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Some title insurance policies protect against home title theft. Does yours?

Housing Wire

She later discovered that unknown fraudsters had forged and filed documents to make it look like her house had been sold at a foreclosure sale. For centuries, the notary public was the stalwart guardian against forged deeds , ensuring that every signature was genuine, and each document bore the official seal of authenticity.

Insurance 482
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ALTA: Protecting property rights with title insurance

Housing Wire

For most real estate industry professionals, title insurance needs no introduction. A trusted product , title insurance has been used to protect real estate transactions and property rights for over a century. Title insurance is different than most other insurance products. Diane Tomb, ALTA CEO Contributor.

Insurance 493
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HUD sued over alleged failure to refund mortgage insurance premiums

Housing Wire

Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is being sued in federal court over accusations that it failed to refund nearly $385 million in mortgage insurance premiums (MIP) to borrowers over a period of more than two decades. Sarmiento reportedly requested the documentation for a refund on Jan.

Insurance 497
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Title insurers reckon with attorney opinion letters

Housing Wire

Prior to the advent and widespread use of title insurance, before taking title to a property, the buyer required that the title be free of any rights, interests, liens or encumbrances of others for which the buyer would be responsible for. We haven’t seen any real data based on the conversation that it is going to save money.

Insurance 415
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Homebuyers have many options; let’s make sure they’re aware of them

Housing Wire

Admittedly, the myriad of documents requiring signatures can be overwhelming, especially for first-time homebuyers. One of the most important roles we play at ALTA is strongly encouraging buyers to shop around for their title insurance company. To many, homebuying is a daunting, often confusing process.

Insurance 511
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The title industry is working to tackle fraud 

Housing Wire

The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines fraud as the “intentional perversion of truth in order to induce another to part with something of value or to surrender a legal right,” and from identity theft to sweepstakes and investment scams, it can take countless forms at a high cost to consumers.

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Opinion: What you need to know for a successful real estate transaction

Housing Wire

The home-buying process involves numerous steps, documents and parties that you have to work with. They also help to prevent fraud and ensure that the sale is conducted legally and ethically. By having a neutral third party manage the transfer of funds and documents, the sale can be completed quickly and efficiently.