In this episode, industry veterans Chuck Cain and Mary Schuster examine the growing use of title waivers and attorney opinion letters and the bigger question behind them: where does the risk go when traditional title insurance goes away? We also discuss lender adoption, what could happen when defaults begin testing these models and what title agents need to consider before participating in waiver transactions.

Chapters:

0:00 - Introduction

3:00 - Federal signals and policy shifts toward reduced insurance reliance

4:09 - The rise of title waiver programs and their expansion potential

5:29 - How lenders and title companies are responding to new costs

7:00 - The economic outlook and the long-term risk of title waiver overuse

10:10 - Downturn scenarios: Title problems and the risk of default

14:44 - The looming impact of reduced insurance and market disruptions

16:04 - The importance of embracing technology and digital closing processes

18:00 - The critical role of insurance as a foundation of real estate value

20:05 - The emerging storm: risks from underinsured loans and legal issues

22:22 - AOLs, title insurance and legal standards

27:00 - Navigating state and federal regulatory complexities

29:00 - The role of cybersecurity, fraud prevention and process efficiencies

Get In Touch…

The Chuck Cain Show: https://fnfunplugged.buzzsprout.com/

Guest email: [email protected]

Host email: [email protected]

To find more episodes of “Keys to Real Estate” or learn more about October Research – the nation’s leading independent provider of market intelligence, industry news, expert analysis and regulatory information for professionals in the real estate, title, financial and settlement services industries – visit https://www.octoberresearch.com.

Episode sponsored by TrustLink – https://www.trustlinkservices.com

Episode produced by October Research – https://www.octoberresearch.com

Women have long made up a significant part of the title and settlement industry, but building a career takes more than being good at the work. Increasingly, women across the industry are creating intentional communities to help one another build relationships, develop as leaders and take greater ownership of where their careers go next.

In this episode of Keys to Real Estate, Mary Schuster talks with Susan Stewart Magaña, the Founder of Her. the Title Collective and Agency Rep for AmTrust Title Insurance Co, about why Her. was created and what happens when women have opportunities to learn from, mentor and champion one another.

Their conversation explores the difference between networking and meaningful professional development, the confidence that can come from discovering other women have navigated many of the same career challenges, and why outside professional communities can complement – not compete with – the development employees receive within their own organizations.

Susan also shares why employers have something to gain when they encourage women to participate in these communities, including stronger leadership skills, broader industry relationships and employees who return to their organizations with new ideas, energy and perspective.

The conversation is part of a broader look at the growing opportunities for women in title and settlement to connect and develop professionally, and leads naturally into the upcoming Women's Leadership Summit, where Susan will join women from across the industry for continued learning, connection and conversation.

Chapters:

0:00 – Why women’s leadership communities are growing in title and settlement

3:35 – Why Susan created Her after years of feeling disconnected early in her career

6:10 – Why Her. focuses on high-achieving women who want mastery, not fluff

8:32 – How members participate through chapters, virtual meetings and local meetups

12:15 – Why women often wait to be asked instead of volunteering first

15:31 – The employer case for supporting women’s leadership development

20:43 – Retreats, magazine plans and the 100th spotlight milestone

27:04 – Susan’s advice: be more confident in who you are

Get In Touch…

Her. the Title Collective’s website: https://www.hertitlecollective.com/

Women’s Leadership Conference website: https://octoberresearchwls.com/

Guest email: [email protected]

Host email: [email protected]

To find more episodes of “Keys to Real Estate” or learn more about October Research – the nation’s leading independent provider of market intelligence, industry news, expert analysis and regulatory information for professionals in the real estate, title, financial and settlement services industries – visit https://www.octoberresearch.com.

Episode sponsored by TrustLink – https://www.trustlinkservices.com

Episode produced by October Research – https://www.octoberresearch.com

What if the woman across the room you’re a little intimidated to introduce yourself to is thinking exactly the same thing you are?

Women in Title founder Kim Whitlock joins Mary Schuster for a candid and often funny conversation about what happens when women stop assuming they have to figure out their careers alone. They talk about imposter syndrome (yes, even the women you think have none), getting brave enough to make the first introduction, and the people who don’t just mentor you – but say your name in rooms you’re not in.

Kim also shares how one conversation with another title professional planted the seed for Women in Title, why she wishes she’d stepped outside her own shell much sooner, and the simple challenge she has for women still sitting on the sidelines: take the leap. You may be surprised by who’s waiting to welcome you on the other side.

Chapters:

0:00 Introduction to Kim Whitlock and Women in Title

2:11 Kim’s origin story and motivation for founding Women in Title

4:01 The growth and impact of Women in Title across the country

5:58 The importance of local connections and community

7:54 Common challenges women face, including imposter syndrome

9:59 Reframing fear and excitement in public speaking

12:00 The role of mentorship, champions, and sponsors

13:55 The importance of male allies and industry support

15:57 The future vision for women in the industry

19:58 Encouragement to join professional development communities

22:05 Why women should step outside their comfort zones

Get In Touch…

Women in Title’s website: https://womenintitle.net

For more information on the Women’s Leadership Summit: https://octoberresearchwls.com

Guest email: [email protected]

Host email: [email protected]

To find more episodes of “Keys to Real Estate” or learn more about October Research – the nation’s leading independent provider of market intelligence, industry news, expert analysis and regulatory information for professionals in the real estate, title, financial and settlement services industries – visit https://www.octoberresearch.com.

Episode sponsored by TrustLink – https://www.trustlinkservices.com

Episode produced by October Research – https://www.octoberresearch.com

The bulletin was only the beginning.

In Part Two of this exclusive conversation, Texas Insurance Commissioner Amanda Crawford moves beyond policy and into the practical realities of AI adoption. From vendor responsibility and audit trails to data privacy and examination readiness, Commissioner Crawford offers a rare look into how one of the nation's largest insurance regulators is thinking about the challenges every title company is beginning to face.

Whether you're evaluating new technology, developing internal governance or simply trying to understand where regulators are headed, this conversation offers valuable perspective from someone helping shape that future.

Chapters:

0:00 Introduction: AI regulation and due diligence

1:49 Accountability concerning AI systems

3:08 Importance of audit trails and transparency in AI

4:04 Balancing innovation with consumer data protection

6:01 Principles-based regulation approach in Texas

9:06 Comparing Texas regulation with NAIC models

11:08 Regulators’ focus on AI decision-making in policy and claims

12:00 Emerging AI trends and regulatory watchpoints

12:59 Future updates and how regulated entities can stay informed

13:55 Closing remarks and resources for compliance

The Commissioner’s Bulletin #B-0003-26 on the Use of AI: https://www.tdi.texas.gov/bulletins/2026/b-0003-26.html

Information about Commissioner’s recent transparency initiative: https://www.tdi.texas.gov/news/2026/tdi06222026.html

Read the findings from the regulatory efficiency review by the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) and the Governor’s Texas Regulatory Efficiency Office (TREO) with more than 300 potential opportunities to streamline TDI rules: https://efficiency.texas.gov/

Get In Touch…

Guest email: [email protected]

Host email: [email protected]

To find more episodes of “Keys to Real Estate” or learn more about October Research – the nation’s leading independent provider of market intelligence, industry news, expert analysis and regulatory information for professionals in the real estate, title, financial and settlement services industries – visit https://www.octoberresearch.com.

Episode sponsored by TrustLink – https://www.trustlinkservices.com

Episode produced by October Research – https://www.octoberresearch.com

What happens when you get the chance to sit down with one of the country's most influential insurance regulators – not for five minutes at a conference, but for a candid, in-depth conversation?

In Part One of this special two-part series, October Research Chief Knowledge Officer Mary Schuster welcomes Texas Insurance Commissioner Amanda Crawford to discuss one of the nation's first AI guidance bulletins for regulated insurance entities. More importantly, she explains the thinking behind it. Why issue guidance now? Where does AI belong in the real estate transaction? Where does human judgment remain indispensable? And how can innovation move forward without compromising consumer protection?

Even if you don't operate in Texas, the questions Commissioner Crawford is wrestling with are the same ones regulators, underwriters and title companies across the country are beginning to confront.

This special two-part conversation with Texas Insurance Commissioner Amanda Crawford explores how regulators are balancing innovation, consumer protection and professional accountability in the age of artificial intelligence.

Chapters:

0:00 Introduction to AI guidance in Texas

2:11 The importance of consumer protection laws

3:31 Commissioner Crawford's background and perspective

5:15 Defining AI and its impact on decisions

7:12 Human oversight and accountability in AI decisions

9:20 Licensed professionals versus AI capabilities

11:06 Examples of safe AI use in workflows

12:28 Frameworks for AI governance and risk management

13:23 Common misunderstandings about AI regulations

14:20 Final thoughts and guidance for industry

The Commissioner’s Bulletin #B-0003-26 on the Use of AI: https://www.tdi.texas.gov/bulletins/2026/b-0003-26.html

Information about Commissioner’s recent transparency initiative: https://www.tdi.texas.gov/news/2026/tdi06222026.html

Read the findings from the regulatory efficiency review by the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) and the Governor’s Texas Regulatory Efficiency Office (TREO) with more than 300 potential opportunities to streamline TDI rules: https://efficiency.texas.gov/

Get In Touch…

Guest email: [email protected]

Host email: [email protected]

To find more episodes of “Keys to Real Estate” or learn more about October Research – the nation’s leading independent provider of market intelligence, industry news, expert analysis and regulatory information for professionals in the real estate, title, financial and settlement services industries – visit https://www.octoberresearch.com.

Episode sponsored by TrustLink – https://www.trustlinkservices.com

Episode produced by October Research – https://www.octoberresearch.com

Understanding the proposed changes is only half the story. In this episode, Garris Horn Co-Managing Partner and former CFPB Senior Counsel Rich Horn takes listeners inside the federal rulemaking process, explaining what happens after an RFI is issued, how agencies evaluate public comments, where the CFPB’s authority begins and ends, and why industry experience matters and thoughtful feedback can make a real difference. He also offers practical advice on writing effective comment letters, the importance of supporting recommendations with operational specifics and data and what professionals should expect if the bureau ultimately decides to move forward with a proposed rule.

Chapters:

1:55 – Why the CFPB issues an RFI first

6:35 – Agency authority vs. congressional action

10:20 – How RFI comments are reviewed

13:50 – What makes a strong comment?

15:05 – What happens after the comment period closes?

18:10 – Implementation windows and next steps

Rich’s analysis of the Executive Order: https://www.garrishorn.com/blog/trump-executive-order-targets-trid-atrqm-hmda-and-other-rules-for-revision-in-regulatory-relief-effort-for-banks-in-mortgage-industry-what-your-company-needs-to-know

Rich’s analysis of the RFI: https://www.garrishorn.com/blog/cfpbtridrfi

Full text of the CFPB’s RFI: https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2026-07-09/pdf/2026-13834.pdf

Get In Touch…

Guest email: [email protected]

Host email: [email protected]

To find more episodes of “Keys to Real Estate” or learn more about October Research – the nation’s leading independent provider of market intelligence, industry news, expert analysis and regulatory information for professionals in the real estate, title, financial and settlement services industries – visit https://www.octoberresearch.com.

Episode sponsored by TrustLink – https://www.trustlinkservices.com/

Episode produced by October Research – https://www.octoberresearch.com

The CFPB has opened the door to the most significant review of the TRID rule since it took effect more than a decade ago. In this episode, Garris Horn Co-Manager Partner and former CFPB Senior Counsel Rich Horn breaks down the bureau's Request for Information and explains the specific changes under consideration – from disclosure timing and the three-day right of rescission to construction lending, reverse mortgages, and potential revisions to the TRID forms. Rather than walking through the RFI line by line, Rich helps listeners understand what the bureau is trying to accomplish, why these issues were selected, and which proposals could have the greatest operational impact on lenders, title companies, and settlement professionals.

Chapters:

2:23 – Why the RFI matters now

5:03 – Why timing rules are under review

13:23 – The rescission period and waiver questions

19:33 – Construction lending and reverse mortgages

24:08 – Why form changes are hard

Rich’s analysis of the Executive Order: https://www.garrishorn.com/blog/trump-executive-order-targets-trid-atrqm-hmda-and-other-rules-for-revision-in-regulatory-relief-effort-for-banks-in-mortgage-industry-what-your-company-needs-to-know

Rich’s analysis of the RFI: https://www.garrishorn.com/blog/cfpbtridrfi

Full text of the CFPB’s RFI: https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2026-07-09/pdf/2026-13834.pdf

Get In Touch…

Guest email: [email protected]

Host email: [email protected]

To find more episodes of “Keys to Real Estate” or learn more about October Research – the nation’s leading independent provider of market intelligence, industry news, expert analysis and regulatory information for professionals in the real estate, title, financial and settlement services industries – visit https://www.octoberresearch.com.

Episode sponsored by TrustLink – https://www.trustlinkservices.com/

Episode produced by October Research – https://www.octoberresearch.com

Technology, such as artificial intelligence and automated solutions, are changing lending at an incredible pace. Listen as Stewart Lender Services Senior Vice President TJ Harrington shares what lenders are actually investing in, where companies are seeing real returns, and why trust remains an important competitive advantage in this episode of October Research’s Keys to Real Estate podcast, with host Mary Schuster. They sort out where AI is delivering measurable value versus just hype, what lenders really expect from title and settlement partners, and – perhaps most importantly – why relationships still outperform technology when transactions become difficult.

Chapters:

1:37 - The importance of trust and relationships in a high-trust business

4:02 - Industry consolidation and integrated platforms

8:24 - Industry resilience and the importance of continuous innovation

12:49 - Strategic guidance for title executives: Make smart AI investments

14:12 - Industry's future challenges, hope for innovation, and closing thoughts

Get In Touch…

Guest email: [email protected]

Host email: [email protected]

To find more episodes of “Keys to Real Estate” or learn more about October Research – the nation’s leading independent provider of market intelligence, industry news, expert analysis and regulatory information for professionals in the real estate, title, financial and settlement services industries – visit https://www.octoberresearch.com.

Episode sponsored by TrustLink – https://www.trustlinkservices.com/

Episode produced by October Research – https://www.octoberresearch.com

Listen as Stewart Lender Services Senior Vice President TJ Harrington challenges and reframes the way the title industry thinks about itself during this episode of October Research’s Keys to Real Estate podcast, with host Mary Schuster. The two subject matter experts explore what business title companies are really in, why the industry's invisible work creates enormous value, discuss questions that linger about attorney opinion letters (AOLs) and the pilot programs offered by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, and why the true value of title insurance has never been a more important story to tell. This isn't another discussion about AI replacing jobs or title alternatives. It’s a conversation about why title insurance exists in the first place.

Chapters:

2:31 - Changing landscape: title industry in 10 years

6:15 - The role of automation and AI in title manufacturing

10:42 - How title premiums are structured and risk premiums need updating

15:10 - Industry pilots from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac explained

20:14 - ROI on AI investments: Success stories and future potential

24:56 - Data ownership, AI training, and intellectual property concerns

30:05 - The importance of trust and relationships in a high-trust business

Get In Touch…

Guest email: [email protected]

Host email: [email protected]

To find more episodes of “Keys to Real Estate” or learn more about October Research – the nation’s leading independent provider of market intelligence, industry news, expert analysis and regulatory information for professionals in the real estate, title, financial and settlement services industries – visit https://www.octoberresearch.com.

Episode sponsored by First American Trust – https://www.firstamtrust.com

Episode produced by October Research – https://www.octoberresearch.com

There is a lot of discussion around the need for trust among coworkers, but does that outweigh the need for frameworks that ensure the security of your company’s critical systems? CertifID Co-Founder and Executive Chairman Tom Cronkright and CloseSimple Co-Founder Bill Svoboda explained how too much trust and not enough objective verification can lead to major problems during the closing process. They joined October Research Chief Knowledge Officer Mary Schuster on the Keys to Real Estate podcast for a second time to talk about why companies are increasingly finding they are better off automating certain operations than relying on humans to spot every issue that could crop up during a closing amid a myriad of variables.

Chapters:

1:15 – Why Fraud Has Become a Business Risk

3:30 – How Fraudsters Have Evolved

9:00 – Automation and Passive Identity Verification

13:35 – The Account Takeover Fraud Threat

18:10 – New Fraud Tactics Targeting Realtors

23:50 – Quick Wins for Better Fraud Protection

27:05 – Why Intentional Friction Matters

30:35 – What Helps Agencies Recover Faster

Get In Touch…

For more on CertifID: https://www.certifid.com/

For more on CloseSimple: https://www.closesimple.com/

Tom Cronkright’s email: [email protected]

Bill Svoboda’s email: [email protected]

Host email: [email protected]

To find more episodes of “Keys to Real Estate” or learn more about October Research – the nation’s leading independent provider of market intelligence, industry news, expert analysis and regulatory information for professionals in the real estate, title, financial and settlement services industries – visit https://www.octoberresearch.com.

Episode sponsored by First American Trust – https://www.firstamtrust.com

Episode produced by October Research – https://www.octoberresearch.com