D.C. Attorney General Exposes Illegal Kickback Scheme in Title Insurance Market

Four title companies to pay $3.29 million in settlements for offering illegal incentives to real estate agents, limiting consumer choices.

Attorney General Brian Schwalb revealed a widespread kickback scheme involving four title insurance companies.
The companies offered real estate agents lucrative incentives for business referrals, violating D.C. law.
Affected consumers will receive up to $1.75 million in restitution from the settlements.
The illegal arrangements restricted homebuyers' ability to shop for competitive title insurance and escrow services.
The Biden administration is examining the necessity of title insurance in certain refinancing scenarios.