The title of this article is certainly lofty. No, I have not listened to too many Deepak Chopra CDs. But, I do need to speak from the heart and tell you about a concern I have had for many years. And to tell you why I believe ISBA Opinion 10-02 is the first step toward allowing lawyers to practice real estate law in a more rational, fulfilling, and profitable manner.

 

First, the concern:

 

I would like to think that I have genuine empathy for the practicing lawyer. While it is true that I have spent literally my entire career in the relatively secure environment of a successful corporation, I nevertheless recognize and appreciate that ATG members own the company and that I work for the members... read more

 

Peter J. Birnbaum
President and CEO

 

 

We are pleased to report that the Informed Bifurcation Rule passed the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules (JCAR) by a unanimous vote. This is an important victory for Illinois consumers and your support made all the difference.

Within minutes of our e-mail request that you write members of JCAR to support the Informed Bifurcation Rule, letters came pouring in from all over the state and they continued for days. Our message was heard. Despite vigorous opposition from members of the Illinois Land Title Association and commercial title insurance companies, the rule passed unanimously, preserving for consumers the ability to continue to shop for title insurance and settlement services.

Once again, the ATG membership has proven that it is a formidable force in Springfield and a powerful and effective lobby for the rights of consumers throughout the state. We thank you for your support.

 

 

A new Illinois State Bar Association (ISBA) ethics opinion addresses the question about whether attorneys should agree to always choose a real estate company's captive title insurance company to provide the title insurance policies for the transaction in order to continue to obtain referrals from the company... read more

 

 

Weather-Tite, Inc. v University of St Francis | Paying general contractors in expectation that they will pay subcontractors does not protect an owner from a mechanics liens should the subcontractor not get paid... read more

 

Highland Springs South Homeowners Assn, Inc v Reinstatler | Private restrictive covenants have a strong presumption of validity; zoning board actions cannot violate reasonable restrictive covenants... read more

 

Grygiel v Monches Fish and Game Club, Inc | Where he places no additional burden on the servient estate, an easement holder may use it to access the dominant estate and, from there, may access neighboring land... read more

 

 

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced that for the first four months of 2010, the staff of the Mortgagee Review Board (MRB) will exercise restraint in enforcing new regulatory requirements under the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA), due to take full effect on January 1... read more

For more information, including FREE 2010 closing procedures training for ATG members and staff, see Guide to New Closing Procedures: Information and Training.

 

 

Peter J. Birnbaum was elected to the 2009-2010 Board of Governors of the American Land Title Association (the official trade group of the title industry) at the association's annual convention in October 2009, only the second bar-related title company executive to serve on ALTA's board during its 85-year history... read more

 

 

ATG and its members have tried to make a difference during 2009. In addition to our efforts throughout the year, we have donated to the following housing-related organizations whose missions, while varied, align with our core beliefs... read more