What's New This Month

Happy fall to all! As autumn colors paint our beautiful landscape, we step into October - a month of pumpkin spice lattes and spooky Halloween fun. It’s also National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, reminding us that, in our industry, the real fright comes from wire fraud lurking in the shadows. 


Rest assured, West Virginia Bankers Title stands by our trusted partners, helping to ensure your security and success. This issue includes valuable insights and resources to keep you informed and protected.


We hope you take some time to savor the beauty of the season!


Rachel Showalter, Agency Manager of West Virginia Bankers Title

Visit our website

C.Y.B.E.R. - Can You Be Entirely Ready?

In recognition of Cybersecurity Awareness Month, we’re pleased to share this comprehensive brochure designed to assist you in developing tailored Information Security and Trust Account Security Plans. With detailed steps, policies and procedures, this resource empowers you to assess your office’s unique cyber risks thoroughly. Your plan should be as distinct as your office, ensuring precise protection. Boost cybersecurity and information security with this helpful tool and other fraud-prevention resources

A Roadmap to Getting More Americans Into Homes

Discovering the readiness of homeownership is key for both lenders and buyers. A recent Freddie Mac report explores mortgage readiness, factoring in credit and demographics and revealing disparities influenced by race and ethnicity. Debt composition, particularly among millennials, indicates fiscal responsibility. Understanding these dynamics can help shape strategies to support more qualified buyers with a focus on educating potential homeowners about available resources and low-down payment programs.

Merry, Not Scary: Original ‘Halloween’ House Appears on the Market

Just in time for Halloween, let’s step back in time to the late 1970s when Jamie Lee Curtis faced off against the infamous Michael Myers in the original ‘Halloween’ film. Famous for its role as Curtis’s character’s home, this historic 1906 Craftsman has been transformed into a three-unit, multi-family property in South Pasadena, CA, now on the market for $1,799,000. Take a spooky trip down memory lane and check out this renovation-ready piece of horror movie history.

Innovation

In today's digital age, AI chatbots handle everything from customer queries to sealing deals. But lurking behind their abilities is a fundamental question: Can we trust them? This blog post dives into the fascinating world of digital trust and the cybersecurity tightrope that AI chatbots walk. It uncovers the trust concerns surrounding data integrity, identity theft and unpredictability in chatbot responses. But there's a twist! Optimists see AI chatbots evolving hand in hand with robust cybersecurity measures, fostering a secure digital environment. Critics, however, warn of unforeseen security loopholes in this race to our digital future.

Banks Prioritize Compliance When Vetting Fintech Partners
FedNow: Understanding the New Instant Payment Rail
When Will ChatGPT Open Its Own Title Agency?
Mortgage Trends

A recent report finds that 52% of young women aged 7 to 21 prioritize homeownership by age 30 over marriage or wealth accumulation. Aspiring homeowners can overcome challenges by focusing on three essential components: saving for a down payment, maintaining good credit and ensuring a stable income. Starting financial literacy early to understand homeowner responsibilities is crucial. Despite current market conditions, experts believe that time is on the side of these aspiring homeowners.

Purchase Lending, Refinance and Home Equity Activity Rebounded in Q2
1 in 3 Sellers Are Relocating For More Spacious Homes
Professional Development

Unfinished tasks have a peculiar way of occupying our minds. This phenomenon, known as the Zeigarnik effect, can be harnessed for greater productivity. To use it to your advantage, write down your tasks for the next day at the day's end, leveraging your mind's desire for closure. Focus on one task at a time to avoid cognitive overload, and consider creating your own "cliffhangers" to maintain interest and motivation. Embracing this effect can lead to increased productivity and overall mental well-being.

Relieve Confusion for Clients Who Don’t Speak English
What’s the Difference Between Threads and Twitter?
5 Ways to Be a Leader (Even If You’re Not the Boss)
Market Highlights

As employers roll out return-to-office policies, many home sellers seek to relocate, according to a survey by Redfin. The study revealed that over 10% of respondents planning to sell their homes in the next year are doing so because of a return-to-office mandate. Other motivations include a desire for more space, closer proximity to family and a lower cost of living. The pandemic's impact lingers, with homeowners swapping low mortgage rates for safety, lower taxes, or shared political views in new neighborhoods.

Late Summer Surprise: Housing Market Sees Unusual Rise in New Listings
Nationwide Construction Boom Expected to Remain High Until 2025
Why Today’s Housing Inventory Shows a Crash Isn’t on the Horizon

Unlock the Magic of October: Your Guide to Fall Foliage in West Virginia

October brings a spectacular fall foliage display across varying elevations in the Mountain State. The season began in late September at the higher altitudes of the Potomac Highlands, including popular spots like Blackwater Falls State Park and Seneca Rocks. As October progresses, the Northern Panhandle and Mountaineer Country transform into a fall wonderland. By late October, Southern and Eastern West Virginia are ablaze with vibrant colors, highlighted by the New River Gorge and picturesque spots like Glade Creek Grist Mill. Plan your “Almost Heaven” leaf-peeping adventure for an unforgettable fall experience.

Facebook
LinkedIn
Twitter