About the MLTA
The Minnesota Land Title Association (MLTA) was formed in 1908 as a professional association interested in securing the integrity of land titles throughout the state of Minnesota. Over the years it's members continue to provide Abstracts of Title, Title Insurance and related services to the real estate and lending industries, on behalf of the public. It continues today as a dynamic organization guided by an elected Board of Directors and a volunteer Committee structure, where members really can make a difference.
MLTA's major benefits include: educational seminars offered throughout the year specifically for its members, coordinated real estate legislative efforts (proposing, lobbying and monitoring), liaison efforts with other real estate industry organizations and regulatory officials, and the continual updating of its members regarding technology.
Members include: Abstractors, Title Insurance Agents, Closing Agents, Title Insurance Underwriters, Attorneys and other related entities. Membership is available to individuals and companies involved in the production and evaluation of real estate title information, in escrow closing services, and in affiliated professions, within the State of Minnesota.
Code of Ethics & Standards of Conduct
Under all is the land. The American way of life depends in large part upon the foundation of real estate and the land title record systems developed over the years to both facilitate real estate transactions and provide reliable protection of all the data required to support those transactions.
The methods, acts or practices set forth herein shall be the ethics and standards of conduct governing the activities of all MLTA members. The failure to comply with said ethics and standards shall constitute grounds for denial, suspension or revocation of membership.
Members Shall:
- Offer professional services with integrity and refrain from engaging in any discriminatory practices prohibited by law in the conduct of their business.
- Comply with every law, rule, regulation or ordinance of the United States Government or any state or any of its political subdivisions or any agency thereof relating to the land title industry.
- Perform their duties in an honest, ethical and fair manner without engaging in any unfair or deceptive acts or practices.
- Maintain the highest standards of business conduct and refrain from engaging in any practices detrimental to the public interest and the continued integrity and stability of the land title industry.
- Exercise the highest standards of fidelity in the handling money or property held on behalf of others in a prudent, identifiable manner and transfer it only for the purposes intended.
- Refrain from splitting fees, accepting or paying referral fees prohibited by law.
- Use discretion and act in a manner that protects the confidentiality of all information received throughout a real estate transaction.
- Promptly disclose any financial or other conflicts of interest.
- Refrain from making any material misstatement in the Application for membership or any information furnished to MLTA.
- Refrain from making any material misstatement in the Application for a License or in any information furnished to the Department of Commerce.
- Provide proper training and instruction for all employees to maintain professional competence.
- Support legislation both in Minnesota and throughout the country which is in the public interest and will unburden real estate from unnecessary restrictions and restraints on alienation.
- Work to ensure better public understanding of the land title industry.
- Refrain from causing to be published any advertising which is misleading or inaccurate in any material manner.
- Refrain from using the name and/or logo of MLTA without first submitting a sample copy to the Board of Directors.
Any matter regarding an alleged violation of the principles set forth in this Code of Ethics may be submitted to the Board of Directors of MLTA.