News

ALTA News You Can Use Headlines and news from various media sources, keeping you “in the know” about issues impacting business and the real estate and mortgage markets.

  • New Federal Rules Could End Mortgage Escrow Interest for Some Homeowners
    on August 21, 2026 at 6:35 am

    The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency issued two rules in May that allow national banks and federal savings associations to determine whether to pay interest or charge fees on mortgage escrow accounts, regardless of state law requirements. A lawsuit from 10 state attorneys general, filed in U.S. District Court in Oregon, argues that the OCC exceeded its authority in issuing the rules.

  • The Affidavit of Heirship: Why It Won’t Hold Up in Surrogate’s Court
    on August 21, 2026 at 6:05 am

    Often in real estate and title law we see the term “Affidavit of Heirship” used. Unfortunately, this term is used interchangeably to mean two different things. Using this term in the improper context can cost an attorney valuable time.

  • Veteran Buyers Aren’t Waiting For a Better Mortgage Market
    on August 21, 2026 at 6:02 am

    Veterans United survey finds 43% of military-affiliated prospective buyers plan to purchase within six months, compared with 22% of civilians

  • New Housing Law Boosts Prospects for Factory-Built Homes
    on August 21, 2026 at 6:00 am

    Homes built in factories have long been stuck at the fringe of the U.S. housing market. Now, supporters are cheering a new federal housing law that should make it easier and cheaper to build modular and manufactured homes.

  • Your Job Is Safe. Your Workflow Isn’t
    on August 20, 2026 at 2:41 pm

    From drafting emails and summarizing documents to marketing, workflow management and fraud detection, this Qualia-sponsored ALTA Insights webinar offers provide practical examples of where AI can support day-to-day operations without replacing the expertise and judgment that title professionals provide. Pat Carney, president of Viking Sasquatch, also provides a live, real-time development of an AI-created project that’s pitched from attendees. Whether you are AI-curious or already experimenting with new tools, this webinar will provide practical insights into how the technology is reshaping work across the title industry.