Code of Ethics

WISCONSIN LAND TITLE ASSOCIATION

The foundation of the American Heritage of personal freedom is widely allocated ownership and use of land. The growth of our institutions and, indeed, or American way of life depends upon furthering and facilitating that heritage. The production of real property title evidence is the profession through which titles to real estate become reliable and therefore widely distributed.

The production of title evidence being such vital and integral part of the economy, obligations are imposed on each member of the Wisconsin Land Title Association above and beyond those generally considered acceptable in the marketplace. Each member of this Association shall continually strive to maintain and improve the quality of services offered and assume responsibility for maintaining the highest standards of business practice. To these ends, each member shall pledge to observe and further the letter and spirit of the following Code of Ethics:

FIRST

Governed by the laws, customs and usages of the respective communities they serve, and with the realization that ready transferability of real property results from accuracy and perfection of titles, members shall issue abstracts of title or policies of title insurance only after a complete and thorough investigation, founded on the records and learned examination thereof, and shall otherwise conduct their business that the needs of their customers are paramount.

SECOND

Every member shall obtain and justifiably hold a reputation of honesty and integrity, always standing sponsor of his work intellectually and financially

THIRD

Ever striving to serve the owners of interest in real estate, members shall facilitate transfer of titles by eliminating delays, unnecessary exceptions and superfluous items of information. Customers shall be served in a manner which will encourage transferability of title, provide adequately for obligations which are assumed in connection therewith and afford a fair return for services performed based on the value of services rendered and capital invested.

FOURTH

Members shall support legislation throughout the state which is in the public interest and will unburden real estate from unnecessary restrictions and restraints

FIFTH

Members shall not engage in any practice detrimental to the public interest or to the continuing stability of the title profession.

SIXTH

Any alleged violation of the principles set forth in this Code of Ethics may, when specifically set forth, be submitted to the Grievance Committee of the Wisconsin Land Title Association