JULY 2025
Conference On-Demand, Practical Title Tips, Upcoming Events and more
ICYMI: Highlights from TLTA’s 2025 Annual Conference & Business Meeting and New On-Demand Hot Topics
More than 500 title professionals gathered in Nashville June 8–11 for TLTA’s 2025 Annual Conference and Business Meeting—three packed days of education, networking, and industry insight. Attendees tackled hot-button topics like the new FinCEN residential cash reporting rules, legislative updates, and candid conversations about what's to come for the real estate market and the title industry.
The celebration continued at President’s Evening, where John Updegraff, Jr. was honored as Title Person of the Year, Rodney Anderson, CTIP alongside several title agents who testified during the rate hearings were honored with President's Awards, and the gavel was passed to Incoming President Gil Ernst.
Read the press releases celebrating our award winners »
Catch What You Missed: Conference On-Demand Now Available
Couldn’t join us in Nashville but want to catch up on the critical hot topics you missed? TLTA’s newest on-demand courses bring you the Conference’s most timely, expert-led sessions. Learn more and register by clicking on the titles below:
We’re already looking forward to next summer!
Save the date for the 2026 TLTA Annual Conference and Business Meeting, June 8–10, at the Omni PGA Frisco Resort & Spa.
Want to see more of the Conference action?
Check out more event photos on Facebook »
Upcoming Compliance Clinic: Getting Ready for FinCEN's New Reporting Rule
TLTA Live Virtual Program |Monday, September 15
Starting Dec. 1, FinCEN’s new Residential Real Estate Reporting Rule will introduce a more complex and time-consuming compliance process for certain cash transactions, impacting how title professionals handle closings.
Join us on Monday, Sept. 15 for a
compliance clinic designed to give you the tools, knowledge, and step-by-step strategies you need to be fully prepared before the rule takes effect.
Presented by Leslie S. Johnson, CTIP, WFG National Title Insurance Company, and Roland Love, CTIP, Independence Title
This two-hour in-depth training digs deep into how the rule will impact your day-to-day work. You’ll hear directly from experts already preparing for implementation, walk through real contract scenarios, learn how to complete the new Residential Real Estate Report step-by-step, and identify anticipated pain points that may affect your closings.
Learn more and register now »
Security Insights: Understanding SVG Smuggling
Genady Vishnevetsky | July 2025
Cybercriminals are constantly evolving their tactics, and a newer technique called SVG smuggling is making headlines. This method uses seemingly harmless image files to hide malicious code capable of stealing your login credentials — without requiring you to download anything. In this month’s Security Insights, Genady Vishnevetsky, Chief Information Security Officer at Stewart Title Guaranty Company, breaks down how SVG smuggling works and what you can do to protect yourself.
Read more »
South Texas Seminar: Registration Now Open
Saturday, September 27 | McAllen
Join us in McAllen on Saturday, Sept. 27 for a full morning of targeted, practical education designed specifically for South Texas title professionals.
Held at the Embassy Suites by Hilton McAllen Convention Center, this one-day in-person seminar delivers high-impact content without the hassle of out-of-town travel. You’ll earn 4 hours of Escrow CE credit while learning from some of the most experienced professionals in the business who understand the challenges unique to your region:
Rebecca Mees, CAEP,
Essent;
Kristina Vargas, CTIP,
Westcor; Lisa Beville, JD, CPA, CTIP, CAEP, CESP,
Old Republic
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Space is limited — Register now to save your spot!
This year’s agenda features timely sessions on complex but common issues, including:
- Who Can Sign? Navigating murky signature authority situations
- Homestead Headaches like family-to-family transfers and construction tie-ins
- Tax Exemptions & Risk of Loss: How to identify and resolve risks before closing
Title Tip: Understanding Supplemental Taxes
Rebecca Mees, CAEP | TLTA Education Committee Chair
We’re excited to continue Title Tips, our monthly educational series where title professionals from across Texas share complimentary, bite-sized education in quick, engaging video clips.
This month, TLTA Education Chair Rebecca Mees, CAEP offers a clear and timely overview of supplemental taxes — one of the most common (and confusing) issues title professionals encounter. In just a few minutes, Rebecca breaks down what you need to know to help avoid claims and keep transactions smooth. You’ll learn:
- What supplemental taxes are and how they differ from rollback taxes
- Why verifying homestead exemptions matters (especially in inherited properties)
- The escrow officer’s role in confirming tax information before closing
- How coverage for supplemental taxes works — and when a claim might arise
- Tips for spotting red flags and avoiding surprises after closing
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Watch Rebecca’s Title Tip video here and stay tuned for more insights next month!
Looking to revisit our past installments of the Title Tips Series? Visit the Title Tips Section in TLTA's Online Learning Center here.
This information is being provided by TLTA for educational and reference purposes only and should not be construed as legal, financial or business advice from or on behalf of TLTA. Users should consult their own legal counsel and subject-matter experts to ensure that any policies adopted or actions taken meet the requirements unique to their company.