What's New This Month

As the year comes to a close, all of us at West Virginia Bankers Title want to express our warmest holiday wishes to our valued clients, partners and community. We hope this holiday season brings joy, rest and memorable moments with the people who matter most. 


Thank you for trusting us to be a part of your journey this year. We’re excited for all that 2026 will bring. 


Best regards,

Rachel Showalter, Agency Operations Manager

West Virginia Is Holding Steady in Affordability and Homebuilding

West Virginia remains one of the nation’s most affordable housing markets, but new construction continues to fall behind national trends. A new Realtor.com® report gives the state a C, reflecting steady prices but sluggish building activity. With affordability high but permitting low, West Virginia’s housing market is stable for now—but will need more investment to support

long-term growth.

Keeping Your Team Motivated After the Holiday Break

With the holidays just around the corner, now is the perfect time to plan for a strong start to the new year. Post-holiday slowdowns are common, but the right preparation can help your team return refreshed, focused, and ready to tackle 2026. This guide shares practical strategies to boost motivation, rebuild momentum, and set your workplace up for success long before everyone returns to

their desks.

Mortgage Fraud Risk Spikes

Mortgage fraud risk is rising nationwide, especially among investor and multifamily applications, according to new analysis from Cotality. With indicators up more than 8% year over year—and undisclosed real estate debt climbing—the report arrives as the CFPB faces dismantling at the federal level, raising new questions about fraud oversight in 2026. The data highlights emerging risks lenders should be watching as we head into the

new year.

Innovation

Generative AI can be incredibly helpful—but it’s not always right. This article argues that the safest way to use these tools is to treat them like a bright but unhinged intern: assume answers are drafts, verify anything important, and encourage the model to challenge its own ideas. By adding a little healthy friction and choosing the right “specialist” model for each task, users can get better results.

Mortgage Trends

New recommendations could make reverse mortgages more accessible for seniors. The Mortgage Bankers Association is urging HUD to lower upfront costs, increase usable equity and simplify the process with modern appraisals and flexible counseling. If adopted, these changes could make reverse mortgages cheaper, faster, and easier to navigate in 2026.

Professional Development

The holidays can be a stressful time for everyone. Not only are end-of-year work deadlines approaching quickly, but there are also more family responsibilities during the holidays. We all know that balance can be really difficult. This article offers helpful tips for managing holiday stress, including setting a timer for tasks and giving yourself time to reset. 

Market Highlights

Is the American Dream slipping farther and farther out of reach for young Americans? New surveys say yes, with the average age of first-time homebuyers reaching a new peak of 40. This is a big issue for the industry, but what can be done to change that? Read this story from the NAR about how they are prioritizing affordability. 

Make Sure You’re Winter Ready

As winter settles in, make sure your home is sealed up against the cold. Wintery air sneaking in through gaps around windows or doors can raise heating costs. Make sure you weatherstrip or caulk the leaks and check attic insulation. Not only will this save on energy bills, but it also reduces the risk of frozen pipes, which can become a big headache. 



Here is a full 8-step guide to winterizing your home that we found to help you get prepared. 


Thank you again for your business and support this year. I look forward to working with you for many years to come! Happy holidays!