AUGUST 2025
Upcoming Events, Practical Title Tips, Security Insights and more
Save the Date: 2025 Texas Land Title Institute Dec. 4-5
Registration and Hotel Reservations Open September 10
We’re excited to announce that this year’s
Texas Land Title Institute will take place December 4-5 at the Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort in San Antonio. Designed for real estate attorneys, agency owners, and advanced closers, the Texas Land Title Institute provides attendees with invaluable insights and solutions to the hottest topics affecting our industry and the pressing questions keeping you up at night.
Registration and Hotel Reservations Open Wednesday, September 10
Stay Tuned! More information about the program agenda and speakers will be coming soon. Be sure to mark your calendars and prepare to secure your spot and hotel room when registration opens on September 10.
Interested in sponsoring this unique opportunity to reach title professionals?
Contact Josh Meeks at
[email protected] to learn more.
Security Insights: How Fake “CAPTCHA” Prompts Can Let the Bad Guys In
Genady Vishnevetsky | August 2025
Cybercriminals are finding new ways to disguise their attacks, and fake CAPTCHA prompts are one of the latest tricks. These convincing imitations of routine security checks can quietly deliver harmful commands or malware onto your device. In this month’s Security Insights, Genady Vishnevetsky, Chief Information Security Officer at Stewart Title Guaranty Company, explains how attackers are using tactics like ClearFake and ClickFix, and what steps you can take to stay protected.
Read more »
Register Now for Upcoming Compliance Clinic: Ensure You're 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 »
Title Tip: Mastering the Basics – A Guide for New Escrow Officers
Misty Goodwin | TLTA Education Committee Member
We’re excited to share this
month’s Title Tip — a quick video designed to help title professionals across Texas sharpen their skills one bite-sized lesson at a time.
In this practical and encouraging message, Misty Goodwin reminds us that being an escrow officer often means playing detective. Whether you're new to the role or mentoring someone who is, Misty breaks down the core habits that can set you up for success:
- Why the contract is your best starting point — and how to review it with a fine-tooth comb
- The power of early communication with all parties involved
- How checklists can save time, reduce errors, and help you stay compliant
- Tips for preparing closing documents and guiding clients through the signing process
- A reminder that every blank matters — and why accuracy protects everyone involved
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Watch Misty’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.
Hot Topics in Sunny South Texas: Can't Miss Live Seminar
South Texas Seminar | 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, including 1 hour of Ethics, plus a bonus 1 hour Escrow CE On-Demand, while learning from some of the most experienced professionals in the business who understand the challenges unique to your region:
Rebecca Mees, CAEP, Essent Title Insurance Inc.;
Kristina Vargas, CTIP, Westcor;
Lisa Beville, JD, CPA, NTP, 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
Thank you to our 2025 South Texas Seminar Sponsors
A Warm Welcome to Our Newest TLTA Members
AGENT MEMBERS
Fierro Title of Texas, LLC
Contact: Jamie Phillips
5700 Tennyson Pkwy, Ste 300
Plano, TX 75024
972.665.9845
[email protected]
Prestige National Land Services of Texas, LLC
Contact: Bradley Jabar
17304 Preston Rd, Ste 800
Dallas, TX 75252
214.910.1461
[email protected]
www.prestitle.com
The Title Source, LLC
Contact: Evan Lipp
18333 Preston Rd, Ste 325
Dallas, TX 75252
972.782.9186
[email protected]
www.thetitlesource.com
Wellington National Abstract PLLC
Contact: Elliot Gestetner
5700 Tennyson Pkwy
Plano, TX 75024
972.810.1809
[email protected]
ASSOCIATE MEMBERS
FinCENRealEstateReport.com
Contact: MJ Cunningham
3500 S. Dupont Hwy
Dover, DE 19901
727.609.6560
[email protected]
www.fincenrealestatereport.com
Clerk Records
Contact: Jason Smith
1301 W 7th St, Ste 120
Fort Worth, TX 76102
817.928.3322
[email protected]
www.energydomain.com