Note 18. Commitments and Contingencies

From time to time the Company is involved in litigation, claims, and other proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business. Such litigation and other proceedings may include, but are not limited to, actions relating to employment law and misclassification of employees versus independent contractors, intellectual property, commercial or contractual claims, brokerage or real estate disputes, or other consumer protection statutes, ordinary-course brokerage disputes like the failure to disclose property defects, commission disputes, and various liabilities based upon conduct of individuals or entities outside of the Company’s control, including agents and third party contractor agents. Litigation and other disputes are inherently unpredictable and subject to substantial uncertainties and unfavorable resolutions could occur. As of March 31, 2023, there was no material litigation against the Company.

In conducting its operations, the Company routinely holds customers’ assets in escrow, pending completion of real estate transactions, and is responsible for the proper disposition of these balances for its customers. Certain of these amounts are maintained in segregated bank accounts and have not been included in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, consistent with GAAP and industry practice. The balances amounted to $2.0 million and $1.8 million at March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively.

Encompass Net Worth Requirements

In order to maintain approval from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to operate as a Title II non-supervised mortgagee, our indirect subsidiary Encompass is required to maintain adjusted net worth of $1,000,000 and must maintain liquid assets (cash, cash equivalents, or readily convertible instruments) of 20% of the required net worth. As of March 31, 2023, Encompass had adjusted net worth of approximately $3.5 million and liquid assets of $3.9 million.

Commitments to Extend Credit

Encompass enters into IRLCs with borrowers who have applied for residential mortgage loans and have met certain credit and underwriting criteria. These commitments expose Encompass to market risk if interest rates change and the underlying loan is not economically hedged or committed to a purchaser. Encompass is also exposed to credit loss if the loan is originated and not sold to a purchaser and the mortgagor does not perform. The collateral upon extension of credit is typically a first deed of trust in the mortgagor’s residential property. Commitments to originate loans do not necessarily reflect future cash requirements as commitments are expected to expire without being drawn upon.

Regulatory Commitments

Encompass is subject to periodic audits and examinations, both formal and informal in nature, from various federal and state agencies, including those made as part of the regulatory oversight of mortgage origination, servicing and financing activities. Such audits and examinations could result in additional actions, penalties or fines by state or federal government bodies, regulators or the courts.