What a great event! Independent agents from across the country spoke frankly about the challenges they are facing and the adjustments they are making in this rapidly changing market. It was great to see this forum and watch them talk directly to their underwriters about how their relationships are changing. Kudos to Stewart, Westcor and Agents National for being on stage, listening and offering advice.

On the new RESPA rule front, there were two distinct opinions by experts on whether or not the new HUD-1 will be in place on January 1st. One expert says no, and the indicator is that HUD has not yet answered the myriad of questions posed about the new HUD-1 and that every day that HUD delays, the stronger the case is for postponement. Another expert says that, yes, there will be heartburn on January 1, but since we have a 30-day cure period to get the HUD-1 right after closing, HUD will not delay the implementation.

My opinion is that (drum roll please!) it will be enacted on January 1. There will be problems, there will be confusion and you will hear conflicting opinions on the new rule. But in the end, it will be there and we will have to work with it.

Be assured that TSS is here to help you, and will provide you with the best tools possible to make this conversion as smooth as it can be.