Industry News

While trade policies are crafted in Washington, D.C., their effects are felt closer home and do not impact all 50 states equally, according to an analysis by a National Association of Realtors economist. That’s because some states engage in a lot of exporting of goods to other countries while others import a large number of items from other nations. Read on to learn more.

HomeServices of America announced a leadership change. After serving as president and CEO for over five years, Gino Blefari will assume the role of chairman emeritus. His successor has worked for HomeServices for 18 years. Read on to learn more.

Friday Harbor, an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered platform that helps loan officers assemble loan files, announced the completion of a $6 million seed round. The $6M seed round will support the growth of Friday Harbor’s engineering team and support integrations with mortgage loan origination systems and point-of-sale platforms. Read on to find out more.

First American Financial Corp. announced Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Mark Seaton has been appointed to serve as the firm’s CEO, replacing departing CEO Ken DeGiorgio. The company has also named a new CFO and executive chairman. Read on to find out more.

October Research’s 15th annual Voice of the Title Agent report kicks off with a story about how a sizable number of title insurance and settlement services professionals are cautiously optimistic about the business climate this year. Read on to learn more.

AM Best has affirmed the financial strength rating of A+ (superior) and the long-term issuer credit ratings of “aa-“ (superior) of Old Republic Title Insurance Group. Read on for more information.

In a move that the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) has encouraged, President Trump signed an executive order that calls for a 25 percent increase in timber production from federal lands. However, tariffs on Canadian lumber shipments into the U.S. are expected to more than double by September. Read on to find out more.

Even though there is a high level of uncertainty in the economy, there are plenty of opportunities for businesses to grow in 2025, according to an industry expert. Patrick Stone, chairman and founder of Williston Financial Group, shared a wide swath of economic data and predictions for this year during the “Q2 Economic Outlook” complimentary webinar offered by The Title Report. Read on to find out more.

Strang Tryson, PLLC, announced it is expanding its legal service footprint with an enhanced focus on complex real estate litigation cases in Miami Beach, Miami and Coral Gables. The attorneys will bring “a client-centric approach” to navigating disputes involving contracts, title issues, and commercial property disagreements, according to a release. Read on to learn more.

The leader of a business solutions firm says that tariffs affect the housing and mortgage lending industries on multiple fronts. Rajeev Kumar, executive vice president of Flatworld Solutions, told The Title Report about five “critical ways” in which tariffs are “quietly shaping” the industry and discussed their “hidden impacts” that should command more attention. Read on to learn more.