The November 2024 housing market marked a significant month, with sales of existing homes rising 5% from October and 6% from the same time last year. Similarly, the median existing-home price climbed 5% year-over-year, reaching $406,100. However, while inventories improved by 18% compared to last year, the supply remains at a historically low 3.8-month level, well below the 6-month supply indicative of a balanced market.

In real estate, few things are as critical as ensuring accurate and well-maintained property ownership records. The title insurance industry is pivotal in securing these records and protecting homeowners, lenders, and other stakeholders from costly disputes and legal complications. However, the consequences can be severe when property ownership records are not curated effectively.

Drawing insights from the First American Whitepaper on Property Ownership Records and other industry reports, this blog explores the potential risks of neglecting to curate these records and the importance of title insurance in mitigating these risks.

The 2024 title insurance outlook is optimistic, driven by the expectation of lower mortgage rates and the potential for increased real estate activity. As mortgage rates drop, both purchase transactions and refinancing are expected to rise, giving title insurers the chance to boost their revenues.

While refinancing opportunities will offer short-term benefits, it’s the anticipated increase in home purchase transactions that will significantly impact the title insurance market. Let’s explore how the forecast for lower mortgage rates could benefit title insurers and shape the future of the industry.

The January 2024 housing market has emerged as a focal point for analyzing the recent economic and financial developments impacting the real estate sector. With interest rates experiencing fluctuations, the dynamics of buying, selling, and investing in properties are witnessing significant shifts, prompting stakeholders to reevaluate their strategies amidst ongoing challenges.

While the past year-and-a-half took its toll on the real estate market, the latest news offered a glimmer of hope as data saw existing home sales rise. Despite 2021’s massive surge in real estate sales, 2022 generated a lackluster environment. Although the most recent data reflected an increase in home sales, housing inventory still presents an ongoing challenge. That said, the market took a step in the right direction.

May 2022 highlighted numerous real estate market challenges facing prospective home buyers. Now, the data directly supports the drop-off in activity.

After last year’s record-setting real estate year, 2022 is displaying declining loan originations and refinancing activity. Since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, the housing market has taken center stage while home demand has skyrocketed. As the dust settles, the numbers now point in the opposite direction. As demand wanes, prices surge, and mortgage, refinancing, and loan applications begin to decline.

Owner’s title insurance contains a fascinating history, dating back over 150 years to 1868. In the case of Watson v. Muirhead, the transaction conveyancer discovered that the property in question was under lien. Although an attorney advised the conveyancer that the lien was invalid, a court ruled that it was in fact valid, after all.

As a direct result of the case outcome, a consortium of Philadelphia conveyancers banned together to form the first title insurance entity. With a clear goal in mind, the group set out to prevent innocent home buyers from falling victim to matters such as the aforementioned.Today, many in the real estate industry debate the merits of an owner’s title insurance policy. While lenders typically require their own policy to protect their interests, the same as generally not said for the end homeowner. However, as the real estate market progressively grows in its complexity, we firmly believe that an owner’s policy represents a saving grace for many.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Fed lowered the historically low prime interest rate to 0%. Interest rates for 30-year mortgages are currently at historic lows, around 3% for the past few months since the virus outbreak.

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought sweeping changes to the world, including significant disruptions in financial markets. In response, President Trump declared the pandemic a national emergency, implementing plans to increase testing and restrict travel to Europe. Across the U.S., schools, restaurants, bars, sporting events, and other nonessential businesses have temporarily shut down, leaving Americans navigating isolation and social distancing.