During the last year, we have become even more keenly aware of the need to be innovative and stay in compliance with state and federal laws and regulations. During the National Settlement Services Summit (NS3) in Naples, Fla., industry experts will be sharing their expertise in different areas viewed through the lenses of innovation and compliance. The conference starts Aug. 31 and ends Sept. 2.

On Wednesday, Sept. 1, attendees can attend The eClosing Roller Coaster session to learn more about how and when to execute eClosings and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of electronic transactions. 

“Covid accelerated the need for eClosing options and at the same time demonstrated consumer acceptance,” said James O’Donnell, president, Equity National Title. “With the federal legislation pending, we may finally be on the threshold of more widespread adoption, assuming we can overcome remaining practical barriers.”

O’Donnell will be joined by Tim Anderson, executive vice president of eMortgage strategy, eVolve Mortgage Services, and Bill Burding, executive vice president and general counsel, Orange Coast Title, and president of the American Land Title Association.

O’Donnell said the panel will cover some of the less obvious barriers to full adoption and he hopes attendees take away a better understanding of the current capacity to eClose and at least one tangible thing agents can do today to advance the adoption of eClosings or get started down the path to eClosings.

Attendees can also hop aboard the technology train by hearing Bob Hart, vice president of business development, ICE Mortgage Technology; David Townsend, president and CEO, Agents National Title Insurance Co.; and Brian Woodbury, vice president of enterprise solutions, Stewart, talk about title decision engines, machine learning and more during Emerging Technologies: All Aboard.

“With staffing being at a premium, or nonexistent, we have to be more efficient,” Townsend said. “Tech is one way to increase productivity when you can’t find new examiners or processors.

“I want agents to realize that tech is not replacing them, but instead allowing them to do more with what they have. They can scale without having to ramp up hiring or keep staff and reassign them to more critical duties,” he continued. “Agents need to explore what is out there. Listen to the vendors and underwriters that have solutions. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone.”

In addition, attendees can get the 411 on M&A from Bobbi Babitz Armstrong, co-founder and partner, Britehorn Partners | Britehorn Securities; Aaron Kanter, chief legal officer, Tempo Title; and Marx Sterbcow, managing attorney, Sterbcow Law Group.

Armstrong noted there is massive consolidation going on in the title industry, spurred by interest from big technology start-ups, the way the threat of cyber fraud is changing the way title businesses run, and the attraction of the industry to private equity firms that currently have a significant amount of liquidity to use.

She said that those interested in taking advantage of this perfect storm may find the whole process to be a mystery.

“We are really trying to break it down to truth by turning to people who have hundreds of transactions between the three of us and dispel some of the myths,” she said. “There are definitely rules of engagement. [We want to] reset or at least create a set of expectations in terms of what the process really is and what people need to be thinking about.”

Armstrong said she hopes attendees walk away from the session with questions to think about and ask professionals when considering a transaction to evaluate whether that offer makes sense or not.

Attendees will also have the opportunity to hear from a panel of lenders regarding expectations and innovations. A panel moderated by Lisa Steele, chief operating officer of Mother Lode Holding Co., and including Christopher Kiblin, area branch leader, Movement Mortgage, and Tony Nuckolls, vice president, business development, Rocket Mortgage, will discuss how to address common pain points and exceed expectations.

For more information on the NS3 2021, including the agenda and a list of speakers for all three days, click here. You can register for NS3 online or click here to get information on how to register via mail, fax or phone.