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Dear Readers, It would be hard to imagine a more anticipated New Year’s Eve than the one that just took place several days ago. With the loss of life, jobs, and income, and just the overall devastation at the hands of the COVID-19 coronavirus felt by so many over the past 12 months, the sights and sounds of welcoming 2021 seemingly couldn’t have come soon enough. Personally, and professionally, we are still a long way from returning to “normal.” It is understood that when Jan. 1 arrived on the calendar, it did not magically erase all the sadness and damage [...]

Dear Readers, As a lifelong girl scout, I can tell you the motto, ‘be prepared’ was definitely put to the test in 2020. So much so, that this year, it is my New Years’ resolution, one that I hope to pass on to you. In terms of the Dodd Frank Update, this means we will be working to prepare you for upcoming changes in the compliance and regulatory department. For an in-depth look at the state of the industry and what experts are anticipating, be sure to check out our special report coming sometime this month. The housing and lending [...]

Dear Readers, I love fresh starts— school years, birthdays, and especially new years. What goals do I have? What new habits do I hope to have at the end of this year? The possibilities are only as limited as I make them. Along with the unprecedented events of 2020, industry members were busier than they have been for quite some time. As the dust clears and we look ahead, what goals do you want to attain? What did you have to put aside last year that you hope to bring back into focus in 2021? In addition to professional goals, [...]

Dear Readers, Goodbye, 2020. We can all breathe a collective sigh of relief that 2021 — along with COVID-19 vaccines — are upon us at last. Meanwhile, the industry is closely watching what happens during the final days of the Trump administration. Perhaps most notable is on Dec. 7, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) announced its second RESPA enforcement action of the year.The CFPB’s action against Nationstar Mortgage — the largest non-bank mortgage servicer in the country –— was years in the making. However, in this month’s cover story, Mayer Brown Partner Ori Lev, a former bureau deputy enforcement [...]

Dear Readers, I am excited and ready to bring you the same quality of content you’ve come to expect in my new role as editor of The Title Report. I plan to use all my previous experience to bring all of the available information in the world of titles to you. I’ve spent the last five years or so working every job I can find in whatever newsroom will take me. I’ve reported, read copy and even sold ads in two different states. That all led me here to The Title Report, where I will be working as an editor [...]

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 [...]