September 2008


MARK YOUR CALENDAR AND REGISTER TODAY FOR TLTA'S UPCOMING EVENTS

West Texas Regional Seminar (Lubbock) -- September 6
Tough Times. Tough Topics -- Survival. Strategy. Solutions.
It's not too late! Register today for this dynamic and informative event on Saturday, September 6 in Lubbock. Expert speakers will address need-to-know, hot topics with strategies for surviving everyday transactions. Geared for escrow officers, escrow assistants, examiners/abstractors, attorneys, managers and other title professionals, this program offers two great sessions to choose from. 

Plan Ahead: Regional Seminar Series Coming to a City Near You!
Central Texas (Austin), October 24
North East Texas (Richardson), November 6
Gulf Coast (Houston), February 12
South Texas (South Padre), April 4 

TDI Audits: Avoid Costly Fines (Webinar) -- September 11
Register today! Did you know that the top reason for a TDI fine is failure to timely file reports and remit fees? What are the top ten audit violations? Register today and learn what the general purpose of an audit is in this engaging Webinar targeted for escrow officers, agents, owners/managers, agency reps, closers and attorneys. 

El Paso Special Delivery: Hot Topics Seminar -- September 20
Register today for this must-attend, in-person seminar brought directly to the El Paso area and hear experts share their expertise and insights on claims; foreclosure and its various alternatives; and comprehending and utilizing endorsements. 

Don't Lose Money on Claims! (Webinar) -- October 9
Register today! You can't afford to lose money due to claims in today's market. In addition to practical tips, this hour-long Webinar led by experienced claims counsel will give you an overview of common pitfalls and trends surfacing in recent court cases. Also included will be steps you can take to minimize losses and the legal requirements for handling claims.

Central Texas Two-Step: Two Great Programs Back-to-Back (Austin) 
Commercial and Non-Residential Transactions: Meeting Everyday Challenges -- October 23
Register today! Commercial and non-residential transactions are complicated and sometimes confusing with many twists and turns along the way. This seminar will give you the knowledge and confidence to handle one or 31. Our outstanding faculty will share their insights, experience and "rules of the road" to help ensure a successful journey to closing and beyond.


Central Texas Regional Seminar: Tough Times. Tough Topics -- Survival. Strategy. Solutions. -- October 24
Register today to hear TLTA's knowledgeable and experienced speakers bring you the hot topics you need to know including: surveys, foreclosure, taxes, manufactured housing, construction complications, liens, endorsements, claims and more.

BIENNIAL HEARING AND AGENDA ITEM UPDATE

The Biennial Rule Hearing will begin on October 2, 2008 at 9:30 a.m. and the Biennial Rate Hearing will begin on November 18, 2008 at 9:30 a.m. Both hearings will be held in Room 100 of the William P. Hobby, Jr. State Office Building, 333 Guadalupe Street in Austin. For your convenience, we have organized and summarized the agenda items on our Web site. There, you can also find the original filings for each agenda item. If you have any questions, please contact Aaron Day, Director of Government Relations at [email protected] or 512.810.8800. 


TLTA AND TMBA JOINTLY ENDORSE BEST PRACTICES

We are very pleased to announce that TLTA and the Texas Mortgage Bankers Association (TMBA) have worked together to develop and jointly endorse a set of Best Practices for the Real Estate Settlement Process. These voluntary guidelines are designed for use by professionals involved in the real estate settlement process as a way to establish appropriate timelines and create efficiencies, while preserving the integrity of the transaction and providing transparency, predictability and superior service to the consumer.   

ANNOUNCING THE 2008 ANNUAL TLTAPAC ONLINE AUCTION -- NOVEMBER 6 - 13

Now Accepting Auction Item Donations! 
The TLTABay Online Auction is a fundraiser benefiting the TLTAPAC. The auction will begin at 8:00 a.m. on Thursday, November 6, 2008 and end at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 13, 2008. Thanks to our members, the Annual TLTAbay Online Auction raised almost $20,000 last year. We need your help to secure auction items to ensure another spectacular year. Deadline for donated items is October 1. Suggested donation items include: electronics, gift cards, sporting event tickets, travel vouchers, vacations, spa packages and jewelry.  

Click here for the donation form.   Contact Megan Haywood for more information. 

WHAT HAS TLTA DONE FOR YOU LATELY?

Government affairs is a top priority for TLTA and our team tracks an average of 800 bills per legislative session and actively supports, opposes or amends over 100 bills.  TLTA staff is constantly meeting with legislators and regulators regarding bills of interest and testifying at hearings.  Additionally, TLTA hosts a "Day at the Capitol" where 50 industry members meet with over 100 legislators in Austin promoting the title insurance industry in Texas.  TLTA looks forward to representing you during this upcoming Biennial Hearing process and the Texas Legislative Session.

CHARLES TAYLOR, 1936 - 2008

TLTA would like to recognize the loss of friend and colleague Charles Taylor. Charles served as a Senior Vice President for Western Title Company in Lubbock from 1965 until his death. Earlier in his career, he worked for Houston Title. Read Obituary 


TLTA: your ONE-STOP-SHOP FOR ALL INDUSTRY INFORMATION
TLTA is constantly updating its Web site with the most current industry information to serve as your one-stop-shop for Texas title insurance resources,  including the TDI Guidelines for Compliance Audits of Title Insurance Agents, the TDI Basics of Title Insurance, the Insolvent Banks Listing and the Texas Appraisal Districts listing.  Continue to go to the Links section on TLTA.com for all your title insurance needs. 
 

2008 SPECIAL Centennial EDITION membership directory half price! Order today!

The 2008 Special Centennial Edition of the TLTA Membership Directory is now available for half-price! 
The 2009 TLTA Membership Directory won't be available until late Fall, so order today! 

TEXAS FORMS MANUAL


The Texas Forms Manual contains the documents most commonly used to handle a real estate transaction in Texas – all the way to the closing at the title company. The guide is organized to provide an initial checklist to assist you and your staff in assembling all the necessary documents. Available in diskette or CD ROM. To order your copies or obtain more information, contact Knowles Publishing, Inc. at 817.838.0202 and be sure to mention TLTA.

NOW MORE THAN EVER PROMOTE THE VALUE OF TITLE INSURANCE TO YOUR CUSTOMERS

Now, it is more important than ever to explain what a title company does and why title insurance is important. TLTA provides its members with a great tool to promote the value of title insurance in Texas with a colorful brochure developed by TLTA's Communications Committee. This brochure is designed for use by anyone working in the title industry and is perfect for your office reception area or to include in closing or commitment packets. Prices start at $20 for 100 brochures and can be branded with your company logo. Available in English and Spanish.

TITLE PLANT SUBSCRIPTION SERVICE - PAID ADVERTISEMENT

Burnet County Title Plant Subscription Services with complimentary integrated document images now available. Professionally maintained by the same company that provides expert plant services to over 45 title companies in Travis, Williamson, Hays and Bastrop Counties. For information call 1-800-388-2738 ext 309 or email [email protected].