With many states choosing to lift their stay-at-home orders, many people are left wondering how to move forward in this new and uncertain landscape. First and foremost, it’s important to remember that there is no real “going back to normal.” A new normal will be achieved, but the idea that things will return to the way they were across the board is wishful thinking.
The notion of forming a new normal can be overwhelming on both a personal and professional level, but it’s something we find ourselves obligated to do in order to keep our businesses moving forward. Adding in the fact that everything feels topsy-turvy at the moment doesn’t help, either.
As an example, March and April were two of the heaviest order months in the history of title insurance. That influx is in direct conflict to the majority of other industries, many of which are struggling to stay afloat until whatever “new normal” can be achieved. Opening large numbers of orders is always exciting, but it’s critical that we realize this isn’t an evergreen influx of business.
It’s also important that we find a way to handle the large volume of orders in a way that keeps customers satisfied. Normally, the industry response to such a deluge of business is to hire more personnel. However, several large companies have, in fact, reduced staffing levels despite record orders and near record revenue. In the current COVID-19 world, it means learning to adapt on a company-wide scale.
As we all adapt, keep in mind that there will be very real pressure to reduce or even eliminate some risk management procedures in an effort to save costs. This is a dangerous time to consider such a reaction for either independent agents or underwriters. Many of the normal processes for risk management are difficult to maintain as a large percentage of employees are now working remotely. However, staff being remote does not remove the fiduciary responsibility we have to safeguard the public trust.
Another area of concern for the future is that governors and elected officials across the country are suspending laws and regulations, which continually move the regulatory goal posts. RON, RIN, Mobile Notary statutes, and recording regulations have all been changed using “executive orders.”
What will happen when creative plaintiffs’ attorneys challenge foreclosures, loan defaults, etc.? Underwriters will be called upon to defend lenders under their loan policies. Are courts and juries more likely to side with borrowers? Will foreclosures spike with dramatically increased unemployment? These added complications make it more important than ever for title agents to remain focused on the details, no matter how small they may seem. Be sure you have an underwriter who will stand behind you as an agent, and who can keep you up-to-date on regulatory issues.
While we will gradually return to whatever is the new normal, bear in mind that the surge in orders is a temporary reaction to low interest rates and the need to access equity that is currently locked into homes. These high numbers now don’t guarantee high numbers in the future. Be mindful of the regulatory adjustments that affect your role in the title and closing process, and adjust to the new work-from-home landscape as best as you can.
We have a lot of tools in our respective tool-belts. We just have to use them wisely and correctly.
During these uncertain times, Alliant National seeks to support our independent agents, helping to chart a path forward for continued business growth. Agents can access a wide range of tools and up-to-date Covid-related information at https://test.alliantnational.com/coronavirus/.
Feel free to reach out directly to me at randerson@alliantnational.com or 214-293-8067.
Anderson brings over 30 years’ experience in agency operations and leadership
LONGMONT,
Colo. (Feb. 20, 2020) – Alliant National Title Insurance Company, a
unique title insurance underwriter that partners with independent agents to
improve their competitive position in the marketplace, announces that Rodney
Anderson has been promoted to Executive Vice President and National Agency
Manager, effective immediately.
Anderson will expand his current responsibilities for developing, marketing and managing Alliant National’s Southwest Region Agency operations to include national market expansion and oversight of the company’s 25 licensed state agency operations.
Anderson will be a member of the senior Executive Leadership Team working
to aggressively expand Alliant National’s footprint. “I am honored that our
CEO and ownership group, Presidio Partners, has placed their trust in me with
such a key role within Alliant National,” says Anderson. “Throughout my career
I have worked to support the independent agent, and I look very forward to
working with the agency team assembled at Alliant National to help independent
agents across the country.”
Anderson
is a seasoned real estate and title insurance industry expert with over thirty years’
experience in agency operations as the current Southwest Regional Manager for
Alliant National, former co-owner of an independent title agency, and agency operations
manager for a national independent agency. In addition, Mr. Anderson served
three full terms as a State Representative in the Texas Legislature.
“It
is not often one gets the opportunity to work side by side with an industry
professional of Rodney’s caliber,” says David Sinclair, Alliant National
president and CEO.
“His
unique experience combined with his passion for independent agents makes him
the perfect person to lead our agency team, particularly at this juncture of
accelerated company growth.”
Alliant National distinguishes itself from competitors by combining strong underwriting capability with independent agents’ in-depth knowledge of local markets. The result is a nationwide network with deep roots in local communities, and a wealth of expertise that is flexible, nuanced and continuously growing.
Cathie Beck
Capital City Public Relation
e : cathie@capitalcitypr.com
p : 303-241-0805
ABOUT ALLIANT NATIONAL TITLE INSURANCE COMPANY
The Independent Underwriter for The Independent agent® – Alliant
National believes in empowering people to thrive.
The company protects the dreams of property owners with secure
title insurance and partners with 500+ trusted
independent title agents as a licensed underwriter in 25 states and the
District of Columbia, with annual revenues exceeding $126 million.
LONGMONT, Colo. – Alliant National Title Insurance Company is encouraging its title agents impacted by hurricanes Harvey and Irma to apply for financial relief through the Alliant National Title Helping Hands Fund.
“We are praying for everyone impacted by these recent catastrophes and want to help in any way we can,” Bob Grubb, Alliant National Title Insurance Company president and CEO said. “Our people have been in touch with many title agents who’ve been directly impacted by the storm, asking how we can be helpful to them, their employees and their communities at this time – whether that’s sending support staff to their offices, delivering water or even a simple sandwich platter – we are trying to help with anything they might need.”
The fund is a charity vehicle created through a partnership with the Greater Houston Community Foundation. Through GHCF, a full 95 percent of donations will go directly to those who meet the criteria for assistance.
Assistance will help cover costs and expenses not already covered by insurance or other means of damage recoupment, Grubb said.
Alliant National’s title agents and their employees – as well as its own employees – are eligible to apply for relief if living in or operating their business in a county declared a federal disaster area due to Harvey or Irma.
The Helping Hands Fund was set up in the wake of Hurricane Harvey by a team of Alliant National employees led by Rodney Anderson, Senior Vice President and Southwestern Regional Agency Manager.
The scope of relief efforts were extended to include Florida as Hurricane Irma churned in the Atlantic Ocean, with its eye set on the panhandle.
“It is an honor to be a part of an organization that operates with such heart and compassion,” Anderson said. “We hope that these efforts as well as the donations collected through our Alliant National Title Helping Hands Fund are able to provide some relief during this difficult time.”
In addition, Alliant National donated to Samaritan’s Purse’s Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund and Global Giving Foundation’s Hurricane Irma Relief Fund.
Samaritan’s Purse helps to meet the “needs of people who are victims of war, poverty, natural disasters, disease, and famine,” according to its website, while the Global Giving Foundation’s Irma Fund, will provide relief to survivors, “in the form of emergency supplies like food, water, and medicine in addition to longer-term recovery assistance to help residents recover and rebuild,” according to its website.
“When agents are in need of assistance from such deadly, natural disasters it is a privilege to create a formal giving platform that can truly make an impact for those responsible for our success,” Anderson said.
