Legacy of Innovation Helps Title Agents Evolve and Grow

For more than 135 years, First American Title has supported independent agents with the innovation, education, technology, underwriting expertise, and industry leadership they need to adapt, grow, and serve their communities with confidence.

TL;DR:

• Industry advocacy includes policy, as well as innovation, education, and investments that strengthen the title industry.
• Since 1889, First American Title has helped move the industry forward through innovation, infrastructure, and operational improvements.
• First American Title continues to support title agents through underwriting expertise, resources, tools, and industry leadership.
• From title plants to digital settlement solutions, First American Title’s focus remains helping the industry adapt and thrive.
  

When people hear the term "industry advocacy," they often think of legislative engagement, regulatory affairs, or participation in trade associations.

Those efforts remain important. Strong advocacy helps protect property rights, strengthen the real estate market, and ensure the title industry has a voice in conversations that affect consumers and businesses alike.

But sometimes advocacy means helping build the systems that make property ownership more secure. Sometimes it means investing in innovation that improves the customer experience. Sometimes it means providing tools, expertise, and resources that help title agents better serve their communities.

For First American Title, industry advocacy has always been about moving the industry forward. And that commitment has been part of our story since the beginning.

The founding of an industry leader.

First American Title's commitment to ownership rights dates back to 1889, when Orange County Title Company was formed to help bring greater certainty and confidence to property ownership in a newly established Orange County, California.

Just two decades later, the company's mapmaker was creating maps that became official county records. This was a small but telling example of the company’s commitment to strengthening the systems behind real estate transactions.

Today, that commitment continues through active participation in organizations like American Land Title Association (ALTA) and engagement on issues that affect title professionals nationwide.

By helping advance industry standards, consumer protections, and best practices, First American Title works to strengthen not only its own business, but the industry as a whole.

First American Title has advanced the industry through innovation.

First American Title has also helped move the industry forward through innovative new tools and practices. For instance, in the late 1800s, at a time when most business records were still handwritten, Orange County Title became one of the first organizations in California to produce title certificates using typewriters.

The technology seems ordinary today. But back then, it signaled a willingness to adopt better tools when they improved accuracy and efficiency.

Today, First American Title continues to invest in technologies that help title professionals adapt to changing customer expectations and emerging risks, through digital settlement solutions, fraud prevention tools, automation, property data, and more.

Supporting title agents has long been part of First American Title’s story.

In the late 1950s, as the company expanded beyond Orange County, company leaders made a deliberate choice to support localized operations. They believed the people closest to their customers should have the tools, expertise, and authority needed to succeed.

Strong independent agents are essential to a healthy title industry. That's why First American Title continues to invest in underwriting expertise, education, technology, and tech platforms like AgentNet®—which are designed to help agents navigate evolving customer expectations, fraud risks, and market challenges.

When agents succeed, consumers benefit, transactions become more secure, and the industry grows stronger.

First American Title’s legacy continues today.

The title industry has changed dramatically since 1889, with new tools, technologies and challenges shaping the future of businesses everywhere.

But the mission remains the same: protecting property rights, strengthening real estate transactions, and helping people move forward with confidence.

For more than 135 years, First American Title has advocated for the title industry by helping it evolve, adapt, and grow stronger. That commitment continues today.

Help add to the legacy by becoming a First American Title agent: https://agency.firstam.com/become-an-agent

Learn more about First American Title's commitment to industry advocacy: https://firstam-8616779.hs-sites.com/industry-advocacy