June 20, 2012

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Updated Contact Information for TDI's Title Staff

As we recently reported, the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) underwent a functional realignment across multiple lines of insurance. Members of the title staff are continuing in their same roles, but are now reporting to different areas of the Department and the stand alone Title Division no longer exists. The reporting changes are intended to align similar functions and improve efficiency and consistency in operations. Please refer to the updated chart below when contacting TDI.

Title Examinations
Robert York 512.322.5027 [email protected]
Ignatius Wheeler 512.322.5038 [email protected]
   
Title Licensing
Mike Carnley 512.305.7320 [email protected]
Chris Bean 512.463.8917 [email protected]
   
Title Manual Rules/Rates/Policy Forms
Marilyn Hamilton 512.322.2265 [email protected]
Mark Worman 512.305.8195 [email protected]
   
Title Complaints
Valerie Brown 512.463.6503 [email protected]

TDI Agent Stat Data Deadline July 26

TLTA Webinar July 10 Will Walk You Through the Process 
The Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) recently issued its call for Agent Statistical Data. The completed report must be postmarked or submitted electronically by July 26, 2012. You may read the bulletin here, and you may download all of the necessary forms from the bottom of the bulletin. Please note: the call for Underwriter Stat Data has not been made yet, but we expect it to also be issued within the next few weeks. If you have any questions, please contact Betty Flores at TDI at 512.475.1878.

On Tuesday, July 10 from 10-11:30am, TLTA will host a webinar to help walk you through the report and provide an overview on how to fill out the interactive PDF forms. Register Here >

Revised TREC HOA Addendum Required July 1, 2012

Live TLTA Webinar This Morning Will Explain Updated Rule & Form
Earlier this year, the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) approved a revised HOA Addendum to the TREC One-to-Four Family Residential Contract. The revised form may currently be used on a voluntary basis, but its usage will become mandatory on July 1, 2012. The revised HOA Addendum addresses the common failure to reimburse title agents ordering subdivision information in transactions that do not close. TLTA supported the inclusion of language in the Addendum stating that the title agent is only authorized to order a Resale Certificate on behalf of a party after they have received the payment for the certificate. The new language also allows for the parties to identify who should pay for a Resale Certificate and any necessary Resale Certificate updates. The form also now reflects the recent statutory change TLTA was instrumental in passing that permits a buyer to obtain a resale certificate directly from a property owners association.

From 10:00-11:00am today, TLTA is hosting a live webinar explaining the new requirements and how they affect the parties to a transaction.You'll learn about the exact changes that were made to the laws governing a Property Owner's Association and the contract and addendum changes resulting from the new laws. If you can't make it for the live webinar, you may also register for the on demand version here, which will be available by July 6.  Register for the Live Webinar Here >     

Court Permits Local Practice to Control Recording of Military POAs

Each month, the American Land Title Association's Title Counsel Committee reviews significant court rulings and other legal developments, and explains the relevance to the title insurance industry. This month, the Committee reviewed a recent U.S. Court of Appeals case interpreting the federal statute concerning military powers of attorney. This review was provided by Lance Pomerantz, a sole practitioner whose practice focuses exclusively on land title issues. Read More >

Congrats TLTAPAC Live Auction Winners!

TLTA would like to thank the individuals below for their participation in theTLTAPAC Live Auction at the Annual Conference & Business Meeting last week in Fort Worth. We would also like all of the other companies and individuals who participated in the auction. A special thanks is also in order for auctioneer-extraordinaire Jeff Copeland, Federal Title, Inc., who once again provided some great entertainment and a lot of laughs. Stay tuned for a message from TLTA announcing this year's TLTAPAC grand total. If you haven't yet donated this year, it's not too late to be included - make a donation online here!

Pam Rodgers Alliant National Title Insurance Company
Guy Robert Jackson Chambers County Abstract Co., Inc.
Tom Prohaska Professional Escrow and Title Services, Inc.
Becky Cotton-Osmon First American Title Insurance Company
Denise Werst First American Title Insurance Company
Bill James Fidelity National Title Group
Lesley Mann Charter Title Company
Chris Phillips First National Title Insurance Company