Archive for the ‘Escrow and Title’ Category

Arizona Realtors, What Is Your Title Rep Doing To Grow Your Business?

Thursday, March 11th, 2010

Boy oh boy, the times are a changing!

I remember the days when I would leave a voicemail for a Realtor and get no response.  I remember the days when a Realtor would tell me they work with XYZ title because “their Rep is Hot!” (I still laugh at that one by the way…..) The times are changing, Realtors and Loan Officers are demanding more from their vendors. And rightfully so I might add.

I had a great meeting with a Realtor awhile ago. He started by telling me he gets great service from his current title company but (and get this) …..they dont actually help him increase his business (oh the shock and awe!!) 15 minutes into the meeting he says , and I quote “Damn, I feel guilty, Ive never considered switching title companies before”. You see, great service in this enonomy should be a given, no matter what industry you are in.    So, take great service off the table,.

NOW…..what is your title company doing to increase your business?  If you can’t answer this question instantly, you might want to consider a change to “MyTitleGuy”. You see,  I believe that we are in an economy that everyone should demand more from their vendors. (more bang for your buck-if you will).

YES, it was a little challenging to find a good escrow officer years ago, but its not a challenge anymore.  Why?

Darwinism, survival of the fittest….the economy has forced title companies, really all companies to retain only the best of the best.  That being said, how would your real estate business benefit if you had a great escrow officer and a great marketing rep? A marketing rep that understands and leverages technology?

Question: If 87% of buyers go to the internet when looking for Real Estate, isn’t that where you should be? Are you?

Back to my story.

This particular Realtor started out by telling me he doesn’t want flyer’s or postcards, (Staples of the traditional title rep) luckily, I abandoned those fossils three years ago in favor of technology.  I loved the fact that I didn’t have to spend anytime convincing this agent that flyer’s and postcards have limited success, he already knew it.  His question was simple, How can you help me build my business?

Want to know what I told him?

Now I have a proposition for you:

Every good sales person should have a call to action, here’s mine:

If I can provide you with the same (or better) level of service as you have right now AND I can demonstrate how I can help you increase your business……can we do business?

MyTitleGuy

For All Your Marketing, Escrow and Title Needs

Posted in Escrow and Title, Marketing | 2 Comments »

What is Title Insurance?

Wednesday, March 10th, 2010

You have identified the home of your dreams, your Realtor writes the purchase contract, upon review you notice XYZ Title Agency on line 91 of the Arizona Residential Resale Real Estate Purchase Contract. You ask your Realtor: “Whats a title company, why do I need title insurance?”

Great question!

In Arizona, a Title company provides services to buyers, sellers, developers, investors builders, lenders and others who have an interest in the real estate transfer.  Title companies make sure that the transfer of title takes place efficiently and that your interests as the home buyer are protected under the terms of the title policy.

In English it means, that a title policy offers protection against claims resulting from various defects, judgements, mechanics liens, outstanding property taxes, encumbrances,  fraud, forgery, improper recording,..{Breathe}, the list unfortunately goes on and on as outlined in the policy.  Title insurance protects the lender and the homeowner against these risks.

What’s cool about title insurance is, unlike other types of insurance, title insurance does not cover future risks, it’s coverage is limited to events that are/were already in existence at the time the policy was issued.

There are 2 types of Title Insurance in Arizona

Owners Policy:

Insures the home buyers of any type of real property against loss by any reason that is listed in the policy  for as long as the buyer owns the property.  There are several versions of each policy. Consult with your Realtor/attorney to determine which policy is best for you

Lenders Policy

Insures the priority of the lender’s security interest over claims that others may have in the property.

Title Insurance insures title to a specific parcel of real property (land). In exchange for a premium, the title insurance company will assume the risk that title to a parcel of real estate is as it is stated to be. A title insurance policy indemnifies (holds harmless) the buyer (you) or the lender against losses suffered if title to the property is not as the policy states it to be.

Like any insurance policy, the title policy you receive is only as good as the title company that issued it.  Not all title companies are created the same, make sure the title company you use is financially strong and will be able to stand behind the policy if it is ever needed. Looking for a great title company in Arizona for a purchase or refinance? Contact me.

This information is believed to be accurate but is not guaranteed

For All Your Marketing, Escrow and Title Needs

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Fannie Mae Now Allows Buyer to Choose Their Own Title Company-Yipee

Tuesday, March 9th, 2010

You take a buyer out, after showing them 10-20 homes, they identify the home of their dreams, It’s an REO, most likely.  Now you go through the hassle of getting in touch with the listing agent, is the house still available? You write on the house, submit the contract. There are 22 offers already.

Counter-Highest and Best

Contract Accepted-You Got it- Yipee!

Now, you are told you have 24 hours to open escrow, oh yea and “You Must Use XYZ Title company in Peoria, Scottsdale maybe Glendale-one thing is for sure, it will be nowhere near where you or your client are. Oh and mobile signing (HA-Forget about it!)

Escrow is open:

Trying to get a hold of the escrow officer-not fun-Voicemail

Assistant-doesn’t know much about your file-Voicemail.

Frustration-If You Could Only Choose Your Own Title Company!! This would have never happened!

Well, Now you can. That’s because Fannie Mae will now allow your buyer to choose their own title company!

Fannie Mae has altered their sales addendum for REO properties so the buyer can now choose their own title company.   When you see the addendum to the contract, review Section 2B, page 1, line 4; Look for “The closing shall be held at a place so designated and approved by the Purchaser“. The truth is, your clients have always had the right to choose the title company and the addendum change now reinforces that right.

What does this mean to you? Well, if you choose Old Republic Title Agency, you will:

Get a fantastic service experience with one of the best escrow officers around

Old Republic Title Agency is one of few title companies in the valley that works with Fannie Mae

You get to take advantage of our Advantage Program!

The Old Republic Title Insurance Group has An A to A+ financial stability rating from Standard and Poor, Moody’s, Fitch and A.M. Best. We are not going anywhere. Your clients Title Policy will be there if its ever needed.

Unsurpassed Ratings





And get this, we answer the phone! Lack of Communication is the #1 complaint in the Real Estate Industry-Isn’t that sad? In a service occupation like escrow and title many have forgetten the Service! We have not.

I will be more than happy to pick up your contract and drop off your check at closing.


We hope you will choose Old Republic Title Agency on your next escrow. Thank you!

Old Republic Title Agency
1744 S. Val Vista Drive Suite 213
Mesa, AZ 85204
Office: 480.892.2306
Fax:     480.892.2680

For All Your Marketing, Escrow and Title Needs


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What’s Old Republic Title Agency’s Advantage Program?

Monday, March 8th, 2010

AAH-the good old days-

Remember the good old days when at the end of a signing your clients would get a copy of everything that was signed or reviewed at the closing? You know, that big heavy package filled with copies of the purchase contract, note, deed of trust, pre-audit, final HUD 1, title commitment, invoices, home warranty information, appraisal, signed loan documents, escrow instructions, seller payoff and new lender information? (Breathe)

Well the old days are over at Old Republic Title Agency. That’s because we recently started Advantage.

Advantage is a CD that provides instant access to pertinent documents, it’s convenience at its finest. Advantage transforms your customers bulky unorganized file into a small company disc.

Tim Loria, Realtor-JK Realty

Caption: Tim Loria, Realtor with JK Realty in Mesa receiving his Advantage CD from a recent closing.

Benefits of Advantage

  • Handy access for all future financial transactions
  • Your clients will keep CD’s more often than large paper files
  • Professional, finished product with no additional cost at closing
  • Each time the CD is used they are reminded of who gave it to them-YOU
  • Your name and contact information are prominently displayed on the CD
  • Organized in an efficient manner around the needs of your client
  • Can be used as a valuable mailing piece at tax time
  • Its GREEN! You’re saving trees

Did you know that home warranty is the #1 referenced information after the closing…..more opportunity to see your name and contact information-again-helps with client retention.

For more information about Advantage or to find out other ways I can help build your business, please call or email me.

Old Republic Title Agency
1744 S. Val Vista Drive #213
Mesa, AZ 85204
Office: 480-892-2306
Fax:    480-892-2680

For All Your Marketing, Escrow and Title Needs

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Old Republic Title Agency in Gilbert, AZ

Friday, March 5th, 2010

Are you looking for a title company in Gilbert Arizona?  Located at the N.W. Corner of Val Vista Drive and Baseline, you will find Old Republic Title Agency.

Old Republic Title Agency is one of the largest underwriters in the United States. With over 100 years of operating experience, Old Republic Title Agency can serve all of your real estate needs.  A member of the Old Republic Title Group, Old Republic Title Agency is unique in that we are large enough to handle all of your real estate needs and yet small enough to provide an unsurpassed level of service.

Escrow Officers

Kelly Johnson-Escrow Officer/Branch Manager-with 18 years experience, Kelly has seen it all. Wraps, seller carry backs, double escrow, 1031 exchanges, short sales, commercial, refinance and resale transactions. Kelly is great with customers and extremely service orientated. Kelly can be emailed at KJohnson@ORTC.com

Mary McGovern-Escrow Officer-26 years of escrow and title experience.  Mary specializes in REO- (Real Estate Owned),1031 exchange, refinances, builder, short sale and resale transactions.  Mary is very knowledgeable and customer focused.  Mary can be emailed at MMcGovern@ORTC.com

Tara Cuberos-Escrow Officer-Tara started in escrow in escrow in 2002. Like most escrow officers, Tara learned from the ground up starting on the front desk answering phones.  Tara specializes in REO, Resale and Short Sale Transactions.  Tara can be emailed at TCuberos@ORTC.com

Stephen Garner-Sales Executive-Stephen is a sales person’s salesperson. Stephen has almost 10 years of sales and marketing experience in the title industry.  Stephen specializes in help Realtors and loan officers increase their business while cutting costs to maximize efficiency.  Stephen is a Social Media and Blogging fanatic.  If you have questions about implementing an online strategy using Facebook, Twitter, linkedin, and/or blogging, Stephen is your guy.  Stephen writes anonymously as “MyTitleGuy“.  His blog is an example that Stephen “practices what he preaches”. Stephen can be reached at 480-223-8113 or via email at MyTitleGuy@Me.com or www.MyTitleGuy.net

Old Republic Title Agency Gilbert, AZ

Old Republic Title Agency Gilbert, AZ

Old Republic Title Agency
1744 S. Val Vista Drive Suite 213
Office: 480-892-2306
Fax: 480-892-2680

For All Your Marketing, Escrow and Title Needs

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“MyTitleGuy” Has Moved To Old Republic Title Agency

Thursday, February 25th, 2010

I’m sure you have heard all about the accelerator problems some Toyota models are having where in select instances, the car accelerates out of control.  I knew about the gas pedal problems but I was not aware of a steering problem?

So, there I was driving my wife’s Toyota Sequoia  from “that other company” minding my own business expecting to head south on the 202 to my home in Chandler when all of a sudden, the truck headed north on the 202 then west on the 60, exited at Val Vista, and took me to Old Republic Title Agency!

OK, well that didn’t actually happen.

But this did: On Monday February 22nd 2010, I resigned from well, “that other company” for a sales executive position with Old Republic Title Agency.

2010 marks my 8th year in the title industry.  Before working for “that other company” I worked many years for LandAmerica Transnation Title Company in Gilbert.  Many of the former  Arizona administrative and executive teams are now running Old Republic Title Agency so in a way this is a home coming for me, a chance to work with some of the people that helped me over the years to get to my next level.  Its very exciting and strangely, not scary at all……changing title companies usually is.

Why Old Republic Title Agency?

In addition to the familiar faces, Old Republic Title delivers exceptional service from the beginning to the end of your transaction. At each stage of the process, highly skilled, experienced experts will assist you

Competency & Experience

Their standards are high. They recruit and hire people with the knowledge, ability, skills, and experience in the title industry. Whether state or regional counsel, title officers, title searchers, underwriters, or escrow officers…all their employees are dedicated to unsurpassed excellence. Old Republic Title has been in Arizona for over 40 years and is one of the largest title insurance groups in the United States.

Back in my old stomping ground

I’m Back! I will be working for one of Old Republic’s premier offices in Dana Park.  Located on the N.W. corner of Val Vista and Baseline roads in Mesa.

Old Republic Title Agency

Old Republic Title Agency
1744 S. Val Vista Drive Suite 213
Mesa, AZ 85204
Office 480-892-2306
Fax     480-892-2680

The branch manager is Kelly Johnson, Kelly and I opened Land Title Agency of Arizona  together in Gilbert.  Kelly is extremely customer focused and knowledgeable about all types of transactions. Short Sale, REO, Land, Carryback…resale.

I look forward to assisting you with your marketing, escrow and title needs.

Thank you,

Stephen “MyTitleGuy” Garner

For all your Marketing, Escrow and Tile Needs

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Old Republic Title Agency, Mesa Arizona

Saturday, February 6th, 2010

Looking for  title company in Mesa, Arizona?  Located on the N.W. corner of Val Vista and Baseline Roads  at 1744 S. Val Vista Drive in Mesa, Arizona,  Old Republic Title Agency is a member of the Old Republic Title Insurance Group.

Old Republic Title Agency and its underwriter Old Republic National Title Insurance Company,  “Old Republic” provides real estate transfer products and services for individuals, businesses and governments. Our services are highly comprehensive and flexible to respond to changing market environments and to ensure your transaction is settled according to the most current industry standards. We’re committed to expediting the timely close of your real estate transaction by underwriting and managing each transaction with the highest levels of technical skill, client services and professional integrity.

Old Republic Title Agency is a subsidiary of Old Republic International Corporation, a multi-lined insurance enterprise, which is one of America’s 50 largest shareholder-owned insurance businesses. The Old Republic Title Insurance Group of companies have been issuing title insurance and providing peace of mind to its customers for over a century. We offer residential and commercial title insurance products as well as a variety of other title insurance related services through a national network of branch offices, subsidiaries and over 2,000 independent policy-issuing agents.

Escrow Officers

Janice Kerwin-Branch Manager. Janice has worked for Old Republic Title Agency for 27 years. Her experience is unsurpassed in the industry.  Janice  specializes in Land and Lots, Splits, Subdivision creation, Builder, REO (Real Estate Owned), Short Sale, Resale, seller carrybacks and wraps.  rest assured, if you have an escrow or title question, Janice has the answer. Janice can be reached at the office or vie email at JKerwin@ORTC.com

Megan Connolly-Megan is a native of Arizona and has 9 years of escrow and title experience. Megan has an impeccable reputation in the industry for her customer service. Whether you are a first time home buyer or a savy investor you will feel at home with Megan.has 9 years of escrow and title experience. Megan loves the escrow experience and it shows. Megan can be reached at the office or via email MConnolly@ORTC.com

Missy Lindenmeier. Escrow officer. Missy has worked in the escrow and title industry since 1987.  Missy focuses on Resale, Relocation, REO and Short Sale transactions. Missy has worked at Old Republic Tite Agency for 12 years. Always eager to learn, Missy lives and breathes escrow. Missy can be reached at the office or via email at MissyL@ORTC.com

Stephen Garner-Sales Executive. Stephen is a sales person’s salesperson. Stephen has almost 10 years of sales and marketing experience in the title industry.  Stephen specializes in help Realtors and loan officers increase their business while cutting costs to maximize efficiency.  Stephen is a Social Media and Blogging fanatic.  If you have questions about implementing an online strategy using Facebook, Twitter, linkedin, and/or blogging, Stephen is your guy.  Stephen writes anonymously as “MyTitleGuy“.  His blog is an example that Stephen “practices what he preaches”. Stephen can be reached at 480-223-8113 or via email at MyTitleGuy@Me.com or www.MyTitleGuy.net

Old Republic Title Agency
1744 S. Val Vista Drive
Mesa, AZ 85204 Suite 213
Office: 480-892-2306
Fax: 480-892-5948

Need to open escrow or prefer an escrow be picked up? Please call our office or Stephen Garner at 480-223-8113

Old Republic Title Agency

Old Republic Title Agency

MyTitleGuy

For all your escrow and title needs

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Security Title Agency Tempe, Arizona

Saturday, February 6th, 2010

Looking for  title company in Tempe, Arizona?  Located at 3920 S. Rural Rd. in Tempe, Arizona  Security Title Agency is a member of Fidelity National Financial Group (FNF).

As a leader in the Metropolitan Phoenix real estate community, Security Title is uniquely positioned to offer our customers the very best and most complete service. As a subsidiary of Fidelity National Financial, we now enjoy the strength of our association with the largest family of title insurers in the world combined with the same local decision-making that has marked our success for nearly 30 years.

Our professional staff is widely recognized for the depth of knowledge and experience brought to each transaction. Our commitment to customer service is exemplified by our constant refrain: “Attitude is everything.” With 40 offices located throughout Maricopa County, Security Title is the premier choice in Arizona’s escrow and title insurance industry.

Beyond our continuing desire to take excellent care of our customers, we know the value of great service at a very competitive price. We are dedicated to earning your respect and having the opportunity to serve all of your future escrow and title insurance needs. We are committed to your satisfaction.

Security Title Agency

3920 S. Rural Road

Tempe, AZ 85282

Office (480) 752-3427

Manager Sharon Haley-Smith

Security Title Agency Tempe Arizona

To open escrow please call Stephen Garner at 480-223-8113 or email MyTitleGuy@Me.com

MyTitleGuy

MyTitleGuy

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Stephen Garner
Phone: 480-223-8113
Fax: 480-892-2680