Current News

The Latest News from WFG National Title Company
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64
Compliance
August 6, 2014

Watch Out Agents, California is Sweating the Small Stuff

The State of California Bureau of Real Estate recently announced that it has updated its policies surrounding compliance laws. Specifically, it has instituted a “cite and fine” policy for minor infractions, with fines up to $2500.   According to their report, “A citation or other formal action will be considered…
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64
Compliance
August 5, 2014

CFPB Celebrates Third Birthday

The Consumer Finance Protection Bureau, formed in the wake of the financial meltdown of 2008, officially turned three years old this month. Since its creation, the CFPB has grown into an effective force for change and regulation in the financial services industry. They’ve already handled over “400,000 complaints in multiple…
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66
Compliance
August 1, 2014

Be Careful with Kickbacks, says CFPB

Last month, the CFPB fined a title company $30k for improperly paying out referral fees to mortgage brokers. “Kickbacks drive up the costs of getting a mortgage and put law-abiding companies at a disadvantage,” said CFPB Director Richard Cordray. “The Consumer Bureau will continue to take action against companies that…
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67
Uncategorized
July 29, 2014

Zillow and Trulia are Spending a Whole Lot of Money on Ads

This year, Zillow and Trulia are set to spend, collectively, about $110 million on advertising. That’s $65 million for Zillow, who captured roughly 16% of real estate-related search traffic from desktops last month, and $45 million for Trulia, who captured just over 8%. Each company is attempting to establish itself…
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67
Compliance
July 28, 2014

What Happens When You inherit a Home with a Mortgage? The CFPB Weighs In

Losing a loved one is never easy. Neither is dealing with assets, or debts, they’ve left behind. If a parent dies, and they owe money on a home loan, what happens to the heir that inherits the home? Often, the heir will want to keep the home, and may therefore…
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68
Market Statistics
July 25, 2014

Real Estate Stats You Need to Know Right Now

Did you know that there are over 133 million housing units in the United States? Did you know that there are over 2 million people working in the real estate business in the U.S.? Would you believe that online advertising spending for real estate is estimated to reach $16 billion…
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68
Uncategorized
July 25, 2014

WFG Continues Agency Growth in Southeast, Adding Veteran Development Professional

Nalbone to serve agents in Virginia and regional group Santa Barbara, CA July 24, 2014       WFG National Title Insurance Company (“WFG National Title”) has added Anthony Nalbone as Agency Sales Consultant serving the Southeast Region. WFG National Title is a full service provider of title insurance and real estate settlement…
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83
MarketingTechnology
July 25, 2014

Rumors Abound of Possible Zillow / Trulia Merger

Speculation has been swirling this week over a possible merger of Zillow and Trulia, the two largest consumer real estate websites, with a combined monthly visitor count of about 70 million. A group of six investors currently owns 42% of Zillow and 52% of Trulia, leading some experts to wonder…
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ryantate
67
Compliance
July 24, 2014

The CFPB is Not Kidding Around About RESPA

The Consumer Finance Protection Bureau recently levied a $500,000 fine against a real estate company for failing to comply with RESPA disclosure law. The bold move was meant to demonstrate that the law is serious, and that punishment is real for those in violation. The Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act…
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67
Compliance
July 23, 2014

CFPB Wants Consumers to Publicly Voice Complaints About Financial Companies

The CFPB is looking to expand its ability to process complaints from individual consumers regarding financial institutions. It currently accepts complaints on many consumer financial products, including credit cards, mortgages, bank accounts, private student loans, vehicle and other consumer loans, credit reporting, money transfers, debt collection, and payday loans. “By…
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