April 2008


TEXAS SECRETARY OF STATE PHIL WILSON TO SPEAK AT TLTA ANNUAL CONFERENCE 
REGISTER TODAY FOR THE CELEBRATION OF THE CENTURY - JUNE 5-7, 2008 IN SAN ANTONIO 

TLTA will celebrate 100 years of service to the title industry at the Annual Conference June 5-7 at the Westin Riverwalk in San Antonio. TLTA has recently secured several notable speakers including Texas Secretary of State Phil Wilson who will provide a perspective on the economic and business climate in Texas (speaking at the Opening Session on Thursday, June 5); and Texas historian and author James Haley will share fascinating stories of Ten Tall Texans You've Probably Never Heard Of. 
 
We look forward to seeing you at this once-in-a-century event.  Event highlights include the TLTAPAC golf tournament, outstanding speakers and social events, plus a TLTA museum and more. Register and make your hotel reservation today and plan to join your fellow Texas title insurance professionals for the Celebration of the Century.

CENTENNIAL TRIVIA

These volunteers have been long-time TLTA members. 
Do you recognize them? 
 

CALL FOR RETIRED MEMBERS

Help us locate our title friends who are retired from the industry so we can invite them to the Celebration of the Century at TLTA's Annual Conference. Please forward any contact information you may have for those folks to [email protected].  

AGENT/UNDERWRITER RELATIONSHIPS

by J. Christopher Phillips, Title Resources Guaranty Company  
Years ago, prior to web sites and e-mail communication, TLTA published a quarterly magazine called the TLTA News.  The summer edition in 1990 highlighted the subject of Title Insurance Underwriters – what they did, how they did it and what their relationships were with their agents.  It is interesting to review the highlights of that edition to see what the relevant issues of the day were and how those issues have changed, or not changed, in the ensuing 18 years.  

ORDER YOUR 2008 CENTENNIAL EDITION MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY TODAY!  TIME IS RUNNING OUT!

The 2008 Centennial Edition Membership Directory is now available! The new and improved format is sure to help you find a member quickly and is full of important information. Each company should have already received their complimentary copies. 

WHAT'S HAPPENING AT TLTA? 

UPCOMING EVENTS  

Two Seminars: Examination & Underwriting Issues-- Basic or Advanced, Dallas, April 10
 Choose the seminar that fits your needs. Both programs will include sessions on surveys, documents and more topics that can help make your daily assignments go more smoothly.  Learn from outstanding, experienced title industry faculty and hear first-hand from respected surveyors in the advanced program.  

Policy Seminar, Tyler, April 16 
 Designed for policy department and closing personnel, this hands-on workshop will take you through the process from the beginning to policy issuance, focusing on new forms effective May 1. 

BUSINESS TOOLS & INDUSTRY NEWS 

REGISTER TODAY FOR THE LEARN @ LUNCH TELECONFERENCE:  P-24 AND MORE

So many changes, so little time—no problem! Get an overall update on all the new rules and forms over your lunch hour.  For a very low cost, TLTA is hosting a teleconference featuring industry experts to discuss all the new rule and form changes. The program will be offered on April 22 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. 

BASIC MANUAL CHANGES COMING SOON - BECOME A SUBSCRIBER AND SAVE $$$ 

The Texas Department of Insurance has officially adopted numerous changes to rules and forms therefore it is time to update your Basic Manual. Most of the changes will be effective May 1, 2008. However, there will be subsequent updates relating to P-24 available July 1, 2008 and another update relating to ICL's available October 1, 2008.   
The easiest and most cost-effective way to update your manual is to subscribe to our subscription service. Not only will you save money but you will automatically receive the last two updates without having to place an order.

"MORTGAGE FRAUD: RECOGNITION AND PREVENTION"

From the Texas Bar Journal, March 2008
by Charles Jacobus, Charter Title Co. 
There is hardly a more pervasive problem in lending today than of mortgage fraud.  It always involves a conspiracy between a loan originator and an appraiser. Additional conspirators can include a buyer's broker (who may also be the mortgage broker), a title company, and the seller's real estate agent. An overlooked conspirator could be the secondary market who is encouraging loan originators to make loans as fast as possible, so the loans can be purchased in the secondary market (even though they are the "victims" who sue!). Since the vast majority of these loans are packaged, processed, and sold based on credit scores and tax returns, most of them are sold with very little due diligence as to the quality of the borrower. 

"CONGRESS EXPANDS FMLA TO PROVIDE LEAVE FOR FAMILY OF SERVICE MEMBERS" 

by James Kizziar, Bracewell & Guiliani 
On January 28, 2008, President George W. Bush signed into law the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008.  This law contains the first expansion of the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) since its enactment in 1993, and amends the law to provide leave for family members of military personnel under certain circumstances.

IN MEMORIAM 

PAM ROBERSON, 1951-2008

TLTA and the Texas title industry mourn the loss of a dear friend and colleague, Pamela Ann Roberson.  Pam passed away on March 5, 2008 in Houston.  She was employed by Texas American Title Company and her energy, involvement, and management were integral to the growth and the success of the company. After attending Texas Tech University, Pam began her career in underwriting with Texas American Title where she began as a branch manager and later became vice president. Pam's enthusiasm and vigor were a vital part of her management style and enhanced her capabilities in supporting and motivating the managers who operate the company's branch offices.  In 2000, Pam was selected as executive vice president for all facets of company operations. Read Obituary 
Memorials may be directed to:
SPCA of Houston
900 Portway Drive
Houston, TX 77024
713.869.7722

WHAT'S NEW WITH OUR MEMBERS? 

ERIC MCNEESE JOINS THE BROWN COUNTY ABSTRACT COMPANY 

Eric McNeese has joined the offices of Brown County Abstract Company and the law offices of Massey & West in Brownwood.  
Please update your Directory with Eric's new contact information:
The Brown County Abstract Company
201 S. Broadway
Brownwood, TX 76801
P: 325.646.6591
F: 325.643.5086
E: [email protected]

JOEY PROHASKA OPENS PROFESSIONAL ESCROW AND TITLE SERVICES, INC. 

Joey Prohaska, recently retired from Southern Title Insurance Corporation where she served as Assistant Vice President and Western Traning Coordinator, has launched Professional Escrow and Title Services, Inc.  The company provides consulting services to management and professionals employed in the title industry. 
 
Please update your Directory with Joey's new contact information:
Professional Escrow and Title Services, Inc.
8901 Grandview Dr.
Denton, TX 76207
P: 866.962.0439 
E: [email protected]
W: www.proescrowntitle.biz

CALL FOR COMPANY STATE AND NATIONAL AWARD WINNERS

TLTA wants to offer its sincere congratulations to our member companies who are recent award winners.  If your company has received a state or national award this year, please email a press release or the company and award details to [email protected].