With countless man hours logged and thousands of transactions successfully closed, Vantage Point Title stands out as a leader in the title industry. Knowledgeable and savvy, the VPT executives know their business. BUT, do they “know it all.” Let’s go back to the beginning!

Title Trivia!!

Did you know? The first legislation pertaining to recording ownership of real property was enacted in the English colony of Virginia in 1626.

Did you know? For years, most real property transfers were handled by conveyancers, experts on property law. These individuals were not attorneys.

Did you know? A group of conveyancers in Philadelphia met and, in March l876, formed the first title insurance company, The Real Estate Title Insurance and Trust Company

Did you know? Ben Franklin laid the groundwork for the model and concept of insurance as we know it today?

Did you know? Title insurance is available in other countries like Canada, United Kingdom, Northern Ireland, Mexico, New Zealand, China, Korea, Australia and throughout Europe?

Did you know? Until 1868 a title search had no guarantees as to its accuracy?

Did you know? The practice of insuring title began after a Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruling in 1868: Watson v. Muirhead.

Did you know? While local title companies increased in their number of locations, the title insurance business did not become national in character and operation until after World War II.

Did you know? The first state to adopt a standard form of policy (with two exceptions) was California around 1927. Other states followed suit, though uniformity remained elusive for several more decades.

Like any commercial enterprise, the title industry has had a modest start. While it could be said that title Insurance is in its infancy, a mere 140 years old, there’s been a lot of significant historical changes in its march towards maturity. And guaranteed, title will continue to evolve in an ever-more complex financial climate.

“Success in business is simple: make good decisions more often than you make bad ones, and you win. Make bad decisions too often, and you lose.” – Less McKeown, President and CEO Predictable Success.

 

With a catalogue of satisfied clients and a proven track record of excellence in the title industry, Vantage Point Title is making “good” decisions, often, beginning by assembling a tenacious, talented team of staff. The backbone of any thriving business, the people “on the front lines,” day in and day out, deserve the recognition and accolades that are inspired by hard work and team effort.

 

Exhaustive, dedicated and persistent, the VPT crew is arguably the best title professionals in the field. With that in mind, Vantage Point Title is thrilled to announce the Employees of the Month for 2016 (so far). Each of these individuals has performed their work with distinction, and exemplified the work ethic and high standards necessary to compete in a fast-paced business environment.

Our thanks to these valued employees of Vantage Point Title!

 

Employee of the Month – January

Kraig Kircher

With a passion for real estate, Kraig began his career in Illinois as a realtor with a love for settling proud families into new homes. In 2007, after capitalizing on opportunities to further his real estate knowledge, Kraig cemented his path in the title insurance industry establishing his expertise in document review and recording.

In 2010, Vantage Point Title enthusiastically welcomed Kraig to its team. Over the course of 6 years, Kraig’s performance remains consistent and masterful, tackling all projects with a steady mix of diligence and spirit. Kraig Kircher was voted unanimously as VPT’s FIRST Employee of the Month.

Kraig and his family reside in Holiday, FL where they enjoy fostering abandoned dogs and working closely with VIP rescue, a dog rescue and adoption organization.

 

Employee of the Month – February

James Higgins

No stranger to the world of technology, James Higgins has been in the IT field for approximately 12 years. His interest in technology began at the age of 13 when he signed online for the first time and began experimenting with website design and basic network communications. James extensive IT knowledge was gained through research, trial-and-error, and self-teaching – an impressive fete in a competitive, ever changing field.

When James started at Vantage Point Title he aspired to make a positive impact, not only with IT related tasks, but with the company as a whole. He has succeeded beyond expectation. James maintains a professional and courteous demeanor with his colleagues as he adapts to varying office needs. One of many highlights in his tenure at VPT, James built and configured the Vantage Point University website which is used for training all employees.

Originally from Boston Massachusetts, he now resides in Palm Harbor, FL with his wife. They’re expecting their first child in October.

 

Employee of the Month – March

Nicole Nega

Nicole Nega, or Nici as we know her, is a seasoned veteran of the title industry, beginning her career over 15 years ago in order entry. Nici quickly developed a knack for the efficiency and responsibility required when working in the fast paced, sophisticated world of title insurance. Upon joining the team at Vantage Point Title she was selected as manager of the search and examination departments, which she deftly operates with poise and competence. Nicole is by far a well valued member of the Vantage Point Title Team and an undeniable asset to the company’s ongoing success.

Originally from Wisconsin, Nici now resides in Tarpon Springs, FL with her husband and 2 children.

 

Thank you to ALL the Vantage Point Title staff that make a difference every day!

It’s a brave new world. Are YOU ready to lead the charge?

 

Securely ensconced in the title insurance happenings of 2016, it may seem untenable to dredge up the new-ish Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s (CFPB) TILA-RESPA integrated disclosure (TRID) forms that went into effect in October 2015. Surely, we’ve all “got it” by now. Right?

Wrong. The confusion rages on.

With the suggestion of the CFPB that “an owner’s title policy is ‘optional,’” confusion amongst lenders and realtors persist. How should realtors instruct their clients in regards to the necessity of title insurance? How should mortgage lenders advise wary buyers in the face of a seeming contradiction?

For title insurance professionals, this misunderstanding provides a unique opportunity to collaborate with lenders and realtors in emphasizing the value of title insurance; to engage all the lending partners in the essential conversation about the necessity of protecting a homeowner’s investment. The implementation of TRID does NOT have to cause a glitch. Instead, the new conversation facilitates a cooperation with each “leg” of the closing team, ensuring the most efficient outcome possible.

At the 2015 Business Strategies conference last year The American Land Title Association (ALTA) president Diane Evans “urged attendees to take the lead and start setting the expectations and having conversations with lenders and other partners on how they will collaborate to exchange information on the new TRID disclosure forms.”

So what do professionals in the title insurance industry need to share with their partners?

Perhaps most obvious, it cannot be overstated that title insurance may be the MOST critical step in protecting the buyer/seller’s investment. Moreover, it benefits all involved parties to maintain a continuity in the understanding of recent changes in the law.

The use of the GFE, HUD-1 and Truth in Lending forms will no longer be included in that huge mound of paperwork at the closing transaction. Instead, the streamlined version of those financial disclosures required by The Truth in Lending Act (TILA) and The Real Estate Settlement Procedure Act (RESPA) will consolidate the forms into two:

1. Loan Estimate: The Loan Estimate is a new form that goes into effect on October 3, 2015. The form provides you with important information, including the estimated interest rate, monthly payment, and total closing costs for the loan
2. Closing Disclosure: is a five-page form that provides final details about the mortgage loan you have selected. It includes the loan terms, your projected monthly payments, and how much you will pay in fees and other costs to get your mortgage (closing costs).

In the title insurance industry, let’s not miss this timely opportunity to accumulate, integrate and disseminate new information and LEAD our lending and real estate partners in providing the most efficient and effective solutions for our customers.

 

Vantage Point Title proudly announces the 6th Annual Eckerd Kids’ Golf Tournament benefiting children living in the child welfare system in Tampa Bay. While many people may relate to nursery rhymes and family folk tales, there remains an alarming portion of the underage population that live in fear, neglect and abusive homes. The cringe-worthy news reports are familiar, but few realize that assistance is within his/her grasp. You CAN make a difference!

Please join VPT in supporting a worthy cause: Eckerd Kids!

“Your generous support of the Eckerd Kids’ Charity Golf Tournament can help provide opportunities for foster children to participate in activities, just like other kids not in foster care. Your support will go towards activities such as ballet or karate lessons, an instrument and needed supplies to participate in the school band, or simply the money to buy a yearbook. Donations will also support efforts to locate adoptive homes for foster children and/or prepare them to transition into adulthood, when needed. Be their champion! Join us on the green on Saturday, April 9th.”

Saturday, April 9, 2016

Innisbrook Resort & Golf Club
36750 US Highway 19 N., Palm Harbor, FL 34684

Registration begins: 12:00 PM | Tee Time:

Foursome: $600 team of four ($500 if registered by Mar 31)

Individual: $150 per person

*All golfer entries include awards luncheon, cart, and goody bag. Sponsorship opportunities are also available.

This land is your land. This land is my land.

It’s not just an American anthem, it’s YOUR property! So ask yourself the essential question… is your “land” secure? Certainly, no buyer wants to think that his/her assets have been compromised, but how do you ensure that your personal information remains protected during a mortgage/banking/title transaction?

Step 1: choose a title team that stands ahead of its competitors in offering the most effective internal and external safeguards in the field.

Vantage Point Title works tirelessly to maintain the highest level of compliance with State, Federal and Industry Standards and Regulations. In fact, VPT has sustained its Statement on Standards for Attestation Engagements (SSAE) No. 16 (formerly SAS 70) for nearly 4 years, 3 years before government guidelines changed to mandate the practice.

So what does it all mean? The American Land Title Association (ALTA), a national trade association and voice of the title insurance industry, created best practices to help members highlight policies and procedures the industry exercises to protect lenders and consumers. Vantage Point Title not only meets, but exceeds the required security compliance and certifications.

Each year, an independent, licensed 3^rd party public accounting firm, who is required to follow specific guidance related to planning, execution, and supervision of the audit procedures and the reporting of the results, examines VPT’s controls and processes. This helps VP identify opportunities for improvement in many areas of our business. Along with regular network and security penetration tests and development of a failsafe “Disaster and Business Continuity Plan,” VPT boasts the highest level of security for our clients and their data.

From California to the New York Island.

No matter the location or the nature of the transaction, take your financial life into your own hands by becoming educated to the importance of security in the buying/selling process. When your very personal data is being exchanged from one financial institution to the next, know the policies and procedures to ensure your “land,” your information, stays YOURS.