Hey Ellen,

I am sorry to hear that you won't be joining us in Clearwater; I was looking forward to seeing you again.

I completely understand your position.  Our office is experiencing many of the same problems and I agree with your assessment of them.  Everybody and their brother has gotten into this business with none of the required skills and it is tough to compete with them, both in terms of price and turn-around time.  When you aren't doing the "whole" search its easy to do it faster and cheaper.

You are correct about the liability issue, as well.  Abstractors are expected to carry an large portion of the liability for a very small percentage of the fees.  It does not seem fair, but since we have very little bargaining power as a group, we have little choice in the matter.

Just to let you know, NATLEA is still working with a national agency to obtain a discounted rate for E&O insurance.  They have decided to work with another underwriter on the project so it has been delayed.  Hopefully, once this is in place, it will be enough to offset the cost of the NATLEA membership, and then some.

Your observations regarding the industry and NALTEA are among the best I have seen posted here. You have stated the same things I believe NALTEA needs to be working on.  However, it is difficult to do without growing our membership base to get to the point were we have a more strength as an organization.

I wish you the best.  Keep an eye on NALTEA and hopefully you will see some progress that will change your mind about remaining a member.  I truly believe that NALTEA is our last, best chance for the independent abstractor to remain an integral part of the industry.

Best,
Robert A. Franco
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