Real Estate Business Review: Specials Magazine

A nationwide insurance crisis in the mid-1980s left public housing authorities struggling to obtain affordable, reliable coverage through the traditional market. In response, a group of housing authorities joined forces and established Housing Authority Risk Retention Group (HARRG) in 1987 under the Federal Risk Retention Act. Over the decades, HARRG evolved into a family of specialized companies that collectively form HAI Group today—a leading insurance carrier dedicated to serving the public and affordable housing sector. HAI Group initially focused on public housing, but as housing providers transitioned significant portions of their portfolios to affordable housing, the organization evolved alongside them. It launched new companies and introduced specialized coverages to meet their changing requirements. HAI Group’s in-house agency offers a single point of contact for all insurance needs. The integrated approach allows housing providers to devote more time to serving residents. At the same time, HAI Group delivers proactive risk management, member-driven innovation and tailored support for the long-term sustainability of public and affordable housing. “What truly differentiates us is that we have evolved alongside the changing needs of the industry for the past 40 years and we continue to do so,” says Troy LePage, EVP and COO. Unlike traditional insurers, HAI Group is owned and governed by the housing organizations it serves. Member organizations actively participate on boards and committees, bringing firsthand perspectives on industry challenges. This governance model gives HAI Group early visibility into emerging trends, enabling it to anticipate evolving risks and respond with timely, member-informed solutions.

Real estate closings require careful coordination among buyers, sellers, agents, lenders and title companies and attorneys. As transactions become more complex, maintaining alignment across every stakeholder can mean the difference between a smooth closing and costly delays. Coast to Coast Closings, LLC (“Coast to Coast Closings) brings stability to this complexity by maintaining clear communication, aligning timelines and actively managing each stage of the transaction. Rather than simply processing files, it works closely with all parties to keep progress on track, serving as a central point of accountability and ensuring that nothing falls through the cracks. “Anyone can process a transaction,” says Nicole M. Choate-DeRosa, Massachusetts attorney and founder of Coast to Coast Closings. “What clients need is guidance.” That guidance becomes especially important as clients range from first-time buyers to experienced participants navigating varied transaction scenarios. By providing clear visibility into each step, Coast to Coast Closings helps clients anticipate what comes next and remain confident throughout the process. This approach creates an experience that is efficient, controlled and transparent. Unlike many firms that limit client interaction to business hours, Coast to Coast Closings provides attorney access during evenings and weekends when transactions often require immediate attention.