The National Settlement Services Summit (NS3), one of the largest title & escrow conferences of the year, is right around the corner and Qualia will be there alongside more than 750 attendees to hear from some of the top minds in the industry.
This year’s conference will host more than 30 sessions in just 3 days, so if you’re attending, you’ll definitely want to plan ahead to get the most out of the event. We’ve chosen three can’t-miss presentations from each day of the conference to help you get a jumpstart on your NS3 agenda.
Tuesday June 18th:
1. Technology Demo | 2:00 – 4:00 pm
Why you should attend: As the real estate industry evolves to meet growing consumer demands for transparency and immediacy in the home buying process, title companies must find ways to streamline processes and reduce the closing timeline to deliver a best-in-class closing experience. Those wanting to stay ahead of the curve must invest in scalable technology solutions.
Come prepared with: Your toughest use cases. The best software solutions take into account the nuances of your business and the flexibility you need to complete title work with agility so you can scale your business. Come find Qualia at 2:15 and 3:00pm to learn more about our integrated suite of closing software products.
2. Regulator Panel | 4:00 – 4:50 pm
Why you should attend: More than ever, consumer protection is of the highest priority. Between 2015 and 2017, phishing scams have risen 1,100% resulting in an estimated loss of almost $1 billion in real estate transaction losses. In this panel discussion, you’ll hear directly from regulators to learn what they are watching and what they are prioritizing in 2019.
Come prepared with: The CFPB recently published its spring 2019 rulemaking agenda which includes regulatory priorities for the coming year. Be sure to read up on impending regulations and come prepared with questions.
3. Opening Night Reception | 5:00 – 6:30 pm
Why you should attend: The opening reception is your destination for casual networking with conference attendees. It’s an excellent time to develop relationships with your peers and learn more about technology solutions in a more informal setting. Not to mention, you’ll get to enjoy complimentary hors d’oeuvres and drinks.
Come prepared with: Business cards. This is an excellent space to network and meet new folks in the industry — you won’t want to come empty handed.
Wednesday June 19th
1. eClosings: Just Do It | 11:15 – 12:10 pm
Why you should attend: Fully digital closings are gaining momentum across the country. Ten states have passed remote online notarization (RON) bills this year bringing the total to 18 states, and more states will likely follow suite. Title & escrow companies can prepare for this shift by implementing hybrid closings now (and fully digital closings in states allowing RON). This session will deliver practical advice for getting started with digital closings.
Come prepared with: Questions and concerns about eClosings. Many title & escrow companies have legitimate concerns about how eClosings will upend their operations and the security of their accounts. Session speaker, James K. O’Donnell will bring his on-the-ground experience to the table to help break down the perceived obstacles to digital closings.
2. Blockchain: Show and Tell | 2:40 – 3:30 pm
Why you should attend: This year, the first-ever blockchain real estate transaction was completed in Vermont, bringing blockchain application from concept to reality. This session will explore the impending changes on the horizon with blockchain technology and help attendees understand the level of urgency in preparing for such changes.
Come prepared with: Hard-hitting questions on the feasibility of blockchain applications today. Given the sheer volume of paper documents and files that have not yet been digitized, blockchain’s immediate applicability feels distant.
3. Fireside Chat | 4:00 – 5:00 pm
Why you should attend: This chat brings together some of the industry’s biggest players to discuss title & escrow companies’ standing in the broader real estate landscape. While other NS3 sessions approach topics from a more educational aim and offer tangible takeaways, this session will ignite new questions and frame the title industry’s relevance from a more far-reaching perspective.
Come prepared with: Limited distractions. This discussion will inspire new ways of thinking and a broader perspective. You’ll want to make sure you’re fully present to use this discussion as fodder for other breakout sessions.
Thursday June 20th
1. Underwriter Panel: Conversations with the C-Suite | 8:30 – 9:30 AM
Why you should attend: This panel is a staple to the NS3 agenda for a reason. With compressing margins and rising customer experience demands, it’s more important than ever to streamline operations with your underwriter to work more synchronistically. In this panel you’ll hear from the leaders of the top 4 underwriters who will discuss some of the industry’s most pressing topics and trends.
Come prepared with: Questions on expense oversight. According to Fitch Ratings, operating margins for the top 4 underwriters increased by 11.5% in 2018 due to “disciplined underwriting and expense management.” What should title agents expect for expense oversight in 2019 in light of these financial benefits?
2. Ask the Experts Roundtable: Amazon Effect in Real Estate | 9:40 – 10:40 AM
Why you should attend: In the past 5 years, customer experience has dominated discussions in nearly every industry. The rise of these conversations has been dubbed the “Amazon Effect” due to Amazon’s influence on consumer expectations. This roundtable discussion will explore the implications of the “Amazon Effect” for the real estate industry and how title & escrow companies can stay ahead of the curve to deliver a best-in-class closing experience.
Come prepared with: Your own insights on delivering an improved customer experience. This is an open dialogue for attendees to learn from their peers and gain concrete advice for navigating the future of closings.
3. Title Industry of the Future: Recruiting and Hiring | 9:40 – 10:40 AM
Why you should attend: This year, 25% of the U.S. population will be over the age of 55. Although this aging population will stay in the workforce longer than previous generations, it’s still imperative for title companies to begin thinking about how to attract new talent. This session will offer great insight into how to stay competitive in a millennial world.
Come prepared with: Your millennial stereotypes at bay. The millennial demographic may not be as finicky as you think, and understanding their needs can keep your title company afloat and progressing toward what’s next.
