General Counsel Blog

10/03/2022

2021 ALTA Forms & New Requirements

Dear Members, In the wake of Hurricane Ian, our thoughts are with those who have been affected by the storm. Many of you were hit and hit hard. If there is a way we can help with your operations, please let me know what you need. Be sure to include your contact information so that we can get back in touch with you. If you are willing to offer resources (office space, conference rooms, computer access) to Members who have been affected, please let us know and we will connect you with those who need help. We are here for you.

09/16/2022

Estoppel Fee Increase, New 2021 ALTA Forms & Vacant Lot Scams

Sorry that time got the better of me and it has been awhile since I reached out to you. So let's get to it! Here are some things that might be of interest.

08/15/2022

College Football, Cryptocurrency & Caution: Fake Notaries

Dear Members, Summer is winding down and our thoughts turn to back-to-school routines and….of course……college football! Many of us are expecting great things from our teams and new coaches. But disappointment and despair are inevitable. I am looking forward to sharing stories with you over the next several months over victories achieved or victories snatched away in the final seconds. Now down to business.

07/25/2022

Free “Plague” Video, FIRE Update & Additional Resources

Dear Members, Mortgage payoff fraud (and fraud generally) continue to plague our industry! I know I say this over and over but you absolutely have to be diligent…..well, really, you need to be SUPER diligent….. to protect clients and yourself again insidious wire fraud. We have a great FREE webinar to offer you on this topic. More below. On a few brighter notes, we have some updated information for you on the log-in system with the IRS for filing your 1099s, some helpful FAQs on Sec. 1031 exchanges and some new, easy systems for premium payments and product ordering with The Fund. Let's get started!

06/13/2022

Important Update on Memoranda of Homeowner Benefit Agreement

Dear Members, Another short and sweet blog posting to bring something important and new to your attention.

06/08/2022

Let’s Change the Laws: Take this Brief Estoppel Survey

Dear Members, Estoppel reform? 2023 might be "the year" for us to try and get some changes made to the HOA/Condo estoppel laws (I am referring to the process for requesting an estoppel and the information required to be included in it). It will be extremely helpful for me to get a sense of the true pain points you are experiencing about the current process so I have put together a simple, brief survey for you to complete. This will give me the data I need to begin discussions of a proposed bill with key stakeholders and legislators. Here's a link to the survey. https://www.getfeedback.com/r/WrtSf2EY Thanks!

05/13/2022

Wire Fraud & Fraudulent Mortgage Payoffs - Our Newest Pandemic!

Dear Members, This is a special, one issue message. Wire fraud involving fraudulent mortgage payoffs is our newest pandemic! Recently several Members experienced wire diversions of over SIX FIGURES in handling a mortgage payoff. STOPPING THIS IS WITHIN YOUR CONTROL (99% OF THE TIME). So the purpose of this message is to share what we have been observing and give you some very strong guidance on what to look for. Do not assume I am covering all possibilities in this message because the fraudsters will constantly try to out-smart you…….so you have to outsmart them!

05/06/2022

Alert, Acceptance Approval & Attorney Appointments

Dear Members, It's May. All kinds of stuff going on. Graduations. Mother's Day. Warmer (much warmer!) weather.

04/18/2022

Recommendations & Resources: Recent Cyber Fraud & Scam Incidents

Dear Members, It is time for some updates. And two of them are about evil fraudsters that just want to steal someone's money. So play close attention!

03/14/2022

Really Important Info on Sanctions, Data Call, RON Obligation and DoubleTime

Dear Members, OMG. There is a lot going on…. so this blog is overflowing with information for you. I hope you find it helpful. (Personal note: I hate Daylight Savings Time. But I love MARCH MADNESS!!! It starts this week and it is one of my favorite times of the year. So if I am slow in responding to an email…………)