How To Reduce Email Overload

by Andrew Brodsky

Research shows that leaders’ overflowing inboxes doesn’t only impact their stress, but can undermine their ability to effectively lead others, as well. That’s why executive communication overload isn’t just bad for one-on-one interactions that go awry—it can create a cascade of organizational challenges that undermine productivity, team collaboration and overall workplace effectiveness. Cultivating a healthy communication culture for leaders requires intentionality and effort. By making implicit expectations and norms explicit, and fostering an environment where clarity is prioritized over speed, organizations can significantly improve trust, morale and productivity. When executives take the lead in establishing clear communication practices, it sets a powerful example for their teams. The result is an organizational culture where everyone feels more empowered to communicate effectively. Click HERE to read on.

Survey Coverage Up To $5M for Lenders Coverage

A mortgagee policy with full survey coverage can now be obtained from Investors Title without the expense and delay of obtaining a current survey. This alternative in title insurance underwriting is designed to save time, improve scheduling and save the mortgagor from having to continually pay for updated surveys. A mortgagee policy can be issued providing full survey coverage without a current survey if, at any time in the chain of title, the property has been surveyed by a registered land surveyor and is described consistently with such survey. This coverage may be used to satisfy requirements for the issuance of an ALTA 9 up to $5 Million dollars in coverage. Click HERE for more information.

Bankers Title Offers Back-Office Settlement Support For Attorneys

We proudly offer back-office support for Attorneys with limited staff or those who prefer not to handle the funds and disbursement.

• We work with the Attorney behind the scenes to prepare the Settlement Statement, clear title requirements, and deliver the closing package to the Attorney to conduct the closing with their client.
• Bankers Title will handle all funds and disbursements
• Competitive all-inclusive fee for this service
• The Attorney instructs us on how they would like the communication with the client to be handled. We can communicate, or the Attorney can be the primary contact point.
• Free up your internal resources for more critical jobs and allow Bankers Title to take on the time-consuming tasks of preparing a settlement. Click HERE for more information.

Investors Title Offers Special Rates for CRA Premiums, Commercial Rates & Reissue Rates

• Community Housing Rate is available for policies issued to cover loans made to persons with income not to exceed the median income AND made in connection with Fannie Mae's or any lender's affordable housing programs, community development programs, low income housing or community enhancement programs. The rate shall be:$1.50 per thousand of coverage, Minimum Premium: $100.
• Special Commercial Rates help save your clients dollars on standard owner's and loan premiums. Standard Owner starts at $3.00 per thousand and Standard Loan at $2.00 per thousand up to $1M of liability.
• Reissue Rate for applications on which title insurance has been previously issued. Applies to ANY lender or owner previous policy, no matter the underwriter. Reissue rates apply up to the face amount of the previous policy, with excess insurance computed at the Standard Owner or Standard Loan rate.

Click HERE to review our Virginia rate brochure which outlines all of the details.

New Homes Are Getting Smaller. Are Buyers Looking for Less Square Footage?

by Eliana Block

Research shows that new homes are shrinking, and a recent study shows that matches consumer preferences. The trend of newly built homes in the U.S. shows the median size decreasing from 2,128 square feet in 2022 to 1,965 square feet in 2024. This shift is largely driven by affordability concerns, as higher mortgage rates and tighter budgets push buyers towards smaller, more financially manageable homes. Additionally, newly built homes often cost less than preexisting ones, offering significant savings. Builders are also providing financial incentives, such as lower interest rates and assistance with closing costs, to attract buyers. Modern features like energy-efficient appliances and open floor plans further enhance the appeal of these smaller, newly built homes. This trend reflects changing buyer preferences and builders' strategies to make homeownership more accessible. Click HERE to read on.