What's New This Month
Gobble, gobble! Get your turkeys ready and your potatoes mashed because it’s the season of good food and giving thanks! 

We have a lot to be thankful for this year, but at the top of our list is YOU – our lender, banker, real estate agent and attorney friends. Thank you all for embracing West Virginia Bankers Title and trusting our team with your business. The best way we can show our gratitude is by making sure you continue to succeed through the holiday season. We are here for you and your clients every step of the way. 

You make our hearts feel as full as our bellies after Thanksgiving dinner.

Have a wonderful November!

Rachel Showalter, Interim Agency Manager of West Virginia Bankers Title
A Letter From a Lawyer is No Substitute for Title Insurance 
Federal policy has been focused on making it easy to get people into homes. However, the addition of permissive policies like attorney letters is flawed. These policies can result in sub-optimal lending decisions and fraud. History has taught us that there is no substitute for title insurance. Unlike attorney letters, title insurance provides coverage for the unknown risks associated with a property purchase. Weakened housing standards puts the U.S. on the path to another housing crisis.
Utility Assistance this Winter 
Winter is coming! The good news for all our neighbors is that West Virginia is offering its residents assistance with utilities this winter. Homeowners who meet income qualifications and can demonstrate a pandemic related hardship are encouraged to apply for help with their past-due housing costs through the West Virginia Homeowners Rescue Program.
Permanent Forbearance Could Prevent Foreclosures
When someone loses their home, something has gone wrong in their life to put them down that path according to authors for the Urban Institute. They are making a case for permanent forbearance to be offered to homeowners facing specific negative life events and emotional trauma. They believe that forbearance for these groups could prevent future foreclosures. 
Innovation
We’re seeing a shift toward digitalization in real estate, especially following the pandemic. Technology is being used by investors and consumers looking to find, use and store data. Experts believe these digital changes can address housing market pains and help overcome challenges related to affordability, equity, resilience and livability.
Mortgage Trends
There was a recent spike in minority homeownership. Stimulus programs during the pandemic helped Black, Latino and Asian households exit the costly rental market to become homeowners. These trends give us hope in narrowing the racial gap in homeownership. 
Professional Development
Are you taking advantage of email marketing? In this increasingly digital world, email marketing is one of the most effective tools to market yourself and grow your network. Everyone uses email; unlike social media, it feels like a one-to-one connection. Research shows it’s the digital marketing channel with the highest ROI. This article outlines the benefits of email marketing and how to get started.
Market Highlights
Housing inventory is rising which is a sign that balance could return to the market. According to a RE/MAX National Housing Report, inventory has reached a two months supply, a number that has not been seen in nearly two years. Although two months is below the standard, today’s buyers have more options and can purchase a home at a lower price than the previous two years.
Marketing Your Business This Thanksgiving
November is a great time of year to show appreciation to your clients and boost engagement and traffic to your business. Show some love by sending a thank you note via email. Share Thanksgiving recipes and traditions on social media, or play on emotions with creative posts about family and pets. Want to take a different route? Donate to charity. It’s the season of sharing and caring, and giving back to the community says a lot about you and your business. It’s okay to post about the positive things you do and ask your network to donate too. There are plenty of ideas that your customers will gobble up.