BEST SHOWING IN THREE YEARS

The American Land Title Association has reported that -- for the first time in more than three years -- title insurance premiums written during the 3rd quarter of 2009 increased when compared to equivalent prior year quarters.

Of the 32 states that saw increases in written premiums in the most recent quarter, COLORADO was one of the stand-outs with a 40% increase.

Nationally, the increase was more modest -- 1.4% -- but it follows 13 consecutive quarters in which written title premiums declined from the prior year's equivalent quarter.

Kurt Pfotenhauer, CEO of ALTA, describes it as "a clear signal that market conditions are beginning to improve."