The U.S. title insurance industry is looking stable for 2015 according to a recent report from Fitch Ratings.? The report findings are based on a risk-adjusted loom originated from the risk-adjusted capital (RAC) model and a non-risk adjusted outlook such as net written premiums-to-surplus.

The data amassed for the report is based on the past year?s continued economic solidity and capital level expansion.? Earnings remain stable due to the development of troubled policy between the years 2005 and 2008 and the potential rise in purchase originations. ?However, the drawback is that the sustainability of economic recovery and impending increased interest rates remain uncertain.

During the first nine months of 2014, title insurance revenue fell 11%, which was motivated by lower order volume from reduced refinancing activity. Third-Quarter 2014 also witnessed a 2 % decline seen by title underwriters in open title policy orders.? A similar turndown is expected in the title industry for the first quarter 2015.

The first nine months of 2014 also saw a 3.7% decrease in consolidated GAAP operating profit margins versus 7.7% in 2013.? Predictions for 2015 operating margins expect to improve slightly.

As a whole, Fitch predicts that the title industry will continue to capitalize but with variation amongst title companies.

Contact Acuity National Real Estate Solutions, LLC today at (502) 238-7500.? We provide our clients the best of both worlds?old-fashioned professional excellence supplemented by the cutting edge technology necessary for an optimized process and smooth, speedy transactions. In today?s market, you need an agile title and closing partner. To learn more about Acuity?s services, visit www.ftgclosings.com.

?As the year comes to an end, and everyone travels home for the holidays, we think ? ?about what we are grateful for. Our relationship with you is something we treasure and value. Thank you for the incredible opportunity to help service your needs. We wish you a very happy holiday and look forward to seeing and hearing from you in the New Year!

Contact Acuity National Real Estate Solutions, LLC today at (502) 238-7500. We provide our clients the best of both worlds?old-fashioned professional excellence supplemented by the cutting edge technology necessary for an optimized process and smooth, speedy transactions. In today?s market, you need an agile title and closing partner that can still keep its feet on the ground. To learn more about Acuity?s services, visit www.ftgclosings.com.

All kinds of questions pour in when it comes to Title Insurance.? The home buying process is complicated enough and little is known about the nuances of Title Insurance.? We have taken some common and not so common questions and relayed the Q & A here.

Undisclosed Water Damage

Q: My husband and I purchased a home four months ago as-is. The sellers? disclosure declared no basement water leakage.? We noticed elevated boards for drying items but were informed they were just a precaution.

The inspector reported the basement was dry and gave the house a passing grade.? He noted to inquire about paint bubbling on the walls and some water stains on the floor.? The seller assured us the disclosure was accurate.? Now, of course there is a water problem.

We discovered this is a common neighborhood problem and looked into remedying the damage with several estimates.? Cost range from $8,500 to $10K.? This sum guarantees a dry basement so that we can finish the surface.

Do we have a case for civil court or small claims proving the disclosure was fraudulent?

A: Sadly, details of home nuances are misrepresented quite often in seller disclosures.? It?s disheartening, but sometimes it?s best to correct the fixes yourself.? The money is costs to hire a defense lawyer many times outweigh the cost to simply repair the item yourself.

Option 1: An alternative is to hire a lawyer to draft a ?threat letter? suggesting you are going to sue if an amiable solution isn?t found.

Option 2: Another option would be to go to Small Claims Court. You may not be able to get all the money back for legal fees and repairs, but some costs may be covered. ?In this case, title insurance does not cover your legal fees since it is not an issue with the home title.

Have any other questions regarding the home buying, selling, or title questions, contact Acuity National Real Estate Solutions, LLC today at (502) 238-7500.? We provide our clients the best of both worlds?old-fashioned professional excellence supplemented by the cutting edge technology necessary for an optimized process and smooth, speedy transactions. In today?s market, you need an agile title and closing partner that can still keep its feet on the ground.

A recent report by Black Knight, a data analysis and financial services firm, headquartered in Jacksonville, FL concludes now may be the best time to refinance.? Interest rates continue at low rates and continue to fall.? Potentially 7.5 million Americans may save a considerable amount of money.

This assessment came to fruition after analyzing data from consumer price index, national equity, as well as U.S. data present in the active mortgage populace.? Recent reductions in the 30-year mortgage interest rate manifest the explanation for why now is the best time to refinance.

Mortgage rates averaged more than four percent earlier in 2014 (a higher rate than in the previous two years); six million borrowers met the criteria for refinancing prior to the drop. That number has now increased by 25 percent, up to 7.4 million. In addition, those approved at rates ranging from 4.2 to 4.5 made a similar decision; the number could rise to as high as 9.1 million.

Black Knight also gave another indication of an improving housing market in mentioning more than half of all borrowers now have 30 percent or more equity in their homes. Such numbers have not been seen in almost eight years, and coincide with a drop of those borrowers with negative equity; a number now 33 percent lower than it was in December 2011.

Recent estimates indicate the home price growth is slowing, thus the market is still attractive for new home buyers who can take advantage of the mortgage rates.? According to Zillow, the home value index was $176,500 in the month of September; the slowest price growth in the past year; although it was 6.5 higher than last year at the same time.? The monthly appreciation in home prices has now reached 28 consecutive months, a span that dates back to May 2012.

Zillow?s chief economist, Dr. Stan Humphries was not surprised at the drop and feels that under normal market conditions, a three percent increase in home prices would help balance the market between buyers and sellers.

Are you ready to take advantage of low interest rates and refinance?? Contact Acuity National Real Estate Solutions, LLC today at (502) 238-7500.? We provide our clients the best of both worlds?old-fashioned professional excellence supplemented by the cutting edge technology necessary for an optimized process and smooth, speedy transactions. In today?s market, you need an agile title and closing partner that can still keep its feet on the ground.

While interest rates remain low, qualifying for a mortgage may be more challenging, especially for first-time buyers. Fortunately, the following seven tips will give you an advantage when you are ready to begin home shopping.

1. Stay on Top of Your Credit Report

One of the major factors in obtaining a loan is your credit history and score. An excellent credit score is above 680 and helps you qualify for a better interest rate and loan options. Stay on top of your credit report yearly and check for errors and correct them before you apply for a loan.

2. Debt-to-Income Ratio Improvements

Lenders look at your debt-to-income ratio which is the amount of money that you make versus the amount you owe.? It is a good idea to pay off those large credit card bills and try to increase your income.

3. Substantial Down Payment

Making a substantial down payment on your loan in the beginning will save you money in the end. Typical loans require anywhere between 5 and 20 percent. Some loans require a 20 percent down payment; otherwise lenders may require you to pay for mortgage insurance that protects the lender from any risks should you not be able to make your mortgage payments.

4. Choose Between a Hybrid or Fixed

Before you secure a loan, determine how long you think you will stay.? If you plan on being in a home a short time, a hybrid loan earns you a lower interest rate for a fixed period. However, if you have long-term plans to stay within your home and community, a typical 15 or 30-year fixed rate is probably best.

5. Shop Around

Don?t be afraid to shop around for your mortgage.? Compare rates and negotiate the best home loan deal.? Upon receiving comparable rates, call and meet with different lenders and use your intuition to decide what makes you most comfortable.

6. Submit Accurate and Thorough Loan Documentation

Submit the necessary documentation so that your mortgage loan is processed timely and accurately. Gather documents such as real estate contracts, tax returns, bank statements and pay stubs.

7. Lock or Float

When you?ve thoroughly investigated your lenders, mortgage programs and rates, you?re ready to lock in a rate. However, before you do, determine if it suits you best to float your interest rate which means the rate moves with the market or lock it in immediately.? Choosing to float your loan runs greater risks but sometimes with gains.

The home buying process doesn?t have to be scary, contact Acuity National Real Estate Solutions, LLC today at (502) 238-7500.? We provide our clients the best of both worlds?old-fashioned professional excellence supplemented by the cutting edge technology necessary for an optimized process and smooth, speedy transactions. In today?s market, you need an agile title and closing partner that can still keep its feet on the ground.

The year is coming to an end, and real estate and title industry professionals are revamping their business plans for 2015.? As most focus on the big picture, sometimes it?s the small things that matter most.? Acuity has nine key elements to include in your fresh 2015 business plan.? It will change the way you conduct business so that you achieve more success in 2015.

1. A Strong Mission Statement

The mission statement is the framework of your professional goals. Why are you a real estate professional? What are your hopes for your career?? Your mission statement is the ?what? and your business plan is the ?how.?

2. Analyze Your Abilities

SWOT is an acronym for “strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats.” Analyzing these factors provides the framework for the remainder of your plan for growth.

3. Technology Planning

Technology has expanded and is an essential business tool for today?s marketplace.? Your Internet strategy must be seamlessly integrated for effective marketing, time management, data storage, and communicating timely and securely to clients.

4. Forego the Complex

Simple and realistic objectives make a strong business plan.? Focus on your strengths and delegate out your weaknesses.? ?You can’t do everything and if you try to, in the end, you will accomplish nothing.

5. Account for the Controllable

Every aspect of a title processing business plan should equate to controllable action items. You can control the number of calls planned for the day or week, but you can?t control interest rates or housing prices.? Stick with the constant facts and you will remain a success.

6. Measureable and Time-Oriented

Make goals specific enough that they can be measured.? For example, present five seminars on, ?How to Manage REO Transactions with Ease? by April 2015.? This idea is measurable with a specific date of completion.? Hence, you either make the goal or not and can track your progress for added motivation.

7. Build a Strong Team

The teambuilding concept falls back to simplicity and you can?t do it all.? Great success doesn?t come without a terrific team.? Build up a support group of members you respect that are willing to offer mentoring and counsel.? Advice from experts in sales, investing, accounting, ethics and spirituality will strengthen your business and keep you honest.

8. Exit Planning

An exit strategy eases anxiety about the unforeseen future.? Create an exit plan for each one of these contingencies; voluntary or involuntary retirement with or without a sale, death, disability, or bankruptcy.? Your plan should list each of the possible exits and your solutions.

9. You Won’t Reach Perfection

Remember, short and simple wins the day. As you move through your busy days, you will discover new things to add, items to drop and improvements to make. Focus on the essentials during business hours like sales calls, marketing, prospecting and selling time.? Stick to the things that matter during the day and during ?off? time, tweak your business plan.

Contact Acuity National Real Estate Solutions, LLC today at (502) 238-7500.? We provide our clients the best of both worlds?old-fashioned professional excellence supplemented by the cutting edge technology necessary for an optimized process and smooth, speedy transactions. In today?s market, you need an agile title and closing partner that can still keep its feet on the ground.