Tag Archives: Title Insurance

The American Land Title Association (ALTA), a national trade association for the land title insurance industry, released a set of Title Insurance and Settlement Company Best Practices created to help members highlight policies and procedures used to "ensure a positive and compliant real estate settlement experience."

The American Land Title Association (ALTA) reports continued improvements for title companies. Each of the three quarters the association reported on so far this year have registered increasing volume for title companies. Premiums rose 28 percent year-over-year in the third quarter. The industry produced $3 billion in title insurance premiums over the third quarter, up from $2.4 billion during the same period in 2011.

With revenue up and the housing market showing a sustained recovery, Fitch Ratings says the outlook for the U.S. title insurance industry is "stable." The agency points to improved revenue and reduced expenses as signs of stability. Operating profit margins for Fitch's title universe rose to 10.3 percent in the first nine months of 2012, a dramatic jump from 6.1 percent during the same period in 2011. In addition, title revenues increased by more than 15 percent from January to September as housing markets found solid ground.

Citing "positive developments occurring in the housing market," A.M. Best is maintaining a stable ratings outlook for title insurance.