"From groundbreaking technology pilots to high-profile legal battles and the loss of respected industry leaders, 2025 has been a pivotal year for the title and escrow industry. Fannie Mae's title waiver pilot showed potential savings for homeowners, while Qualia's acquisition of RamQuest and E-Closing signaled continued consolidation and digitization. Meanwhile, regulatory and operational pressures from remote online notarization oversight to government shutdown disruptions tested lenders, insurers and homeowners alike. Read on for full details on HousingWire's top title and escrow stories of 2025."
"Jan. 23 Fannie Mae's title waiver pilot could save refinancing borrowers up to $2.19 billion, according to a according to a study released by Legal Economics' Andrew Rodrigo Nigrinis and Todd Zywicki of the George Mason University's Antonin Scalia School of Law. Researchers say automated title reviews lower costs, boost transparency and increase competition. Critics, including state attorneys general and ALTA, argue the program shifts risk to Fannie Mae and relies on flawed assumptions."
"April 15 A home title theft uptick was reported across New England, with scammers forging quit claim deeds to steal and sell properties without owners' knowledge. The FBI reported millions in losses and urged vigilance citing pandemic-driven digital vulnerabilities. April 3 Kenneth DeGiorgio, then-CEO of First American, was charged with misdemeanor assault after allegedly choking a man aboard a Virgin Voyages cruise ship following an exchange involving his wife. Surveillance video reportedly corroborated the victim's account. DeGiorgio denied wrongdoing through his attorneys."
Fannie Mae's title waiver pilot showed potential to save refinancing borrowers billions by using automated title reviews to lower costs, boost transparency and increase competition. Critics, including state attorneys general and ALTA, argued the pilot shifts risk to Fannie Mae and relies on flawed assumptions. Home title theft rose across New England with forged quitclaim deeds and millions in reported losses, prompting FBI warnings. Industry consolidation continued as Qualia acquired RamQuest and E-Closing. Regulatory oversight of remote online notarization and operational disruptions tested lenders, insurers and homeowners. Mary O'Donnell, a longtime Westcor leader and ALTA president, died after a brief illness.
Read at www.housingwire.com
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