I certainly haven't had the longest career and I don't have
the most compelling resume in the title insurance industry. I've spent the
majority of my 17 year career working on the agency side, most of that time
spent working for a very small agency that still feels like home when I visit.
I've entered orders, searched, examined, closed, funded, recorded, later dated,
typed policies and remitted. Not to mention sales, making payroll and
reconciling accounts. I don't think my story is very different from many of
yours. Nobody sits in their third grade class and dreams about the day that
they grow up and work at a title company. That said, we all found ourselves
here, and I can honestly say that there is nothing I would rather do.
I've spent much of my career sitting in closing rooms, helping
borrowers refinance or buy, sellers move on, and yes, sometimes listening to
attorneys argue while realtors and bankers looked on while crossing their
fingers. One thing though about this scene has always rubbed me the wrong way.
Why is the person who handles all the documentation, funds and non-public
private information the only professional at the table without a certification
or designation? Think about it... The banker, realtor, attorney, heck, even the
appraiser and termite inspector have certifications. To me, this is all about
value.
I am important; I play an exceedingly critical role in
protecting a sector of our economy that make up an 18% share of our nation's
Gross Domestic Product, not to mention the single largest purchase most
American's will make in their lifetimes. I would argue that there is nobody at
that closing table who should be certified or designated more than the Title Professional.
If we don't claim our value, who will?
Becoming an American Land Title Association (ALTA) designated
National Title Professional (NTP) is one of the greatest accomplishments of my
professional life. That said, the NTP doesn't make me valuable. Exactly the
opposite. I AM
VALUABLE, THEREFORE I NEEDED TO GET MY NTP. It is my duty to
the industry that I love and hold near and dear to my heart to do whatever I
can to preserve its place and secure its future. Getting my NTP designation is
a declaration that I am valuable... Now it's your turn.
