Close To Bottom?

There's still a lot of grim news, but we may finally be seeing the first signs of bottoming out. Sales of new and existing homes are up, and though year to year data still shows steep drops in home prices, the rate of price drops from month to month appears to be slowing down.

Mmmmmmmm

One of the little perks of this job is that some people want to feed you. The Detroit area is ethnically diverse so sometimes you get offered some very unique munchies. I had a signing this week with borrowers who sold homemade Popsicles in their store. It was a hot day and after the signing was completed they offered me my choice of three Popsicle flavors: Pina Colada (not a coconut fan), chili flavored (chili flavored Popsicles?!), and butterscotch. Ok, butterscotch sounded interesting. Wow was it ever. It tasted exactly like the hard butterscotch candy grandma used to pull out of her purse. I felt like a kid again as I slurped it down on my way home. Best treat ever.

Pardon The Mess

Doing a little tweaking to the Detroit Notary site today (and probably tomorrow as well). If it acts a little hinky it's me, not you. The blog shouldn't be affected.

Michigan Notary Network - Website

The website is up for the Michigan Notary Network (along with the new logo). Membership requirements and an in-depth description of the professional standards we're trying to set are listed on the qualifications page. I know...it's a high bar. But in an industry that needs to regain its footing, anything less is inadequate.

Also, I've added a list of other state networks on the blog sidebar and on the Michigan Notary Network site. Much of what we're trying to accomplish and the network goals that we strive to meet come from standards already set by these other state networks. We've looked to these state networks for input in setting our standards and we consider them partners. If you're a title company, escrow company, mortgage company, or signing service looking for the best notary signing agents (NSAs) in Florida, California, Ohio, Texas, Wisconsin, and Virginia, look no further than members from these state networks. Like the MNN, these networks strive to be truly exceptional in the notary signing industry.

Next up - adding members! Renee and I have been in contact with several outstanding candidates across the state, and look forward to adding several members in the coming weeks.

Metro Detroit Home Inventory Drops

Finally going in the right direction? Inventory of unsold homes in Metro Detroit dropped by 12.5% from April to June with an unsold inventory of 12.3 months (above the national average of 11.1).

Surprise - Fidelity National Buys Mercury Companies

Oops, where did THAT come from? While rumors were flying about First American taking over former Mercury companies in Colorado, in swooped Fidelity National. The announced purchase covers Security Title, First American Heritage Title, Title America and United Title. Mercury spokeswoman Kate Miller confirmed with CNN Money that there were talks with First American but Fidelity National ultimately emerged as the buyer.

Wall Street Journal article