to get it going again. Needless to say, we now have several CPR certified staff members.

Who is your mentor?
Celia Goode-Haddock is my mentor. I am grateful to learn from her personally and professionally.

Why are you a TLTA Individual Member?
TLTA protects the industry that I love and depend upon for my livelihood.

What is the best professional development advice you’ve gotten lately?
Invest in personal relationships with individuals. The sales will take care of themselves.

Name 3 artists in your IPod?
Addison Road, Alice in Chains, Wade Bowen

What’s your biggest guilty pleasure?
Chocolate chip cookie dough!

What is your favorite thing about TLTA?
Innovation is my favorite thing about TLTA! I appreciate that my Association is always looking for new ideas and ways to protect my business and make the most out of membership.

  
NEWS FROM THE TLTA COMMUNITY

 

In Memorium: Shirley Reader

Born in Austin, Texas on October 14, 1934, Shirley A. Reader passed from this world on August 13, 2011. The family requests that memorials be sent to South Texas Children’s Home at P.O. Box 1210, Beeville, TX 78104 or to the charity of your choice.

Shirley recently retired from the land title business after many years as an active escrow officer, abstractor and title examiner. She was a teacher and mentor in the land title industry for many years, and was a very active TLTA member, serving on dozens of committees and task forces. She also received TLTA’s President’s Award in 2006 for her significant contributions to the Texas land title industry. Read the full obituary.

Westcor Names George Stablein State Manager

Westcor Land Title Insurance Company recently announced the addition of George Stablein as Texas State Manager and Counsel. Stablein has over 14 years of experience in the Texas land title industry. Joel Meadows will continue to serve the state as Agency Representative. View the full company statement.

R.L. "Burr" Buckalew Joins StarTex Title Co.

Houston-based StarTex Title Co. recently announced R.L. “Burr” Buckalew has joined the firm as executive vice president and commercial escrow officer. In this role, he will manage the escrow operations at the firm’s downtown location and be responsible for closing commercial real estate transactions. View the full company press release.

Corridor Names New Escrow Officer, Area Manager

Corridor Title recently welcomed Escrow Officer Brandi Wheeler to their team. She has over 11 years of title industry experience and will assist Corridor’s Vice President, Sharon Herbert. Sherry Merritt also recently joined Corridor as the title company’s San Marcos area manager. She has over 30 years of experience in the Title, Banking, and Mortgage Industries, and most recently served as market president of a respected bank in Lockhart.


View Brandi Wheeler's Company Press Release | View Sherry Merritt's Company Press Release

 

Mary Beth Kiser Elected to TSAE Board

TLTA is pleased to announce that Senior Vice President and COO Mary Beth Kiser (far right in photo) was recently installed on the Board of Directors of the Texas Society of Association Executives (TSAE) during their annual conference in Houston. TSAE serves those who are engaged in the management of voluntary trade and professional organizations in Texas. 

Mary Beth is a native of Beaumont, Texas, and a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin. She has been with TLTA since 2003 and in 2009, she achieved the designation of Certified Association Executive (CAE), from the American Society of Association Executives. She is also very active in volunteer leadership with TSAE, serving as a frequent speaker as well as chairing their Conference Committee last year and Education Committee this year.

CLASSIFIEDS

 
 

Ruidoso, NM Title Company for Sale

For Sale – Leading title company in Ruidoso, Lincoln County, New Mexico.

A fully automated title plant with a database from 1958 to present. 

Call 575-257-5555 for Truman Barnett, Owner, or email [email protected] for information