Friends of missing former Twin City woman concerned for her safety Jul 1, 2010
"It's awful. Everyone I know that knows her, they're just shaking their heads," said Doug Williams of Bloomington, retired owner of Mid Illinois Title Insurance Co.. Gillibrand worked several years for Williams as a loan closer. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
Refinancing might not be the best idea for you Jun 28, 2010
Typically, there's a fee that goes to the mortgage broker or lender, plus fees for title insurance, a new appraisal, document processing and other charges. Advertisement | Sponsored links Marketplace. (MSNBC -- Business)
Mortgage rates at lowest point since mid-1950s Jun 26, 2010
Besides the fees for the mortgage broker or lender, there are fees for title insurance, a new appraisal, document processing and other charges. And in "no fee" mortgages, costs are often added to the loan amount or the interest rate is higher. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Business)
Greenline amenities touted to CREW Memphis Jun 25, 2010
Carol Slone, president of the CREW s Memphis chapter and a vice president at First American Title Insurance Co., said a greenline could help attract businesses and tenants because it could be seen as an amenity. I think the greenline will help business growth, she said. (Memphis Business Journal, TN)
Mortgage rates hit record low, lift incentive to buy, refinance Jun 25, 2010
Appraisal fees, title insurance and state documentary stamp taxes can total about 2 percent of the amount of the loan. The Associated Press contributed to this story. (The Palm Beach Post)
Calif. Supreme Court Lets Stand Ruling on Ethical Walls Jun 25, 2010
In Kirk v. First American Title Insurance Co., the 2nd District held that while disqualification is the general rule, that presumption is rebuttable and "can be refuted by evidence that ethical screening will effectively prevent the sharing of confidences in a particular case." ... In Kirk, the 2nd District found that 700-lawyer Sonnenschein Nath & Rosenthal needn't be disqualified from representing First American Title Insurance because of San Francisco partner Gary Cohen's brief interaction... (Law.com)
Oil play heats up Jun 17, 2010
"You can't throw a rock without hitting a landman at the courthouse," said Justin Davis, title insurance manager for Powell Title & Escrow Inc. in Torrington. Davis said dozens of landmen are scouring records at the clerks' offices in Goshen, Platte and Laramie counties, trying to find the owners of mineral estates, which can vary from who owns the surface estate. (Casper Star-Tribune, WY)
Old Republic to buy insurer in $365-million deal Jun 11, 2010
Chicago-based Old Republic is an insurance holding company with subsidiaries that market, underwrite and provide risk management services for property and liability, mortgage guaranty and title insurance. Blue Bell, Pa. (Crain's Chicago Business)
Old Republic International to buy PMA Capital Jun 11, 2010
Chicago-based Old Republic (NYSE:ORI) is an insurance holding company whose subsidiaries market, underwrite and provide risk management services for a wide variety of coverages, principally in the property and liability, mortgage guaranty, and title insurance areas. One of the nation's 50 largest publicly held insurance companies, Old Republic has assets of $14. (Philadelphia Business Journal, PA)
If confidence counts, Dudley has Thrashers on verge of Cup Jun 9, 2010
And that we purchase title insurance, for the gold-plated faucets, Corian countertops, and berber carpets that get installed. But most of all, that the county issue the certificate of occupancy. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Sports)
Ore. Creating First New State Forest Since 1948 Jun 2, 2010
It is the real estate subsidiary of Fidelity National Financial Inc., a publicly traded title insurance company based in Jacksonville, Fla. The sale was part of a stretegy of finding buyers who would maintain conservation benefits of the land, said Greg Lane, executive vice president of Fidelity National Timber Resources. (ABC News -- Wire)
Former Exeter man on trial for wire fraud Jun 2, 2010
"The Steuks' legal troubles began in 2007 when the New Hampshire Supreme Court suspended Robert Steuk's law license after Florida-based Chicago Title Insurance Co. sued Steuk, his wife and their 35-year company, Warranty Title Co., which was based in Bedford but also had operations in Maine and Massachusetts.Chicago Title, in 2007, alleged that the Steuks misappropriated about $500,000 from client escrow accounts, which hold money from banks or property purchasers, to be paid out later to banks... (Seacoast New Hampshire)
Florida AG investigating LPS subsidiary May 22, 2010
Fidelity National Financial (NYSE: FNF), based in Jacksonville, provides title insurance, specialty insurance, claims management services and information services. Lender Processing Services (NYSE: LPS), also based in Jacksonville, provides mortgage processing services, settlement services, mortgage performance analytics and default solutions. (Jacksonville Business Journal, FL)
Cherry Hills Village landowner wins $4.8M judgment against Chicago Title May 7, 2010
Scott and her husband bought title insurance on the understanding that the easement was 30 feet wide, a matter that later became the subject of two lawsuits against Kent Denver, which Scott lost. She then filed a claim under her title insurance policy, which Chicago Title denied ... Because title insurance providers insure events that already have happened, they don t face future risk, the way a medical or property insurer would, making most cases fairly straightforward. (Denver Business Journal, CO)
Real estate briefs: Lee law firm expands its list of offerings May 2, 2010
Attorney Steven E. Martin of Martin Law Firm P.L. has become an agent for The Attorney's Title Insurance Fund, a title insurance underwriter in Florida. The law firm can now conduct closings of real estate transactions, issue title insurance, and give legal advice relating to real estate transactions at its four offices in Cape Coral, Fort Myers, North Fort Myers and Naples. (The News-Press -- Business)
How to successfully sell your own home this spring May 1, 2010
You may want to hire a title insurance company to do a search or even a real estate attorney who can help you clear up any problems. Spend $300 or $400 to hire an appraiser, Mr. Healy says. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
Final day for federal homebuyer tax credit May 1, 2010
The next surge of business is expected in the last two weeks of June, when banks, mortgage brokers, title insurance companies and attorneys will be under the gun to get real estate closings finished by June 30. That s the next deadline to qualify for the tax credits. (Albany Business Review, NY)
New Colorado title-insurance rules coming Apr 29, 2010
New rules governing title insurance in Colorado are taking effect May 1, the state Division of Insurance announced Wednesday ... NEW RULES FOR TITLE INSURANCE TAKE EFFECT MAY 1, 2010 ... Although many homebuyers are not educated in the intricacies of title insurance, the Division of Insurance is working to update title rules and regulations to ensure consumer interests are protected in real estate transactions. (Denver Business Journal, CO)
Buyers Should Push to Cut Junk Fees Apr 24, 2010
Closing costs include lending charges, local tax and transfer fees, and expenses for such things as title insurance, appraisal costs, and other third-party services. The rule of thumb used to be about 3 percent of the cost of the property. (Realtor Magazine Online)
Mortgage fraud: understanding and avoiding it Apr 22, 2010
The flipper provides the end buyer with a fraudulent title insurance commitment, showing the flipper as owner (though not the case) and an appraisal is made at the inflated price the flipper and end buyer have agreed on. In several historic cases, a Cincinnati loan processor used false income documentation, inflated appraisal values and fake companies to steal nearly $400,000. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Business)
Fidelity cost cutting produces profit Apr 22, 2010
The Jacksonville-based title insurance provider (NYSE: FNF) reported Wednesday a boost in net earnings after it cut 600 positions during the quarter and sold bonds that it purchased last year for about $48 million, creating a pre-tax gain of $26 million from the original purchase price. This quarter was a typical seasonally impacted beginning to the year, as we started slow in January coming out of the holiday season and built momentum as we made our way into the month of March, said Chairman... (Jacksonville Business Journal, FL)
AT&T Signs on as Title Sponsor for Midnight Gaming Championships Apr 20, 2010
Title insurance closings, notary services ... Hud-1, title insurance and policy production software featuring transaction management, Web order entry, trust accounting and 1099-S reporting. (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
Drivers take car show on road in Arizona Apr 17, 2010
Her "real job" is an accounting supervisor with a title insurance company, his a stockbroker with Charles Schwab. "I think the camaraderie is wonderful; you have so many car groups getting together and they're all real mellow. And then, Sunday morning, hearing how much everyone enjoyed the drive makes it worth the work," Janice said. (AZCentral)
Top FNF executive pay doubles Apr 16, 2010
Fidelity National (NYSE: FNF) has faced its challenges being in the title insurance business during a real estate market collapse. In October 2008, the company had a six-month, 10 percent salary reduction for its employees. (Jacksonville Business Journal, FL)
Top executive salaries at FIS soar Apr 16, 2010
In a separate proxy filing released Thursday for , the title insurance company also reported that Foley s compensation was tripled to almost $18. 3 million and most of the top executives received a double-increase in their total compensation in 2009 largely from FNF s cash incentive program, which was based on the company s performance in return on equity and pre-tax profit margins. (Jacksonville Business Journal, FL)
Rad Bartlam: Choice to lead Lodi as interim city manager? (5) Apr 15, 2010
When you get title insurance, all they do is check the title plant and recorders office for liens, and abstracts of judgemnts on a SPECIFIC DAY during escrow ... Here is a simple case: Lets say a painter was hired by the builder to do some interior work within 90 days of the title insurance checks ... Forget about title insurance. (Lodi News Sentinel, CA)
New HUD form confuses borrowers, lenders Apr 14, 2010
Also, HUD requires that some seller-paid costs such as title insurance charges be included on the form, resulting in estimates that are thousands of dollars higher than what borrowers would actually pay at closing. And, borrowers aren't told their total monthly payment on the estimate, forcing them to refer to other documents and make their own calculations. (MSNBC -- Business)
SecoLink closing with loss of KeyBank work Apr 8, 2010
It handled back-end mortgage operations including title insurance, appraisals, flood and closing services for KeyBank, which owns 49 percent of the company. First American, a California-based corporation, owns the remainder of the company, KeyBank said. (Buffalo Business First, NY)
DBL Law adds Excel Title agency Apr 7, 2010
said Tuesday it has formed a title agency Excel Title to offer title insurance and and coordinate title services for clients ... Its staff includes two real estate attorneys who are also licensed title insurance agents. (Cincinnati Business Courier, OH)
The Job-Creating Machine Called The Real Estate Industry In Ghana Apr 6, 2010
Title insurance and homeowners insurance companiesget busy insuring homes. Here in Ghana, Lawyers also get busy drafting purchaseagreements and negotiating real estate deals for their clients. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Don’t buy into a money pit Apr 4, 2010
Also allot money for title insurance how much depends on the purchase price. Most listing agents will recommend to a seller to accept an offer that pays some or all closing costs. (Boston Globe)
Tax lien assistance event on April 6 Apr 2, 2010
That is one of the reasons a title search and title insurance is so important to new homeowners. Cordon Bleu is located near the Woodhaven Boulevard train stop (J, Z) and the Q 11 and Q 56 bus routes and is handicap- accessible. (Queens Chronicle, NY)
Missing Lawyer Suspected of Mishandling Client Funds Turns Up in Rehab Mar 30, 2010
Chief disciplinary counsel Mark Dubois has been in touch with Drumm's title insurance carrier and learned that it paid the mortgage holder $119,000 from Drumm's policy. There's also the possibility that an additional $150,000 claim will be made against the insurance policy, Dubois noted. (Law.com)
Home market not out of woods Mar 22, 2010
-based a leading provider of services such as title insurance, specialty property/casualty insurance, equity loans and home warranties. Data utilized by CoreLogic in its negative-equity analysis included first and second mortgages. (San Antonio Business Journal, TX)
Kleindienst files for county recorder Mar 16, 2010
Kleindienst said she has more than 15 years of experience in the title insurance industry ... Kleindienst has been employed by Boone Central Title Co. of Columbia and Boyd Title Insurance Co. of Fulton. (Fulton Sun, MO)
N.J. High Court Weighs Title Insurer's Liability for Attorney's Theft of Client Funds Mar 10, 2010
Mercer County Superior Court Judge Bill Mathesius dismissed the suit, finding Pizzi stole the Goodmans' money months before he had contact with Atlantic Title Insurance Co., Stewart Title's agent ... To shield itself from liability, a title insurance company could simply hold off on cashing the check until after after the closing, he said. (Law.com)
Camco Financial Announces Fourth Quarter and 2009 Results Mar 2, 2010
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 28 offices in Ohio, Kentucky and West Virginia. Additional information about Camco Financial Corporation may be found on the Company's web sites: and. (Primezone Releases)
Emmett Tucker, lawyer and social justice advocate Feb 27, 2010
Randy had a curiosity for complicated litigation issues, whether it was gaming law or title insurance. He became the go-to person in the office on these issues because his mind was so sharp and quick. (Boston Globe)
Potential Defendant dropped Feb 19, 2010
Published: Thursday, February 18, 2010 12:14 PM CST JONESBORO A U.S. District judge signed off Wednesday on a title insurance company s request to withdraw its motion for permission to add a Paragould man as a defendant in a lawsuit against a Paragould title company s former owner. In a motion filed Tuesday, lawyers for Old Republic National Title Insurance Company said the company had resolved its claims against Pete Cancilla and asked that its previous motion be dropped ... The title insurance... (Paragould Daily Press, AR)
Investors Title Co. back in black Feb 18, 2010
On a per-share basis, the Chapel Hill-based provider of title insurance (Nasdaq: ITIC) posted annual earnings of $2. 10 per share compared to a loss of 50 cents in 2008. (Raleigh Triangle Business Journal, NC)
Hampton Roads Bankshares Defers Dividends on TARP Preferred Stock Feb 18, 2010
Through various affiliates, the Banks also offer mortgage banking services, insurance, title insurance and investment products. Shares of the Company's 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 at. (Primezone Releases)
Dealing with Closing Costs Feb 16, 2010
Some title insurance companies have promoted their products as a cheaper alternative to a survey in protecting against property title issues, but lawyers and say there is no substitute for a property survey. Surveys cost in the $1,000 to $2,000 range, while title insurance is around $250 ... However, title insurance is also recommended to protect you against title fraud and identity theft issues. (RealtyTimes)
Old Republic settles with Insurance Dept. Feb 13, 2010
The Department of Insurance had alleged that Old Republic charged lenders rates different than the rating rules that had been approved on certain residential refinance title insurance rates and escrow fees, which is considered unlawful rebating, a news release said ... The Department of Insurance in April began investigating and examining the rating and underwriting practices of Old Republic Title after receiving written complaints alleging nonconformance with filed rates for residential title... (Sacramento Business Journal, CA)
Fidelity National companies fined $500,000 Feb 12, 2010
The has handed down a $500,000 fine against Florida-based and its four title insurance companies ... Title insurance protects landowners and lenders in the event of a claim against the property, based on a problem that existed before the land was purchased. (St. Louis Business Journal, MO)
3 Colo. title companies merge Feb 9, 2010
Three Colorado title companies merge under Fidelity National Title Insurance name - Denver Business Journal ... Three Colorado title companies merge under Fidelity National Title Insurance name ... Meanwhile, Fidelity has been operating the third company, Fidelity National Title Insurance Co., in Colorado for the past five years, officials said. (Denver Business Journal, CO)
Public records for Feb. 6, 2010 Feb 7, 2010
SUITS: Deltona Youth Soccer Club Inc. v. Intrinsic Investments Inc., real property; Kathryn Romstad v. David A. Brandell, other circuit civil; Shellie L. Beach v. Hearthstone Senior Communities Inc., nursing home negligence; BAC Home Loans Servicing LP v. Robert C. Hill II, real property; U.S. Bank NA v. James G. Wise, real property; Wachovia Mortgage Corp. v. Raymond L. Miller, real property; Wachovia Mortgage Corp. v. Michael McPheters, real property; U.S. Bank NA v. Elida A. Perez, real... (Daytona Beach News Journal -- Local)
Donors pick favorites for governor Feb 5, 2010
First American Title Insurance Company ... First American Title Insurance Company. (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
FNF Inc. scores huge earnings rebound Feb 4, 2010
The company had an uptick in revenues from its title insurance premiums as well as fully integrating and cutting costs of two title insurers it acquired in late 2008 ... These underwriters are fully integrated into the FNF family and we look forward to their continued significant contribution to our market-leading title insurance business in 2010 and beyond. (Jacksonville Business Journal, FL)
AG seeks lower title insurance rates Jan 30, 2010
Attorney general seeks reduction in title insurance rates - New Mexico Business Weekly ... Attorney general seeks reduction in title insurance rates ... Attorney General Gary King is asking the state insurance superintendent to reduce title insurance rates by more than 13. (New Mexico Business Weekly, NM)
Heritage Commerce Corp Reports Financial Results for 2009 Jan 29, 2010
At December 31, 2009, title insurance company, escrow, and real estate exchange facilitators accounts decreased to $23. 0 million, compared to $56. (Primezone Releases)
Quaint Oak Bancorp, Inc. Announces Fourth Quarter Earnings Jan 29, 2010
Robert T. Strong, President and Chief Executive Officer stated, "I am pleased to report that 2009 provided us with the opportunity to pursue our goals and enhance several areas of growth within our organization.We established three subsidiaries of the Bank that are compatible with our current business lines.Launched on July 1, 2009, the three companies provide real estate sales, mortgage banking and title insurance agency services.These subsidiary companies took root, stabilized and... (Primezone Releases)
Rurban Financial Corp. Reports Year-End 2009 Financial Results Jan 28, 2010
15 million loss recorded due to mortgage fraud with an external title insurance company. State Bank plans to pursue aggressive litigation against the principal involved, the local title insurance company, and a national title company for recovery of the fraud loss. (Primezone Releases)
Bridge Bancorp, Inc. Reports Fourth Quarter and Year End 2009 Results Jan 28, 2010
"As we assess our 2009 performance, we recognize the benefits of conservative risk management and adherence to the basic banking principles, which have served this Company well over our long history. As we look forward to celebrating our 100th anniversary in February 2010, we continue to employ prudent underwriting standards, assessing a borrower's character, ability to repay and, where applicable, collateral values when making credit decisions. As 2010 begins there is still significant economic... (Primezone Releases)
Crye-Leike Realtor Associate Claire Owenis named 2009 Realtor Associate of the Year Jan 27, 2010
Tuesday, January 26, 2010. Published: Tuesday, January 26, 2010 7:16 AM CST GERMANTOWN, TN., For more than 20 years Realtor Associate Claire Owen has made a living buying and selling property a livelihood that depends on her ability to put successful real estate deals together and avoid surprises. (West Memphis Germantown News, TN)
Real Estate Roundup Jan 23, 2010
Ticor Title Insurance Co. leased 5,374 square feet at Columbia Square, 111 S.W. Columbia, from Columbia Square LLC. Brandon Frank of Grubb & Ellis Co. represented the tenant. Tom Becic of Melvin Mark Cos. (Portland Business Journal, OR)
Escrow funds allegedly misused Jan 23, 2010
According to documents posted on the department s Web site, Mary E. Williams, owner of Greene County Abstract and Title and Precision Title Services, waived her right to a hearing and entered into a consent order to surrender her title insurance agent licenses to the state without admitting or denying the findings of facts in the agreement. The documents outline allegations against Williams made by Old Republic National Title Insurance Company, which alleges audits of Greene County Abstract s... (Paragould Daily Press, AR)
Kruse speeds funds to car sellers Jan 23, 2010
Similarly, the company didn't renew its bonding, a type of title insurance needed to manage auctions, until the last minute, due to snafus and red tape, Stone said. Facing lawsuits from some creditors, angry complaints from some customers and an F-rating from the Better Business Bureau, company CEO Dean Kruse tried to settle nerves before Glendale's auction by announcing a new program to handle all transactions through an escrow account with JP Morgan Chase Bank. (AZCentral -- Business)
Burleson Cooke adds lawyers to Pgh office Jan 20, 2010
The newcomers bring the number of lawyers at the office to eight and adds expertise in real estate and title insurance law. Burleson Cooke has added Gene Jazwinski, Justin Rubenstein, Deb Freeland, William Thomas Fahey III and Robert Wilson to the office, which is based in Canonsburg, near Pittsburgh. (Pittsburgh Business Times, PA)
Closing costs Jan 19, 2010
Title services, lender's title insurance and owner's title insurance, if selected by the lender ... Title services, lender's title insurance and owner's title insurance, if selected by the borrower ... The rules, which took effect Jan. 1, will reduce closing shocks and save home buyers money, says Timothy Dwyer, CEO of Entitle Direct Group, a title insurance company. (USA Today -- Money)
Commonwealth Title shuts office Jan 16, 2010
Commonwealth Land Title Insurance Co., one of the region s largest commercial title insurance underwriters, is closing its Clayton office as parent company Fidelity National Financial consolidates operations nationwide. Fidelity Senior Vice President Ed Burton confirmed the office, led by Kevin Twellman, will close by Jan. 31. (St. Louis Business Journal, MO)
Nissan Certified Used Car Program Jan 15, 2010
Title insurance policy. Up to $500 trip interruption coverage (car rental, food, hotel). (Suite101.com)
Title company agrees to settlement with regulators Jan 14, 2010
He said he was licensed by the state to market title insurance and Alyeska paid him legitimately for that work. The contract between Wickersham and Alyeska Title was a condition of the purchase of the title agency, added Alyeska president Ryan Strong. (Anchorage Daily News)
Title company pays settlement in kickback scheme Jan 13, 2010
He said he was licensed by the state to market title insurance and Alyeska paid him legitimately for that work. Wickersham sold the title agency in 2003 and his contract with Alyeska was a condition of the sale, said Randy Strong, Alyeska president. (Anchorage Daily News)
New Laws Protect Home, Car Buyers Jan 10, 2010
It prohibits any seller who acquired a property as a result of a foreclosure sale, from requiring a buyer of the property as a condition of the sale, to use the seller's choice of title insurance or escrow company if the buyer is paying for these services. Senate Bill 36 will require all mortgage loan originators to pass an exam and register in a national database. (KCRA 3, CA)
Carolyn Kiesling, LandChoice perfect fit Jan 10, 2010
"I came into a secretarial job and started out abstracting which is searching property people are selling or refinancing. I researched the property for the books. Abstracters go through the history clear pack to the patent to make sure there are no leans out there and the property is free and clear. Sometimes you do find problems in the abstract where things were not recorded properly or there was a typo in the description. Problems such as these led to LandChoice going to title insurance... (California Democrat, MO)
