Although we like to blame India, because that is the face we see, its really "the internet of everything".  The Manufacturing we lost in the 70's & 80's was due to those countries catching up to us in manufacturing technology.  Now it just happens to be Information Technology.  IT & the Internet is hitting everyone.  Offices that were once full of accountants now have one accountant supervising computers operated by Data Processors.  

I remember a fellow abstractor once saying "I wish they would put all this online so I can sit at home in my boxers and do this"  I told him as soon as it all went online they wouldn't need him, a computer would do it.  I read an article recently about a group of abstractors at a title plant.  They had used an algorithm from a CIA program used to search out information on computers.  They tweaked the algorithm to run title.  Give it a parcel number and description and it could run the title from a database.  Goodbye Abstractors.

The writing is on the wall, but its not over...not just yet.  The key to continuing in this profession is to USE the "internet of everything" to your advantage...just like India.  You have to say goodbye to the current owner search.  That is over unless you can actually shake the hand of the individual requesting the search.  You know if it comes from overseas (email) its going to be a 40 year search anyway so don't even offer current searches.  40 year and no less unless its a local Title Agency or bank you know.  The current owner search may have gone to India but it comes right back when the owner has had it for more that 20+ years.  Use that to your advantage.  They accepted the search (and took it from you) but they cant complete it WITHOUT you!

And if your think a law would bring the work back....it wont come to you.  The Title is ONLINE.  The big mortgage companies are even now paying people to sit at home and run current owner searches.  So long as someone can log on and run run a 20 years search that is exactly what is going to happen, no need to pay abstractors.  And in 10-20 years you will be able to run a Full Search in may areas.   

I've talked to Abstractors who are afraid of Commercial Searches.  But that is were the money is.  You need to be able to adapt to where our industry is and where it is heading.  There is plenty of Commercial work available.  Go for it.

 Too many Abstractors and Title Agents only think in terms of the Mortgage Title world. But depending on where you are at, Coal, Oil & Gas and other Mineral work uses the same skills you already posses. Some areas are dying for ROW Abstractors and Agents. Telecom comes and goes but its a positive to make contacts in that area as well. These areas also can pay twice as much as Mortgage Title Work and it CANT be outsourced completely.

If you handle closings, a lot of Attorneys, Investors and other business need mobile notaries to perform Signing services when the client cant come in or is remote.   

 Also, the days of throwing a pile of documents on someone's desk is over.  You need to be able to USE IT to provide a better product to the clients.  Knowledge of the 'paperless" office, the "Cloud", creating embedded and linked documents for instance.  Being able to deed plot, create GIS maps and other supporting media are important and can extend you client base. PACKAGING...how can you package your product, use the information in the title to pre-prepare and package it in new and different was and to new and different clients.  I was contracted to consult and help a Title Agency create a Paperless office.  The title goes straight from the Abstractor in the Court House to the Certifying Attorney, pre-prepared for his/her review and signature, no one in the middle and no cabinets and boxes in the hallway full of paper documents.

You have to be able to wear multiple hats.  You have to be able to abstract, but also have the requirements for your area to Negotiate (Acquisitions), Run Title, and Close.  Use the IT that took part of your work to learn to create owner Databases, create Maps that show ROW's and such, and anything else you can think of that uses your skills in new and innovative ways. 

You know the courthouse  and public records research inside and out, USE IT.  I have had Real Estate Investors PAY me just for a database of recently foreclosed properties or properties in bankruptcy or divorce, etc.  I knew it was a simple print out from the Court House, but they didn't.  I also find PT work tracking down missing owners or heirs of owners who have passed for Attorneys, Investors and Mineral companies.  KNOWLEDGE IS MONEY.  

The work is still out there, the only thing we are loosing is the dead weight.  You have to be smarter, faster, more detailed and better looking (your work, not you personally :) )  And you will probably have to get out of your comfort zone.   Show up to the Court House dressed professionally with your card in hand.  Meet and network, in person and online.

Work with Attorneys, Investors, Surveyors, Real Estate Agents and anyone else you can think of who can use your skills.  Think in terms of the SKILLS you have, not necessarily the Title you provide.  Learn NEW skills and work with current and future clients about what product they need and be able to provide services before they know the need it.

I cant give you all the answers because each area is different and contains multiple industries pursuing various work.  Just be positive, think ahead and outside the old box...Best of Luck.