Republic Title, Author at Republic Title

2019 Dallas Business Journal Best Places to Work

We are thrilled to announce that we have been named the #𝟭 𝗕𝗘𝗦𝗧 𝗣𝗟𝗔𝗖𝗘 𝗧𝗢 𝗪𝗢𝗥𝗞 for large size companies in 2019 by the Dallas Business Journal! This wouldn’t be possible without our incredible employees who are the best in the business; so a huge 𝗧𝗛𝗔𝗡𝗞 𝗬𝗢𝗨 to all of you!

https://www.bizjournals.com/dallas/news/2019/10/24/best-places-to-work-large-2019.html

Close-up Of A Person's Hand Stamping With Approved Stamp On Document At Desk

MISMO Unveils Remote Online Notarization Standards

MISMO has announced the release of its Remote Online Notarization (RON) standards, which will enable the use of audio-visual communication devices to notarize documents in a virtual online environment.

MISMO’s RON standards were updated to include language to preclude the storage of personally identifiable information. The standards support model legislation that was developed by the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) and the American Land Title Association (ALTA), which multiple U.S. states are now using to enact RON laws in their jurisdictions. MISMO noted that some states with RON legislation have already utilized draft versions of the MISMO RON standards to implement their state law.

MISMO released the standards for a public comment period that runs through Aug. 12, at which point the standards will be moved to Candidate Recommendation status if substantive comments are received in the comment period. The Candidate Recommendation status means the RON standards are ready for broad use across the entire residential mortgage industry.

“With states across the country enacting remote online notarization laws, MISMO’s standards will support greater consistency as the volume of remote online notarial transactions increases,” said Eddie Oddo, Vice President of Corporate Business Solutions at First American Title Insurance Company, and co-chair of MISMO’s Remote Online Notarization Workgroup. “We’re excited about this next stage in the standards process and look forward to seeing lenders, title companies, software vendors, and notaries leverage RON standards to offer borrowers a more secure and efficient closing process.”

MISMO’s announcement was also welcomed by David Burner, Strategic Planning and Partnership Manager at Notarize, a Boston-based platform for legal online notarization.

“We are really excited that MISMO put together the standards for the industry,” said Burner. “There is so much talk about online notarization that sometimes it can be confusing. This was a collaborative effort among different stakeholders, and without MISMO this would not have happened.”

Source: https://nationalmortgageprofessional.com/news/71822/mismo-unveils-remote-online-notarization-standards

DFW Area Haunted Houses

It is that spooky time of year! So if you dare, here are some of our areas best haunted houses.

The Parker House

8550 W University Drive, Denton, Texas
Price: $25 general admission and $40 for Fast Scare Pass. Tickets can be purchased online or onsite (cash only)
Dates: Fridays-Saturdays in October, with extended dates near Halloween

Reindeer Manor

410 Houston School Road, Red Oak, Texas
Price: Starting at $35, with various combo and family options available
Dates: Fridays-Saturdays in October, with extended dates near Halloween

Six Flags Fright Fest

2201 E Road to Six Flags Street, Arlington, Texas
Price: Daily GA tickets start at $82.99; haunted house passes are $29.99
Dates: Thursdays-Sundays in October, with extended dates near Halloween

Screams

2511 FM 66, Waxahachie, Texas
Price: GA tickets start at $32 plus fees and $20 extra for fast passes; group discount tickets are $30 each
Dates: Fridays-Saturdays through October; open 7:30pm-1:30am

Moxley Manor

510 Harwood Road, Bedford, Texas
Price: GA starts at $25; $40 for Fast Passes
Dates: Fridays-Sundays in October, plus extended dates around Halloween

Hangman’s House of Horrors

4400 Blue Mound Road, Fort Worth, Texas
Price: GA tickets start at $24 with various packages available
Dates: Fridays-Sundays in October, with extended dates closer to Halloween

Dark Hour

701 Taylor Drive, Plano, Texas
Price: GA tickets start at $30, with various packages available
Dates: Fridays-Saturdays in October, with extended dates closer to Halloween

Cutting Edge Haunted House

1701 E Lancaster Avenue, Fort Worth, Texas
Price: GA tickets start at $34.99
Dates: Fridays-Sundays in October with extended hours the week of Halloween. Open times are either 7pm or 8pm depending on the date

Source: https://www.thrillist.com/entertainment/dallas/haunted-houses-in-dallas

Republic Title Lakewood Hosts 11th Annual Pink Party Benefiting The Bridge Breast Network

On October 3^rd, Republic Title Lakewood hosted their 11^th annual Pink Party for a Cause with all proceeds benefiting The Bridge Breast Network, an East Dallas organization providing healthcare to breast cancer patients.

“Republic Title is a big supporter of the Bridge Breast Network and the work they do in our community,” said Republic Title’s Cindy Maya, “We are thrilled that our Pink Party for a Cause benefits such a worthy cause and couldn’t have done it without our generous customers and donors. This is our 11^th year of hosting the event and it has been so exciting to watch it grow with this year’s event raising over $12,000!”.

All proceeds raised at Republic Title’s Pink Party for a Cause benefit The Bridge Breast Network, whose mission is to save lives by providing access to diagnostic and treatment services for breast cancer to low income, uninsured and underinsured individuals.

“It truly takes a village for a program like Bridge Breast Network to achieve our mission. The $12,000 raised at the Republic Title Pink Party will provide lifesaving mammograms for 80 women. Early detection is the key to survival. Together our two organizations are building bridges of hope by providing mammograms for uninsured women.” said Terry Wilson-Gray, Executive Director of the Bridge Breast Network.

For more information on The Bridge Breast Network, visit www.bridgebreast.org.

Click here to view pictures from Republic Title’s Pink Party.

Pile of fall leaves with fan rake on lawn

7 Fall Lawn Care Musts For Your Yard

As the temperatures start to get cooler, it is the perfect time to get your lawn ready for the winter months.

Among turf care experts, it’s a well-known fact that the best way to ensure a thick, green, and healthy lawn in the spring is to give it some well-timed care in the fall—in other words, right now. But according to Scott Frith, CEO of Lawn Doctor, a lawn care company with more than 200 franchises around the country, many homeowners make the same basic mistakes before grass goes dormant, and then wonder why their grass isn’t doing better the following year. Wonder no more. Here is Frith’s seven-step program to getting a beautiful lawn next year.

1. Remove the leaves.
A carpet of colorful autumn leaves may look nice and be fun to play in, but they’re no good for grass. They block the light and trap moisture, potentially fatal knockout punches for the unlucky turf underneath. So when the leaves are falling, blow or rake them away as often as you can. Even after the trees are bare, continue raking out the corners where the wind piles leaves up. If you don’t, come spring the grass under that soggy, decaying mat will be dead.

2. Keep cutting, but to the correct height.
Don’t put that mower away yet. Grass continues to grown up to the first hard frost, and so will need regular cuts to keep it at an ideal 2½- to 3-inch height. If you let it get too long, it will mat and be vulnerable to fungi like snow mold. Cutting grass too short is just as bad, because it curtails the root system—root depth is proportional to cutting height—and impedes the lawn’s ability to withstand winter cold and dryness. Regular mowing also gets rid of those pesky leaves, chopping them up and leaving behind a soil-enhancing mulch.

3. Continue watering.
Frith says that people tend to let up on watering in the fall as the weather gets cooler. “They figure that nature will take care of things for them,” he says. While it’s true that there’s more rain, more dew, and less evaporation at this time of year, that may not be enough to keep the grass roots well hydrated and healthy going into the winter. If your lawn isn’t getting at least an inch of water a week—a simple rain gauge is a useful way to keep track—then keep the sprinklers or irrigation system running until the end of October. By that time, you’ll want to disconnect hoses and flush the irrigation system to avoid frozen pipes and spigots.

4. Loosen the soil.
Regular aeration—once every couple of years, according to Frith—prevents soil from becoming compacted and covered with thatch, a thick layer of roots, stems, and debris that blocks water, oxygen, and nutrients from reaching the soil. A core aerator corrects both problems by punching holes through that thatch and pulling up plugs of soil. “It’s a good idea to aerate a lawn right before fertilizing,” Frith says. “All those holes in your turf will let the fertilizer reach right to the roots, where it can do the most good.”

5. Add fertilizer.
Just as grass roots need water to last the winter, they also benefit from a shot of the plant sugars that protect roots from freezing and give the entire plant the energy to bounce back in the spring. Those sugars are produced by chlorophyll, which grass produces in abundance when there’s enough nitrogen. That’s why Frith recommends a late-fall application of a slow-release granular 24-0-10 fertilizer. The numbers indicate the percentage by weight of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, respectively. Potassium is also important at this time because it aids in root growth, disease protection, drought tolerance, and cold resistance. (A soil test can tell you how much of each nutrient your lawn actually needs.) Frith cautions against spreading fertilizer close to waterways, however; they are vulnerable to contamination from runoff. Lawn Doctor’s company policy is to maintain a 5-foot buffer wherever water is present.

6. Spread seed.
“A dense lawn also is good protection against weeds,” Frith says, which is why it’s important to overseed existing turf. Not only does that fill in thin spots or bare patches, it allows you to introduce the latest in resilient, drought-tolerant grasses. Fall is the best time to overseed because the ground is still warm, moisture is more plentiful, nights are cool, and the sun is not as hot during the day. But even then, “overseeding is one of the most challenging lawn-care chores,” Frith says. You can’t simply broadcast seeds over an established lawn and expect them to take hold. They need to be in full contact with the soil, kept moist until they germinate, and be well enough established before it gets too cold. Renting a slit seeder is a better option than broadcasting, but those machines are notorious for tearing up turf and leaving your lawn looking like a harrowed field. Frith says that Lawn Doctor’s proprietary Turf Tamer power seeder, which sows seeds by injecting them into the soil, is a less-damaging option.

7. Stay on schedule.
Each of the steps above has to be done at the right time for best results. Otherwise, it’s wasted effort. For instance, overseed too late and the seedlings will be too tender to survive. Fertilize too early and the grass will send up tender blades that will get hammered by the cold. Fertilize too late and the grass roots won’t be able to absorb all those nutrients you’re feeding them. Thinking about aerating in the spring because you can’t get around to it this fall? Don’t bother. Spring aeration just makes it easier for weed seeds to get established.

If sticking to the schedule during the fall is proving too difficult, a lawn care service can handle the jobs that aren’t getting done. Most often, those are the ones that require renting heavy machinery like core aerators and slit seeders, which are hard to transport, a bear to operate, and often in short supply at the rental yards at this time of year. Delegating one or two of those chores to a pro during this busy season will ensure the work gets done when it should—and that you will be enjoying a thick carpet of green grass next year.

Source: https://www.thisoldhouse.com/ideas/7-lawn-care-musts-your-fall-yard

Vistors enjoy food, games and the festivities of the State Fair of Texas in Dallas.

State Fair of Texas – Ends October 20th

Don’t miss out on this year’s state fair. It’s going to be a beautiful weekend and the fair would be the perfect place to go.

There is something for everyone. Visit the car show exhibit and see the latest and greatest cars. The livestock area is a great place for kids to see all kinds of farm animals. And of course you have to go to the midway. Enjoy all of the rides, fun activities and sample this years newest food creations.

Go to bigtex.com to see a full schedule of events and activities going on this weekend.

Have fun and enjoy this wonderful weather!

State Fair of Texas Upcoming Concerts

Corn dogs, funnel cakes, rides and games are not the only fun things to do at the State Fair. Check out this line-up of headline acts that will be performing on the Chevrolet Main Stage the next couples of weeks.

Friday, October 11th @ 8:30 PM – Bob Schneider

Saturday, October 12th @ 8:30 PM – Big & Rich with special guest Cowboy Troy

Sunday, October 13th @ 8:30 PM – Billy Ray Cyrus

Monday, October 14th @ 5:30 PM – Shane & Shane

Friday, October 18th @ 8:30 PM – Shining Star – A Tribute to Earth, Wind, and Fire

Saturday, October 19th @ 8:30 PM – 98 Degrees

Sunday, October 20th @ 3:00 PM – Gary P. Nunn

The concert series on the Chevrolet Main Stage is one of the best values of the State Fair of Texas because it is totally FREE with the price of admission. Over a span of 24 days, you can enjoy different headliners and regional musicians perform live at the Fair. From country to Tejano, rock to hip-hop, this year’s Chevrolet Main Stage lineup has something for everyone.

Area Fall Festivals

Finally, the temperatures are cooling down and the leaves are starting to change. What a great time to get outside and enjoy some of our local events. Check out our list that we have compiled of the area fall festivals/events.

Click here for a printable version.

State Fair of Texas

Are you as excited as we are for the state fair? Today is the big day. Here is a little history and awesome facts that you may not know.

The early days

The Dallas State Fair & Exposition, to which the present State Fair of Texas traces its origin, was chartered as a private corporation on Jan. 30, 1886, by a group of Dallas businessmen including W.H. Gaston, John S. Armstrong, and Thomas L. Marsalis. James B. Simpson was elected president of the association, and Sidney Smith was appointed as the first secretary.

A Fair split

Differences arose among the directors over where to build the new fairgrounds. Gaston proposed property in East Dallas, an 80-acre tract located within the modern boundaries of Fair Park. Strong opposition was voiced by C.A. Keating, speaking for the farm implement dealers. When no compromise could be reached, Keating and his supporters secured a charter for a separate event, the Texas State Fair & Exposition, which they announced would open just north of town on Oct. 25 – one day ahead of the Dallas State Fair.

The new plan

Exhibit facilities and a racetrack were built at each location, and both events attracted sizable crowds that fall. Attendance at the Dallas State Fair was estimated in excess of 100,000. But revenues for the fairs failed to meet expenses. The rival associations merged in 1887 becoming the Texas State Fair & Dallas Exposition. Despite indebtedness of more than $100,000, the directors voted to expand the fairgrounds by purchasing 37 acres adjacent to the East Dallas site.

Turn of the century troubles

The finest racing stock, cattle sales, concerts, balloon ascents, displays of farm machinery, contests for the ladies, and appearances by such notables as John Philip Sousa, William Jennings Bryan, Carrie Nation and Booker T. Washington brought thousands of Texans to the Fair each year. But the popular success of the exposition was shadowed by repeated fires, mishaps and mounting debt. A grandstand collapsed during a fireworks show in 1900, and the main exhibit building burned to the ground two years later. When the Texas Legislature banned gambling on horse races in 1903, thereby eliminating the Fair’s main source of income, the association faced a financial crisis. To protect this valuable community asset, the Texas State Fair spurned offers from developers and sold its property to the City of Dallas in 1904 under an agreement that set aside a period each fall to hold the annual exposition.

Starting fresh

The reorganized State Fair of Texas prospered immediately, establishing new records for receipts and attendance as 300,000 people streamed through the gates in 1905. President William Howard Taft visited the Fair in 1909, and Woodrow Wilson delivered a speech in 1911. Automobile races and stunt flying exhibitions became the top attractions. Attendance topped the 1 million mark in 1916. World War I caused the 1918 State Fair to be canceled, and Fair Park was converted into a temporary army encampment.

Coming attractions

The 1920s brought significant development and increased activity to the fairgrounds. A magnificent auditorium – which eventually would be known as the Music Hall – was completed in 1925, and outstanding New York shows were presented to Texas audiences for the first time. The Texas-OU football game was established as an annual fairtime event in 1929. And in 1930, the race track complex was razed to permit construction of 46,000-seat Fair Park Stadium – later renamed the Cotton Bowl.

Fair Park flourishes

In 1934, largely through the efforts of civic leader R.L. Thornton, Fair Park was selected as the central exposition site for the proposed Texas Centennial celebration. No state fair was scheduled in 1935, and construction began on a $25 million project that transformed the existing fairgrounds into a masterpiece of art and imagination. The 1936 Texas Centennial Exposition attracted more than 6 million people during its six-month run. A similar but smaller-scaled event, the Pan American Exposition, was presented in 1937. No fairs were held from 1942-1945. Following World War II, under the leadership of R.L. Thornton, the State Fair of Texas entered an era of unprecedented growth. Attendance reached the 2 million visitor level in 1949.

Big Tex finds a home

Highlights of the 1950s included the development of an international livestock show, installation of a monorail system, a Cotton Bowl concert by Elvis Presley, a visit from Vice President Richard Nixon and the first appearance of Big Tex, a 52-foot cowboy figure erected in the center of the grounds.

Since 1960, each exposition has been keyed to a theme. In 1968, the total number of fairgoers exceeded 3 million for the first time. Major renovation of the Cotton Bowl and Music Hall was accomplished during the 12 years that Robert B. Cullum served as State Fair president.

A Landmark Anniversary

Tragic midway accidents in 1979 and 1983 led to the adoption of a ride safety program that is considered a model for the amusement industry. Opening Saturday of 1985 was designated as “Eddie Robinson Day.” The legendary coach of the Grambling University Tigers led his team to victory over Prairie View in the Cotton Bowl to become the winningest coach in college football. In 1986, Fair Park was designated a National Historic Landmark, and the State Fair of Texas hosted a 31-day exposition celebrating both the Texas Sesquicentennial and the Fair’s own 100th anniversary.

The Fair as you know it

As the Fair moved into its second century of operation, new leadership assumed command. In 1988, Errol W. McKoy was named president with responsibility for the organization’s daily operation. The traditional fair season was extended from 17 to 24 days, and corporate sponsorship began to play an increasingly important role in programming. Involvement by major companies made it possible for the State Fair of Texas to offer its visitors a range of exhibits, entertainment, and services that are unmatched by any annual exposition in North America.

On the final Friday of the 2012 State Fair – October 19, 2012 – a fire due to an electrical short started in the base of the beloved icon, Big Tex. Dallas Fire Rescue rushed to the scene, but it was too late, the structure was destroyed. But, like any tall, proud Texan would do, this cowboy showed up for work in 2013. Big Tex returned to the State Fair in grand fashion with a Texas-sized welcome back celebration held on September 27, 2013. As he had done for many years, Tex breathed in a breath of fresh Texas air and said, “Howdy, Folks!,” to the world.

The State Fair board elected a new president in the spring of 2014 as Errol McKoy hung up his cowboy hat for retirement. Mitchell Glieber, who had served the Fair since 1999 in marketing roles, took over and first on his to-do list was to refresh the mission statement of the 128-year nonprofit organization. Not only did he want to continue putting on a world class event every year, he also wanted the State Fair of Texas organization to be known as a great community partner.

The State Fair of Texas celebrates all things Texan by promoting agriculture, education, and community involvement through quality entertainment in a family-friendly environment.

As a celebration of Texas heritage, the State Fair aims to embody all aspects of Lone Star culture. Although much has changed since its humble beginnings as a local fair and exposition, the State Fair of Texas embraces its historical roots and strives to preserve the traditions upon which it was built.

Source: State Fair of Texas https://bigtex.com/about-us/history/

Plano Balloon Festival – September 20-22, 2019

We all look forward to the Plano Balloon Festival this time of year. Did you know that this year marks the 40th year of Ballooning in Plano and Collin County?

This three day event starts Friday at 4:00 pm at Oak Point Park – 2801 E. Spring Creek Parkway in Plano. The balloon launch is at 6:00 pm on Friday and 7:00 am and 6:00 pm on Saturday and Sunday (weather permitting). There are also a ton of fun events for the whole family.

Go to Plano Balloon Festival website and see the full schedule of events.