What's New This Month
At West Virginia Bankers Title, we are kicking off a new year excited about what these next days and months will bring to our industry. We are grateful for the chance to work with our trusted real estate colleagues to keep transactions running smoothly. 

As part of our commitment to you, welcome to the launch of a refreshed version of our monthly e-newsletter. We see this communications tool as a way to elevate the trends shaping our work and an opportunity to connect by sharing information picked to be meaningful and interesting to you. The real estate industry has hit an unprecedented pace of growth, and 2021 will be no exception. We look forward to being a part of the conversation shaping our profession today - and into the future! 

Happy reading!

Bob Drummond, Vice President/Agency Manager of West Virginia Bankers Title
5 ways business leaders can support employees this year
2020 caused us to rethink our operations in ways we never thought possible. Many of us transitioned to a fully remote workforce and limited in-person interactions whenever possible. As we enter a new year, Forbes offers tips on how business leaders can support their teams through 2021 and promote their professional growth and mental well-being.
Could 2 percent define mortgage rates for the next decade?
Industry leaders aren’t expecting a bump in mortgage rates anytime soon. In fact, they are anticipating rates will remain around the historically low 2 percent mark throughout this year, as the federal government works to lessen the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. For more on what we can expect ratewise, check out this HousingWire report.
Take these steps to prevent wire fraud during a real estate transaction
As the threat landscape for real estate wire fraud continues to grow, the Washington Post has a good rundown of steps you can take to fend off cybercrimes. Often, criminals begin the process by phishing, or obtaining private information through website forms, emails or phone calls, to exploit their intended victims. Bill Burding, president of the American Land Title Association, offers advice on protecting yourself and your company from these attacks!
Innovation
Is creating an innovation strategy on your to-do list? An important first step: Choosing a direction for your growth is a great way to start as you aim to bring new ideas and processes online for your customers. Once you know where you’re going, Robyn Bolton, founder and chief navigator at MileZero, recommends assessing what’s possible and realizing your competitive advantage. Check out this article for more of her insights!
Mortgage Trends
With so many unknowns headed into 2021, mortgage companies should take a deep dive into their data to insert some predictability into their day-to-day operations. National Mortgage News provided recommendations on statistics the industry should closely track this year. (Hint: Production costs vs profits and refinance share estimates, just to name a few.)
Professional Development
Remote work will likely become a permanent part of many workplace policies. Check out this article on the habits you should develop to make sure you’re winning from your home office! For starters, stay present even though we know it’s hard not to get distracted when the only way you’re interacting with your colleagues is online. Another pointer: Don’t forget the benefits from completing a good ol’ status report.
Market Highlights
Many of us in the real estate title and lending space had record years in 2020. But if projections ring true, the real estate industry is set for an even busier year in 2021. Zillow is predicting the strongest market conditions since the early 1980s as interest continues to grow in the housing market. However, with rising prices, first-time homebuyers could be up against big hurdles this year.
Resolutions You Can Keep
We’re midway through January, but it’s never too late to choose a New Year’s Resolution. Especially in a year as busy as this one is expected to be. Good news: The (groovier than us) experts at Rolling Stone have a great list of ideas for resolutions that you’ll actually be able to keep! The team at West Virginia Bankers Title would divulge our resolutions, but that’s a topic for maybe the next e-newsletter…! Or never. We’ll see!