American Land Title Association Responds to CFPB Request for Information on Housing Affordability and Title Insurance Market

Title: The Importance of Title Insurance in the Homebuying Process

Are you in the process of buying a new home or refinancing your current one? If so, you may have come across the term “title insurance” and wondered what it is and why it’s necessary. In this blog post, we’ll explore the role of title insurance in the homebuying process and why it’s an essential part of protecting your investment.

The American Land Title Association (ALTA) recently announced their participation in a request for information (RFI) from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) regarding the title insurance market. ALTA and its members across the United States are eager to educate federal agencies on how the title insurance industry works and collaborate on approaches to housing affordability.

Title insurance is a crucial part of the homebuying process, providing ongoing protection for homeowners and mortgage lenders against losses from defects in titles. Despite its importance, title insurance is one of the least expensive parts of the homebuying process. Thanks to industry innovation, the cost of title insurance coverage has actually decreased by 5% over the last five years.

Fees for title insurance and other closing costs are federally mandated to be disclosed to consumers, ensuring transparency in the homebuying process. The CFPB’s own research has shown that these disclosures are effective in educating consumers about closing costs and helping them compare terms and costs across mortgage offers.

The title insurance industry is comprehensively regulated at the state level by departments of insurance, ensuring that policies and rates are fair, non-discriminatory, and adequately protect consumers. Title insurance companies are required to file their policies and rates with state regulators, using actuarially supported data to justify their rates.

In addition to issuing insurance policies, title professionals play a vital role in curing defects in the chain of title, such as unpaid taxes, liens, and fraud schemes. This work helps protect consumers and ensure that their real property ownership is secure.

In conclusion, title insurance is a crucial part of the homebuying process that provides ongoing protection for homeowners and mortgage lenders. By working with industry professionals and policymakers, we can continue to ensure that the title insurance market remains fair, transparent, and accessible to all consumers.

For more information about the American Land Title Association and the role of title insurance in the homebuying process, visit their website at www.alta.org.