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State officials push back against FHFA’s title waiver pilot program

Housing Wire

Attorneys general in 14 states have joined together to send a letter to Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) director Sandra Thompson that urges the termination of the agency’s title waiver pilot program. Title insurance is a state-regulated industry, and homeowners will be better served if it stays that way.

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Alita Group president discusses alternative to traditional title insurance

Housing Wire

In a recent episode of “Ten Minute Talks,” HousingWire President Diego Sanchez and Alita Group President Stacy Mestayer discussed an alternative option to title insurance. Sanchez addresses the current version of title insurance and why an alternative is needed.

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Some title insurance policies protect against home title theft. Does yours?

Housing Wire

Unfortunately, a “quiet title” lawsuit to unwind a fraudulent transfer will take a minimum of six months, often extending to several years, during which time the true property owner cannot sell or refinance. Most victims cannot afford the fight to recover their title, and some lose their homes altogether.

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The vast majority of title professionals use AI: Qualia

Housing Wire

Despite having a 100-plus-year history, the title industry is now embracing some of the newest technologies on the market, including artificial intelligence. of title and escrow professionals surveyed have already adopted generative AI solutions, according to the State of AI in Title and Escrow published this week by Qualia.

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Title premium volume remained relatively stable in Q1 2024

Housing Wire

The relative stability of the housing market in the first quarter of 2024 resulted in a fairly strong quarter for the title insurance industry. According to the American Land Title Association (ALTA) Market Share Analysis released Thursday, the industry generated $3.35 billion in title insurance premiums during Q1 2024, down only 0.8%

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Attempted Graceland sale exposes title, mortgage fraud tactics

Housing Wire

But while a fraud attempt targeting such a famous structure and family would easily make national news, the vast majority of title theft and mortgage fraud schemes do not. Impersonation fraud has risen “sharply” over the past few years according to Sarah Frano, vice president and real estate fraud expert at First American Title Insurance Co.

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Opinion: Title insurance is an essential consumer protection  

Housing Wire

Title insurance provides vital protection to the largest and most important purchase most Americans will ever make—their home. Director Rohit Chopra himself, in a recent appearance before the House Financial Services Committee , shook his head “no” when asked whether title insurance was a “junk fee” in questioning from Rep.

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