Stephen Collins and Rusty Collins talk about Liens and Mortgages as well as the recent passing of Justice Antonin Scalia. Guest speaker Jonathan Collins weighed in on rebranding Land Title of America.
I started with my family’s title insurance business when I was in high school. I was the fax machine. I delivered documents back and forth on my bicycle. I continued working for my family after I went to college and got married. We used to have an office downtown on King Street back when the courthouse was where the Casa Monica is now. Trying to get out on King Street at five o’clock was a death wish. Everyone was leaving the courthouse and it was difficult to pull into traffic. For clients with late afternoon closings, I would have to drive their car out for them into the street, leave the car in the middle of traffic (it wasn’t moving anyway) and help the client across the street to his car and on his way.
One night in late December I was having a healthy discussion with my father about internal office procedures. We were in the closing room that fronted King Street, no curtains, after dark, the lights were on, and traffic was stopped outside. I tend to be a little sure of my ideas and felt very adamant that what I was trying to convey was imperative for Collins Title to implement. After trying to get me to understand his point of view, my father finally gave up and expressed his feelings by mooning me. Needless to say, I saw where he was coming from and we ceased the discussion.
I’ve seen a lot of crazy things over the years in the real estate industry, thus I have a story for every situation—some are more light-hearted than others. Enjoy the good times, and take advantage of experience.
Cost. Service. Accountability. That is the holy trinity of reasons why you should care who issues your title insurance policy.
Cost – Normally local title companies will charge you less. Look local when you are looking for the best value for the best price.
Service – A local title company can be there to answer your questions when challenges or trials arise. You’re not at arm’s length of the Internet or on the other side of a 1-800 number.
Accountability – A local title company is going to see you at the church or school function, shopping at Wal-Mart, or enjoying the fair downtown. When we review your closing documents with you, we’re going to make sure you understand them. We’re not going to be able to close the deal, shake your hand and drive back to Tampa knowing we’ll never see you again.
In our close-knit community, who matters a lot, especially when it comes to cost, service, and accountability.
