To limit mortgage closing costs, ask questions Aug 4, 2008
Making comparisons more difficult, some lenders bundle the cost of the settlement process, offering a flat rate for the title insurance as well as other services ... The settlement firm oversees the technical details of closing, arranges a title search to ensure that there are no problems and acts as an agent for a title insurance company ... Title insurance protects the lender and home buyer in case ownership is later challenged or an unknown debt related to the property emerges. (San Francisco Chronicle)
Old Republic Loss Widens to $364.7 Million on Costs for Accounting Change Aug 3, 2008
Title insurance, which protects homebuyers from claims against their ownership of a property, has declined with U.S. home sales amid the worst housing slump since the 1930s. More than 252,000 properties, or one in 501 U.S. households, entered a stage of the foreclosure process in June, RealtyTrac Inc., a seller of default data, said last month. (Bloomberg -- US)
Old Republic Reclassifies Unrealized Losses in Equity Investment Securities to the Income Statement Aug 2, 2008
1 Title insurance 179 ... 1) Title insurance (4 ... About Old Republic Chicago-based Old Republic International Corporation is an insurance holding company whose subsidiaries market, underwrite and provide risk management services for a wide variety of coverages primarily in the property lity, mortgage guaranty, and title insurance fields. (PR Newswire)
Arizona Title Agency shuts its doors, 50 employees affected Aug 2, 2008
Arizona Title's underwriter, First American Title Insurance Co., is gathering all files, closing escrow funds and will conduct any pending closing transactions. First American is the county's largest underwriter. (Phoenix Business Journal, AZ)
Hampton Roads Bankshares Announces Second Quarter Financial Results; New Hilltop Branch in Virginia Beach Aug 2, 2008
Shore Bank serves the Eastern Shore of Maryland and Virginia through eight banking offices and twenty-two ATMS. Through its affiliates, Shore Bank also offers title insurance and investment products. Shares of Hampton Roads Bankshares' common stock are traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol HMPR. Additional information about the Company and its subsidiaries can be found on the Web at. (Primezone Releases)
Title fight over $17.6 million Aug 2, 2008
First American Title underwrites title insurance. First American reported a loss of $3. (San Jose Business Journal, CA)
Continue reading Aug 1, 2008
First Title is insured by First American Title Insurance. A comment could not be reached by calling either company. (Selma Enterprise, CA)
Developing problems in Silver Spring Jul 31, 2008
Jimmy wrote on Jul 30, 2008 10:14 PM:" The answer is TITLE INSURANCE. This is a classic example of why you SHOULD purchase title insurance. Hopefully they all did. ". Steve wrote on Jul 30, 2008 12:05 PM:" http://www.fullertonlaw.com/11MLinPA.php#j"Because an owner has no defense of payment and can be required to pay for a project twice, most owners and lenders on residential projects under one million dollars will require that general contractors waive the subcontractors right to lien. (Carlisle Sentinel, PA)
LandAmerica Reports Second Quarter 2008 Results Jul 30, 2008
Such risks and uncertainties include: -- the Company's results of operations and financial condition are susceptible to changes in mortgage interest rates, the availability of mortgage financing and general economic conditions; -- changes to the participants in the secondary mortgage market could affect the demand for title insurance products; -- the Company is subject to government regulation; -- heightened regulatory scrutiny of the Company and the title insurance industry, including any... (PR Newswire)
Four Steps to an Effective Network Jul 30, 2008
Often, this is someone in a complementary business--for instance, a massage therapist might link up with a chiropractor, an interior designer with a contractor, a financial consultant with an accountant and a title insurance provider with a real estate agent. Decide how you'll seek out possible new connections. (Entrepreneur)
Home Buyer Beware Jul 29, 2008
Home buyers also have to deal with title insurance companies, surveyors and inspectors, all of which have their own fees, says Fishbein. Comparison shop at other local companies to ensure you're getting a competitive bid. (SmartMoney)
Kanjian fights to keep commission seat Jul 26, 2008
In 1998, two years after his move to the county, Kanjian founded a title insurance business, and two years later he founded a real estate sales and services company. A devout Republican, he says government creates more problems than it solves. (The Palm Beach Post)
Brunswick sinks on cutback charges Jul 25, 2008
4 million after the housing slump drove up mortgage insurance claims while crimping title insurance sales. Results fell far short of analyst expectations, and the stock fell more than 9 percent, to $10. (Chicago Tribune)
Title Insurer Fidelity National's Net Sinks 92 Percent Jul 24, 2008
Title insurance guarantees that a property owner has title to a property and can legally transfer that title. The nation's housing slump has resulted in lower demand for and lower prices on homes, cutting into title insurers' revenue. (ABC News -- Wire)
Bridge Bancorp, Inc. Reports Second Quarter 2008 Results Jul 19, 2008
Title insurance services are offered through the Bank's wholly owned subsidiary, Bridge Abstract. The Bridgehampton National Bank continues a rich tradition of involvement in the community by supporting programs and initiatives that promote local business, the environment, education, healthcare, social services and the arts. (Primezone Releases)
Gateway Financial Holdings Reports 2nd Quarter 2008 Results and Results for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2008 Jul 18, 2008
The Bank provides insurance through its Gateway Insurance Services, Inc. subsidiary, brokerage services through its Gateway Investment Services, Inc. subsidiary, title insurance through its Gateway Title Agency, Inc. subsidiary, and mortgage banking services through its Gateway Bank Mortgage, Inc. subsidiary. The common stock of the Corporation is traded on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol GBTS. For further information, visit the Corporation's web site at. (Primezone Releases)
Realty Executives Southern Arizona, Wells Fargo Home Mortgage Announce New Redington Home Loans Jul 5, 2008
This value-added approach recognizes the growing client preference for a simplified home buying experience, with real estate, financing, and title insurance services all under one roof. "In choosing Well Fargo, we are staying true to our commitment to provide our agents and their clients with the best products available and delivered with the highest level of customer service," said Anthony Azar, CEO of Realty Executives Southern Arizona. (PR Newswire)
Lennar Corporation Declares Quarterly Dividends Jul 2, 2008
Lennar's Financial Services segment provides primarily mortgage financing, title insurance and closing services for both buyers of the Company's homes and others. Previous press releases and further information about the Company may be obtained at the "Investor Relations" section of the Company's website, Some of the statements in this press release are "forward-looking statements," as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. (PR Newswire)
Ticor employee retires after 44-plus years Jul 1, 2008
When Carol Clayburn says she s worked at Ticor Title Insurance her whole life, she really means it. The Coquille resident joined the company in 1964, and Wednesday was her last day. (Coos Bay-North Bend The World, OR)
Hayden Ferry Lakeside Tower II sold for $93M Jun 28, 2008
The building is 83 percent leased, with KPMG, MetLife and Fidelity National Title Insurance among the tenants. HF Lakeside II LLC is the subsidiary of New York-based Sumitomo, a trading and investment firm. (Phoenix Business Journal, AZ)
Steve Cahalan: New cafe opens in La Crescent Jun 23, 2008
Some products and services include title insurance, closing and escrow services, construction disbursement, 1031 exchange products, lender reports, customer search packets tailored to clients needs and assistance with for sale by owner transactions ... The business is an agent of Lawyers Title Insurance Corp.. (La Crosse Tribune, WI)
Business people Jun 22, 2008
Fidelity Title Agency of Alaska is a non-affiliated, independent and locally owned company underwritten by Fidelity National Title Insurance. Hazen Baron, has joined TDX Power Inc. proven team in specialty power generation as vice president of operations. (Anchorage Daily News)
Deals Abound at Foreclosure Auction of 150 Tennessee and Alabama Homes Jun 21, 2008
These homes come with guaranteed title insurance paid for by the sellers, making them even more attractive buys. "People used to think of foreclosures as distressed property but in today's real estate market where foreclosures abound, many buyers are discovering these homes are not only in great condition but also are extremely affordable," said Dave Webb, principal, Hudson all. (PR Newswire)
Another title company quits Modesto and Stanislaus County Jun 20, 2008
Another Modesto title insurance office is closing, continuing the escrow industry's exodus from Stanislaus County ... Two weeks ago, Fidelity National Title Insurance closed its Modesto office, laying off some employees and merging the rest with a pared-down staff from Chicago Title ... People typically use title insurance companies in real estate transactions, such as buying new or existing homes or refinancing mortgages. (Modesto Bee, CA)
Owner of title firm who disappeared had been fined Jun 18, 2008
In May 2006, Gamblin, 59, paid a $2,500 fine to settle charges that he paid kickbacks, overcharged for insurance, failed to issue a policy and failed to submit timely payments to the insurer who was underwriting a title insurance policy. He was placed on a year's probation, records show. (The Palm Beach Post)
$2.5M missing at title companywhose founder disappeared Jun 17, 2008
Those were the facts that attorneys for three title insurance companies that backed Flagler Title presented to Circuit Judge Tom Barkdull, who granted the insurance companies' request to appoint Fort Lauderdale attorney Larry Saicheck as receiver ... "For what it's worth, I expect this to end pretty quickly," attorney Jeffrey Schneider of Ticor Title Insurance told the judge ... Reports of furniture and electronic equipment being taken from one of the offices prompted the insurance underwriters... (The Palm Beach Post)
Will mortgage insurance protect against job loss? (2) Jun 15, 2008
If I refinance two years after purchase, why do I need a new title insurance policy ... Title insurance policies are backward-looking -- they cover incidents prior to the date of the policy; anything that happens after that date is not covered. (Lodi News Sentinel, CA)
Missing man friend's vanishes Jun 14, 2008
Flagler Title is purportedly one of the largest writers of title insurance for commercial properties in the United States. The company has at least eight locations. (The Palm Beach Post)
Lennar Corporation's Second Quarter Earnings Conference Call To Be Broadcast Live on the Internet Jun 13, 2008
Lennar's Financial Services segment provides primarily mortgage financing, title insurance and closing services for both buyers of the Company's homes and others. Previous press releases and further information about the Company may be obtained at the "Investor Relations" section of the Company's website. (PR Newswire)
What’s Happening Jun 13, 2008
Toastmasters of Green Valley meet the second Thursday of the month July through September at 8:15 a.m. at First American Title Insurance Co. in the Green Valley Mall. Arrive early and greet and meet. (Green Valley News & Sun, AZ)
Nearly 100 Homes Hitting Auction Block Jun 13, 2008
They are owned by banks and come with title insurance paid for by the sellers. Winning bidders must make a 5 percent deposit of the sales price for each property, of which $5,000 must be a cashier's check or cash, according to Hudson and. (NBCSandiego.com, CA)
"Reforms" Proposed for California Title Insurance Industry Jun 11, 2008
In late April of this year California Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner announced proposed "efficiency" reforms to the title insurance industry ... Poizner, like commissioners before him and counterparts in other states, is concerned about the character of competition in the title insurance business ... Increasing market share is as important to title insurance companies as it is to producers of automobiles, breakfast cereal, baseball bats, etc. (RealtyTimes)
Feds subpoena Alaska real estate listings Jun 8, 2008
The act also prohibits lenders from raising borrowers' fees at closing and prohibits a real estate agent from forcing a borrower to use a specific title insurance company as a condition of the sale. Violators can face steep fines or jail time. (Anchorage Daily News)
Cass County Abstract to celebrate 60 years in business Jun 6, 2008
Iowa is unique in the United States in that it is the only state that does not have title insurance. The office does abstracts of title only; where as the other states do a majority of title insurance and fewer and fewer abstracts. (Atlantic News-Telegraph, IO)
Real estate settlement agent gets six years for scheme Jun 4, 2008
Jay Berger, 56, had pleaded guilty in October to one count of mail fraud that affected a financial institution regarding a scheme that defrauded homeowners, finance companies and title insurance companies of about $4 ... Berger, who acted as a mortgage broker, settlement agent and title insurance agent for real estate refinancings, kept money from settlements that was supposed to be used to pay off the existing mortgages, prosecutors said ... They were nonexclusive agents for Fidelity National... (Philadelphia Business Journal, PA)
County chooses lease option for new cell tower Jun 3, 2008
According to Caldwell County Attorney David Lackey, there is no written certified access to the property, though C and K Turnpike does have title insurance. In my mind, I find it problematical, Lackey told the commissioners. (Lenoir News Topic, NC)
Closing costs all over the map, study finds Jun 1, 2008
No cost means no cash for anything including points, appraisals and title insurance ... Thomas Martin, who runs the National Mortgage Complaint Center, agrees with Woodward's general conclusion - that closing costs, especially for title insurance, "are all over the map. They may vary within a state or from state to state.". (San Francisco Chronicle -- Business)
Major Players in Real Estate Title Industry Hit by Suits May 31, 2008
The new lawsuits filed in federal court in California and Washington state accuse Chicago Title Insurance Co., Fidelity National Title Co., First American Title Insurance Co. and Old Republic Title Ltd. of participating in at least one of the four questioned schemes ... Bushbeck v. Chicago Title Insurance Co., No. 2:08-cv-00755 (W.D. Wash ... Jankanish v. First American Title Insurance Co., No. 3:08-cv-02460 (N.D. Calif. (Law.com)
Diamond to manage state title insurance offices May 31, 2008
Richard Diamond of Brookline has been promoted to Massachusetts manager of First American Title Insurance Company ... Diamond currently serves on the Executive Board of Massachusetts Title, the oldest title insurance company in the United States. (Brookline TAB, MA)
Surfers and Developer Meet at World Famous K55 Surf Break May 31, 2008
Beach Vacation Home Endless Amenities: (Besides the perfect climate and world-class surfing area) Infiniti pool and spas with BBQ area, Jacuzzi, tennis and basketball courts, fully-equipped modern gym Beachfront walking ng trails, recreation areas, meditation gardens, fire pits Tropical landscaping, paved streets, lighting, underground utilities Low to mid-rise "Baja Med" design with only two units per elevator Underground parking structures with two spaces per home Assigned underground storage... (Yahoo News -- Press Releases)
The First American Corporation Declares Quarterly Cash Dividend May 30, 2008
The First American Family of Companies, many of which command leading market share positions in their respective industries, operate within five primary business segments, including: Title Insurance and Services, Specialty Insurance, Information and Outsourcing Solutions, Data and Analytic Solutions, and Risk Mitigation and Business Solutions. More information about the company and an archive of its press releases can be found at. (PR Newswire)
OneMove(TM) Reports Third Quarter Fiscal 2008 Results May 29, 2008
"In addition, with the sale of OneMove Limited and the organizational changes we made subsequent to quarter end, we have reduced our cost base and are able to allocate greater resources toward the market opportunity in B.C. The push toward paperless conveyance transactions continues across the province. More specifically, earlier this year, the Land Title and Survey Authority of British Columbia presented their business plan, which states that electronic filing of completed conveyance documents... (Canada Newswire)
Want to be a landlord? May 26, 2008
You have to adhere to them," said Lovett-Reid. She recommends the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. (CMHC) website as a good start. There are websites that can tell you vacancy rates and average rental prices in cities across Canada -- www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/en/corp/about/cahoob07/data/data--004.cfm. Vacancy rates vary greatly across the country and you might find it's not worth the hassle of finding a tenant when the vacancy rate is close to 3%, as it was in Toronto in 2006 (the latest year data... (Toronto Sun)
Ask Realty Times May 23, 2008
The question of title insurance came up with a friend recently and we were wondering who, buyer or seller, is responsible for paying the premium for title insurance upon sale of the house. He says the buyer, and well, I just don't know. (RealtyTimes)
QNB Corp. Declares Dividend May 22, 2008
In addition, QNB provides retail brokerage services through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. and title insurance as a member of Laurel Abstract Company LLC. QNB Corp.'s stock is traded in the over-the-counter market under the symbol "QNBC." For more information, visit the QNB web site at. SOURCE QNB Corp.. (PR Newswire)
LandAmerica Announces the Opening of the LandAmerica Title Insurance Company of Mexico, S.A. May 20, 2008
May 19 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- LandAmerica Financial Group, Inc. (NYSE: ) announces its LandAmerica Title Insurance Company of Mexico, S.A. ("LATIM") subsidiary has received licensing approval from the Mexican government to operate as a title insurance underwriter in Mexico ... With LATIM receiving licensing approval, LandAmerica becomes one of only two U.S.-based title insurance companies licensed to do business in Mexico ... LATIM has prepared a "Guide to Title Insurance and Related Services... (PR Newswire)
How to Succeed with a Family Business May 13, 2008
"In our residential sales division, we have 15 offices throughout the metro area and something over 520 sales associates. We do slightly less than a billion dollars in this area. Along with that, we have an insurance company that does both health and property casualty; we have four title insurance companies that serve 17 counties in this area; we have a commercial real estate company; we have a land company; and we also have an apartment management company that has 4,500 units in this area. My... (KFOR Oklahoma City, OK)
FNF 1Q earnings fall sharply May 11, 2008
Jacksonville-based Fidelity National Financial Inc. (NYSE: FNF) provides title insurance and other financial services. Latest News. (Jacksonville Business Journal, FL)
IBERIABANK Corporation Announces Pulaski Bank & Trust Company Expansion May 10, 2008
With the completion of this transaction, IBERIABANK Corporation will have 89 bank branch offices, 32 title insurance offices and 39 mortgage locations, including 68 combined offices serving clients in the State of Arkansas ... Communities Within The Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers MSA % Growth Population Since: 1990 2000 2006 1990 2000 Fayetteville 42,099 58,047 68,726 63% 18% Springdale 29,941 45,798 63,082 111% 38% Rogers 24,692 38,829 52,181 111% 34% Bentonville 11,257 19,730 32,049 185% 62%... (PR Newswire)
Stewart Information Services restates earnings May 10, 2008
Stewart Information Services Corp. is a real estate information, title insurance and transaction management company. Related Industry News. (Houston Business Journal, TX)
SAN RAMON Slaying of real estate investor tied to alleged bank fraud plot May 9, 2008
Gomez then signed papers and gave a thumbprint to a notary at Fidelity National Title Insurance Co., which was handling the transaction, McCormick said. The men provided an $82,000 cashier's check for a down payment, McCormick said, which meant they needed to borrow $417,000 from the bank. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Sports)
Attorney, associate accused in bilkings May 4, 2008
Both men were partners at the time in the title insurance company A Great Title Co., which is also named as a defendant, as is the Stewart Title Co. Both Feehan and Bloom were on a list of attorneys approved by Stewart Title, the suit said. "On behalf of the legal community, it's outrageous, the breach of faith and the public trust," said Stack. (NJ.com -- Times)
Rants and Raves May 4, 2008
My title insurance points out an old title provision that I cannot mine mercury on my lot The title insurance would be the first place to look. What puzzles me about this 12-year-old who admitted to consensual sex with an older man. (Rio Rancho Observer, NM)
IBERIABANK Corporation Reports First Quarter 2008 Results Apr 23, 2008
Title insurance revenues totaled $4 ... IBERIABANK Corporation IBERIABANK Corporation is a multi-bank financial holding company with 151 combined offices, including 80 bank branch offices in Louisiana, Arkansas, and Tennessee, 32 title insurance offices in Arkansas and Louisiana, and mortgage representatives in 39 locations in eight states. (PR Newswire)
Wal-Mart tops Fortune 500 list Apr 22, 2008
Falling the most was title insurance company Fidelity National Financial Inc., which slipped 171 spots to No. 435. New additions to the list included Kraft Foods Inc., Symantec Corp., PetSmart Inc. and BlackRock Inc., while those knocked from the list included H&R Block Inc., Hilton Hotels, Radioshack Corp. and Lucent Technologies. (OregonLive, OR -- Business)
QNB Corp. Reports First Quarter Earnings Apr 18, 2008
In addition, QNB provides retail brokerage services through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. and title insurance as a member of Laurel Abstract Company LLC. This press release may contain forward-looking statements as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Act of 1995. Actual results and trends could differ materially from those set forth in such statements due to various factors. (PR Newswire)
County sale of poor farm land stalls Apr 17, 2008
Both parties had discussed a price of $50,000 for the 10 acres and having the buyer pay for additional expenses, such as attorneys' fees, title insurance, auction and appraiser costs, engineering expenses, fencing and tenant compensation. The additional expenses were estimated at about $35,000. (Madison Daily Leader, SD)
Advantage Bank Goes GREEN by Hosting Its Second Community Shred and Protect Day Apr 17, 2008
Advantage Bank and its affiliate, Camco Title Agency, offer relationship banking that includes commercial, small business and consumer financial services, internet banking and title insurance services from twenty-eight offices in Ohio, Kentucky and West Virginia. Contact. (Primezone Releases)
Council votes to keep new tax measures Apr 16, 2008
The struggling economy has forced Sue Johnson to cut nearly half the staff at her title insurance company, she said, but she encouraged residents to shop in DeKalb regardless of the tax rates. The economy is hurting because people are not spending, she said. (DeKalb Daily Chronicle, IL)
Public Property Auction set for 10 a.m. Wednesday at WF City Hall Apr 16, 2008
A press release emanating from Mayor Marion Presley s office reminds bidders to review the Franklin County Title Commitments for title insurance prior to placing bids. The release goes on to note that the city has been assured in writing by Franklin County Title Company that a final title insurance policy will be issued to the accepted bidder in the amount of the bid upon payment of the policy premium and that the Schedule B Exception will be omitted from the final title insurance policy. (West Frankfort Daily American, IL)
Many bridges to cross Apr 15, 2008
Highfields Capital Management, a Boston investment firm that isn't shy about expressing business opinions privately and sometimes in public, apparently got the attention of executives running the country's largest title insurance company. of Santa Ana, Calif. (Boston Globe)
GETTING AHEAD Apr 14, 2008
Bartow had previously worked at Insured Titles as a closing officer and has seven years of experience in the title insurance industry closing real estate transactions. Leanne Becker has joined the occupational therapy staff at Community Medical Center. (Missoulian, MT)
Paris pied-a-terre at a fraction of the cost Apr 14, 2008
" The ownership plans, says Nguyen, are extremely flexible, and owners receive all the amenities - valet, concierge, maids, room service, day care and parking - that guests enjoy at the Fairmont Hotel. Although the exact dimensions and price of the one-bedrooms has yet to be established, fractional ownership in a two-bedroom unit, from 1,200 to 1,400 square feet, costs $276,000. One-tenth of a three bedroom unit, from 1,800 to 1,900 square feet, is scheduled to sell for under $400,000.... (San Francisco Chronicle)
Title insurers face criticism over pricing Apr 13, 2008
The price of title insurance, a mandatory surcharge on every Massachusetts mortgage loan, more than doubled over the last decade ... A chorus of critics, including state regulators and members of Congress, say the title insurance industry overcharges its customers ... The reason for title insurance is that someone else may have a claim on your property, such as an unpaid contractor, an heir of the last owner, or a neighbor who thinks the fence is in the wrong place. (Boston Globe)
Home buyers best beware Apr 13, 2008
Banks will often pay for title insurance and a home warranty, but the houses are sold "as-is," and buyers must take that into consideration when making offers. Families forced from their homes sometimes take their frustrations out on the house. (Fresno Bee)
