JANUARY 2026
Practical Education, Upcoming Events & Highlights from Across the Industry
Security Insights: Your “Privacy” VPN Might Be Selling Your AI Conversations
Genady Vishnevetsky | January 2026
Many users turn to VPNs and browser extensions to protect their privacy—but what if those tools are quietly doing the opposite? In this latest Security Insights, Genady Vishnevetsky, Chief Information Security Officer at Stewart Title Guaranty Company, breaks down how a popular “privacy” extension is harvesting complete AI conversations and what title professionals should do now to protect sensitive information.
Read more »
Sharpen Your Title Judgment at Land Title School of Texas
March 2-4, 2026 | Austin
Ready to move beyond the basics and sharpen the decision-making skills that matter most at the closing table? The 2026 Land Title School of Texas returns to Austin March 2–4 with an in-person, hands-on program designed for title professionals who want deeper understanding, stronger judgment, and real confidence in complex title situations.
This three-day experience goes beyond theory, focusing on real-world title scenarios, interactive workshops, and updated instruction reflecting current Texas practices and regulatory requirements.
Land Title School is ideal for professionals with 3–5 years of experience and those preparing for the TLTA Professional Certification program.
Seats are limited. Learn more and register today »
Share your gratitude with the industry stalwarts who make this event possible - our 2026 School Sponsors!
Ready to be part of the sponsorship team? Please contact Josh Meeks.
Title Tip: Mexican Matrículas and Notarization Requirements
Brandi Abercrombie, CESP, CTIP, NTP | TLTA Board and Land Title School Exec. Committee Member
We’re back with another Title Tip, our monthly video series offering quick, complimentary education from experienced title professionals across Texas.
This month's installment addresses a deceptively simple question with serious legal consequences: what qualifies as valid identification for notarization?
In
this video, TLTA Board Member Brandi Abercrombie, CESP, CTIP, NTP walks through the requirements for acceptable ID under Texas law, with particular attention to the Mexican matrícula consular and why it does not meet notarization standards.
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Watch this month’s Title Tip video here and stay tuned for more insights in our next installment.
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.
Title Industry Leader Shirley Ward Retiring After More Than Six Decades of Service
After 61 years of dedicated service, Shirley Ward, President and Manager of Attorney’s Title Company in Athens, has announced her retirement. TLTA is proud to recognize Shirley’s remarkable career and the lasting impact she has made on both the title insurance industry and her community.
Shirley has been a highly respected leader in the profession and a trailblazer within the industry. She made history as the first woman to serve on the Texas Title Insurance Guaranty Association (TTIGA) Board, where she dedicated 22 years of service. In recognition of her leadership and professional contributions, Shirley received the TLTA Professional Excellence Award in 2004.
As she enters this next chapter, we join in thanking Shirley for her extraordinary leadership, integrity, and commitment, and we congratulate her on a well-earned retirement. Read more about Shirley’s career and legacy in the full retirement
announcement here.
Showcase Your TLTA Membership
Updated 2026 Member Email Signature Graphic Available!
We’re excited to share the updated 2026 TLTA Member Email Signature Graphic—a simple, professional way to show your support for the title industry and your commitment to protecting Texans’ property rights.
Adding the graphic to your email signature signals your connection to TLTA, your engagement with the industry, and your dedication to staying informed and involved. It’s a small touch that makes a meaningful statement with every message you send.
Let every email you send reflect your investment in our association's mission.
Save the image above or click here to access the graphic and step-by-step instructions for adding it to your signature.
Deed and Seller Fraud: What Texas Realtors Can Do to Help Prevent It
Texas Realtors | Roland Love, CTIP | December 2025
Deed fraud and seller impersonation schemes continue to pose serious risks for property owners and real estate professionals alike.
In this article for Texas Realtors,
TLTA Regulatory Committee Chair Roland Love, CTIP outlines practical steps real estate agents can take to reduce risk, protect clients, and support broader fraud prevention efforts already underway across the title industry and the Texas Legislature.
Read more »
TLTA Engages in National Advocacy Discussions in Washington, D.C.
Earlier this month, TLTA CEO Leslie Midgley, CAE, joined leaders from state land title associations and the American Land Title Association (ALTA) team in Washington, D.C., to discuss the most pressing issues currently facing the title insurance industry.
The meeting provided an opportunity to share perspectives from across the country, exchange information on regulatory and legislative developments, and coordinate advocacy efforts at the federal level. These ongoing conversations help ensure Texas title professionals remain informed, represented, and engaged as national policy discussions continue to evolve.
A Warm Welcome to Our Newest TLTA Members
AGENT MEMBERS
River Rock Title
Contact: Mary Blancett
2734 Sunrise Blvd. Ste 206
Pearland, TX 77584
346.686.0100
[email protected]
www.riverrocktitle.com
Avant National Title
Contact: Jennifer Carter
5700 Tennyson Pkwy, Ste 350
Plano, TX 75024
214.800.2680
[email protected]
www.avantnt.com
Teleo Title LLC
Contact: Jackie Rivera
501 S Austin Ave, 1220-306, Flr 2-223
Georgetown, TX 78626
972.904.0154
[email protected]
www.teleotitle.com
Keylink National Title, LLC
Contact: Kenneth Quantie
2435 North Central Expy, Ste 1271
Richardson, TX 75080
833.745.2677
[email protected]
www.keylinktitle.com
First Liberty Title Company
Contact: Kelley Smart
1900 Sam Houston St
Liberty, TX 77575
936.340.4777
[email protected]
www.firstlibertytitleco.com
ASSOCIATE MEMBERS
Hourglass Signings
Contact: Molly Gilbert
10461 Mill Run Circle
Owings Mills, MD 21117
844.544.6552
[email protected]
www.signwithhourglass.com
Rexera
Contact: Anton Tonev
515 E Main St, Ste 16
Muncie, IN 47305
765.203.1291
[email protected]
www.inspecthoa.com
The Keller Firm
Contact: Mike Keller
5440 Harvest Hill Rd, Ste 214
Dallas, TX 75230
214.775.0817
[email protected]
www.kellerfirm.com
Susser Bank
Contact: Andy Koch
4020 Maple Ave, Ste 150
Dallas, TX 75219
817.642.8247
[email protected]
www.susserbank.com
Hunter & Kramer, P.C.
Contact: Charles Kramer
2301 W. Plano Pkwy, Ste 106
Plano, TX 75075
214.387.4591
[email protected]
www.hklegal.net
SimpleLawTX
Contact: Carey Worrell
1120 E Nasa Pkwy, Ste 107B
Houston, TX 77058
281.697.6678
[email protected]
www.simplelawtx.com