March 9, 2016
Attack on Texas Title Insurance System Continues
Texas Land Title Association | March 9, 2016
As you know, the Texas Association of Business and the Texas Public Policy Foundation have launched a public campaign to alter the current system for title insurance in Texas. Yesterday, they published an opinion piece in the Austin American-Statesman as part of that effort.
"Defending our proven Texas title insurance system is our highest priority," said Patti Bonner, president of TLTA. "We welcome the opportunity to share why the Texas system works and protects Texas consumers. You can expect to hear more detailed information from TLTA very soon."
Note: If the media contacts you about this issue, please contact Aaron Day, Director of Government Affairs, via email or at 512.810.8800.
Read the TAB/TPPF Opinion Piece (March 7)
Read the TLTA Press Release (Feb. 2)
Read the TAB/TPPF Press Release (Feb. 2)
Lenders Blocking Realty Agents From Buyers’ Closing Documents
Miami Herald | March 4, 2016
When you’re buying a house, don’t you want an experienced set of eyes checking out the closing papers for errors and potential overcharges?
Of course. But under the new federal real estate settlement procedures that took effect late last year, an unexpected problem is taking shape: Many lenders and title companies are refusing to provide copies of the final closing documents to real estate agents representing home buyers.
Read More »
Note: On March 8, ALTA published an article clarifying that settlement agents must provide seller closing information to the lender.
Read the Article »
Outlook for the Texas Economy
Texas A&M Real Estate Center | Feb. 15, 2016
The Texas economy grew moderately in December because of lower oil prices and a strong U.S. dollar. The number of jobs in the state increased in December primarily due to the services sector, trade, transportation and utilities, and leisure and hospitality. The unemployment rate continued to edge up. Manufacturing and mining and logging employment in Texas declined, while services continued a positive trend. Housing demand showed small signs of slowing as Houston exhibited some weakening.
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What Landowners Should Know About Setback Rules for Pipelines and Oil Rigs
Texas Realtor Magazine | March 2016
This Texas Realtor Magazine article may be useful to title insurance professionals who are working with properties that have, or are adjacent to, oil and gas wells or pipelines.
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Miss the Land Title School of Texas? Sign Up for Summer School!
Due to the overwhelming popularity of the Land Title School of Texas, TLTA is adding a brand-new Summer School!
Join TLTA for an intense three-day program that will cover industry basics and review each step of a residential closing, including detailed preparation of the new Closing Disclosure form. The School features interactive testing throughout to reinforce students' learning and comprehension.
Learn More »
Register »
TLTA has live webinars on important topics you won't want to miss. Sign up today for a live or an On-Demand webinar, and check the webinars calendar regularly to see what's new!
- The Ethical Title Professional (Thursday, March 24)
This course is designed to help title professionals consider the ethical behavior in each and every dealing.
- Contract Dos and Don'ts (Wednesday, April 6)
Get an overview on recent contract changes, the importance of how the contract is/was completed by the Realtor and the title agent's role.