Craig Haskins takes ALTA helm — pushes for title visibility, new leaders

Craig Haskins has spent more than 30 years in the title industry, helping guide property transactions through the records, regulations and risks that can complicate homeownership.Now, as he takes over as president of the American Land Title Association (ALTA), he wants the industry to modernize without sacrificing long-standing title insurance protections.Haskins — president and CEO of Knight Barry Title Group — officially assumes the ALTA presidency this week at ALTA ONE in Scottsdale, Arizona. He oversees a business spanning more than 20 brands, 83 offices and 450 employees across Wisconsin, Minnesota, Michigan and Florida.In an interview with HousingWire, Haskins outlined the challenges facing the industry and his goals as he takes the helm of the association. Housing affordability is likely to remain a central issue, particularly as lenders, technology companies and policymakers look for ways to reduce transaction costs, Haskins told HousingWire. Title companies have a responsibility to pursue efficiencies, but he cautioned against equating lower upfront prices with better outcomes for consumers. “I think everyone in the transaction should be working on affordability in some wa...