�ǿմ�ý �ǿմ�ý Title Insurance Co.

�ǿմ�ý �ǿմ�ý Announces Regional Agency Leadership Promotions

Adam Mohrbacher — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 16:05:15 +0000

New regional structure places experienced leaders closer to independent agents.

Longmont, Colo. – June 23, 2026 – �ǿմ�ý, the title insurer that is uniquely responsive to the needs of independent agents, is pleased to announce several regional agency leadership promotions designed to strengthen support for independent agents across key markets.

The promotions include Tracy Pace, Florida Atlantic Regional Manager; Christy Hennesey, Florida Gulf Regional Manager; Lourdes Acle, Florida South Regional Manager; Russell Gonzales, West Regional Manager; Frank Camperlengo, Carolinas Regional Manager; and Bobby McLamb, Central Regional Manager.

“These promotions reflect �ǿմ�ý �ǿմ�ý’s continued investment in a regional structure built around experienced people who know their markets and have a proven track record of delivering real results for independent agents,” said Kay Peterson, SVP, �ǿմ�ý Sales at �ǿմ�ý �ǿմ�ý. “Tracy, Christy, Lourdes, Russell, Frank and Bobby each bring the judgment, accountability and practical business experience needed to help agents strengthen their operations, pursue new opportunities and grow market share.”

Tracy Pace, Florida Atlantic Regional Manager
Tracy Pace brings nearly 25 years of title industry experience to her new role, including 10 years with �ǿմ�ý �ǿմ�ý. During her time with the company, she has built strong agency relationships across Florida and helped expand �ǿմ�ý �ǿմ�ý’s presence in the state. As Florida Atlantic Regional Manager, she will lead the team serving agents across Northeast Florida, Jacksonville, East Central Florida, Palm Beach and Fort Lauderdale.

Christy Hennesey, Florida Gulf Regional Manager
Christy Hennesey will serve as Florida Gulf Regional Manager, bringing nearly 20 years of industry and agency relationship experience to the role, including more than five years with �ǿմ�ý �ǿմ�ý. Her background includes agency account management, sales and business development. Hennesey will serve agents across the Panhandle, Central West Florida, Southwest Florida and Tampa.

Lourdes Acle, Florida South Regional Manager
Lourdes Acle has been named Florida South Regional Manager after joining �ǿմ�ý �ǿմ�ý earlier this year. She brings more than two decades of title industry experience, including agency account management, title operations, compliance, relationship management and agent education. She will serve agents across Miami, West Palm Beach, Southeast Florida and Key West.

Russell Gonzales, West Regional Manager
Russell Gonzales has been promoted to West Regional Manager, bringing more than three decades of industry experience to the role, including more than five years with �ǿմ�ý �ǿմ�ý. His background spans title examination, escrow operations, policy services, agency services and national commercial transactions. In his new role, Gonzales will lead the team serving agents in Texas, New Mexico and Oklahoma.

Frank Camperlengo, Carolinas Regional Manager
Frank Camperlengo has been promoted to Carolinas Regional Manager after 10 years as �ǿմ�ý �ǿմ�ý’s North Carolina Agency Manager. He brings decades of title industry leadership and business-development experience, along with deep relationships across the Carolinas title community. His background includes sales leadership, operational experience and title agency ownership. In his new role, Camperlengo will serve agents across North Carolina and South Carolina.

Bobby McLamb, Central Regional Manager
Bobby McLamb has been promoted to Central Regional Manager after joining �ǿմ�ý �ǿմ�ý earlier this year. His background includes service in the United States Air Force and senior roles with a provider of technology-driven title-search and workflow solutions, where he helped launch a Commercial and Energy Division. In his new role, McLamb will serve agents across Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama, Louisiana, Arkansas, Mississippi, Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C.

Media Inquiries
Adam Mohrbacher
Clockwork Public Relations
e: amohrbacher@clockworkpr.net
p: 651.587.4792

About �ǿմ�ý
�ǿմ�ý �ǿմ�ý is the underwriter that helps title professionals gain market share and produce stronger results while protecting property owners with secure title insurance. Built for execution and defined by accountability, our entrepreneurial people own decisions at the point of action and carry work through to successful completion. Our focus on the growth of our clients, our capabilities and our presence in the market drives the long-term success of the thousands of title professionals we serve as a licensed underwriter in 32 states and the District of Columbia.

Visit alliantnational.com for additional information and follow �ǿմ�ý �ǿմ�ý on and for the latest company updates.

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Wire Fraud and the Rising Standards of Tech Due Diligence

Tom Weyant — Fri, 19 Jun 2026 19:45:47 +0000

By Tom Weyant, VP, Risk Management and Data Privacy Officer, �ǿմ�ý �ǿմ�ý

When wire fraud occurs, the loss of funds can be deeply distressing. That pain is now often compounded by the legal baseline for “reasonable care” dramatically shifting. Courts no longer view wire fraud or deepfakes as unavoidable cyber events or tragedies.

Title agents now face escalating legal risks and negligence liability. Cybercriminals are increasingly leveraging deepfakes in social engineering and business email compromise (BEC) to orchestrate real estate wire fraud and seller impersonation schemes.

If an agency fails to use basic, reasonable defenses like multi-factor authentication or automated ID and bank verification platforms, judges are increasingly finding them liable for lost funds under negligence and breach claims.

In addition to the security measures used, a court or jury will likely also consider the overall reasonableness of the title company’s wiring procedures. They will review the steps agencies took to safeguard wire transfers and verify their authenticity.

Did the agent double-check the sender’s email address? Did the agent follow proper procedures to detect communication peculiarities, like grammatical errors or whether an unsecured email was used? Did more than one employee review the communication? Did they confirm the wiring instructions in a second, alternative mode of communication? These are just a few questions that a court might ask when assessing liability.

Agencies can reduce their exposure by strictly adhering to procedure. Carefully reviewing and authenticating all communication not only minimizes susceptibility to wire fraud schemes but also the chances that a court or jury will find the agent negligent.

All agents are at risk of ID and wire fraud-related cybercrime. Whether they are direct victims of the fraud or simply involved in a fraudulent transaction, agents face a real possibility of being held liable. Wire fraud schemes also continue to grow more pervasive and sophisticated with each passing year, which makes reasonable and prudent anti-fraud controls critical to prevent financial losses. Some best practices include:

Requiring two forms of communication/authentication before issuing a wire;
Using multi-factor authentication;
Using an anti-fraud tool on every transaction;
Educating and training employees in data security and maintaining evidence records; and
Using secure, encrypted email with passwords and digital signatures for messages.

Using these precautions decreases the risk of fraud and makes it easier to defend against civil litigation should your agency unfortunately fall victim to one of these schemes. Title agents should also carry standalone, comprehensive cyber insurance. This adds an essential, additional layer of protection against both fraud-related crimes and their resulting liabilities.

Have questions about strengthening your agency’s wire fraud prevention practices or technology due diligence? Contact Tom Weyant at tweyant@alliantnational.com.

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Midyear Snapshot: Economic Volatility Keeps Real Estate Market On Tenterhooks

Syndie Eardly — Thu, 18 Jun 2026 21:55:27 +0000

The U.S. real estate market entered 2026 with cautious optimism. After a period of elevated interest rates, affordability pressures and uneven buyer activity, many industry observers were looking for signs that the market might finally regain its footing. In 2025, the market had languished against the backdrop of a broader economy struggling with volatility around shifting tariff policy. This year, tensions in Iran and the closing of the Strait of Hormuz have created new economic ripple effects, tempering expectations for a housing-market rebound.

That volatility has been especially irksome because the underlying economy continues to show signs of resilience, including moderate growth and stronger than expected job numbers. Across the real estate industry, however, the outlook for the remainder of 2026 remains clouded by uncertainty.

Interest rates

The inflation rate, which had been on a decline from its COVID-induced peak in mid-2022, has now reversed course, steadily increasing from 2.3% in early 2025 to its current rate of 4.2%.

FOMC rate cuts – three in 2025 – that were key to dialing back mortgage rates are now frozen in place as economists keep a watchful eye on rising inflation.

On June 17, newly appointed Federal Reserve Chair a unanimous decision to maintain the target range for the federal funds rate at 3-1/2 to 3-3/4%, noting, “Inflation remains elevated relative to the Committee’s 2% goal, in part reflecting supply shocks that have driven price increases in certain sectors, including energy.”

In anticipating the FOMC’s June decision, Jeff Taylor, a board member for the Mortgage Bankers Association and founder of Mphasis Digital Risk, told in late May that homeowners and buyers should expect mortgage rates to remain in the mid-to-upper 6% range throughout 2026, with potential for rates to move into the 7% range if the Iran conflict is protracted. “This conflict has caused inflation, which causes investors to sell mortgage bonds, which pushes rates higher,” he said.

Shandor Whitcher, an economist with Moody’s Analytics, concurred with Taylor’s outlook during an on June 17. “In terms of treasuries, we expect the 10-year to remain elevated due to fiscal policy and the overall inflationary environment. At most, we may see modest declines of a few basis points in the 30-year fixed rate mortgages, but overall rates will remain above 6% for the foreseeable future and are more or less where they are going to be through the end of the decade.”

Global economic concerns

Even as real estate professionals keep their eye on what is happening in Washington, the global economy is also an important consideration, as international conflicts have a trickle-down effect on the U.S. economy and hence the real estate market as well.

The World Economic Forum’s noted that the U.S. continues to trail global growth, with World Output reaching 3.4% in 2025, while the U.S. reported 2.1% GDP growth. The U.S. is anticipated to trail again in 2026 and 2027 at 2.3% and 2.1% respectively, with global growth projected at 3.1% and 3.2%, respectively.

JPMorgan Chase & Co. came to similar conclusions in its , projecting modest growth of 2.1% to 2.3%, softened by higher energy prices and geopolitical developments. On the upside, steady labor markets and tech investment are expected to keep the overall economy on an even keel.

Beyond the obvious economic drivers, world economists are now focused on more concerning developments – headlined under the unexpected consequences category – and that is the long-term effect on world food production as well as the inflationary consequences of higher food prices triggered by the closing of the Strait of Hormuz.

In its May 28 article, , Chief Economist Maximo Torero of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) noted that the blockade has severely disrupted global fertilizer supply chains just as planting seasons advance across both hemispheres.

“As farmers face urea fertilizer price increases of 20% to 60%, on top of rising fuel, transport, and irrigation costs, the greatest risk is not immediate food shortages but rather cascading shocks that reduce future food production,” Torero explained. “It begins with energy-price spikes and logistics disruptions, followed by fertilizer shortages, then lower yields, with delayed transmission effects eventually leading to higher food prices and market volatility months later.”

In the World Economic Forum’s May 2026 , 94% of surveyed chief economists were anticipating higher global inflation in the coming year.

“Energy and food prices are identified as primary drivers, with supply shocks projected to have lasting effects,” the WEF noted in the executive summary. “While 58% of respondents do not see a global recession as imminent, there are limited expectations of increased economic resilience in the short term.”

Resilience and stability

On the positive side, economic activity in the U.S. continues at a solid pace, prompting the labor market to add 172,000 jobs in May — exceeding economists’ expectations.

Stability in the job market is always a good indicator for steady home sales, and as volatility eases — should the Iran conflict resolve — there is anticipation that sales could improve through the summer.

“Stronger employment momentum has helped existing home sales reach a five-month high,” said Sam Khater, Freddie Mac’s chief economist, in a . “Importantly, we’re seeing homebuyers look past the short-term rate fluctuations and actively enter the market, signaling renewed confidence in homeownership opportunities.”

Although the market faces plenty of headwinds and affordability continues to keep potential buyers out of the market, the housing market is considered by some to be in a normal phase, with home prices growing at a more manageable pace and supply becoming far steadier, bringing a market long considered a sellers’ market back into balance.

One sign of this balance – one that favors homebuyers – is the growing incidence of seller concessions. In addition to a greater incidence of outright price cuts, sellers are more likely to assist the buyer with closing costs or may offer financial credits instead of completing requested home repairs.

Final note

Although muted, the housing market is exhibiting signs of strength, with home prices remaining steady, foreclosures proceeding at a very modest pace, and income growth offering hope for potential purchase activity in the future.

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�ǿմ�ý �ǿմ�ý Adds New Talent To Its Texas Team

Adam Mohrbacher — Thu, 18 Jun 2026 21:38:40 +0000

Christina Fojas’ hiring as Underwriting Counsel will deliver more value to agents

By Adam Mohrbacher

Longmont, CO — (May 14, 2026) — �ǿմ�ý, the title insurer that is uniquely responsive to the needs of independent agents, has made a key new hire. Christina Fojas has joined the underwriter as Underwriting Counsel for Texas.

With Fojas’ hiring, �ǿմ�ý �ǿմ�ý’s agents will gain additional support in navigating an ever-changing market. She will work closely with the rest of �ǿմ�ý �ǿմ�ý’s underwriting team to help agents keep real estate transactions moving, while reducing unnecessary friction and risk. Her legal expertise and comprehensive understanding of the Texas title and real estate industries will be enormously beneficial for agents going forward.

Fojas began building this expertise nearly 15 years ago when she started practicing law in Texas. Her professional career since then has focused on commercial real estate, retirement accounts and private lending. She has acted as an ad litem to represent the interests of unknown heirs and worked closely with Texas title companies on behalf of lenders. Additionally, she has managed complex real estate transactions from start through post-closing, with title experience in Texas as well as in Tennessee. Collectively, her career has given her practical, real-world insight into title workflows, along with a strong emphasis on communication, empathy and collaboration.

At �ǿմ�ý �ǿմ�ý, Fojas will work closely with other underwriters to assess risk and determine the insurability of real property. She will also play an essential role in agent education, preparing educational and underwriting materials to help agencies close more business, operate more effectively and stay compliant. One of her other top priorities will be providing excellent customer service, so when a transaction issue arises, agents can trust �ǿմ�ý �ǿմ�ý to help them find a solution.

“I especially love solving problems,” Fojas said. “If there is a solution, I aim to find it. I gain tremendous satisfaction in helping people as part of my work. The part we play in our agents’ transactions is incredibly important, as buying or selling real property is often one of the most important events in someone’s life. It is a privilege for me to support agents before, during and after they get to the closing table. That’s why I’m over the moon to join �ǿմ�ý �ǿմ�ý. I couldn’t be more excited to join a team where helping people is such a central part of the company’s culture.”

“�ǿմ�ý �ǿմ�ý believes agents aren’t just customers, but valued partners. Their transactions are critical not only to their success, but to ours as well,” said Rayni Scott, �ǿմ�ý �ǿմ�ý Regional Underwriting Counsel, Southwest Region. “Christina is someone who understands this relationship. Her successful career has given her the experience, expertise and empathy to be a tremendous asset for agents, as well as a key player in the continued growth and achievement of �ǿմ�ý �ǿմ�ý.”

Fojas earned her Juris Doctor from South Texas College of Law Houston and holds a B.A. in Communication and Philosophy. She is a certified attorney ad litem in Texas and a member of the Texas Land Title Association, and she participates in the Tennessee Land Title Association through �ǿմ�ý �ǿմ�ý’s team membership.

A dedicated advocate for animals, Fojas previously served as president of the Animal Law Society in law school and has long supported rescue efforts through fostering. In addition to her legal background, she is a certified yoga instructor.

Fojas currently resides in Tennessee.

Media Inquiries
Adam Mohrbacher
Clockwork Public Relations
e: amohrbacher@clockworkpr.net
p: 651.587.4792

Visit alliantnational.com for additional information and follow �ǿմ�ý �ǿմ�ý on LinkedIn and Facebook for the latest company updates.

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Make Small Marketing Moments Matter

Adam Mohrbacher — Thu, 18 Jun 2026 20:26:44 +0000

Small client touchpoints can pay off in a big way

By Adam Mohrbacher

Many people assume that the best way to market their business is through a large marketing campaign. But the truth is, such initiatives can often be prohibitively expensive and time-consuming. That goes double for title agencies, which often must balance multiple priorities simultaneously. One way to overcome this is to build your marketing efforts directly into the hustle and bustle of title workflows rather than conceive of them as an entirely separate program. Creating repeatable mini-marketing campaigns tied directly to routine closing milestones can amplify your agency’s reputation without diverting significant financial and human capital.

How are mini-campaigns unique and why do they matter?

Before we dive into the nuts and bolts of mini-marketing campaigns, we must first define what they are. Unlike a traditional campaign, mini-marketing efforts do not require weeks of planning, a major launch or a boatload of campaign cash. They primarily involve developing a core set of messages paired with largely evergreen content that can be repurposed throughout your workflow.

These campaigns can be especially impactful for title agencies, as they work with customers who are navigating some of the most important — and sometimes stressful — transactions of their lives. Providing short, snackable and helpful messaging throughout the closing process can go a long way toward reinforcing your agency’s reputation as a reliable partner.

Mini-campaign possibilities

Title workflows offer numerous opportunities for agencies to build mini-marketing campaigns around — from wire fraud warning emails to explainer videos describing the value of title insurance. Other opportunities include:

“Here’s What Happens Next” email
Closing timeline graphic
Closing day checklists
Post-closing explainers

Using these and other examples, your agency can inform, educate and guide stakeholders at each step of the process, helping ensure smooth closings and satisfied customers.

Put together your campaign

To start putting together your mini campaign, work through this step-by-step process:

First, select the part of your title workflow where you want to focus your campaign, such as wiring, closing day prep or post-closing follow-up.
Then, define your audience. Are you trying to reach buyers? Lenders? Real estate agents? The messaging will change depending on who you select.
After that, determine the process element you wish to clarify for your chosen audience. Is it improving wire safety? Making the closing go smoothly? Helping stakeholders know who they should contact and when?
Next, select the core message you want to ensure comes across during your process milestone.
With this in place, put together an asset aligned with the messaging. In addition to the examples included above, your assets could include:
- FAQs
- One-pager guides
- Social posts
- Infographics

Whatever asset you choose to create to accompany your messaging, make it easily repeatable and accessible across your org. If possible, generate a simple template that people can repurpose and send repeatedly.

Track your progress

Tracking analytics is important with every campaign, but there is no need to overthink it. Depending on the assets you create, your analytics tracking could be as simple as:

Email replies
Reviews received
Repeat questions reduced and related time saved
Social shares for related posts
Positive client feedback

By compiling these quantitative and qualitative data points, you can get a better sense of whether weaving in mini-marketing moments is paying off for your business in the long run.

Mini-marketing can produce big results Like any other industry, title agencies must jostle to win customers. Yet launching a large, splashy campaign is no easy matter, namely because of the time and money involved. This is what makes mini-marketing so powerful. With mini-marketing campaigns, you don’t need to create a whole new project with lengthy timelines and endless assets. You merely add one core message and one new asset to important milestones and let the results come in. Creating these small touches can have a big impact on your business, helping you stand out from the crowd without bogging your ope

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Your Must-Have Guide To SWOT Analysis

Adam Mohrbacher — Thu, 18 Jun 2026 19:49:46 +0000

Build out your SWOT for a complete picture of your business.

By Adam Mohrbacher

As any business leader knows, there is a huge difference between having an idea for your business and bringing it to fruition. One way to increase your chances of success is to utilize what’s known as a SWOT analysis. SWOTs bring increased visibility to your operations, while providing an honest assessment of your company’s capabilities. The exercise’s insights can then be used for more informed decision-making. Let’s explore what’s involved in doing this work and doing it right.

What is SWOT?

The “SWOT” in “SWOT analysis” is an acronym for strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. Here’s some additional detail on each point:

Strengths are everything you have going for you with your business. This can include things like a strong balance sheet, top talent or a high net promoter score.
Weaknesses are the opposite. They can include high turnover, significant customer churn or outdated and inefficient technology.
Opportunities involve industry trends that you can capitalize on. Some examples are regulatory changes, strategic partnerships or positive changes in customer behavior.
Threats include anything that might imperil your business in the short and long term. Threats could be negative economic forecasts, supply chain disruptions or new competitors in the market.

Create your dream team

The first thing to realize about doing a SWOT is that it’s pretty difficult to pull off alone. No business leader is going to know everything about their organization. You need a team with you that has first-hand knowledge of each aspect of your business. Include different department heads and stakeholders from both in and outside of your company.

Dig into the data

Next, begin collecting data – and lots of it. Compile information on internal processes, review existing resources and pull up any performance metrics you have on hand. Some specific examples could include:

Financial reports
Brand recognition data
Customer reviews
Employee feedback

Draw conclusions and establish your matrix

Once you’ve gathered these insights, start identifying your company’s strengths and weaknesses. Drill down on what is working well and pay attention to any unique selling propositions. Then, do the reverse and look at what is not working. Be open and transparent here. It is the only way to get an accurate picture of what might prevent you from achieving your goals. Next, catalog opportunities and threats. Write down anything that might enable or prevent you from taking your business where you want it to go in the near and long term.

Now organize your thoughts . It’s often easiest to group elements by: 1.)internal factors, that is, your strengths and weaknesses, followed by 2.) external factors, also known as your opportunities and threats.

Analyze your results and plan for action

You can then start putting together an action plan to achieve your organizational objectives, armed with the knowledge that you have an informed outlook on your business’s prospects. Be sure your plan works in unison with your SWOT. When done right, your plan’s strategies, tactics and decision points will grow organically out of your matrix.

Moving forward

Like any piece of strategic planning collateral, always remember a SWOT is a living document. As your business changes or the market shifts, don’t forget to update your analysis so it remains accurate and helpful. That way, you will always have a powerful tool on hand that will help you see your business clearly and make more strategic decisions.

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Underwriting Counsel Joins �ǿմ�ý �ǿմ�ý’s New Mexico Team

Adam Mohrbacher — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 00:48:22 +0000

Stephanie Schneider will provide critical support to regional agents.

By Adam Mohrbacher

Longmont, CO — (June 10, 2026) — �ǿմ�ý, the title insurer that is uniquely responsive to the needs of independent agents, is pleased to announce that it has added top talent to its Southwest operations. Stephanie Schneider has joined the company as Underwriting Counsel for New Mexico.

With this new hire, regional agents will have access to additional underwriting guidance and resources, empowering them to act with greater confidence. Schneider’s unique expertise combines litigation and legal analysis, making her an ideal partner for agents looking to close significant transactions and grow their competitive positioning in the New Mexico market.

Schneider comes to �ǿմ�ý �ǿմ�ý with a strong track record of success in civil litigation, where she managed complex legal matters ranging from real estate disputes, insurance issues and strategic case evaluation. In addition, she has direct experience in title insurance underwriting, having previously worked for another national underwriter.

Her background perfectly complements her new role at �ǿմ�ý �ǿմ�ý, where she will evaluate complex title issues, assist with underwriting decisions, provide prudent risk analysis and facilitate innovative solutions for difficult real estate matters. �ǿմ�ý �ǿմ�ý agents will particularly benefit from her ability to navigate curative issues, probate and trust matters, commercial transactions and other issues specific to New Mexico. Agents will also appreciate her communicative and collaborative nature, as speed, accuracy and solid teamwork all matter greatly in title insurance.

“I’ve always appreciated the collaborative nature of the title industry, and I’m excited to continue serving the New Mexico community at �ǿմ�ý �ǿմ�ý,” said Schneider. “I look forward to working alongside agents and other industry professionals throughout the state to help navigate underwriting issues and support successful and secure real estate transactions.”

“In title underwriting, success hinges not only on having sufficient legal expertise but also the ability to build strong relationships,” said Rayni Scott, Regional Underwriting Counsel for the Southwest at �ǿմ�ý �ǿմ�ý. “Fortunately for us and our agents, Stephanie excels in both areas. With her joining our team, �ǿմ�ý �ǿմ�ý is better positioned than ever to deliver unbeatable value to agents and further expand our services, offerings and operations throughout the Southwest.”

Schneider earned her MBA and Juris Doctor in 2019 at the University of New Mexico School of Law. Throughout her career, she has been involved with the New Mexico Land Title Association. She is also a licensed attorney in New Mexico and resides in Albuquerque.

Media Inquiries
Adam Mohrbacher
Clockwork Public Relations
e: amohrbacher@clockworkpr.net
p: 651.587.4792

Visit alliantnational.com for additional information and follow �ǿմ�ý �ǿմ�ý on and for the latest company updates.

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When Wire Fraud Happens, Your Cyber Policy Clock May Already Be Running

Elyce Schweitzer — Thu, 21 May 2026 22:48:50 +0000

By Elyce Schweitzer, Regulatory Compliance Officer, �ǿմ�ý �ǿմ�ý

Cyber insurance can be an important protection for title agencies, but it is not a guarantee that every fraud-related loss will be covered. A recent federal case, (S.D. Ohio Mar. 13, 2026), offers a useful reminder of how quickly coverage issues can arise when a title agency experiences a wire fraud incident and waits too long to notify its cyber insurer.

The case involved a buyer who was defrauded out of more than $480,000 after receiving spoofed wiring instructions that appeared to come from the title agency. The buyer later sued the agency for negligence. Although the agency carried cyber insurance, the cyber insurer denied coverage. The court agreed with the insurer, finding that the claim was not reported within the required timeframes and that the agency had prior knowledge of the incident.

The agency was aware of the incident when it occurred, or shortly after, but waited until it was sued by the buyer before notifying its cyber insurer. By that time, the cyber-policy period in place when the incident occurred had ended, and a new cyber-policy period had begun. Even though the same insurer issued the follow-on policy, the court found that the agency had not satisfied the policy’s reporting requirements.

The result reinforces that strict compliance with policy conditions — especially prompt notice and timing requirements — is essential for coverage to apply.

Cyber insurance does not automatically cover fraud losses

Many title agencies may assume, “We have cyber insurance, so we’re protected.” That assumption can be dangerous.

Cyber coverage depends on the specific terms of the policy. In this case, the agency’s coverage turned on policy wording, timing and reporting requirements. The loss involved a fraud scheme tied to spoofed wiring instructions, but that fact alone did not determine the outcome. The court focused on whether the agency complied with the policy’s conditions.

The bottom line is straightforward: cyber insurance is not a general safety net. It is a contract with strict rules that agencies need to understand and follow.

Timing can determine whether coverage exists

Most cyber policies issued to title agencies are “claims-made and reported” policies. This typically means that the claim must be made during the policy period and reported during that same period, or within another timeframe set by the policy.

In this case, the fraud occurred in March 2024. The lawsuit against the title agency was not filed until October 2024, and the agency reported the claim at that time. By then, the policy period in place when the incident occurred had already expired.

The agency also had a subsequent policy with the same cyber insurer. But that did not solve the problem. The result was that there was no coverage under the earlier policy, and the later policy did not pick up the incident simply because it was issued by the same insurer and began immediately after the prior policy ended.

For agencies, this is one of the most important lessons from the case. The claim should have been reported during the same policy period in which the incident occurred, and within the timeframe required by the policy. A policy renewal does not reset the clock on an incident the agency already knows about. Each policy period stands on its own.

Report potential incidents early

The agency’s delay in reporting was central to the coverage dispute. The title agency discovered the fraud in March 2024 and investigated internally, but waited until November 2024 to notify its cyber insurer. The policy required notice within 30 days of discovering a potential issue.

That word — potential — matters. The reporting obligation was not dependent on a lawsuit being filed. It was also not dependent on months of attempts to resolve the issue or recover the funds. The obligation was triggered when the agency became aware that something had gone wrong, or that something may have gone wrong.

The lesson is that agencies should not wait for perfect information before giving notice. When something seems wrong, the clock may already be running.

“We were not hacked” may not be enough

Another important point from the case is that cyber risk is not limited to a direct breach of an agency’s computer systems.

The title agency argued that its systems had not been compromised, and its IT vendor confirmed there had been no intrusion. But that did not change the outcome. The claim centered on email spoofing, fraud carried out through impersonation and the agency’s alleged failure to prevent the scam.

That distinction matters. Fraudsters can infiltrate real estate transactions without directly hacking an agency’s systems. They may use email spoofing, social engineering, fake wiring instructions or other methods designed to exploit trust and urgency. These schemes can be difficult to avoid even when best practices are followed.

Even where an agency’s systems are secure, it may still face liability for email fraud, wire fraud schemes and social engineering attacks. Cyber risk extends beyond traditional hacking.

Prior knowledge can defeat coverage

The court also addressed the agency’s attempt to rely on the later policy period. That effort failed because the agency already knew about the incident before the new policy began.

Most policies exclude known incidents that existed before coverage started. That is why an agency generally cannot wait until renewal and expect a new policy to cover an old problem. If the agency has prior knowledge of a loss, claim, circumstance or potential issue, that knowledge can become a coverage barrier.

The lesson is clear: an agency cannot rely on renewing its policy to cover past problems. Report potential claims in the policy period in which the issue arises, and do so within the timeframe required by the policy.

Know who owes coverage

The title agency sued both the cyber insurer and the insurance producer. The court ruled that only the insurer had contractual obligations under the policy. The producer did not have a duty to provide coverage.

That means agencies should understand who issues the policy, who handles claims and who actually owes coverage. The producer may help place coverage and answer questions, but the insurer issues the policy and bears the contractual coverage obligations. When a claim occurs, agencies need to know exactly where notice must be sent, who must receive it and what the policy requires.

Because the producer did not owe coverage, suing the producer did not advance the agency’s coverage position and, from a practical standpoint, was a waste of time, money and effort.

Bad faith claims are difficult when policy terms are clear

The agency also argued that the insurer acted in bad faith. The court disagreed because the denial was based on clear policy terms and the timeline supported the insurer’s position.

If an agency misses a policy deadline or fails to satisfy a reporting condition, a bad faith argument is not likely to change the outcome. The better course is to understand the policy requirements and follow them from the beginning.

What title agencies should do now

The case offers several practical steps for title agencies. First, create a 24-to-48-hour reporting rule. The first 24 to 48 hours after a suspected incident are often the most important for taking action to optimize the chances of a successful recovery. If your agency sees a suspicious email, wire fraud attempt, client complaint or possible misdirected funds, notify your cyber insurer immediately. Do not wait for confirmation or legal action.

Agencies should also contact �ǿմ�ý �ǿմ�ý’s Fraud Hotline at FraudHotline@alliantnational.com without delay. Early notice alerts and enables the �ǿմ�ý �ǿմ�ý team to provide assistance when time is critical and when agencies most need advice and direction on next steps.

Second, train staff to recognize fraud red flags. Most losses involve familiar patterns: email spoofing, fake wiring instructions and social engineering. Staff should always verify wiring instructions verbally by calling a known and confirmed phone number. Email changes should be treated as suspicious. The mindset should be simple: VERIFY, THEN TRUST: Every file, every party, every time.

Third, review your cyber policy in plain English. Ask your broker what counts as a claim, when reporting must occur, whether social engineering losses are covered and what exclusions apply. Agencies should understand both their coverage and their obligations before a problem occurs.

If the policy language is unclear, ask questions now. Be proactive with your cyber insurer’s insurance producer and the cyber insurer about what is covered under the policy you are purchasing and what actions may affect coverage. Even if there is no cyber-insurance coverage for a particular incident, the title agency may still be found responsible and held financially liable for the loss.

Fourth, document everything immediately. When an incident occurs, record dates, timelines, emails, communications, internal actions and any steps taken to investigate or respond. Documentation can directly affect coverage eligibility.

Finally, do not assume that renewal fixes a problem. A new policy does not reset obligations under a prior policy and generally does not cover known incidents that happened during a preceding period. Each policy and coverage period stands on its own. Agencies should also ask their cyber insurer’s insurance producer about extended reporting period options, sometimes called “tail” coverage, and retroactive date coverage for prior incident protection when renewing policies.

The bottom line

The biggest lesson from this case is simple: cyber insurance only works when agencies follow the policy requirements exactly. Agencies do not always lose coverage because they lack insurance. They may lose it because they report too late, misunderstand what triggers coverage or assume that a lawsuit matters more than early warning signs.

If you take just one action after reading this, build plans for immediate reporting and documentation. That single change can determine whether your policy protects you or leaves you exposed to a six-figure loss.

Additionally, �ǿմ�ý �ǿմ�ý offers a complimentary cyber insurance gap review for our agents. It is designed to assist title insurance agents in reviewing their cyber insurance coverage to identify gaps, limitations, subjectivities, and potential risks that may not be fully covered.

For more information on the service or to request this gap review, please contact Tom Weyant: tweyant@alliantnational.com

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Legal Descriptions: The Real Property Identifier

anticadmin — Thu, 21 May 2026 22:37:31 +0000

We’ve heard it before: location, location, location! But, without understanding the “where,” there can be real confusion about what a person is purchasing and how to locate the property. Real property is identified with what is known as a “legal description”. A legal description is what a property owner conveys – not a property address. Errors in a property’s legal description, however, can lead to title issues. Let’s discuss a few issues and strategies to prevent and address these problems.

Legal descriptions are created by a professional surveyor. Whether it is a platted property or a metes-and-bounds property, the legal description describes how to locate the property on the ground. From iron rods, pins, and monuments the description uses such items to discern the boundaries of the property. There, however, can be mistakes in the written legal descriptions, from typographical issues with the direction or distance to issues with measurements between past and current surveyors. In other situations, legal descriptions may use a different point of beginning for multiple tracts, which may cause confusion between property owners’ legal descriptions without the use of a professional surveyor to identify the actual boundaries.

�ǿմ�ý �ǿմ�ý’s claims department sees several cases involving legal descriptions. Below are a few common issues:

the legal description is not included with the recorded deed, mortgage, or deed of trust;
the legal description is incomplete;
the legal description has typographical errors;
the legal description references an incorrect subdivision or references an erroneous plat book or page; or
ownership of property is being challenged due to a gap in the property or an overlap of the property’s legal description with that of a neighboring property owner.

A missing or erroneous legal description can result in title claims such as intervening conveyances and liens, lack of actual conveyance of the property, and challenges from another party who believes they may have better title. Legal description issues can be time-consuming and may be challenging to cure.

If your state has statutes for correction affidavit usage, such statutes may only be applicable when certain requirements are met. If the situation is not covered or the requirements are not met under the statute, then a correction affidavit most likely is not available. In such cases, a corrective instrument may be required from a party, or litigation may be necessary to resolve the legal description issue.

Attention to detail can significantly reduce the occurrence of legal description issues. Here are a few tips:

Purchase Contract and Addendums. When parties change the purchase contract’s legal description, remember to incorporate the changes into the real estate closing platform to ensure that when it is time to print documents, the documents properly reflect the accurate legal description.
- For example, the parties may have originally contracted for Lots 1, 2 and 3, Main Plat. Subsequently, through an addendum, the contract now only dealing with Lots 1 and 3, Main Plat. Make sure the documents reflect only Lots 1 and 3, Main Plat.
Who else should know of changes? Let your team and any third-party vendor know of any changes made to the legal description and request that the title products be revised, and new title products issued to reflect the change. Then, distribute the revised title products to the proper parties.
- Also let the lender know of any legal description changes as soon as you learn of them. Lenders may use this information to obtain an appraisal of the property and determine its value as part of the lender’s underwriting review.
- In some cases, the lender may prepare the deed of trust or mortgage and may include a legal description into the instrument. Review the instrument prior to the closing for accuracy of the legal description. If the legal description is inaccurately reflected, contact the lender immediately to discuss.
Review and ask questions. When a survey is purchased or a prior survey showing the property’s legal description is being reviewed, review that survey for any differences shown in the seller’s vesting deed (and those in the chain) against what has been prepared for the conveyance of title. If there are differences, ask questions and review them with the surveyor and the parties to clear up any discrepancies. Also, document your file to indicate how the parties addressed and resolved the situation.
The parties. Review all documents prior to the closing to ensure they accurately reflect the legal description the seller intends to convey, and the buyer intends to purchase. Also, review and compare any legal description changes that the parties agreed to in the contract or purchase contract addendum.
Recording. When sending the instrument to the county recorder’s office, remember to include the correct legal description with the instrument.
Policies. When a final title policy is issued, review to make sure the correct legal description is included in Schedule A before sending it to the recipient.

As a reminder, take a moment to thoroughly review the property’s legal description to ensure the legal description included is what is intended by the parties to be conveyed. This will significantly reduce potential errors that could lead to claims. If you have questions, please feel free to reach out to �ǿմ�ý �ǿմ�ý.

Resources:

Colorado Revised Statutes Title 38, Sec. 38-51-111 (Surveyor’s affidavit of correction) –

Florida Statutes, Title XL, Sec. 689.041 –

Texas Property Code, Title 2 – Conveyances, Chapter 5 – Conveyances, Sec. 5.027-5.031

This blog contains general information only, not intended to be relied upon as, nor a substitute for, specific professional advice. We accept no responsibility for loss occasioned to any person acting on or refraining from action as a result of any material on this blog.

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21st Century Trust Signals: Helping Consumers Keep Transactions Safe

anticadmin — Thu, 21 May 2026 20:20:08 +0000

Show clients your commitment to protecting the transaction while helping them understand their role in the process.

Today’s businesses face a unique challenge. They must find ways to showcase their trustworthiness to audiences that are increasingly distracted. That challenge becomes even more important in title insurance.

Businesses are continually signaling to audiences in various ways whether or not they are trustworthy. At the audience level, those trust signals can include everything from a modern website and responsive communication to customer reviews, branding and clear messaging. But once an audience member becomes a customer, another level of trust is required. Customers need to understand both your commitment to protecting the integrity of their transaction and the critical steps they need to take to help keep it secure. Let’s see what it takes to do both.

Step 1: Segment strategically

Creating trust signals that feel meaningful but still respectful of your audience’s time starts by understanding them. Your audience is not a monolith. It is an array of constituencies, each with their own motivations, fears and needs. Considering “buyer personas” is a great way to begin building trust. You will then better understand what each audience member is looking for from a title agency and know how to position your services in a way that grabs a buyer’s attention.

When building out these personas, resist overthinking it. Simply ask what each audience segment is worried about, what they need to do next and how much they already understand. That way, you can cut right to the chase and highlight why you are best positioned to meet their needs and address their fears. For example, is your buyer purchasing their first home or are they a seasoned homeowner facing the digital closing process for the first time?

Step 2: Put fraud prevention front and center

As you build your customer personas, you will also need to convey to each of them the inherent risks in today’s fraud landscape. At �ǿմ�ý �ǿմ�ý, we encourage agents to adopt a simple principle: VERIFY, THEN TRUST: Every file, every party, every time. The challenge is bringing consumers into that mindset in a clear and practical way. Real estate transactions, where hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars are exchanged, remain attractive targets for scammers, and customers may not fully understand the threat level, especially when they are caught up in the many moving pieces of a transaction. This represents an obvious opportunity to build greater trust. By making your agency’s fraud-prevention practices as visible as possible, you can help your customers feel more secure in your ability to protect the integrity of their transactions, while also helping them understand the role they play in keeping those transactions safe and maintaining the necessary protections of their personal information and assets.

Some best practices for getting customers the information they require without overburdening them include:

Make fraud warnings obvious: Place short, clear reminders in all emails, website pages and other customer-facing materials and always encourage the exchange of critical information through your secure agency closing portal.
Avoid jargon: Customers need a quick and crystal-clear understanding of your ID verification practices, secure portals and other anti-fraud procedures—written in plain English.
Give customers a safe point of contact: Provide a designated point of contact upfront, along with instructions on which number to use and which situations merit a pause, particularly before sending funds. Customers should be reminded that if something changes or feels unusual, they should not rely on a recent email or another communication stream. They should return to the original contact information you provided and verify before taking the next step. For example, your customers should always be reminded that you will NEVER change your wire instructions at the last minute. Direct them to the trusted point of contact should they receive such a direction.
Create standard fraud-prevention language: Ensure your customers receive the same guidance at every touchpoint. Team training is important here. Your team should continually reinforce the same messages and procedures, so the guidance does not get muddled and consumers do not become disengaged. The threat level is high and customers need to appreciate that from the minute their transaction is initiated.

With these steps, even the most distracted and scattered audience will more easily understand your commitment to keeping their transactions secure. That builds trust in your organization while also helping customers understand the steps they can take—and need to take—to help protect their transaction. Your customers have a critical role to play, but trusting that you will guide them appropriately and safely will be a valuable tool in their protection.

Step 3: Visuals are very important

Ensuring your agency exudes credibility and trustworthiness begins with your website. Adhering to modern web design practices, using consistent fonts and colors and ensuring mobile responsiveness are all non-negotiable. Reviewing client-facing forms for accuracy, correct branding and messaging, particularly around fraud, and a smooth user experience is also important, as is auditing the communications and physical documentation that come from your agency.

Be the resource that your customers require. Secure links to checklists for closings, fraud prevention tips, and frequently asked questions and answers make certain to your customer that you are their reliable resource throughout the closing process. You are the resource they can trust at every stage.

Step 4: Review your reviews

Remember: The communication channels you “own” are just the tip of the iceberg for establishing trust. Today’s audiences are channel switchers. When choosing a company in which to place their trust, they will vet not only your site and social media channels, but also third-party sites, reviews and customer feedback.

You need to be similarly active in these spaces. Whether it be your Google Business Profile or various review sites, you must be ready to respond to questions, offer advice or address complaints. If you do this well, time-crunched prospects will see you as a convenient and communicative business partner. If you don’t, you risk disengagement. Make a customer satisfaction survey part of the post-closing outreach to your customers. Allow them to sing your praises or learn from your mistakes to enhance the next transaction experience.

Step 5: Highlight the human

Last but certainly not least, few things help build trust and relationship as much as highlighting the human element of your business. As we all know, relationships are everything in the title and settlement industry. Sometimes in real estate transactions, the human factor can feel lost under procedures and paperwork, which is a big problem when trying to elevate your agency’s credibility. Overcoming this means connecting customers to the specific people they will engage with as their closing moves to completion. Clarifying roles and reinforcing the verification steps customers should follow before acting on transaction instructions is also critical to a positive and trust-based customer experience.

VERIFY, THEN TRUST is at the heart of our business

It can be a real struggle to help customers feel comfortable and confident enough to entrust you with their transactions…and their MONEY! One reason is that it’s becoming an enormous lift to even connect with customers in our fragmented and fluid digital age. That’s where these trust-building steps can make a difference. By showing customers that you are committed to protecting their transactions—and by helping them understand their own role in the process—you can build trust, which will benefit your customers and your agency’s future success through referrals from satisfied customers.

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