Oct. 19, 2022
In This Issue:
- Early Voting for General Election Starts This Monday, Oct. 24
- Underwriters: TDI Issues 2021 Underwriter Data Call
- Members of Congress Send Concerns to FHFA Regarding Guidance on Use of Attorney Opinion Letters In Lieu of Title Insurance
- Cybersecurity Collaboration: Texas Information Sharing and Analysis Organization
- DocPrep: Defining Issues and Closing the Deal
Early Voting for General Election Starts This Monday, Oct. 24
TLTA | Oct. 19, 2022
Early voting for the upcoming General Election (i.e., the midterms) begins this Monday, Oct. 24 and runs through Nov. 4. Election Day is Nov. 8.
All U.S. representatives, state senators, and state representatives are up for election after the redrawing of political districts last year based on the 2020 census.
As always, if you would like to discuss any of the candidates on your ballot or the impact of this election on our industry, please contact TLTA's Government Affairs Director,
Aaron Day.
Early Voting: Oct. 24 - Nov. 4
General Election: Nov. 8
Who's on the ballot, where to vote and more »
Voter turnout in Texas is the among the lowest in the nation, so please make a plan to vote early, and be sure to remind your family, friends, neighbors and coworkers that voting is one of our nation's most cherished liberties.
Underwriters: TDI Issues 2021 Underwriter Data Call
Texas Dept of Insurance| Oct. 13, 2022
The Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) issued this mandatory data call under Insurance Code Section 2703.153, which requires title insurance underwriting companies to submit data to TDI annually. TDI uses this data to set title insurance premium rates, as required by Insurance Code Section 2703.151. This data call requests income, expense, and policy data from calendar year 2021.
Underwriter Data Call for 2021
Report File and Affidavit are due Dec. 5, 2022
Reporting period Jan. 1, 2021 - Dec. 31, 2021
Review TDI Commissioner's Bulletin Announcing the Call and Providing Instructions »
Members of Congress Send Concerns to FHFA Regarding Guidance on Use of Attorney Opinion Letters In Lieu of Title Insurance
TLTA | Oct. 19, 2022
U.S. Reps. Blaine Luetkemeyer (R-Mo.) and Brad Sherman (D-Calif.), sent a letter to the Federal Housing Financial Agency (FHFA) expressing concerns with recent guidance from Fannie and Freddie regarding use of attorney opinion letters in lieu of title insurance.
Read the Letter »
TLTA Editor's Note: The GSEs (who are regulated by FHFA) have been increasingly focused on housing affordability, and closing costs continue to be at the center of that affordability discussion. The Congressional letter cited above is responding, in part, to the following guidance from Fannie and Freddie:
Fannie Mae Issues Selling Guide Update Regarding Use of Attorney Title Opinion Letters. Tracks Changes Freddie Mac Made in 2020.
And, here's additional background on the ongoing affordability discussion at federal level:
FHFA Announces Intent to Establish a Federal Advisory Committee on Affordable, Equitable, and Sustainable Housing
Fannie Mae's Report: Barriers to Entry – Closing Costs for First-Time and Low-Income Homebuyers
Cybersecurity Collaboration: Texas Information Sharing and Analysis Organization
Texas Dept. of Information Resources | Oct. 17, 2022
In accordance with Texas Government Code Section 2054.0594, the Texas Department of Information Resources (DIR) created the Texas Information Sharing and Analysis Organization (TX-ISAO) to provide a forum for entities in Texas to share information regarding cybersecurity threats, best practices, and remediation strategies.
The TX-ISAO is open to any entity in Texas, including state agencies, local governments, public and private institutions of higher education, and the private sector.
Learn More From DIR »
DocPrep: Defining Issues and Closing the Deal
Our Popular Pre-Institute Program for Attorneys
Dec. 7, 2022
(the day before Institute)
This Pre-Institute course is designed to address title insurance questions that frequently arise in a closing and are presented to the lawyer representing a party. The speakers will address title insurance due diligence for the client and how to assure the best coverage and rates. Moreover, what if the insured does have a defect in title or an encumbrance – how should it be handled? Finally, this course provides an overview and practice tips for the preparation of legal documents to convey title, release encumbrances and cure title issues.
DocPrep CE Hours
MCLE and Escrow– 6.5 hours credit available (pending approval)
TREC - 6 hours credit available (pending approval)
Review DocPrep Schedule and Register Now
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We're pleased to announce that we've released the
full schedule for 2022 Institute.
Difficult Entity Issues
Fraud - Looking Under the Surface
Remote Notarization - Where Are We Now
Blockchain in the Title Industry
Review the Full Institute Schedule
Designed for real estate attorneys, agency owners and advanced closers, the annual Texas Land Title Institute brings top title professionals to the beautiful Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort for world-class training and networking. You won't want to miss this opportunity to learn the latest, network with the best in the business, and earn valuable CE from the most talented and experienced minds our industry has to offer!
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