May 7, 2007

THE RISKS WHEN TITLE IS INSURED USING POWERS OF ATTORNEY

by Denise Werst, First American Title Insurance Company
A Power of Attorney is a written instrument that gives an individual legal authority to act on behalf of another. The Principal appoints another person to be his/her agent or attorney-in-fact. While the use of these instruments has become commonplace, our insuring risks increase when title is insured using a power of attorney. The use of Powers of Attorney should be discouraged unless absolutely necessary. More story

TDI ISSUES CALL FOR 2007 TEXAS TITLE INSURANCE AGENTS STATISTICAL REPORT FOR THE CALENDAR YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2006

The Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) has issued a bulletin requesting information for the year ending on December 31, 2006. The Title Agent Call System (TACS) remains the same as the 2006 call. You are encouraged to submit your experience electronically using the TACS. Use of this program significantly reduces errors. Agents who have used the system in prior years have provided very positive feedback about the quality of the program. As an added incentive, you have an extra 2 weeks to complete the call if you use the program. Copies of the forms, TACS program and manual can be downloaded from the TDI website. To view the Commissioner's Bulletin, click here.

SPOTLIGHT ON A MEMBER

This month we're recognizing Lila Kirkland, Abstractor, Tyler County Title - Lila has worked in the title industry for more years than she wants to admit, and she works circles around everyone else in the company. At 75 years young she's still going strong, willingly serving as teacher and role model for the younger staff in the office. Lila works in a small shop and has held almost every position at Tyler County Title at one time or another. Her positive attitude, loyalty and dedication to her job are obvious to all who come in contact with her.

We congratulate Lila on being selected for April's Spotlight on a Member. Her can-do attitude and determination to do whatever it takes to keep the things running smoothly has made her an indispensable employee and co-worker.

LAST CHANCE TO WIN A PLASMA TV

Have you signed up to become a TLTA Individual Member? All new and current individual members will be eligible to win a Plasma TV* in a drawing that will be held in May. With your Individual Membership you also receive a discount on your purchase of the TLTA Membership Directory. Take advantage of the new, easy ways to join and renew! Click here for more information.

*Sponsored by Barrett, Burke, Wilson, Castle, Daffin & Frappier, LLP

WELCOME TO OUR NEW MEMBERS

We would like to welcome our newest members to TLTA. Click here to view a list of new members approved by the TLTA Board of Directors in April.

SOMEONE IN THE CIRCLE OF STARS IS GOING TO BE A SUPERSTAR!

We're looking forward to presenting the Super Star Award at the Annual Conference to the person who has recruited the most Individual Members this year. The Circle of Stars recognizes any member who recruits 10 or more Individual Members. Each TLTA "Star" becomes a member of the Circle of Stars and is recognized on the TLTA Web site. Click here to view the Circle of Stars.

REGISTER NOW FOR THE TLTA CONFERENCE AND SAVE $$

Conference Registration Fees go up May 4 – so register online or fax your registration in with payment now! Registrations received by mail must be postmarked by May 4 to receive the early registration fee.

Earn up to 4.5 CEUs of Legal and Escrow Continuing Education . Fantastic speakers and timely topics add up to programs designed to help you improve your operations.

Back the PAC by joining your friends and associates on the spectacular Wolfdancer Golf Course for the TLTA Annual PAC Golf Tournament. If you haven't submitted your golf registration, send it in today! Click here to register online.

Click here for more conference information and to register online.

SOUTH TEXAS REGIONAL SEMINAR

Title industry professionals from the South Texas area had the opportunity to attend TLTA's South Texas Regional seminar held April 20 at South Padre Island. The Texas Land Title Association's objective is to hold educational programs throughout the state of Texas to provide continuing education, inform title professionals of recently enacted legislation and to offer timely tips for improving business operations. More story and photo

AGENT AND UNDERWRITER SECTION MEETINGS

You are invited and encouraged to attend your Agent or Underwriter Section meetings at 3 p.m. on June 9 at the Hyatt Lost Pines Resort outside Austin during the TLTA Annual Conference. Section meetings are an excellent opportunity to discuss state and federal issues that are currently affecting the title industry. NOTE: You do not have to be registered for the conference to attend. For more information contact [email protected].

NEW TDI BULLETINS

TDI has recently issued five new bulletins regarding the title insurance industry. Links have been provided to Bulletins #163 - #167 on the Regulatory page of www.tlta.com and will also be included in the next Basic Manual update. Those members who have signed up for the Basic Manual Update subscription service will automatically receive these and any future bulletins.

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THE TLTA DIRECTORY PUTS TITLE INDUSTRY CONTACTS AT YOUR FINGERTIPS!

If you work in the title industry or provide products or services to those who do, the TLTA Membership Directory is the only resource that will give you all the information you need in one easy-to-use reference. Click here to order your 2007 TLTA Membership Directory today!

DENISE HURST JOINS RAMQUEST SOFTWARE, INC.

RamQuest Software, Inc. announced in March that Denise Hurst has joined its Executive Team as Vice President, Strategic Initiatives. Hurst will spearhead talent, organizational development, and new market/new business development at RamQuest as well as oversee execution of the company's strategic initiatives.

THE TLTA CAREER CENTER - A RECRUITING TOOL FOR THE TITLE INDUSTRY

Tailor your recruiting to reach qualified title industry professionals quickly and easily. Search the resume database to proactively contact candidates, and get automatic email notification whenever a candidate matches your criteria. And, prices are 40 - 70 % less than other online Job Banks. Click here to learn more.

SHARE YOUR KNOWLEDGE

We know many of you serve as instructors and trainers for your company, or have written articles about the title industry. We welcome your articles and information for publication in Downdate, Dateline, and on the TLTA website. Contact [email protected] for more information.