For those of you who may be unaware, the Ohio Association of Independent Title Agents (OAITA) really got something started with their recent petition for mandamus filed against the Ohio Department of Insurance.  Although the petition was dismissed by the Ohio Supreme Court, it really got people thinking about the state of the industry and the future of independent title agents.  People outside of Ohio even took notice and began to contact the OAITA.  Thus, the National Association of Independent Land Title Agents (NAILTA) was formed. 

As the OAITA prepares for the next step toward addressing the issues presented in the mandamus action, the NAILTA is preparing for its Spring Conference in Atlantic City.  Thus, I wanted to take a moment to let everyone know a little more about the NAILTA and encourage independent agents to attend the conference.

While NAILTA is a fairly new organization, they have already been actively representing the interests of independent title agents.  On March 12, 2009, it filed an amicus brief in the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals in the Edwards v. First American case.  Here is how the organization described itself in the brief.

NAILTA is a non-profit, member supported national trade organization working to protect the transparency, credibility and sanctity of the land title process.  As a part of that mission, NAILTA represents the interests of those industry stakeholders, both independent and affiliated alike, who have been negatively impacted by the rise of anti-competitive business practices in the title industry.  NAITLA works to protect the independence of the title insurance industry from its referral sources and the Association advocates for fair competition in the industry and the removal of conflicts of interest from the real estate process.

NAILTA serves a great purpose for the independent agents.  Taking advantage of the opportunity to file amicus briefs is a great start.  Our industry has been compromised by lenders, Realtors, and builders who have "partnered" with title operations and control a large portion of the market.  For whatever reason, a large segment of the title industry has encouraged this anti-competitive practice.  Thus, as new cases develop new case law in our courts, someone must represent the interests of the independent agents - many of the traditional land title associations just aren't doing that.

I am very encouraged by the active role NAILTA is playing so far and I look forward to hearing more from the association.  All independent agents should be very pleased to know that they do have a voice in the industry... finally. 

If you would like to learn more and discuss the issues that are important to you, you should consider attending the NAILTA Spring Conference.

The NAILTA Spring Conference
Trump Marina Hotel Casino
Atlantic City, New Jersey

May 18, 2009
8:30 AM – 5 PM (registration begins at 8 AM)

Don’t Delay – Register Now! Only $40.00 for Members. $65.00 for Non-Members continental breakfast and lunch included)

Join NAILTA today or at the Conference and apply $25.00 toward Membership. Reserve your room for $75.00 per night, plus taxes and fees by calling Trump Marina at 800-777-8477- make your room reservation by April 27, 2009 and mention the NAILTA Spring Conference. Sunday through Thursday nights are eligible for this fantastic rate.

Scheduled to speak:

• Regina M. Lowrie, CMB, Past-President Mortgage Bankers Association of America

• Carl Samson, Esq., New Jersey Title Insurance Co., Parsippany, NJ

• Robert B. Holman, Esq., Holman, Frank & McDonald, Cleveland, OH

• State and Local Politicians to be announced

Just a few of the topics on the agenda: AfBA's, Banking, Underwriter Support, California litigation.

Download a Registration Form here.

I attended one of the first OAITA meetings in Ohio and I was impressed with the vision of the group and their drive to protect the title insurance industry from unfair competition.  It is always good to discuss these issues with like-minded colleagues and even better when they become actively involved in attempting to make positive changes. Both the OAITA and NAILTA have demonstrated their commitment to the cause.

I would love to attend this conference, however, I will be engrossed in studying for the bar exam.  If you are able to attend, I would encourage you to do so. And, I would appreciate it if you would post your comments in our forums to keep us all informed.  Let us know what you think of NAILTA and how this conference is different from typical industry association conferences - I'm sure it will be.

Robert A. Franco
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