SEMINARS AVAILABLE

Many of the seminars have been approved for CE and CLE accreditation in various states. For more information on any of the seminars below, please call Anne Anastasi at 215-441-5500.

AFFILIATED BUSINESS ARRANGEMENT

Learn the federal rules and regulations that govern the creation and operation of affiliated title operations. We will discuss the application of the rules to the day-to-day running of these joint ventures as well as the importance of independence and of governance. Sample financial scenarios will be discussed to determine appropriate formulas for capitalization.

We will also share the pitfalls you may encounter and give ideas about documentation to avoid these challenges.
1 or 2 hour presentation.

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A TITLE

This is a session about the inner workings of the title insurance agency and how it applies to the real estate agent. Understanding why things are done makes the process clearer to real estate agents and it gives them a better answer to the clients questions, "Why do I need title insurance?" than just saying, because the lender requires it. We will discuss the process and the claims.

As a part of the discussion we will talk about the incorrect explanations made by some sales agents when it comes to describing closing documents or situations. We once heard a sales agent tell a borrower that "APR" stood for the month of the first payment - April. We have heard agents tell borrowers that if the lender does not send the first payment letter, no payment is due.

We will not discuss legalities we will only talk about things that we have overheard at a closing that could mislead the customer.
1-hour presentation.

CUSTOMER SERVICE IN THE TITLE INDUSTRY

Many title agents think they know what the customer wants when it comes to service but recent studies show that what we think they want is not what they want at all. Focus group conversations with Realtors, lenders, attorneys and builders reveal what is important TO THEM. We have made the mistake in the past and provided services that we THINK they want - or worse, what we FEEL like giving. It's time to talk.
1-hour presentation

CURRENT RESPA ENFORCEMENT ACTIONS

Hearing about the most recent actions taken by HUD and some state insurance departments gives us a great idea about the rights and the wrongs when it comes to following the rules of RESPA. The headlines are full of title agents who chose to ignore the rules and now are suffering the consequences of investigations, fines and a loss of the ability to do business. Class-action suits have made some title agents review their business practices when it comes to services and fees. The rules are clear, let's review them and hear about those who did not think they were important.
1-hour presentation

EDUCATING THE CONSUMER

This is a session on how to explain the inner workings of the title insurance agency and how it applies to the buyers, sellers and lenders in real estate transaction. Understanding why things are done makes the process clearer to the consumer and will answer the question, "Why do I need title insurance?"

We will discuss the teaching methods that will help you convey to the layperson the difference between title objections and title exceptions. You will hear innovative ways to explain rights of way, deed restrictions, easements and conditions so that even the seasoned real estate professional has a better understanding.
1-hour presentation

AGENT/UNDERWRITER RELATIONSHIPS

There are many things that an agent and an underwriter can do to be a better partner and this session discusses 10 ideas for each segment of the industry. In a fun way the audience will come out of this talk understanding that we are in a true partnership and working together will allow for greater successes.

We will talk about the proper way to approach asking for a risk decision but we will also talk about the way underwriter decision makers need to respect an uninformed agent.
1-hour presentation

THE CONSUMER INITIATIVE

ALTA's 2007 Consumer Initiative and Principles of Fair Conduct are talked about in a way that will help agent's understand the importance of consumer, legislator and regulator concerns about the title insurance industry. We will talk about the use of the consumer website created by ALTA and how an agent may use it for their own consumer education efforts. This course may qualify for Ethics credits in certain states.
1-hour presentation