Happy Hour with Barbara

Settlement Disclosure Form / HHB Podcast No. 23 / April 26, 2012

by Barbara Miller

Today’s show tackles the proposed Settlement Disclosure Form, with someone “in the know”. Hear what the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau overlooked, who was missing from the recent Small Business panel and what changes may be headed to the settlement table in 2014.

Here to provide an exclusive insight into this issue is Steve Buckman, a principal with the law firm Buckman Legal PLLC and President of Palisades Title in Washington DC. Steve recently participated on the Small Business Panel that advised the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau on the impact of the proposed Settlement Disclosure form on small businesses.

Buzz at the Bar
From Louisville with love. Our recent trip to ALTA’s convention in Kentucky really left a mark and inspired this sweetly-tart cocktail:

Rhett Butler:
•   2 measures Maker’s Mark Bourbon
•   4 measures unsweetened cranberry juice
•   1 measure agave nectar
•   Squeeze of lime

Simply mix, shake, pour and enjoy!

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Secret Solutions / HHB Podcast No. 22 / March 29, 2012

by Barbara Miller

Welcome back, happy hour listeners. Today's show features tools and tips for helping a small agent act big. There's a vast number of products and services that are available to help agents produce more in a wider market area, and many agents are probably unaware of what's available.

Helping us navigate these secret solutions, is Mike Kirby, President of Greenfolders. As the previous owner of a title company in Salt Lake County, Utah, Mike has real life experience in taking advantage of many of these solutions.

Buzz at the Bar
Today we tackle the perfect barbecue wine....mysteriously named, but finely crafted. Pick up a bottle of 7 Deadly Zins for your next backyard gathering and you'll quickly become the hit of the party. Since it's also affordable, you may want to pick up 2 bottles!

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Ethics in the Industry / HHB Podcast No. 21 / January 26, 2012

by Barbara Miller

“It takes a lifetime to build your reputation and one unethical act to destroy it."

One of the largest problems our industry faces is the lack of confidence by the consumer. Fraud and defalcations hurt everyone by placing us in a negative light in the eyes of the consumer and the regulators.

Today’s guest, Teresa Williams, is the CEO of Mid-Atlantic Title Consultants, a parent company of National Title Consultants. Both MATC and NTC are consulting firms that work with and advise title agents, underwriter’s, governmental agencies, law enforcement and professional associations nationwide. Under Teresa’s direction both MATC and NTC have assisted title insurance underwriter’s in the detection and prevention of fraud and recovery in defalcation cases.

Buzz at the Bar
Today’s buzz-worthy cocktail is something we like to call “Hot-tea with Body” (say it fast). Dress up that hot cup of tea this season and try one of our favorites:

Ingredients:
-3/4 oz Grand Marnier
-3/4 oz Amaretto
-Orange Pekoe tea
-orange wheel for garnish

Preparation:
-Pour the Grand Marnier and Amaretto into a preheated brandy snifter.
-Fill the snifter two-thirds of the way to the top with hot orange pekoe tea.
-Garnish with an orange wheel.
-Stir and sip!

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