Dear Readers,
2012 is almost upon us! So I guess that means it’s time to stock up on bottled water and canned goods or say our last few prayers because this is going to be Armageddon — but FOR REAL this time … Right?
Please don’t judge me, but I’ve actually read up on this whole 2012, end-of-the-world stuff. I’m sure there are competing ideas, but the book that I read did not say this ancient prophesy called for the end of days. No world falling apart; no chaos. What’s supposed to happen on Dec. 21, 2012, is that humanity will be able to reach a higher level of consciousness — experience a new reality that is more loving and empathetic and harmonious.
What does this wild prophesy from an ancient people and their bird-like god have to do with the title industry? Well, nothing really, but I do think there is a parallel there with our latest two-part feature about 2012 business strategies. The economy isn’t great, and though recent economic trends are promising, no one is expecting a housing boom in 2012. In fact from a housing perspective, 2012 may end up being worse than 2011, making the managing of a title agency extremely difficult. But all of these forecasts don’t have to signal the end of the world.
For those still in business, now is the time to try to seek that new level of consciousness. Study the marketplace; find new niches; approach allies and competitors about new partnerships and marketing strategies; and invest in new technologies to increase efficiency. And the corollary to those efforts is the enduring importance of ensuring that the end users — the buyers and sellers — have an exemplary experience at the closing.
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I hope you have found our coverage of the title insurance industry in 2011 informative and useful. Thanks for your support, whether you read us through the print editions, our e-newsletters, our homepage or our Twitter account. We look forward to improving and providing you even better coverage in 2012 and beyond, hopefully reaching that higher level of consciousness with you.
Until next year,
Chris Crowell
Editor of The Title Report