March 26, 2014
U.S. House Committee Chairman Outlines Tax Reform Hearing Plans
U.S. House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Dave Camp (R-MI) released a memo Monday outlining his plans for the committee to hold hearings on comprehensive tax reform and tax extenders in the coming weeks. From a title industry perspective, it is encouraging to see Chairman Camp acknowledge the need for a tax extenders package, which will likely include an extension of the Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act (MFDRA). TLTA will be monitoring these tax reform efforts in the House Ways and Means Committee very closely, specifically watching for any consideration of the mortgage interest tax deduction, which is often a target of tax simplification and reform efforts. This tax deduction is widely considered fundamental to a healthy and strong housing market.
Read the Memo »
President Obama Signs Flood Insurance Relief Bill
Insurance Journal | March 24, 2014
Homeowners living in flood-prone areas are getting relief from big spikes in insurance costs under legislation President Barack Obama signed into law on Friday. Lawmakers from both parties supported the measure in response to angry homeowners who faced sharp premium hikes after an overhaul of the government's flood insurance program two years ago. Democratic Sen. Robert Menendez of New Jersey said he was hearing from constituents still reeling from Superstorm Sandy, “many who came to me in tears, expressing horror stories of skyrocketing flood insurance premiums that threatened to force them from their homes.”
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A Closer Look at the CFPB and Recent RESPA Enforcement Actions
By Ashley Cook | Ashley L. Cook, P.C.
In the first of a two-part series, TLTA member Ashley Cook gives a brief history and overview of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) and its Director, Richard Cordray. She also takes a look at one of the Bureau's most recent RESPA Section 8 enforcement actions against Fidelity Mortgage Corporation. Stay tuned for part two of this series in next week's Dateline newsletter.
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Parting FHFA Director DeMarco Gives One Last Call for GSE Reform
HousingWire | March 24, 2014
Federal Housing Finance Agency acting Director Ed DeMarco announced his official departure day will be at the end of April, leaving the permanent helm to Mel Watt after a period of transition. The FHFA has existed for less than six years, and while DeMarco is stepping away from his desk, he still ends on one final push for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac reform. “My earnest hope is that recent legislative initiatives in the House and the Senate lead to the consensus needed to bring such legislation to enactment,” DeMarco said in his parting letter to Watt.
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Register for These Upcoming Hot Topic Webinars!
Minimum Capitalization: What Agents Should Know
Wednesday, April 16 | 1:30 - 2:30 p.m.
Presented by:
John Rothermel, Stewart Title Guaranty SW Regional Underwriting Office
Live Version |
On-Demand Version
Got Claims?
Thursday, April 17 | 1:30 - 2:30 p.m.
Presented by:
Bobbye Harris, Underwriting Counsel/VP, Fidelity National Title Group
Live Version |
On-Demand Version
What Texas Title Agents Need to Know About the New CFPB Closing Disclosure Rule
Tuesday, April 22 | 2 - 3:30 p.m.
Presented by:
Celia C. Flowers, Attorney, Flowers Davis, PLLC and East Texas Title Companies
Janet S. Minke, CTIA, Vice-President, Underwriting Support Services, Alliant National Title Insurance Company
Leslie Wyatt, Director of Industry Relations, SoftPro
Live Version |
On-Demand Version