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Bankers Title will be closed on Friday, July 3rd in observance of Independence Day.
July 2020
Title Notes E-News

Stay connected with us:  
We are Continuing Business As Usual - Accommodating and Adapting - Stay Safe


ATTENTION:  NEW VIRGINIA RECORDING FEES

Effective July 1, 2020, recording fees in Virginia will increase by $4.00
$2.00 increase from $1.50 to $3.50 for the Virginia State Library Fee
$2.00 increase from $1.00 to $3.00 for the Open Space Preservation Fee

How To Politely Sidestep a Handshake

A handshake has long been a customary interaction. Yet the COVID-19 pandemic has sparked "shakephobia," where some people may feel skittish about resuming the tradition of shaking hands, at least for now.  Studies have shown  that a handshake transfers four times the amount of bacteria as a fist bump.  Still, not everyone will be as apt to avoid handshakes. This leaves some in an awkward situation when it comes to politely declining an extended hand.  The alternatives that grew out of the pandemic-elbow bumps, foot taps, and air high-fives-may not seem like very professional alternatives. That has prompted etiquette experts to propose some business-setting alternatives.  Click HERE  to learn more.
 
Tips for Educating Employees on Cybersecurity Preparedness
by Dave Murray

Employees are vulnerable to falling victim to malware and phishing emails, which can be detrimental to the organization - 94 percent of malware is delivered via phishing email, according to the 2019 Verizon Data Breach Investigations Report.  Attackers have become more sophisticated at crafting emails that closely resemble legitimate emails employees routinely see. 
Anxiety produced by COVID-19 pandemic has reduced our ability to identify the threats and thus increases our susceptibility. A more vigilant mindset is needed to protect the business against malicious emails and cyber-attacks since employees working from home are not surrounded by their security team.  How can companies ensure their employees are up to speed? Click HERE to learn about best practices for training employees on how to spot and prevent cyber-attacks and how those may have changed due to COVID-19.
Five Foods That Are Killing Your Intelligence, Focus and Brain
by Priyadarshini Patwa

Our brain has often been the most important organ of our body. It is the CPU that controls each and every functioning. Be it our thinking, concentration, or the beating of the heart, everything is wired to the brain. Which makes it even more crucial to take care if what we eat and we don't. C ertain foods can negatively affect the functioning of our brain which directly impacts our memory, reaction, emotions, mood, and also increases the risk of mental health conditions like dementia. Click HERE to learn about the five worst food for our brain that is slowly and steadily killing our focus, intelligence, and a lot more.
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Here are additional articles related to Professional Development that may be of interest: 
Study Reveals a 'Skills Gap' That Jeopardizes Future of Banking
by Jim Marous, The Financial Brand

Financial institutions that moved quickly and decisively to embrace new future of work realities as a result of COVID-19 are best positioned to succeed in the future. This includes new work environments, new ways to collaborate, new digital skillsets and new methods of leveraging technology to augment human capabilities. Banks have been forced to quickly assess the digital competency of their teams, while looking to internal training and the marketplace to provide longer term solutions. This comes at a time when every industry is looking to address a massive digital and technology skills gap.  Click HERE to read more.
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Here are additional Banking Industry articles that may be of interest: 
How The Best Leaders Manage Their Anxiety
by Lolly Daskal

I [Lolly] can tell you from my experience as a leadership coach that many leaders suffer from anxiety. If we're being honest, everyone experiences anxiety to some degree. I make sure my coaching clients have the tools they need to manage their anxiety because left unchecked, it can do great damage to their decision-making ability and overall effectiveness.  Click HERE to review some of the techniques I share with them for managing anxiety.
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Here are additional articles on Leadership that may be of interest: 
The Necessary Evolution of the Modern Mortgage Originator
by John Glen Stevens

The slow change that will bring big change to real estate
Many times, a change occurs that is so disruptive that the world never goes back to the way it was before. We're seeing such a change in the real estate industry today, but it began long before COVID-19.  Having a single expert to rely on throughout the entire transaction is very appealing to consumers.  The rise of the one-stop shop is changing the way consumers search for, buy and finance new homes. And consumers are embracing it.  Click HERE to gain greater insights on this slow change and how you can prepare appropriately.
 
Optimized Pricing is the Secret to a Consistently Profitable Pipeline
by Joe Zeibert
 
Every pricing action has a reaction. As a mortgage pricing manager, every move you make has some expected outcome. But of course, how the market reacts to your decision to increase margin can negate your move. When you make your moves in an effort to change your competitive position, how will you know whether your actions have been effective? If you're all over the place with your pricing, you'll see wide variation in your lead volume. If you can minimize these "bubbles" in your pipeline, you'll have smoother capacity and more predictable forecasts. Click HERE to learn more.
Bankers Title is Offering Drive-Through Closings for Added Safety
The Bankers Title Settlement Team is offering clients the convenience and safety of outdoor closings. We are happy to coordinate, just let your settlement processor know in advance.

Bankers Title is Currently Conducting Hybrid Closings
Many lenders are beginning to offer hybrid closings where non-notarized documents can be digitally signed in advance of or at the closing. We are able to accommodate client and lender needs.

Coming Soon: Bankers Title Will Have E-Notaries on Staff
This will enable us to complete full remote on-line notarization (RON) closings.  More to come!
 
Contact Robyn Parker to learn more. 
What You Need To Know About Bankers Title, LLC

  • Established in 1994
  • Managed by the Virginia Bankers Association
  • Exclusive underwriter for Investors Title
  • Committed to maintaining customer satisfaction by delivering quality title insurance products and closing services in an accurate and timely manner
Single source for all your title and settlement needs:
  • Licensed to underwrite title insurance in: Virginia, North Carolina, Maryland, and District of Columbia
  • Commercial Certified Underwriters on staff
  • Our settlement services can be customized to fit the needs of closing attorneys.
  • We can offer full services or simply HUD preparation and disbursement.
  • Our staff's vast experience enables us to respond quickly and effectively to detailed title questions, unusual search results, challenging escrow projects, and complex residential and commercial closings.
Did you know BT offers?
  • Closing services throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia using a network of professional closers with the convenience of closings at your bank, client's office, etc.
  • Specialized competitive pricing and an innovative product line
  • Negotiable commercial premiums and discounted premiums for Community Housing
  • Reissue rates good for 10 years on ANY company's prior policy
  • Facilitation of 1031 exchanges through Investors Title Exchange Corporation
  • Online quote calculator that provides title premiums, settlement fees and recording costs
  • Free Seminars and customized training for your team
Give us a call to discuss how our talented team can meet your needs!
We are essential and working safely to continue business as usual

NOTE: Recent changes in the details section of the recording cost format
on the Virginia Deed Calculations website. Click HERE to access. 

For your convenience, please click HERE to utilize our online rate calculator to get a quote.
 
** Remember to offer your borrowers Owner's Coverage on their most valuable investment. It's a one time premium with a lifetime of security.
In addition, they will receive a reduced premium rate when they obtain it simultaneously with your Lender's Coverage and a discount on Lenders Coverage every time they refinance within the next 10 years.**
WANTED: YOUR FEEDBACK
What Topics Are On Your Mind?

Bankers Title wants to provide you with pertinent information in future E-Blasts and Webinars. What questions are on your mind regarding the real estate and mortgage lending industry? What Hot Topics would you like to receive greater insights and clarity? Send Robyn your thoughts.
Past issues of the Bankers Title E-news are archived on our website HERE
Robyn Parker
Vice President
Bankers Title, LLC
9011 Arboretum Parkway, Suite 110
Richmond, VA 23236
Phone  (800) 830-1414
Fax  (804)-560-7202
 

Give us a call and let us

know how we can better
serve you and your team!

Integrity. Security. Excellence.   Since 1994, we have provided market-leading title insurance and settlement solutions with uncompromising commitment to integrity, financial stability, and excellence in all that we do.