Alliant National is joining forces with Dream Finders Homes, one of the fastest-growing homebuilders in the country. This is an exciting announcement, and it was only possible because of the support of our agents. I’d like to take this moment to share what this means for our agents, and why we can all look forward to this new chapter together.
First and foremost, let me assure you that our mission remains the same: we are committed to independent title agents and the model that makes Alliant National special. Dream Finders recognizes the value in our independent approach, and our success because of it. They love what we do, and they want to help us do more of it.
Our partnership with Dream Finders is all about growth and new opportunities to better serve our agents. Through this collaboration, our team will gain access to additional resources and capabilities that will allow us to expand our reach and elevate the support we provide. Dream Finders shares our vision of building something enduring and impactful. 2025 marks Alliant National’s 20th year of operations, and in that time, our team has worked to place our relationship with you at the heart of everything we do. Our partnership with Dream Finders will help us strengthen those relationships. We are excited to supercharge our capabilities while staying true to our core mission and values.
In this time of transition, I would also like to acknowledge Presidio Investors, which acquired Alliant National in 2018. Their support facilitated our evolution and expansion over the last several years, and we are deeply grateful for everything we have accomplished together. I know change can sometimes feel unsettling, but I’m confident that joining Dream Finders will allow Alliant National to become an even stronger partner for you in the years to come.
Thank you for your continued trust and friendship. This is just the beginning of a new and exciting chapter for Alliant National, and I am honored to be on this journey with you.
Best, David and the whole team at Alliant National
LONGMONT, CO—(October 24, 2024) Alliant National Title Insurance Company and affiliate (“Alliant National”) announced today that it has entered into a definitive agreement to be acquired by Dream Finders Homes, Inc. (“DFH”) (NYSE: DFH).
Presidio Investors (“PI”) acquired Alliant National in 2018 and has been instrumental in helping the company establish robust internal processes, expand geographic reach, improve operational efficiency, and drive technology innovation. In 2023, Alliant National created a leading fraud detection tool designed specifically to streamline the flow of a real estate transaction. This unique solution is fully customizable for title agencies and has robust AI-enabled fraud prevention capabilities. Meredith Moss, Chairperson of the Board of Directors, said, “Alliant National has continued to grow market share through top-tier service to title agents, backed by an innovative software platform and cutting-edge application of AI. Dream Finders’ announcement recognizes the value created by Alliant National’s distinctive approach, which prioritizes both relationships and technology.”
Chris Puscasiu, Managing Partner of Presidio, said, “It has been an exciting six-year journey to see Alliant National dramatically increase its footprint and develop tools to scale and to assist its customers. Despite the uncertainty during the pandemic and the recent housing market challenges, the Company’s continued investment in growth enabled it to be recognized as an innovation leader in its space, as this transaction illustrates. “
The relationships developed over almost 20 years with independent title agents have facilitated this exciting transaction. David Sinclair, President & CEO of Alliant National, said, “We are thrilled to become part of the Dream Finders ecosystem and envision an exciting future together. The collaboration of an innovative builder, strong title agency, and the Alliant National underwriting team will promote our long-term success and growth into a national real estate partner.”
The closing of this transaction is subject to regulatory approvals.
Alliant National, based in Longmont, Colorado, is a title insurance underwriter with more than 700 independent agents in 32 states and the District of Columbia. Alliant National is focused exclusively on the success of independent agents, as the largest underwriter in the country with no direct or affiliated operations.
Understanding the impact of co-ownership on property is crucial for avoiding costly mistakes in real estate transactions. Major life events — such as marriage, divorce, or inheritance — can all significantly affect title and how it’s conveyed. To ensure the right parties are involved and proper procedures are followed, it’s important to grasp the key distinctions between ownership types that come into play when life changes and property conveyance intersect.
Title to real property may be held by sole individuals or entities, termed as sole ownership, or by two or more parties, termed as joint ownership. How joint owners hold title may impact how they convey title when they elect to sell the property, who can convey title if a co-owner passes away, or how property is treated if there is a dissolution of marriage. Depending on your state, the implications in each situation may determine how documents are prepared. A title company may ask for more information to have title conveyed by the appropriate grantor(s) and to also have title held by the grantee(s) pursuant to their wishes based on the permitted state laws.
Understanding the terminology is helpful when considering who may need to execute a conveyance deed or execute a mortgage/deed of trust, or how joint owners may want to take title to real property.
SOLE OWNERSHIP
Sole Ownership is just as it sounds, meaning that one person or entity owns the real property and has complete control over it.
JOINT OWNERSHIP
Tenants in Common is used when co-owners can take equal or unequal shares in the property. SeeThe Law Dictionary. Each co-owner can do what they wish with their share, but only as to their share. For example, a person with a 25% ownership interest in the property can convey their 25% interest (or less) to another person. If a co-owner passes away, their interest will pass to their estate. In this case, the heir or beneficiary of the decedent’s estate will become a tenant in common with the other owners. If the deed is silent to how the co-owners hold title, typically this joint ownership type is viewed to have been created.
Joint Tenancy with the Right of Survivorship allows co-owners to hold title jointly and equally when the four unities are present. These unities are unity of time, unity of title, unity of interest, and unity of possession. SeeFindlaw. If the four unities are broken, then the co-ownership typically changes to a tenants in common. In states that recognizes Joint Tenancy with the Right of Survivorship, upon the death of one of the owners, that ownership is automatically transferred to the remaining surviving owner or owners.
Tenancy by the Entireties is a co-ownership only available for a married couple. In this joint ownership, each spouse owns the entire estate and on the death of one spouse, the real property remains the sole ownership of the surviving spouse. In states that recognize this joint ownership, the deed may only show that they are a married couple (i.e., husband and wife) without any particular wording. However, if the deed does not identify that they are a married couple may cause the real property to be held as tenants in common. Currently there are 25 states that recognize this joint ownership.
Community Property is property owned in common by married couples, or either, during marriage, when not acquired as their separate property. SeeThe Law Dictionary. Each person has an undivided one-half interest in the property by reason of their marital status. Property that was acquired before the marriage, however, typically remains as their separate property. There are also cases in which certain property that is acquired during the marriage and is placed only in the name of one spouse, may be that spouse’s sole and separate property. In the latter, to assist with making it clear, the other spouse may typically execute a written consent and relinquish title, interest and any rights by executing a disclaimer deed and have the instrument recorded in the county land records. There are currently nine (9) states that are community property states: Arizona, California, Idaho, Louisiana, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, Washington, and Wisconsin. Take a look at each state’s statutes as to how community property is treated in the state.
Let’s look at a few examples of these joint ownerships in action.
Scenario 1
The parties live in a state that recognizes Tenancy by the Entireties. Jake Smith and Vivian Smith acquired title as husband and wife. They are now selling the property, and the prepared deed may read as follows:
Jake Smith and Vivian Smith, husband and wife, as Grantors, to Monica Walker, a single person and Christopher Walker, a single person, as Joint Tenants with Right of Survivorship, as Grantees.
In this case, presuming both are still alive and are still married to each other, then to convey title, the grantors, Jake Smith and Vivian Smith, should execute the deed conveying title to Monica Walker and Christopher Walker.
As for the grantees, you may have noticed that the marital status also shows for each grantee (i.e., in this case, “a single person”) and how they are to hold title under their joint ownership is specifically identified (i.e., “Joint Tenants with Right of Survivorship”).
Scenario 2
Let’s use the same parties but change the situation slightly regarding the grantors. In this case, Jake Smith and Vivian Smith previously took title to the real property without any reference to their marital status. Now they are selling the property, and the conveyance deed was prepared as follows:
Jake Smith and Vivian Smith, as Grantors, to Monica Walker, a single person and Christopher Walker, a single person, as Joint Tenants with Right of Survivorship, as Grantees.
In most states, in this situation, the grantors are found to hold title as Tenants in Common. As you may recall, if prior to the conveyance Jake Smith passed away, for example, then his interest would go to his heirs or beneficiaries of his estate, depending on the probate laws of the state.
Also, in this situation, we are missing the grantor’s marital status. As a best practice, the parties’ marital status should be reflected on the deed when they acquired title and when they convey title. The purpose of this is so that any marital interest in the property may be addressed. Thus, it may be required that the spouse of the grantor also executes the deed to convey their marital interest in the property to the grantees, depending on your state.
Scenario 3
In this last scenario, what happens if Jake Smith and Vivian Smith, as husband and wife, acquired title but while in title, their marriage is dissolved? Jake Smith now says he wants to sell the property.
In this situation, a complete copy of the final judgment to dissolve their marriage should be obtained from the family court records. Also, as a best practice, the final judgment should be recorded in the county land records. Recording of the final judgment provides notice that the joint ownership was severed and how the property was distributed by the court. It is important to thoroughly read the final judgment regarding who was awarded the real property. For example, the court may order that both parties will continue to hold title, which means they most likely are holding as tenants in common. Alternatively, the court may have ordered one party to execute a deed to convey title to the other party. In the claims department, on occasion, we do find that the court’s instruction to execute, and record, a deed was not completed. This may lead to extra legwork in either having to find the other party for a deed to the other spouse and to have it recorded in the county land records, or to go back to the court for it to enter an order declaring the title is in the spouse and record the new order in the county land records.
CONCLUSION
With everyday life changes, a person may take title as a single person but may be married when they are ready to convey title, for example. From sole ownership to joint ownership, and from marital property to non-marital property, understanding terminology and gathering accurate information to uncover how parties hold title and the proper parties needed to convey title, these all play an important role in real property ownership.
This blog contains general information only, not intended to be relied upon as, nor a substitute for, specific professional advice. We accept no responsibility for loss occasioned to any purpose acting on or refraining from action as a result of any material on this blog.
Two young professionals embark on a career in title insurance.
The title industry is all about passion and people. Those who are most successful often have a strong connection to the field and can effectively navigate the intricate web of relationships that go into every successful real estate transaction. Alliant National has long prioritized building a close-knit team of people who embody those qualities. Take two of its most recent hires as an example. Jace Coffie and Aaron Figueroa recently joined the Alliant National team as associate agency representatives. Both have strong industry ties and professional backgrounds rooted in service, preparing them well to help Alliant National’s agents grow their business.
A close connection and a commitment to service
First, let’s introduce Jace Coffie. Having grown up around the industry due to a family connection, Coffie is no stranger to the world of title insurance. When an opportunity to join the profession arose, he jumped at the chance. To Coffie, transitioning to the title insurance industry was a natural progression. “My previous professional positions have a shared theme of customer service,” he said.
The second new hire is Aaron Figueroa, who also joined the team as associate agency representative. As with Coffie, the title insurance community has long been on his radar due to a family member’s experience in the field. After years of working in the service industry where he delivered exceptional customer care, he has quickly adapted to the responsibilities of his new role.
Finding a home at Alliant National
Alliant National’s unique culture has resonated deeply with both new hires. “I have always wanted to work for a company that allows you to show your full personality,” Coffie said. He’s confident a place like Alliant National is “where I want to spend my career.” Figueroa shares Coffie’s zeal as well. He specifically highlighted how “involved and caring everyone is” at Alliant National as the reason why he is so excited to further build his career with the underwriter.
Tackling their new roles
Coffie and Figueroa have begun channeling their enthusiasm into their new responsibilities. Coffie, who will support agents in Alliant National’s Great Lakes-Central West Region, stated that he loves “to learn from the ground up,” and has already taken the company’s “Agents First” outlook to heart. He hopes to contribute to that mission, saying, “I want to learn everything I can to support those around me.”
Figueroa will be supporting agents in the Southwest Region. He seconded Coffie’s sentiments, remarking that “he would like to be a sponge and absorb as much information as possible to become an asset to Alliant National.” He believes a strong Alliant National benefits agents by assuring them that “they will be taken care of,” allowing them to focus on growing their operations and strengthening their communities.
Staying in touch with what’s important
When building a team, it can be difficult to know what to prioritize. But for Alliant National, the answer is clear. Time and time again, it has seen the benefits of bringing people on board who have strong connections to the industry and a genuine commitment to serving others. By hiring Coffie and Figueroa, it has continued that valuable tradition, and Alliant National’s agents will only stand to gain.
Your agency won’t always stay the same, and neither should your messaging.
Last month, we talked about how you can use tools like a SWOT analysis to build a strategic messaging framework for your business. Taking this step can be enormously important for your agency, as it allows you to unify your communications and build lasting relationships with your customer base. But what happens to that messaging framework when something about your business changes? After all, the contours of your agency won’t stay exactly the same over time, and neither should how you communicate your business’s value, services and brand. Let’s examine how you can adapt your messaging framework over time so you can ensure that it remains as current and effective as possible.
Why adapt your messaging framework?
There are many reasons why you would want to update your strategic messaging framework. New business goals, adapting to market trends, or aligning with evolving customer needs and preferences are just a few examples.
Essentially, any change in the internal or external circumstances of your organization may merit a reevaluation or full-scale rewrite of the messaging you’ve developed around your company’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT).
First thing’s first
Once you recognize a significant change in your business and prospects, start shifting your communications by developing a clear understanding of that change. The specifics of what this entails depend on the unique circumstances you are facing.
For instance, if something has changed with your business’s goals and objectives, you should meet with key stakeholders to understand the potential implications. Documenting these changes can help ensure that everyone is on the same page.
Of course, if the change is broader or more systemic, such as a shift in the market or in consumer behavior, you would obviously need to take a different approach. Conducting market analysis, reviewing industry reports, and assessing competitor messaging are critical to understanding shifts in your industry’s landscape.
Conduct a content audit
After you fully understand the change your business or industry is grappling with, you can begin aligning your messaging with your company’s new reality. The first thing to do here is to conduct a content audit. Review the platforms you use to communicate your products and services. Catalog which messages need updates and determine if new messages should be created.
Refine your value propositions
The next step is to revisit the different messages you created when you were building your initial strategic framework. If you remember from our previous blog on the subject, that means reviewing each of the messages you created from your company’s SWOT analysis. Rewrite anything that no longer fits with your business’s circumstances, while adhering to the same formula. Always emphasize your strengths and reframe your weaknesses. And be sure to show how you are prepared to seize opportunities and overcome threats.
Test and test again
As with your original messaging, don’t simply write out your messaging framework and leave it at that. Instead, test out your messages with stakeholders that you respect and trust. Consider also running A/B testing to determine which messages resonate best. By taking those steps, you will gain valuable insights into whether your new messaging is ready to go and whether it speaks effectively to the changes that have occurred within your business environment.
Finalize and deploy
Armed with your newly vetted messaging, the last step is to deploy it across your various distribution channels. This is where that initial content audit will come in handy, as you will know exactly where you need to upload your new content and where you don’t. While you don’t want to rush this process, remember that time is, to some degree, of the essence. The last thing you want is to have public-facing content that is no longer accurate to your business’s current reality. Taking these steps, though, will help you move through this process with speed and efficiency. This will set you up for success and ensure your messaging remains as powerful and positive as ever.
This blog contains general information only, not intended to be relied upon as, nor a substitute for, specific professional advice. We accept no responsibility for loss occasioned to any purpose acting on or refraining from action as a result of any material on this blog.
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