Yes, 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!
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.
Associations
American Land Title Association (ALTA)
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 that are crucial for ensuring 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.
State and Regional Land Title Associations
In addition to ALTA, state and regional land title associations provide a localized supportive community tailored to their geographic regions’ specific needs. These organizations advocate for state-level policies that directly impact your market, offer resources and educational opportunities, and organize local learning and networking events.
Northeast
- New York Land Title Association
- New Jersey Land Title Association
- Pennsylvania Land Title Association
- Maryland Land Title Association
- New England Land Title Association
- District of Columbia Land Title Association
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
Choosing and 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
- Fidelity National Financial
- First American Title Insurance Company
- Old Republic National Title Insurance Company
- Stewart Title Guaranty Company
Independent Underwriters
- Agents National Title Insurance Company
- Alliant National Title Insurance 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, Co.
- 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
Educational Programs, Resources, and Certifications
Knowledge is power, and as the industry evolves, continuous learning sets the best professionals apart and keeps them at the top of their game.
Here’s a breakdown of what’s available:
ALTA Land Title Institute (LTI)
As ALTA’s educational branch, LTI offers 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. ALTA awards it to title insurance agents, real estate settlement professionals and attorneys who’ve demonstrated a career-long commitment to excellence.
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. They also provide continuing education (CE) to help you maintain your licenses and certifications.
Certified Land Title Professional (CLTP)
The CLTP is a prestigious certification offered by various state land title associations meant to 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, helping you improve your legal knowledge, understand specific regulatory issues or acquire new skills.
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 and regular Saved You a Seat webinar series offer regular insights into industry best practices, detailed guides on specific aspects of title work, leadership and management best practices, compliance updates and software solutions.
The Bottom Line
There you have it—the Ultimate Guide to Resources for Title Insurance Professionals. As you delve into these resources, feel free to contact 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.
Contact us today and let us know how we can help you.
