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Economic Update Q4 2025

Real estate showed resilience in Q4 2025 with falling mortgage rates, rising home sales and steady CRE fundamentals. Discover key trends and what’s ahead for 2026 in our latest market outlook.

Protecting Your Family from the Latest Fraud Tactics

Cybercriminals are getting sneakier. Their latest tactics include using fake QR codes and online bill pay scams to trick seniors. Read our latest blog to learn cyber hygiene tips to protect your family from deception.

Deed Fraud: How to Protect Your Home from Title Theft

Title theft, or deed fraud, is a growing threat to property owners, involving identity theft and forged deeds. Learn more about the issue and how to protect your home in our latest blog.

Commercial Market Snapshot Q4 2025

Commercial real estate transactions are expected to exceed $100 billion this quarter, marking three consecutive quarters of gains. Explore trends in Office, Retail, Multifamily, Industrial and the Manufacturing submarket, plus insights on cap rates, vacancies and construction shifts.

FIRPTA: Electronic Payment Requirement Coming Soon

The IRS will soon mandate all FIRPTA withholding payments to be submitted electronically via the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS®). Learn what’s changing and how this shift impacts buyers, foreign sellers, real estate professionals and closing/settlement agents, and what steps can be made to prepare.

Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs): Unlocking Sustainable Margins and Revitalized Communities

Explore how public-private partnerships (PPPs) drive sustainable development, economic growth and community revitalization across the country.

Data Center Real Estate: Important Considerations

Data center real estate is rapidly emerging as a high-demand investment sector. Whether you're a developer exploring new opportunities or an experienced investor, it's crucial to understand the scale and complexity of these projects before diving in. In this blog, we examine the current market landscape, outline key opportunities and challenges and highlight important title insurance considerations.

Is a Real Estate Short Sale Right for You?

Discover how short sales work in real estate, including pros and cons for buyers and sellers, key closing steps and tips to navigate financial hardship. Learn how a short sale could help sellers avoid foreclosure and protect their credit, and allow buyers to invest in undervalued properties.

Economic Update Q3 2025

Q3 real estate trends show resilience amid economic uncertainty. Discover how falling mortgage rates, rising inventory and CRE momentum are shaping a sunnier outlook for year-end.

What is the Cost of Cybercrime?

Did you know that Americans lost at least $16.6 billion to cybercriminals in 2024? These alarming statistics underscore the urgent need for heightened cybersecurity measures and awareness, which is the focus of Cyber Security Month in October.

Preparing for FinCEN’s 2025 Residential Real Estate Rule

FinCEN’s residential real estate rule is now set to take effect on March 1, 2026. In our latest blog, we explore an overview of the rule’s reporting obligations and compliance requirements, and outline steps that title industry professionals can take to prepare.

Opportunity Zones: Key Changes in the 2025 Reform

Explore our blog to learn how the Trump Administration’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act reshapes investment in Opportunity Zones with an indefinite extension, zone designation changes, revised tax incentives, rural investment benefits and increased reporting rules.

ADUs Explained: Advantages, Challenges and Legislation

Discover the advantages, challenges and controversies, along with the evolving legislative support for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). Learn how this versatile housing solution can enhance availability and affordability across the nation.

Considering Refinancing Your Home Loan?

Interest rates are falling! Learn how refinancing your home loan could put money back into your pocket, or lower your monthly mortgage payment.

Commercial Market Snapshot Q3 2025

As summer heats up, so does optimism in commercial real estate. Major brokerages raised Q3 and Q4 earnings forecasts, signaling renewed momentum. With a potential Fed rate cut in September, investors anticipate a surge in CRE sales activity.

Title in Tinseltown: Real-Life Title Issues in Television

From ownership disputes, boundary disagreements, inheritance complications and even title fraud, many popular TV shows have presented title issues as key plot points or conflicts. Though fictional, they represent very real-life possibilities. Learn about some of our favorite examples in our latest blog and how title insurance helps protect homeowners.

Understanding Your Owner’s Policy of Title Insurance

Before you purchase an owner’s policy of title insurance, it’s essential to understand what risks are covered, what your title company is obligated to protect and what your responsibilities are. Read our blog for an overview explaining the five core sections of the title insurance policies often available to homeowners.

Shaping the Future: Commercial Real Estate Trends of 2025

Meta description: Explore some of the top commercial real estate trends shaping 2025 across Office, Retail, Mixed-Use, Industrial and Multifamily sectors. From medical outpatient buildings to last mile data centers, this blog highlights some of the top trends that investors and developers are tracking to position their portfolios for long-term growth and resilience.

Why Title Insurance Matters: A Cautionary Tale

Discover why Owner’s Title Insurance is essential for protecting your home investment. Learn from Betty’s cautionary tale and uncover the hidden risks that could cost you thousands—or your home.

Navigating AI Tools in the Title Insurance Industry

As generative artificial intelligence (AI) continues to advance and expand, businesses and organizations are adapting to keep up. How can the title insurance industry best incorporate AI into its practices, while safeguarding its business, customers and employees? Our latest blog explores this issue.

Economic Update Q2 2025

Discover how the U.S. economy rebounded in Q2 2025, with strong commercial real estate performance, resilient housing market trends, and the Federal Reserve’s evolving interest rate outlook amid inflation and tariff concerns.

Best Practices for Preventing Real Estate Wire Fraud

In the digital age, wiring large sums of money to purchase property has become commonplace, but so have attempts to steal those funds – and they’re getting very deceptive. Learn how to protect yourself.

Multigenerational Housing is on the Rise

Multigenerational housing is on the rise, offering financial and practical benefits for many families across the nation. Is a multigenerational home right for you and your family? Our blog may help you find the answer, as we explore the key factors driving the trend and important things prospective buyers should consider before making the move.

Closing Time: 6 Steps Every Homebuyer Should Expect

There's a lot of steps that go into the home closing process. Learn what to expect and where you fit in to a smooth closing.

Commercial Market Snapshot Q2 2025

While uncertainty continues to temper CRE transaction activity in Q2, investors remain engaged and are watching the Multifamily and Industrial sectors closely.

Is Title Insurance Worth the Cost?

Discover why owner’s title insurance is a smart investment for homeowners. Learn how it protects against covered risk and helps safeguard your property rights for years to come.

13 DIY Staging Tips for Home Sellers

Are you selling your home? Staging it helps potential buyers visualize themselves there. It can also help increase the selling price and reduce days on the market – and it doesn’t have to break the bank. Explore our blog for 13 DIY budget-friendly home staging tips.

Five Common Threats to Business Cybersecurity

Cybercrime continues to grow in scope and sophistication, posing a dangerous threat to businesses. This blog highlights five common threats facing businesses today, particularly the title and real estate industry, and proactive measures for protecting yourself and your organization.

New FinCEN Reporting Requirements Are Coming: How Title Agents Can Prepare Now

Explore FinCEN’s upcoming rule requiring certain persons involved in real estate closing and settlements—including all title agents—to report information on non-financed residential real estate transactions starting March 1, 2026. Learn what’s on the horizon, compliance and enforcement requirements, and tips to prepare.

Four Takeaways from NAR’s New Generational Trends Report

The NAR has released its latest Generational Trends Report for 2025. Learn more about key updates and takeaways in our latest blog.

Why Spring & Summer are Peak Seasons for Real Estate

Discover why spring and summer are peak seasons for real estate. Learn how increased buyer activity, perfect weather for home improvements, and a greater variety of inventory make these months the ideal time to buy or sell a home.

Why Spring & Summer are Peak Seasons for Real Estate

Discover why spring and summer are peak seasons for real estate. Learn how increased buyer activity, perfect weather for home improvements, and a greater variety of inventory make these months the ideal time to buy or sell a home.

Economic Update Q1 2025

Explore Q1 2025's economic and real estate trends. Learn how sticky inflation, employment changes and new tariffs impacted housing markets and commercial real estate, along with future forecasts.

Consumer Privacy Legislation and the Title Industry

With the lack of a federal comprehensive consumer data privacy law, the U.S. is experiencing a massive push towards privacy legislation at the state level. Find out whether your state has a consumer privacy law and learn how it could impact your business in our blog.

Commercial Market Snapshot Q1 2025  

While Q4 2024 marked a return to positive and broad Commercial Real Estate (CRE) transaction growth, uncertainty has tempered transaction activity so far in Q1. Despite a bumpy start, investors remain optimistic, particularly in the Multifamily sector.

Selling a Property Subject to a Solar Agreement

Although millions of single-family homes and commercial projects are now utilizing solar power, there can be unique challenges when selling a solar-powered property. Learn more about guiding your clients through the process in our latest blog.

Economic Update Q4 2024

Explore the Q4 2024 economic landscape with insights on interest rate cuts, real estate market trends, and the potential impact of the incoming Trump administration on both residential and commercial real estate sectors.

Commercial Market Snapshot Q4 2024

Q3 2024 performance exceeded expectations, boosting market sentiment and deal activity in Q4. Optimism grew with a "business-friendly" administration returning to the White House, though caution remained regarding the future of CRE interest rates.

How Hybrid Work is Changing the Office Sector

Explore how the shift to hybrid work models impacts CRE and discover how CRE investors and property managers can adapt to meet tenants’ evolving needs for office space and amenities.

How to Spot Real Estate Fraud

Stay vigilant against real estate fraud! Learn how to spot and prevent scams targeting real estate transactions, from fake phone calls to sophisticated AI deepfakes. Protect your assets with these real-life examples and helpful tips.

Transforming Real Estate Transactions with Modern Payment Rails

As technology advances, demands for more efficient and secure payment methods in real estate closings continue to grow. The introduction of modern payment rails, such as instant or real-time payment systems, set out to transform real estate transactions by providing quicker and more secure payment methods. Find out more in our blog!

7 Reasons Homeowners Need Title Insurance

Title insurance is vital for homeowners’ financial security. Here are seven reasons why this one-time fee can protect your property rights for years to come.

Seller Impersonation Fraud is on the Rise

The American Land Title Association (ALTA) recently commissioned a study to gage the prevalence of attempted seller impersonation fraud (SIF) in the title industry. Learn how to spot red flags to defend against this growing crime.

Title Insurance Premiums: Who Pays & Why?

Who holds the responsibility of paying title insurance premiums in real estate transactions? The answer isn’t always straightforward, as it varies based on where the transaction takes place or the specific terms of the contract. In this blog, we’ll delve into the cost of title insurance, who generally pays title insurance premiums and why.

Navigating Title Problems with Confidence

Undiscovered title problems can surface unexpectedly, wreak havoc on your finances and even force you out of your home. Learn how purchasing title insurance when you buy your home provides financial protection from common title problems for years to come.

Building Your Homebuying Dream Team

When it comes to purchasing a home, assembling a team of trusted professionals is key. The right team can guide you through decisions, paperwork and negotiations, and help to protect the property rights to your home. Read our blog to find out how to build a homebuying dream team.

From Desks to Dwellings: The Rise of Office-to-Residential Conversions

Abandoned offices are finding new life in 2024 as developers set out to convert over 55,300 office buildings into residential space. Find out more about this adaptive reuse trend in our latest blog.

Overcoming Hurdles in the Home Closing Process

After a real estate contract has been signed, it’s time to go through the closing process. Given that there are multiple parties and so many steps involved, it’s possible to hit a few hurdles along the way. Believe it or not, this can be quite common and may cause delays. Read our latest blog to learn more about common closing hurdles and how to navigate them.

Navigating the Current Housing Market: Finding the Brighter Side

Despite discouraging trends in the housing market, even dark clouds have a silver lining. Owning property is still considered a great investment! Check out our blog to learn why and tips for navigating the current market.

How to Outsmart Holiday Hackers

Stay safe this holiday season by learning how to spot and avoid common cyber scams. From fake deliveries to AI-powered fraud, discover red flags and expert tips to protect your data, money and peace of mind.

AI Voice Impersonation Scams on the Rise

Scammers are becoming even more sophisticated, and the latest trend is using artificial intelligence to clone and impersonate a person’s voice to trick targets into thinking they’re talking to someone they know. Read on to learn how to avoid falling victim to this rising crime.

Email Impersonation Fraud: A Growing Tactic

Cybercriminals are constantly finding new ways to trick their targets. Email impersonation is as simple as a fraudster creating an email address that looks legitimate at first glance to trick their targets into trusting them. Learning how to spot and outsmart fraudsters can help keep you from falling victim to email impersonation.

Physical Power Purchase Agreements for Renewable Energy

As more organizations focus on reducing their carbon footprint and the cost of renewable energy options continues to fall, a growing number of organizations are turning to Physical Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) to finance their energy needs. Read our blog to learn more.

Commercial Market Snapshot Q2 2023

The challenges facing CRE investors intensified this quarter, hampering transaction volume. But ongoing market price adjustments and normalizing fundamentals behind the Industrial, Retail and Apartment sectors eased concerns.

Marijuana & the Title Industry: Where Are We Now?

Marijuana is still illegal at the federal level, posing risks for title professionals handling state-legal marijuana-related transactions. See how that could change.

Understanding the Condo Conversion Process

Condos are often the go-to option for low-to-moderately priced housing in metropolitan areas. When the demand for condos is high, many investors and developers look to condo conversions to increase their profit revenue, since working with an existing building is generally faster, less expensive and less risky than building from the ground up. Learn more about the process before taking the plunge.

10 Tips for Keeping Your Home Safe for the Holidays

The holidays are a busy time. Check out these tips and reminders to protect yourself, your home and your loved ones, and keep your holidays merry and bright.

Understanding FIRPTA

The Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax of 1980 (FIRPTA) was enacted to ensure that foreign sellers who realize capital gains from the sale or disposition of U.S. real property interests are held accountable for their tax obligations. Although the withholding is subject to the seller, in most cases the withholding agent is the buyer. Read our blog to learn more about FIRPTA regulations.

Is a Rent-to-Own Agreement Right for You?

If you’re a prospective homebuyer struggling to qualify for a mortgage loan, or a seller having trouble marketing a rental property, a rent-to-own agreement may be an option worth exploring. Check out our latest blog to learn how it works and the pros and cons associated with it.

Pro Tips for Closing on a Home

Closing on a home is an exciting moment for both buyers and sellers, but getting there can feel a little overwhelming. Here’s our list of pro tips to help you feel more confident and prepared for the process.

Are iBuyers Worth Considering in this Market?

Since 2014, iBuyer services have offered a convenient, fast-cash alternative to the traditional home selling and closing process. But are they worth it in the current market?

Exploring the 40-Year Mortgage

Amid record home prices and economic uncertainty, some buyers are exploring an option some people have never heard of: the 40-year mortgage. Read on to learn more about this loan term to decide if it’s right for you.

Probate and Real Property Transfers

When you’re grieving the loss of a loved one, the last thing you want to do is sort through the complex details of their assets – especially real property. But knowing what happens to real property after death can help avoid unwarranted surprises. Read on to get the answers to some of the most common questions about transferring real property and the probate process.

Alternative Energy Opportunities for Commercial Real Estate

Commercial real estate accounts for nearly 40 percent of energy use in the U.S. Find out how alternative energy opportunities can lower these costs and boost the corporate image of environmental responsibility.

Co-Owning a Home with a Friend or Relative

Over the years, there’s been a growing trend of joint property ownership between friends and relatives. Is this the right option for you? Read on to learn the benefits and drawbacks of taking this path to homeownership.

A Guide to Your Pre-Move Purge

Moving is stressful. To ease the burden, consider the following pre-move purge ideas to lighten the load of packing, organizing, and transporting your belongings on moving day.

The Perks and Pitfalls of a CRE Sale-Leaseback

A commercial real estate sale-leaseback allows the owner of a company to enter into an agreement with a buyer to sell a property and then lease it, maintaining possession and control of the business located there. Weighing the perks and pitfalls of these types of complex transactions should not be taken lightly.

The Pros and Cons of a Rent-Back Agreement

A rent-back agreement is a contract between a home buyer and seller that allows the seller to continue to live in the home after the closing. It comes with pros and cons for both the buyer and the seller.

Renovations that Add Value

Gearing up for the housing market’s busy season, many sellers are looking to add value to their homes. Consider these renovation ideas to upgrade your home and increase its price tag.

Economic Update Q4 2021

The fourth quarter of 2021 saw healthy economic expansion despite hiccups caused by the Omicron variant of COVID-19 late in the quarter. Positive trends continued in commercial real estate, while building and buying are expected to persevere through historically slow winter months. Read on to learn more.

What You Need to Know Before Building a Home

Are you considering a custom-built home? If so, you’re not alone. The pandemic has changed the way we live, especially when it comes to our homes. Find out what factors to consider before you start the journey.

Home Modifications for Seniors and People with Disabilities

Maintaining mobility is critical in making sure seniors and people with disabilities have a successful, independent life at home. Taking the time to consider what modifications will create a functional and safe home is an important task that can also save you time and money.

Important Things to Consider About Property Taxes

If you’re considering purchasing a home, there’s some important things to consider about property taxes before you make a move.

Homeowners Insurance vs. Title Insurance

What is the difference between homeowners insurance and title insurance? And why do you need both? Learn the answers to these questions and more here.

New Insights into Manufactured Home Financing

Manufactured housing is an important affordable housing option for low-income families. However, the CFPB reveals this cost-effective option may be accompanied by unintended financial burdens.

What Closing Costs Are Required?

Closing costs can add thousands of dollars to your real estate transaction on top of the down payment, so it’s important to understand what you could be required to pay and plan accordingly.

Home Appraisal FAQs

If you plan on purchasing a home with a mortgage loan or refinancing an existing loan, the lender may require a home appraisal. Check out Old Republic Title’s Home Appraisal FAQs for answers to some of the most common questions.

Technology Trends in Commercial Real Estate

Technology adoption continues to play a key role in expediting advancements in commercial real estate (CRE) and creating safer environments for employees, tenants and customers. Read on to explore some of CRE’s top technology trends.

Do You Have a Home Evacuation Plan?

An organized evacuation plan can help keep you and your family safe from natural disasters and other catastrophic events. Here's what to consider when making your plan.

8 Common Misconceptions About Title Insurance

Have you heard that you shouldn't bother with title insurance when buying your new home? Here are 8 misconceptions you may have about title insurance and why it's vital to protecting your home.

Suspect Real Estate Wire Fraud? Act Fast!

If you are a real estate customer and complied with a request to change wiring instructions, you could be a victim of wire fraud and need to act fast to get your money back.

A Guide to Your Pre-Move Purge

If you’re preparing to move, now may be the time for that big purge of items. Here's a quick guide to decluttering for your move.

Stop. Call. Verify: The Wire Fraud Drill

Protect your real estate transaction from wire fraud by running though the three simple steps of Old Republic Title's Wire Fraud Drill.

12 Things Every Homeowner Should Know About Floods and Insurance

Floods are the most common and costly natural disaster, but what will insurance cover? Learn more about other ways you can protect your home.

It's a Bird! It's a Plane! No, it's an Underwriter!

Old Republic Title's local underwriters can be your everyday heroes ready to serve your needs.

Use of Foreign Notaries

Keep settlements on track by making sure real estate documents are properly notarized - especially when they're coming from a foreign country.

The FAQs of Title Insurance For Homebuyers

For most of us, a home is the largest investment we'll make in our lives. To buy with confidence, get owner's title insurance. It's the smart way to protect your property from legal claims. To help you understand how owner's title insurance works, here are answers to common questions.

What Every Real Estate Agent Should Know About Owner's Title Insurance

As an important advisor to your clients, you are in the position to help them understand the value of owner's title insurance.

Moving? Plan Now with a Printable Checklist

Need a hand planning ahead and staying organized along the way? Old Republic Title's here to help with a handy Moving Checklist you can print and use well before the big day.

Title Agents Beware of Fakes, Phonies and Forgeries

Old Republic Title is here to help title agents learn to spot fraudulent schemes in real estate, title and property transfers.

If Hallways Could Speak

There is a lot being written about cybersecurity and its impact on the real estate industry. Recently, at a national industry conference, the hallways were buzzing with stories about fraud schemes. One story, in particular, made everyone stop and think: "What would I do...?"