Dear CATIC Agents:

Oh, what fun it is … to contribute to Vermont's housing efforts in a substantial way! Through CATIC's continued relationship and affiliation with VATC, we are making a significant impact state-wide.

I am thrilled to share that the VATC Board, comprising of dedicated Vermont Attorneys and Legal Professionals, has voted to allocate Vermont CATIC's contributions to VATC in the following manner:

- $6,000.00 to Green Mountain Habitat For Humanity

- $6,000.00 to Bennington Habitat For Humanity

- $6,000.00 to Cornerstone Housing Partners of Rutland

- $6,000.00 to Capstone of Washington County

- $6,000.00 to TwinPines of Vermont’s Upper Valley/White River Junction region

- $10,000.00 to HomeShare of VT

These contributions are sure to make a meaningful difference in our communities. Working with CATIC/VATC means you have supported these efforts. We thank you for your continued business relationship with our Company. Cheers to another great year ahead - Happy 2026!

Liz Smith – Vice President, State Manager Vermont

Essential Tips for Hassle-Free Policy Preparation

Preparing and issuing title insurance policies can be a complex process, requiring careful attention to detail. Whether you’re navigating new endorsement requests, addressing exceptions, or finalizing large transactions, understanding the proper procedures ensures a smoother experience for both clients and your team. The following guidelines will help you confidently manage each step and avoid common pitfalls along the way:

• If you are looking to delete the general exceptions from the standard loan policy or if the lender is asking for any special risk endorsements, please call (802.876.6800) or email Steve or Liz for permission. Please note that hazard premium due for deleting the general exceptions or for the issuance of special risk endorsements is not subject to agent commission. 
• If you're unsure which policy type to issue, click here to view a chart.
• If you are using a CATIC back title as a guideline, we kindly ask that you issue a CATIC policy and not write a new policy with our competitors.
• If you have a transaction over one million, please email our office for a premium quote. We will need the following information:

Property address

Property type (such as 1-4 family, commercial, etc)

Purchaser(s)/borrower(s) names, if available

Loan amount, if applicable

Lender-required endorsements, if applicable

Whether a CPL will be issued

• Visit the Policy Training Center on the VATC website for assistance with policy preparation. There are many helpful pages on the VATC site, so take a peek!

Please reach out with any questions! Thank you for your business partnership and loyalty to CATIC.

Save the Date: Annual June CLE

Join us for an unforgettable day of learning, networking, and fun at the Capitol Plaza in Montpelier on June 9, 2026!

Mark your calendar for our annual June CLE—a full day packed with dynamic sessions, inspiring speakers, and opportunities to connect with colleagues. Don’t miss out on this event designed to energize and elevate your professional

journey.



Stay tuned for more details.

Upcoming CATIC Academy Webinars

CATIC Academy is pleased to present a timely two-part webinar series addressing a major expansion of federal Anti–Money Laundering (AML) regulations that will significantly impact residential real estate transactions. All CATIC agents and their staff are invited to attend.

Effective March 1, 2026, FinCEN’s new Residential Real Estate Reporting Rule replaces prior Geographic Targeting Orders and eliminates both geographic limitations and dollar thresholds. The Rule now requires reporting of certain non-financed residential real estate transfers to entities or trusts, creating new compliance obligations for settlement agents and other professionals involved in closings.

This webinar series will walk participants through:

• When a transaction is reportable under the new Rule

• Who is responsible for reporting, including the cascading reporting order and designation agreements

• What information must be collected, including beneficial ownership data

• When and how to file reports using the FinCEN BSA E-Filing System

• Penalties for non-compliance and practical steps to prepare your office and staff

Whether you are a settlement agent, attorney, or real estate professional, these sessions will help you understand what’s changing, what’s required, and how CATIC can support your compliance efforts.

DATES: 

Part 1: What you need to know NOW.

January 21, 2026 | 10:00 A.M. - 11:00 A.M.

Part 2: What you need to know for MARCH 1st.

February 4, 2026 | 10:00 A.M. - 11:00 A.M. 

CLE / CE ELIGIBLE: Each session is eligible for 1 CLE/CE credit in: CT, NH, NY & VT

CATIC Academy has dozens of online courses to help you fulfill your CLE requirements on-demand and on your own schedule. All CATIC Academy CLE Webinars are approved for Vermont CLE. Explore CATIC Academy to see our full library of offerings here. Don't have access? To access CATIC Academy, all you need is a CATIC agent login. Click here to create one today and start enjoying all the Academy has to offer.

Important news About Upcoming FinCEN

Real Estate Reporting Requirements

We have secured a partnership with a vendor that provides:

·      All the free training and resources you need

·      A 20% discount on FinCEN filing services

·      A team with experience handling more than 150,000 FinCEN beneficial ownership reports


How the vendor’s filing service works:

1.    You order reports in about one minute through a simple, secure tracking portal or via title software integrations. You can also upload documents to auto-populate orders.

2.    The vendor sends secure collection links to buyers and sellers to gather the required information. Their U.S. based support team is available live to answer buyer and seller questions and can reach out directly to help expedite reports when closing dates are approaching.

3.    You receive a “FinCEN clear to close” update by email or in your title software. After closing, they file the report for you, provide confirmation, and store the records for 5 years.

Click here to continue reading.

CATIC Product Spotlight: UCPExpress

CATIC's UCPExpress service offers complete unclaimed property services. UCPExpress service will:

• Assist in preparing your files
• Distribute and manage Due Diligence Letters
• Prepare and submit applicable state reports
• Work with you on submitting your unclaimed funds to the correct authority

Click here for more information. Get started by calling CATIC (860) 513-3105 or emailing UCP@catic.com.

Filing Cabinet Frenzy: When Lenders Call

and Policies Play Hide-and-Seek

If it feels like your filing cabinet is in a frenzy, you’re not alone! Lately, we’ve seen a surge in inquiries from lenders searching for final policies and endorsements—even for files that haven’t made their way to us yet. While we’d love to help every time, please note that we can only issue endorsements for policies currently in our possession.

Your commitment and diligence throughout the challenges of the past two years are greatly appreciated. Our office remains dedicated to supporting you. Should you encounter any difficulties—such as missing discharges, post-closing update issues, or the need to organize your filing system—please do not hesitate to contact us. We are prepared to provide guidance and practical solutions to help you address these matters efficiently.



As we begin the new year, we encourage you to issue all policies older than three months to the Insureds and remit them to our Rocky Hill office. If you require assistance at any stage, our team is available to ensure a smooth and successful process.

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