Propy's $100M bet: Buy the title firms, run the back office on AI
The proptech firm has a credit line, an AI escrow officer and a growing list of acquired title firms
by Nick Pipitone May 14
federal flood insurance lapse
Real estate industry groups expect lawmakers to pass a temporary reauthorization of the National Flood Insurance Program, but push for a long-term solution that includes reforms
by Matt Carter Dec 9
seller impersonation fraud
As seller impersonation scams surge, the American Land Title Association is launching new protections, writes new contributor and current ALTA president Richard H. Welshons
by Richard Welshons Nov 11
Trump administration expands Fannie Mae title waiver program
Title insurers wanted to put the brakes on a pilot program that uses automated title reviews to allow some homeowners to refinance their mortgage without having to pay for title insurance
by Matt Carter Jul 11
Rules on closing costs, PACE loans on CFPB chopping block
In his 1st act as interim Consumer Financial Protection Bureau director, Scott Bessent froze action on all rules and litigation. Here's what that potentially means for the mortgage industry
by Marian McPherson Feb 4
Nation's biggest lender, UWM, is piloting Fannie Mae title waivers
Trade group for title insurers complains federal regulators are disregarding the views of lawmakers in allowing the program to move forward on the eve of a 2nd Trump administration
by Matt Carter Dec 12
Campaign to stop Fannie Mae title waiver pilot program resumes
Title insurers have waged a protracted PR and lobbying campaign opposing the pilot program and other title insurance alternatives endorsed by the Biden administration and consumer groups
by Matt Carter Nov 20
DOJ's data sharing statement has implications for MLSs, associations
The statement regarding a lawsuit against pork producers notes that the sharing of information among competitors could violate antitrust law 'even without proof of an agreement to fix prices'
by Lillian Dickerson Oct 16
Is Spelling Manor the next mansion to be hit by scammers?
Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt is reportedly interested in the $137.5M home, but the property can't be sold until a bizarre claim to the deed allegedly involving Donald Trump is resolved in court
by Lillian Dickerson Sep 30
Debate over title insurance alternatives is heating up again
Republican attorneys general in 14 states urge Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac's federal regulator to kill a pilot program that allows some borrowers to refi without obtaining title insurance
by Matt Carter Jul 25
UWM expands program that dispenses with title insurance
Nation's largest mortgage lender says brokers 'will no longer need to work with a title company or settlement agent for title work, balancing fees, scheduling closing or any related communication'
by Matt Carter May 17
Kentucky, W. Virginia move to ban exclusive, right-to-list agreements
New laws enacted to prevent the use of Non-Title Recorded Agreements for Personal Services — or NTRAPs — are sweeping the nation as critics decry alleged deceptive and predatory practices
by Taylor Anderson Apr 3
Title technology provider Doma posts $124M 2023 net loss
After a 'transformational year,' CEO Max Simkoff says Doma is well positioned to help lenders take advantage of the Biden administration's push to reduce closing costs for mortgage borrowers
by Matt Carter Mar 13
Biden's relaxed new Freddie, Fannie refi requirements irk title industry
In a pilot program announced last week, the Biden administration cleared the way for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to let some homeowners refinance mortgages without paying for title insurance
by Matt Carter Mar 11
Tighter federal regulations coming to luxury real estate market soon
The US Treasury Department is poised to enact expanded reporting measures on luxury home sales, putting an end to anonymous purchases that have enabled oligarchs, terrorists and others
by Lillian Dickerson Aug 11