January 2012

TLTA Perspectives: New Series Addressing Generational Differences in the Workplace

Baby Boomers, Xers, Gen Y - do you know who you are? Employers generally support staff from all of these distinct generations in the workplace today. Gen Y represents individuals born between the mid 70's and mid 90's and they make up approximately 25% of the total U.S. population. A recent TLTA survey showed over 50% of owners and managers employ five or more young professionals. Gen Yers are the up-and-coming leaders of our industry and TLTA appointed a Young Title Professionals Committee three years ago to identify and cultivate this important segment of TLTA's membership.

One of their objectives is to develop more communication and understanding about generational differences in the workplace. Perspectives is a new series of articles to help shed light on some of these differences by having a seasoned title professional and a young professional give their viewpoints on different workplace topics. Celia Goode-Haddock and Jordan Anderson tackle the first perspective and address the important question: Why is professional development important?

Is there a topic or perspective you'd like to hear about? Email [email protected].

Federal Reserve White Paper Suggests Creation of Online Lien Registry

James E. Hyland | The Pennsylvania Group
TLTA Federal Legislative Counsel
Earlier this month, the Federal Reserve Board released a 28-page white paper entitled "The U.S. Housing Market: Current Conditions and Policy Considerations." The Fed wrote the challenges faced by the U.S. housing market today reflect, in part, major changes taking place in housing finance; a persistent excess supply of homes on the market; and losses arising from an often costly and inefficient foreclosure process. One key point in the white paper for the title industry is the Fed’s suggestion that an area for improvement in mortgage servicing may involve creating an online registry of liens. Read More >

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First American Announces Agreement to Acquire Hexter-Fair Title Company

First American Title Insurance Company recently announced that it has signed an agreement to acquire Hexter-Fair Title Company, a Dallas-Fort Worth-based title and escrow company founded in 1916. The transaction is expected to close this month pending regulatory approval and terms of the deal were not disclosed. Company press release

Limited Seats! Register for the 2012 Land Title School Today

Registration is open for the 2012 Land Title School, March 5-9, in Austin, and spots are filling up fast! Offered just once a year, don't miss this opportunity to get in-depth, comprehensive title industry training. If you've been in the title industry a few months to five years or recently switched positions within your company, this week-long program will give you the basic knowledge of the title industry you need.

FNF Purchases SoftPro from LPS

Fidelity National Financial (FNF) announced it has purchased SoftPro, a provider of closing and title automation software, from Lender Processing Services (LPS). The deal was finalized January 12 and terms were not disclosed. FNF originally acquired SoftPro in 2001. After a couple of spinoffs, FNF once again owns the production system provider. Company press release

Congratulations to Our New Certified Professionals!
TLTA is proud to announce the Fall 2011 class of certified title insurance designees. The following 25 individuals have met all of the requirements, passed the examination and are now part of an elite group of 130 certified title industry professionals. They will be honored during the Annual Conference & Business Meeting in Fort Worth, June 14-16, 2012. Visit www.tlta.com/Certification for the Spring 2012 exam dates and application deadlines - apply now to join this elite group of title professionals.

Congratulations!

Doyla Burrell, CESA, Independence Title Company Balerie Ramirez, CESA, Randolph Brooks Title Company, LLC
Megan Dulaney, CAEA, First Community Title Co. Renee' Reyna, CESA, Alamo Title Company
Kathy Goodwin, CESA, Central Texas Title Paxton B. Robertson, Jr., CAEA, Central Title Company
Lisa Hanstrom, CESA, Alamo Title Company Ronald R. Rush, CTIA, Lawyers Title of El Paso, Inc.
Janice Hataway, CTIA, Fidelity National Title Group Kristy Santelia, CESA, North American Title Company
Christine Herrera, CESA, Alamo Title Company Terri Saraceno, CESA, Ishmael Law Firm, P.C.
Laurie Hines, CESA, Alamo Title Company Linda Schabow, CTIA, Community Title
Becky Houssiere, CESA, Charter Title Company Dawn Schweter, CESA, North American Title Company
Melanie Jones, CESA, Lawyers Title of El Paso, Inc. Tirey Smith, CTIA, Lone Star Title Company of El Paso
Lauren Liljestrand, CAEA, University Title Company Suzanne Ward, CTIA, First Community Title Co.
Molly Mallet, CESA, Texas Regional Title Kevin Watson, CAEA, Central Texas Title
Carey Norton, CAEA, Central Texas Title Karen A. Young, CTIA, First American Title Company
Carolyn Owen, CESA, Central Title Company