Overwhelmed by the intimidating amount of details involved in real estate transactions? Concerned that hidden issues may arise? This practical review will teach you everything you need to know about real estate titles - from how to conduct a reliable title search to overcoming encumbrances such as liens, easements and condemnations. Learn to use insurance to protect against title defects and effectively take action if title insurance litigation arises from your real estate deal. Order today!

1. The Anatomy of a Real Estate Title
2. Title Insurance - A Comprehensive Look into the World of Title Insurance Today
3. Ethical Considerations
4. Confidently Handling Title Insurance Claims and Litigation

Continuing Education Credits:   

* denotes specialty credits

1. THE ANATOMY OF A REAL ESTATE TITLE
   9:00 - 10:30 and 10:45 - 11:30, C. David Keith
   1. Conducting a Title Search - Where to Look and What to Look For
      1. Court Decrees
      2. Probate
      3. Mortgage Foreclosures
   2. Understanding the Liens That Can Affect the Title
      1. Municipal Liens and Tax Sales
      2. Mortgages, Deeds of Trust and Financing Liens
      3. Federal and State Tax Liens
      4. Judgment or Property Tax Liens
      5. Liens Imposed as a Result of Environmental Laws
   3. What to Look for in Surveys, Descriptions and Plats
   4. Analyzing Easements, Restrictions, Rights of Way, Condemnations
   5. Addressing Authority/Capacity Issues (Validity of Record Title Instruments)
      1. Partnerships, Corporations, Limited Liability Entities
      2. Minors
      3. Trusts
      4. Powers of Attorney
      5. Formalities (Notary, Author, Value Affidavit Blocks)
2. TITLE INSURANCE - A COMPREHENSIVE LOOK INTO THE WORLD OF TITLE INSURANCE TODAY
   12:30 - 2:30, John M. Kirk III
   1. Basic Principles of Title Insurance
   2. Mortgage and Owners' Policies as They Relate to Underwriting
   3. The Expanding Role of Insurance as a Practitioner's Tool
   4. The Title Industry in Our State Today
   5. Examination of the Title Policy
   6. How to Handle Title Defects
   7. Use of Title Insurance in the Real Estate Transaction
   8. How to Work With the Title Insurance Company on Special Issues
      1. Additional Coverages and Standard Endorsements
      2. Special Endorsements
      3. Obtaining Waivers to Some Title Exceptions
   9. Review of Policy Forms and Changes
3. ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS
   2:45 - 3:45, William H. Leete
   1. Calculating Attorneys' Fees
   2. Unauthorized Practice/Paraprofessionals
   3. Avoiding Conflicts of Interest - Multiple Representation
   4. What You Should Know About Solicitation/Advertising Issues
   5. Disclosure of Defects in Property - Your Obligations
   6. Escrow, Closing and Post Closing Procedures
4. CONFIDENTLY HANDLING TITLE INSURANCE CLAIMS AND LITIGATION
   3:45 - 4:30, William H. Leete
   1. How to Submit a Claim
   2. Ways to Deny a Claim
   3. Steps to Follow When Trying the Lawsuit
   4. Current Developments in Title Insurance Litigation

C. DAVID KEITH is state manager and counsel for the Lawyers Title Insurance Corporation and Commonwealth Land Title Insurance Company where he represents underwriters. During his 20 years in private practice, he worked primarily in the areas of real estate and real estate title law, was a residential closing agent and title insurance agent. Mr. Keith has been a presenter at real estate broker, mortgage banking and attorney seminars. He earned his B.S. degree from St. Lawrence University and his J.D. degree from St. Louis University School of Law. Mr. Keith is a member of the Cumberland County and Maine State bar associations and serves on the Real Estate Section Committee and the Real Estate Title Standards Subcommittee.

JOHN M. KIRK III is title counsel to Gateway Title of Maine, Inc., a full service, statewide title agency. His responsibilities include title abstract review, title insurance commitment and policy review, conducting residential and commercial closings, sales and marketing, resolution of title problems and defects and consultation and coordination with title insurance underwriters. Mr. Kirk earned his A.B. degree from Middlebury College and his J.D. degree, magna cum laude, from Vermont Law School. He was the presenter of "Real Estate Title Problems and Their Solutions" in August 2003. Mr. Kirk is also an approved continuing education instructor for the State Bar of Maine, Bureau of Consumer Credit, Office of Professional and Financial Regulation and Real Estate Commission. Approved courses include, "Legal Issues Facing the Mortgage Industry," and "Title Issues That Will Ruin Your Day."

WILLIAM H. LEETE JR. is a partner in the Portland law firm of Leete & Lemieux, PA, where he concentrates his practice in the areas of real estate and commercial litigation together with real estate and corporate transactional work. Mr. Leete regularly represents clients in matters involving title insurance and real estate disputes. He earned his A.B. degree, cum laude, from Colby College and his J.D. degree, with honors, from the University of Wisconsin. He is a member of the Cumberland County, Maine State and Connecticut bar associations and the Real Estate and Title Section of the Maine State Bar.

Please refer to Continuing Education Credit FAQ for general information about seeking credit for your participation in one of our continuing education programs.

Additionally, our team of credit specialists are here to answer your specific credit-related questions weekdays 7am - 5pm Central:

Phone: 866-240-1890

Email: credit@nbi-sems.com