Blog – Tuesdays with Mary

Dear Readers, Seasons greetings! It seems the adage ‘the only constant is change’ is definitely ringing true. Heading into 2021, there may be a lot of uncertainty about regulation enforcement and the organization of the CFPB, and after an unpredictable year like 2020, that’s not exactly the best news for those craving stability. While the housing and lending industries seem to be finishing the year strong, other areas of the economy aren’t fairing as well. According to an article from Reuters, retail sales increased less than expected in October, and could continue to slow in light of the increasing number [...]

Dear Readers, The last few years, and particularly the last several months, have seen an increase in eClosings. With the increase in eClosings, and changing landscape, many in the industry have questions. October Research LLC recently held a webinar to answer some of these questions. Two industry experts answered some additional questions here. Mark Ladd, vice president, regulatory and industry affairs, ICE Mortgage Technology, and Scott Gillen, senior vice president, national agents, Stewart Title Guaranty Co., answered some of those remaining questions. We shared those additional questions and answers on our website, but I thought I’d share just one of [...]

Dear Readers, Sometimes, the headlines don’t seem to change, especially in the title industry. As you’ll see in this issue, despite the coronavirus pandemic, the earnings momentum for title companies and underwriters seems to continue unabated. This issue contains detailed reports of the thirdquarter earnings of Stewart, Fidelity, First American and Realogy. All have benefitted from low interest rates which have spurred a deluge of refinances, for sure. But it would be overly simplistic to attribute all the momentum to low interest rates. Many companies in our space have embraced technology driven efficiencies which constantly improve the closing process and [...]

Dear Readers, With the arrival of the 2020 edition of “Voice of the Appraiser,” Valuation Review reached a milestone with its 10th publication of this special report. And with the COVID-19 pandemic drastically changing the way appraisers do their business, we were anxiously awaiting opinions from our respondents as to how they were surviving with so many restrictions. Appraisers shared thoughts that reflected the virus not bringing just change but an anxiety in the profession. But through this year’s survey, in addition to the many appraisers, businesses and organizations we’ve interviewed regarding COVID-19, a resiliency came about that has, perhaps, [...]

Dear Readers, A change in our print edition schedule caused me to wait until after Thanksgiving to send out my annual holiday “Editor’s Note.” I offer you these sentiments during what has truly been difficult times for so many individuals, both personally and professionally. A few days ago, we all gathered at the Thanksgiving dinner table enjoying valuable time and special moments with family, loved ones and friends, while satisfying all of our hunger needs with the consumption of traditional turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and of course, a piece of holiday pie. Sadly, though, for many, the opportunity to enjoy [...]

Dear Readers, The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) had a busy month. First, they released the five-year assessment on the impact TRID has had on consumers, businesses and the market. Then, they issued a policy statement on exceptional circumstances that allow for terminating an administrative consent order early. Next, they published a set of Frequently Asked Questions about RESPA Section 8 compliance in general, gifts and promotional activities under RESPA and marketing services agreements (MSAs). CFPB Director Kathy Kraninger also made a surprise announcement at the MBA Annual Conference that the bureau was extending the GSE patch. But the pièce [...]