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December 2019
Title Notes E-News


Special Notice: Due to unprecedented high settlement volume, Virginia Title Center is requesting a
minimum of a 30 day process from receipt of order to scheduled settlement date on purchase files and
three weeks on refinances. Creating an exceptional client experience for all parties involved is paramount.
Thank you for your support and understanding.

Please click HERE to view 
our new Settlement Fees Effective January 1, 2020
Virginia Title Center will be closed on:
- Wednesday, December 25th
- Wednesday, January 1st

Most Circuit Courts will be closed on:
- Tuesday, December 24th through Thursday, December 26th
- Tuesday, December 31st and Wednesday, January 1st

HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM THE ENTIRE VIRGINIA TITLE CENTER TEAM!
Turns Out Eating Lunch Alone Actually Has Some Major Career Benefits
by Kyle Schnitzer

Despite the calming nature of munching on a salad alone, there are actually benefits to dining by yourself as opposed to being suckered by colleagues to sit together for an office-wide meal.
The Wall Street Journal recently published a column by  Yale School of Management professor Marissa King, who dived into lunching alone, specifically finding that eating alone during lunch can help your productivity.  Click HERE to learn more about this study.
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A Change Leader Must Do These 4 Things To Be Successful
by Lolly Daskal

Study after study states that a change leader has a critical role in determining the success of change programs undertaken by organizations, among the different expectations from leaders in supporting change, they have found there are four elements that change leaders have to deliver to their people for change to be successful. Click  HERE  to learn more about these elements.
Investors Title Company Announces
Third Quarter 2019 Financial Results

Investors Title Company announced its results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2019. Net income attributable to the Company was $8.0 million, or $4.20 per diluted share, versus $10.6 million, or $5.61 per diluted share, for the prior year period. 

Chairman J. Allen Fine added, "We are pleased to report that in the third quarter, we set a new record level of net premiums written. Lower interest rates spurred an increased level of refinance activity, while premiums from home sales remained strong in light of continued strength in the U.S. economy. Excluding the impact of unrealized gains in equity securities, revenues (a non-GAAP measure) were up 4.8% over the prior year quarter." Click HERE to read the entire press release.
An Inconvenient Truth for Community Banks -
and How to Overcome It
Many simply aren't prepared to take advantage of new technologies that are available
by Spencer Jones, Enterprise Product Officer at FIS
 
For community banks, there is no shortage of disruptors. Between bigger banks, fintech upstarts and their own peers, the playing field is rife with competition. To stay ahead, these financial institutions need to invest in modern banking technologies that can provide unique customer experiences and seamless execution on the backend.  But there's an inconvenient truth for community banks: many of them simply aren't prepared to take advantage of new technologies that are available. Click  HERE to read on.
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Artificial Intelligence, Algorithms, Big Data & The Future of Banking
by Jim Marous, The Financial Brand

Futurist Mike Walsh has good news and bad news for financial services executives leading and working in the Algorithmic Age. Jobs won't go away, but they will change radically and sometimes the smartest move will be to kill your own job and reimagine the process and your place in it. He discusses his 10 principles for survival in the new digital ecosystem in an exclusive Banking Transformed podcast interview. Click HERE to gain more insights.

Why Lenders Might Be Favoring Gen Z
from the REALTOR® Magazine
 
Generation Z-those born after 1996-may only have started building their credit profiles, but they're already outshining their older counterparts. Gen Z consumers have an average FICO score that's higher than those of both millennials and Gen X, according to a new study from LendingPoint of more than 5 million near-prime loan applications.  "This is especially interesting when you consider that how long you've had credit is a key factor when it comes to credit scoring," LendingPoint notes in its analysis. "Even with duration of credit use playing a role in FICO scores, Gen Z is off to a strong start in building their credit profile."   Click  HERE for more insights from this study.
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Here are additional articles related to the Mortgage Industry you may enjoy:
BAI Banking Outlook: Trends in 2020
 
In 2020, the top business challenge will be customer digital experience. This replaces deposit growth - the top business challenge in 2019. As consumers increasingly prefer fintech and omnichannel banking options, financial services organizations have unique opportunities for growth by investing in tech-based products and services. Click HERE to learn more about anticipated trends.
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Ag Bankers Consider 2019, Look Forward to 2020
by Alaina Webster

Between trade tensions with China and natural disasters affecting virtually every part of the country, ag producers in the U.S. faced a challenging 2019. Will 2020 be any better?  In speaking with a handful of bankers from the Southern and Midwestern parts of the country, the answer seems to be a resounding maybe. Due to the USDA's Market Facilitation Program, most producers who were hit with either production or trade issues have been able to make ends meet, but with weather uncertainties always a factor and trade talks continuing to drag on, most producers aren't looking forward to more of the same next year. Click HERE to read on.
Virginia Title Center 2020 Weekly Planners
 
VTC is pleased to share that we have received a limited supply of 2020 weekly planners.

If you have not already reserved yours, you can do so by clicking HERE.

 

**Remember to offer your borrowers Owner's Coverage on their most valuable investment. It's a one time premium with a lifetime of security. In addition, they will receive a reduced premium rate when they obtain it simultaneously with your Lender's Coverage.**
WANTED: YOUR FEEDBACK
What Topics Are On Your Mind?

Virginia Title Center wants to provide you with pertinent information in future E-Blasts and Webinars. What questions are on your mind regarding the real estate and mortgage lending industry? What topics would you like addressed in future E-blasts?  Send Patti your thoughts.
Past issues of the Virginia Title Center E-News are archived on our website HERE
Patti L. Dickerson                                      

Give us a call and let us know how we can better serve you and your team!

Director of Operations & Marketing
Virginia Title Center, LLC
Integrity. Security. Excellence.

 

Virginia Title Center is committed to serve you with unmatched expertise, exceptional customer service and a comprehensive selection of title and settlement solutions to help you grow and succeed. 

 

Our professionalism, technical knowledge and experience provide security as we insure protection for your most valued investment.