Stewart helps highlight power of Asian-American home-buying market
Asian Americans are an important and growing segment of prospective homebuyers, according to leading bankers, mortgage brokers and other real estate professionals who spoke at the Nov. 11-13 convention of the Asian Real Estate Association of America (AREAA).
With more than 12,000 members in 38 states, AREAA is the leading trade organization committed to closing the homeownership gap for Asian Americans. More than 800 participants from around the world attended the convention sponsored by Stewart Title.
“The Stewart Title representatives who attended this convention gained valuable knowledge to even better serve the dynamic Asian-American community that is so important to the fabric of American culture,” said Malcolm Morris, STGC Chairman and CEO.
Morris spoke to the convention as its co-chair, emphasizing that Stewart had not just brought its multicultural markets team, but had brought a team of 22 professionals from all over the company. “This is a testament of our commitment to this organization and its members,” he said.
According to AREAA, Asian-American homeownership has experienced the most rapid growth among all ethnic groups. in 2000, the Asian-American homeownership rate was 52.9 percent and by 2005, the rate jumped to almost 60 percent. No population, including non-Hispanic whites, has attained such rapid growth in homeownership.
Stewart NTS – Giving back to the community
In the spirit of the holiday season, Stewart’s National Title Services (NTS) division is involved in giving back to local communities across the country:
- Susan Wilkins, NTS Strategic Alliance Manager for the GMAC account, and Clarissa Izzo, Assistant Administrator for GMAC Account, participated in their local (Corpus Christi, Texas) Operation Christmas Child, a project of Samaritan's Purse. Each year, Operation Christmas Child delivers millions of gift-filled shoe boxes to needy children around the world. For many of them, these are the first gifts they have ever received. Wilkins and Izzo decorated and filled 20 shoe boxes with toys, school supplies and hygiene items that will be given to boys and girls 5-9 years old. A donation of $7 is also inserted in each box. “This is our second year to participate and it is a great way to start the holidays by remembering those who are less fortunate,” said Wilkins.
- NTS-Seattle made a generous donation to the Forgotten Children’s Fund, which provides gifts to needy children and their families. “Instead of sending holiday cards, we are making this donation on behalf of all of our customers,” said Associate Senior Underwriter and Manager John Jones. Additionally, National Business Development Vice President for NTS-Seattle Valerie Kolytiris has made a contribution to the Stop Cancer organization, which provides funding for the National Cancer Institute research centers.
- For the second year in a row, Sandy Hollenbeck, National Business Development Vice President for Stewart Relocation Services (SRS), has made a donation to the Omaha Food Bank to support the group’s continued efforts to provide food for needy individuals in Nebraska and western Iowa.
- In lieu of holiday gifts to customers, Amanda Nicholson Forbes, National Business Development of NTS-Houston, made donations to help further the charitable efforts of these worthy organizations: Girls Incorporated, Habitat for Humanity, Brighton-The Center for Inclusive Communities and U.S. Troop Care Package.
- Associate Senior Underwriter and Manager of NTS-Los Angeles Mike Choy made a contribution to KidWorks, an organization dedicated to meeting the needs of young people and their families in urban Hispanic neighborhoods through education, character formation and personal development.
We also wish to acknowledge and thank those within NTS that participate in “daily acts of kindness and generosity” through providing funds, food and support for those in need during this holiday season.
Stewart Title Houston helps put women in the driver’s seat
The women of Stewart Title Houston joined forces with the InTown Chamber of Commerce to put “Women in the Driver’s Seat,” a professional enrichment series providing scholarships through the Houston Community College System (HCC).
Held at Advantage BMW in Houston, the Oct. 2 event featured a cocktail reception and fashion show hosted by KHOU-Channel 11 news anchor Deborah Duncan.
The HCC System Foundation enhances quality of life through fundraising initiatives that improve access to higher education, workforce training and advanced student learning.
California: Carothers walks for three days to battle breast cancer
Stewart Title of California – Stanislaus Branch Manager/Escrow Officer Jennifer Carothers joined 4,600 walkers from across the nation in The Breast Cancer 3-Day event, Nov. 9-11.
A Susan G. Komen for the Cure event, participants walked 60 miles in three days to honor friends and relatives who have died, to celebrate their own survival, and to defy the condition that threatened them: breast cancer.
Carothers joined the San Diego event, walking from Del Mar to downtown San Diego.
“Walking 60 miles in three days was truly a physically challenging yet memorable event,” said Carothers. “After seven months of physical training and fundraising to raise the $2,200 minimum required, I felt the 60-mile walk was easy and the least I could do compared to what a cancer patient must go through while receiving treatment. I am truly looking forward to walking again next year!”
The Breast Cancer 3-Day walk raises money for research to help find a cure for breast cancer. It also reminds men and women to be vigilant for signs of the disease.
Akers appointed to Habitat board in Virginia
Tim Akers, STGC Agency Services Manager in Central Virginia, has been appointed as a Board Member with Habitat for Humanity Virginia. He is serving for a two-year term to begin January 2008.
“Promoting safe and decent affordable housing for low-income families is a moral and economic imperative,” said Akers. “I am excited to be able to assist Habitat with its mission in a more direct role.”
Habitat for Humanity Virginia currently supports 52 Habitat affiliate offices in Virginia. Habitat for Humanity has provided homeownership to more than 1,375 first-time home buyers in Virginia since the first affiliate was incorporated in 1986.
Akers and his staff have worked closely with the Virginia Housing Coalition (of which Habitat Virginia is a member) for more than 15 years.
Stewart Title announces Green Title Insurance initiative
Responding to environmentally conscious home buyers and sellers, builders and lenders, Stewart Title is leading the real estate services industry by introducing its Green Title initiative, offering a Green Title Policy produced by a Stewart Title office that is certified as Green.
“In a typical real estate transaction, the amount of paper and other resources used is staggering,” said Stewart Morris Jr., Stewart Title President. “Across the industry, depending upon the type of transaction, approximately 460 pieces of paper are generated in a single closing. Multiply that by all the industry’s closings each year and the implications are clear.”
With an estimated 5 million residential sales forecast in 2008, combined with 2.8 million refinance transactions, a total of 7.2 million reams of paper would be used. The industry-standard calculation of 16 reams of paper being produced by one tree translates to more than 450,000 trees consumed.
“Stewart’s Green Title Policy enables environmentally sensitive customers to electronically order their title and escrow services, have their title commitment and closing statement sent electronically, read their closing documents online and close their home electronically,” said Morris. “In addition, these offices will be paperless in their title and escrow process.”
Stewart’s Green Title Policy will use Stewart’s online SureClose® transaction management and eClosingRoom™ technologies.
“Stewart Title continues to honor our 114-year legacy of commitment to the core values of integrity and respect,” said Morris. “We are joining those who are dedicated to industry-leading technology and to environmental sustainability. Stewart Title will set the pace for the real estate industry as a whole to reduce, reuse, recycle – and rethink the way our business is done.”
Stewart Title offices will move to meet Green requirements in the areas of environmental mindfulness, mixed-use recycling, advocacy, associate action and creative eco-solutions.
Stewart Title of Colorado – Denver is the first Stewart office to attain Green certification.Team Stewart Ran for the Cure in Houston
On Oct. 6, Komen-Houston celebrated its 17th Annual Komen Race for the Cure™ with over 23,000 participants and 1,021 teams. Team Stewart raised a whopping $16,421, well above its fundraising goal of $10,000.
Fundraising continued through the month of October and the amount raised for Houston was well over $2.2 million and 75 percent of the money raised in Houston, stays in Houston.
Thanks to all the members of Team Stewart and their contributors for their participation and generous donations. Every step counts towards a cure!
Habitat + Maddy Sherman makes a great story in Wisconsin
Maddy Sherman is the Vice President of Sales for Stewart Title Services in Milwaukee, Wis. She is a member of WCREW Wisconsin, an organization for women working in commercial real estate. The women also volunteer as a group to give back to the community. Sherman and several other women volunteered on July 11 through a request from WCREW to build framing for the “Women Build House” for Habitat for Humanity.
The day began at 8 a.m. with a short prayer and a brief lesson on what the “x” and “o” marks meant and all the different names of the framing parts on the lumber. It had rained the night before and the women sunk in the mud as they navigated through the construction site.
They all worked feverishly hammering and putting together the inside and outside framing for the second floor of the house, including the doors and windows. The women were directed by a female foreman and several others who had this type of work experience.
Lunchtime came and Sherman got to learn a little more about the family that was getting the house and helping build it as well. The group went back to work. Once the framing was finished, a group of 6 to 8 women would maneuver the heavy framing from the alley where it was built to the side of the house. They would lift the framing to the second floor and the crew on the top would grab it.
When all the framing was done, they all did odds and ends like caulking cracks and nailing boards for the kitchen cabinets to be hung.
The day ended more quickly than expected.
“It was definitely rewarding seeing the house develop and knowing you were a part of it,” said Sherman. “It made all the aching muscles we acquired worth it! We were all given gifts like arms, legs, brains, energy and talents … lets not waste them. Give them back to those around you by using them for great things!”
Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit, international organization that builds simple, decent, affordable housing in partnership with people in-need through volunteers in the community.Texas: Menéndez is CLEAT Crime Fighter of 2007
The largest law enforcement organization in Texas named State Rep. José Menéndez (D-San Antonio) as its Legislative Crime Fighter of the Year for 2007.
Menéndez serves as Stewart’s Multicultural Markets Director as well an Account Representative in the Commercial Division of Stewart Title of San Antonio.
Rep. Menéndez accepted the award at the annual convention of the Combined Law Enforcement Associations of Texas (CLEAT). The group represents more than 18,700 law enforcement officers throughout the state.
“From San Antonio city-council member to state legislator, José Menéndez has maintained his priority that public safety comes first. That is the kind of elected official that officers are proud to support,” said CLEAT President Chris McGill, an El Paso police officer.
Stewart Title supports Southern California fire victims: Offers discount
Stewart Title of California is providing a 50 percent discount on title policies obtained for loans (and related escrow services) used for rebuilding structures that were destroyed or damaged during the October wildfires.
As part of Stewart’s rate filing, all basic combined charges for title insurance and escrow services are cut in half any time a state disaster area is declared as a result of a natural disaster.
“There is no way to really make losses easier to take,” said Brian Hurley, President of Stewart Title of California. “But there are ways to help, and we’re proud to have programs that ease part of the burden of rebuilding.”
Homeowners should contact their local Stewart office to find out more about how they can receive this rate relief for assistance in rebuilding. Proof from an inspector or other credible party will be needed.Winners announced for 2007 Community Service Award
The annual Stewart Community Service Award program recognizes and supports Stewart associates who volunteer time, energy and skills to better their communities.
This year, seven winners were selected. The criteria for selection includes: amount of time devoted to volunteer work, length of service to volunteer project, positive impact on the community, and dedication to the cause regardless of personal gain.
Stewart publicly recognizes these annual winners and contributes money in each winner’s name to the non-profit organization of the winner’s choice. Here are the winners’ stories:
Karen Chiodo, Stewart Transaction Solutions/PropertyInfo Corp., Houston, Texas
Chiodo has volunteered for two and a-half years with PM Pals, a program providing respite care to families that have children with special needs. It is a program of St. Luke’s United Methodist Church. Chiodo’s nominator wrote about her, “Karen is a very giving and caring person.”
Nita Hauser, Stewart Title of San Antonio, Texas
For the past seven years, Hauser has volunteered at the Animal Welfare Society of Bandera County. The group provides protection and welfare to rescued or forgotten animals. Hauser’s nominator wrote,” Nita has devoted her life to rescuing animals and does so on a day-to-day basis.”
Patty Norris, Stewart Title of Galveston, Texas
David Norris, Stewart Title of Houston, Texas
Patty and David Norris have volunteered for the past three years at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, which works with the Houston Food Bank and other organizations to provide food, clothing and financial services for the less fortunate. “Both Patty and David are very dedicated to this organization and work hard every day to see that (it) has the ability to help needy members of their community,” wrote the nominator about the couple.
Lisa Palmer, Stewart Title of Western Washington (Woodland)
Palmer has been a volunteer with Beta Sigma Phi for 15 years. The group was formed to support women while their husband were at war and does fundraising for various community needs. Last year, the group raised money for a local child ill with leukemia (click here for article). Palmer’s nominator wrote that “Lisa makes time for other community projects as they are very meaningful to her.”
Carol Le Sheldon, Stewart Title of El Paso, Texas
For the past two years, Sheldon has volunteered for A.N.D.A., the Areas Network for Disabilities and Aging, which serves primarily senior citizens and people with disabilities. “Carol Le is a remarkable woman,” said her award nominator. “She is an incredibly hard and conscientious worker, always willing to go the extra mile for anyone in need.”
Sara Thomack, Stewart Accurate Title, Appleton, Wis.
Over the past year and a half, Thomack has volunteered at Manawa C.A.R.E.S. The program was built to provide young people in Manawa with more opportunities of participating in their community. Thomack’s nominator said, “Sara has been an inspiration to us all.”
STGC sponsors study assisting Native Americans to improve homeownership
Stewart Title Guaranty Company (STGC) is sponsoring the Tribal Land Title and Recordation Office Study, a research partnership between First Nations Development Institute (First Nations) and the National Congress of American Indians’ (NCAI) Policy Research Center to offer a set of options for Native nations seeking to improve homeownership rates.
The project has been made possible through a grant from NeighborWorks America®. The study committee includes representatives from various Native American tribes, Fannie Mae, Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, STGC, a range of government agencies and other national organizations such as the National American Indian Housing Council.
“Stewart Title firmly believes increased prosperity and social stability are byproducts of homeownership,” said STGC President Mike Skalka. “With this sponsorship, we are pleased to assist in increasing the volume and depth of information considered in the course of this study.”
A primary recommendation of the May 2007 National Native American Economic Policy Summit called for burdens on development to be removed through reforms to the trust land system:
“Land is the primary asset in Indian country, but reservation economic development struggles under an antiquated and complex federal trust management system that moves slowly and uncertainly on land transactions and leasing. Indian tribes are committed to retaining the federal trust responsibility, but want to reform the system to increase tribal management authority and streamline processes that support economic transactions.”
“Research studies like this are critical to supporting Indian Country in shaping its own future,” said NCAI President Joe Garcia. “This partnership between two respected Native research centers will assist tribes in making informed policy decisions about the foundational issue of developing homeownership and economic development on Indian lands.”
Stewart Title Senior Underwriting Counsel Ed Hellewell is participating on the study committee and initiated the request for Stewart to sign on as a sponsor.
“It is crucial for tribal economies and Native American homebuyers that we learn how best to overcome impediments to mortgage-financed homeownership through reducing the time it takes to receive title information,” said Hellewell. “This study project will provide a range of options for tribes to provide better access to mortgage financing for their tribal members.”Menéndez chosen for Housing Advocate award
The LULAC National Housing Commission (LNHC), a subsidiary of LULAC, the League of United Latin American Citizens, gave its Housing Advocate Award to Stewart Multicultural Markets Director José Menéndez.
“On behalf of the LULAC National Housing Commission, we wish to express our sincerest appreciation for José’s contributions to the growth of our organization,” said Marcos Rincon, Executive Director.
“We are honored to present him with the National Housing Advocate Award for his tireless efforts to increase homeownership for all low-to-moderate income families,” said Rincon.
Menéndez is a member of the LNHC Board and Stewart Title is a corporate partner, helping to present home-buyer information in seminars across the country.
LNHC believes that homebuyer education helps first-time home-buyers overcome obstacles to achieve the American dream of homeownership.
Congratulations to José on this significant honor!
Gonzalez and Jimenez recognized by Hispanic National Mortgage Association
Stewart Title of California – Inland Empire Escrow Officers Amanda Gonzalez and Maria Jimenez were recognized by the Hispanic National Mortgage Association (HNMA) with Hispanic Homeownership awards in the real estate category for “outstanding service.”
This is the first year for these awards, which were presented to 19 individuals (four in the real estate category) and two firms. HNMA created the awards to recognize those playing a significant role in addressing the 27 percent gap in homeownership rates between Hispanics and non-Hispanic whites.
The awards recognize professionals who have used their skills, expertise and business acumen to increase homeownership among Hispanics. Recipients were honored at a luncheon held July 11 in Ontario, Calif., that brought together industry and community leaders.
HNMA Community Alliances Senior Vice President Ron Jauregui said that Stewart Title (in addition to the local NAHREP Chapter President) had added “tremendous value” to the event.
Congratulations to Amanda and Maria!
Thompson honors first graduates of NAREB Women’s Council leadership training
When Stewart Region D Multicultural Markets Director Alan Thompson helped establish a leadership training program for members of the Women’s Council of NAREB® (National Association of Real Estate Brokers), he could only dream of this day.
Graduation day.
As President of the Women’s Council, it was the dream of Cassie Chappelle Stanley to empower women in real estate, particularly black women. Through the five-course Leadership Training designation program developed in partnership with Thompson, she has achieved just that by providing members of the Women’s Council with the tools and training to become dynamic leaders of change in the workforce and in their communities.
The 50 graduates of the first Leadership Training designation series were recognized at a luncheon in New York on Aug. 6.
The Women’s Council will continue to offer the training courses to benefit their growing numbers of members. Plans are being made to refine the course offerings and expand the subjects, enabling students to take their leadership skills to even higher levels – most notably to benefit their communities.
Congratulations to this proud inaugural group!
A heroine among us: Silva saves San Antonio toddler from drowning
Jessica Silva, lead tagger in the Document Conversion Services Group of Landata Technologies Inc. (LTI), pulled a three-year-old girl out of a San Antonio apartment swimming pool. Silva administered CPR and saved the little girl’s life.
Here’s the heartwarming story, written by LTI’s Wayne Sturdevant:
Early in the evening, frantic parents had just pulled their 3-year-old daughter from the swimming pool where she had be under water for about 3-4 minutes. The girl was not breathing. The parents called out for someone who knew CPR. A little girl went to get Jessica Silva, a document conversion specialist from Landata Technologies Inc., who immediately came to their aid.
The mother was hugging the girl who was not breathing, the father having failed at his attempts to revive her.
Jessica cleared the airways and went to work on her with the assistance of the 911 operator. The child had no pulse at that point.
As Jessica continued her efforts to revive the child, the Fire Department arrived and took command. At that time, they found that little girl now had a shallow breath and a weak pulse. Jessica had revived her to the point that she would live.
The parents went off with the ambulance. Jessica returned to what she had been doing. She expected no fanfare nor recognition. A sign of a real heroine!
Thanks to Jessica, who used her CPR training to save a life!Stewart Relocation Services sponsors golf event to benefit two foundations
Stewart Relocation Services (SRS) was a sponsor of the Quist Davis Ryder T.G.I. Friday’s Ninth Annual Golf Outing held in Medina, Minn., on August 21. Each year the proceeds from this event benefit the Lupus Foundation and the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.
Russ Griffith and Cindy Spoon of SRS hosted their SIRVA Relocation customers Debbie Avdek and Erik Brown.
Arizona: Stewart Title & Trust helps laid-off workers with job fair
Stewart Title & Trust of Tucson stepped up to assist local mortgage company workers with an Aug. 24 job fair.
“We just want to come together as a community and help each other out,” said Wendy Whitehead, Stewart Title & Trust of Tucson.
Displaced employees of First Magnus Financial Corp. were offered employment help with the job fair organized by Stewart Title, the National Association of Professional Mortgage Women Tucson Association, the Arizona Association of Mortgage Brokers and the Southern Arizona Mortgage Lenders Association.Tennessee: Southern Title helps Gallatin C.A.R.E.S.
Stewart Title of Tennessee – Southern Title Services did the closing on the new facility for Gallatin C.A.R.E.S. The group provides emergency assistance including food, clothing, prescriptions, utilities and rent to people in need.
The larger facility offers 10,000 square feet of space, 6,000 more than their former facility. Gallatin C.A.R.E.S. is supported by the United Way in addition to a number of local churches.
“Our office here in Gallatin was happy to have done the closing,” said Branch Manager Ranee Polis. “It was a great day for them.”
STGC Region F and Stewart Title of Colorado associates get MUDDy for March of Dimes
Stewart Title Guaranty and Stewart Title of Colorado – Denver associates participated in the annual Mudd Volleyball Tournament benefiting the March of Dimes.
The event, held nationally for 24 years, was held in Denver on Aug. 5 and on the one day raised almost $250,000. There were 17 Stewart associates participating in the event.
The March of Dimes is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. The organization works to achieve its mission through research, community services, education and advocacy.
In Colorado, the March of Dimes currently funds $1.5 million in healthy-baby research and programs.