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Look, we get that calling something the "Ultimate" anything is a bold move. It brings to mind those late-night infomercials with over-caffeinated hosts screaming about life-changing gadgets that always end up falling short.
But when we say this is the Ultimate Resource Guide for title insurance professionals, we mean it!
SoftPro has put together this carefully curated compilation that spans publications, underwriters, educational resources, and state associations—everything you need to stay at the top of your game in the title insurance industry.
Whether you're new to the field or a seasoned veteran, this guide is designed to be your one-stop shop for all you need to succeed. No more endless searching or bookmarking multiple sites.
We've done the work for you, so you can focus on what you do best! Check out all of the resources you need to know below:
Associations
American Land Title Association (ALTA)
The real estate and title insurance industry can be tough; you need a support system.
ALTA serves as the national trade association and voice for the title insurance industry, representing over 6,000 title insurance companies, agents and real estate attorneys. It provides guidance, resources and advocacy efforts to ensure fair property rights and title insurance practices across the U.S.
It also offers training, certification programs (more on that in a bit), and updates on laws and best practices, helping you navigate and succeed in your career.
State and Regional Land Title Associations
In addition to ALTA, state and regional land title associations provide localized support tailored to their geographic regions’ specific needs.
These organizations advocate for state-level policies, offer resources and educational opportunities, and organize local learning and networking events.
By joining these associations, you're not just gaining access to a wealth of resources – you’re becoming part of a community of title and settlement professionals ready to share knowledge, support each other, and collaborate on issues that directly impact your market.
- Northeast
- Midwest
- Illinois Land Title Association
- Indiana Land Title Association
- Iowa Land Title Association
- Kansas Land Title Association
- Kentucky Land Title Association
- Michigan Land Title Association
- Minnesota Land Title Association
- Missouri Land Title Association
- Nebraska Land Title Association
- North Dakota Land Title Association
- Ohio Land Title Association
- South Dakota Land Title Association
- Wisconsin Land Title Association
- South
- Land Title Association of Alabama
- Arkansas Land Title Association
- Florida Land Title Association
- Louisiana Land Title Association
- Land Title Association of Mississippi
- North Carolina Land Title Association
- Palmetto Land Title Association (South Carolina)
- Southeast Land Title Association
- Tennessee Land Title Association
- Texas Land Title Association
- Virginia Land Title Association
- Oklahoma Land Title Association
- West
- Alaska Land Title Association
- Land Title Association of Arizona
- California Land Title Association
- Land Title Association of Colorado
- Idaho Land Title Association
- Montana Land Title Association
- Nevada Land Title Association
- New Mexico Land Title Association
- Oregon Land Title Association
- Utah Land Title Association
- Washington Land Title Association
- Wyoming Land Title Association
Title Insurance Underwriters
As you know, underwriters play a crucial role in the title and settlement industry. Building a strong relationship with your underwriter is essential because they’re your partner in ensuring each property title is clear of defects. This helps you close transactions efficiently and keep your clients satisfied.
Whether dealing with residential or commercial properties, choosing a reliable underwriter is pivotal for mitigating risks associated with property transfers.
Primary Underwriters
These underwriters have the capacity and expertise to handle a wide range of real estate transactions with robust resources and extensive networks:
- Fidelity National Financial
- First American Title Insurance Company
- Old Republic National Title Insurance Company
- Stewart Title Guaranty Company
Independent Underwriters
These underwriters appeal to those looking for specialized and flexible services, offering personalized and adaptable solutions tailored to meet the specific needs of individual clients or local markets:
- Agents National Title Company
- Alliant National Title Company
- American Eagle Title Group
- Attorneys' Title Fund Services, LLC (The Fund)
- Connecticut Attorneys Title Insurance Company (CATIC)
- Conestoga Title Insurance Company
- Doma
- First National Title Insurance Company
- General Title Insurance Company
- Investors Title
- Security Title Guarantee Corporation of Baltimore
- Texan Title Insurance Company
- Title Resources Group
- Westcor Land Title Insurance Company
- WFG National Title Insurance Company
Industry Publications and News Outlets
When Greek philosopher Heraclitus said that “change is the only constant in life,” he probably wasn’t talking about the real estate and title insurance industries, but he might as well have been. There’s been no shortage of change in 2024, from the reintroduction of the title waiver pilot to the recent NAR settlement.
Staying up to date on the latest news, trends and regulatory changes is crucial. Being well-informed allows you to navigate legal complexities, adapt to new laws and provide superior service to your clients.
That's why we've included these key publications and news outlets in our guide:
- ALTA Title News: As the official magazine of ALTA, Title News is a premier publication offering in-depth articles on legal and legislative issues, market analysis, and industry trends that affect title insurance and settlement services.
- The Title Report: This bi-weekly newsletter provides timely and accurate updates on the latest industry news, including mergers and acquisitions, regulatory developments, and company announcements.
- National Mortgage News: This publication covers all aspects of the mortgage sector, including news on policy changes, interviews with industry leaders and updates on technology advancements.
- HousingWire: A leading source of news and information on the housing and mortgage markets, this site gives title insurance professionals a broader view of the real estate market.
Oh, and if you’re looking for up-to-date information on regulatory changes and requirements, industry news and events, tech updates, product spotlights, customer success stories and more, make sure to check out the SoftPro blog!
Educational Programs, Resources, and Certifications
Knowledge is power, and as the industry evolves, continuous learning is a necessity. It's what sets the best professionals apart and keeps you at the top of your game.
Educational resources, from formal courses to online platforms, provide vital information and training that support career development and operational success.
In addition, the industry provides several certification opportunities that can bolster your credentials, credibility, and marketability.
Here’s a breakdown of what’s available:
ALTA Land Title Institute
As ALTA's educational branch, LTI offers a wide range of educational courses and webinars covering essential topics, from the basics of title insurance to advanced issues in regulatory compliance and legal challenges, helping you adapt to the latest industry trends.
National Title Professional (NTP) Designation
The NTP program is designed to elevate professional standards and enhance individual career growth.
It’s awarded by ALTA and recognizes title insurance agents, real estate settlement professionals and attorneys who’ve demonstrated a career-long commitment to excellent customer service and exceptional industry knowledge.
State Land Title Associations
These associations often offer training sessions, seminars and other certifications tailored to the legal and market conditions of the states they serve, helping to deepen your understanding of local real estate laws.
They also provide continuing education (CE) courses to help you maintain your licenses and certifications, ensuring you remain knowledgeable about the latest industry practices and standards.
Certified Land Title Professional (CLTP)
The CLTP is a prestigious certification offered by various state land title associations. It is meant to elevate one's expertise, knowledge, and professionalism.
A CLTP certification distinguishes you as a knowledgeable and skilled professional in your state or region’s title insurance field. It signals to employers, clients, and colleagues that you’re committed to the highest standards of professionalism and ethics. Inquire with your region’s land title association to find out if they offer a CLTP designation.
Online Learning Platforms
Platforms such as LinkedIn Learning, Coursera, and Udemy offer a variety of courses related to real estate law, title insurance and other business practices. These can be accessed to improve your legal knowledge, understand specific regulatory issues, or acquire new skills.
These online courses often include interactive materials and assessments that help learners test their understanding and apply new knowledge in practical settings.
Vendor and Underwriter Resources
Many industry vendors and underwriters maintain educational blogs, release eBooks and host podcasts that discuss current trends, provide advice, and give updates on industry changes.
For example, SoftPro’s blog offers regular insights into industry best practices, detailed guides on compliance, and information on technology trends that affect the title industry. We also provide webinars and eBooks that delve into specific aspects of title work, leadership and management tips, and software solutions.
We also host our regular Saved You a Seat webinar series for in-depth training and instruction on a variety of topics, including deep dives into software tips, 1099-S filing and compliance, customer and community engagement, product features and demonstrations and more. Subscribe here!
The Bottom Line
There you have it — the Ultimate Guide to Resources for Title Insurance Professionals. As you delve into these resources, make sure to reach out to SoftPro for any questions or additional support you might need. We’ve been serving the title industry for over 40 years with best-in-class software and services.
Whether you are a large company with hundreds of users or a small business with one or two employees, our flexible and customizable solutions allow you to choose exactly what you need and add additional features and functionality later. Contact us today and let us know how we can help you.
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