TheMReport — News and strategies for the evolving mortgage marketplace.
Issue link: http://digital.themreport.com/i/673567
36 | TH E M R EP O RT T I TLE AND ESCROW G U I DE Special Advertising Section First Financial Title Agency of Minnesota, Inc. Corpor ate profile First Financial Title Agency of Minnesota, Inc. is a full-service title and abstracting company affili- ated with the law firm of Shapiro & Zielke, LLP. It provides a complement of title search, insurance, and closing services for clients. The company was founded in 1989 by Gerald Shapiro and has been headed by current president Lawrence P. Zielke since January 2006. Since then, the company has grown into a dynamic team of title attorneys, clos - ers, abstracters, examiners, and team members that excel in delivering quality title service. First Financial Title Agency's underwriters include Chicago Title, Fidelity, and First American. Business lines, serviCes, and produCts • Escrow and closing services • Title and abstract services • Title insurance • Name, assessment, and plat drawing searches • Deed-in-lieu • O & E Reports Competitive advantage First Financial Title Agency has specialized in REO transactions for 27 years. In addition to the com- pany's experienced and trained closers, examiners, and abstracters, First Financial Title Agency has ac- cess to nine of the most experienced and capable default servicing attorneys in Minnesota through its affiliation with the default servicing firm of Shapiro & Zielke. The teamwork and side by side representation of GSEs and all of the major mortgage servicers has created a dynamic partnership in "cradle-to-grave" representation from Shapiro & Zielke and First Financial Title Agency. First Financial Title Agency has a successful "title curative" process that is best in class, which in turn complements our experi - enced and results-driven closers. industry awards, aCColades, and milestones First Financial Title Agency has partnered with Shapiro & Zielke the past 10 years in its annual "White Christmas" fund raiser for local charities. Together, First Financial Title Agency and Shapiro & Zielke have donated $67,000 over the past nine years to a local nonprofit "360 Communities" in Burnsville, Minnesota. The proceeds have been utilized to support the local food shelf, a local wom - en's and children's shelter, and a "school success" program aimed at intervention for at-risk youth. goals and str ategies for the Coming year First Financial Title Agency's goal for 2016 is to continue to provide the best possible REO title service, in addition to growth and expansion into traditional non-default real estate transactions. First Financial Title Agency has upgraded its software and technology to be paperless and better integrated with cutting-edge technologies. Additionally, First Financial Title Agency has also completed its production of the "Seven Pillars" of the "Best Practices" manual and is certified by an independent CPA firm of its compliance. additional info First Financial Title Agency is a member of the Better Business Bureau, Minneapolis Area Association of Realtors, Minnesota Land Title Association, American Land Title Association, Five Star Title and Closing Coalition, the Burnsville Chamber of Commerce, and the Lakeville Area Chamber of Commerce. testimonial "I have been working with First Financial Title Agency for seven years. I've had nothing but good experiences working with First Financial Title Agency. I recommend them to all of my colleagues and clients. When a problem arises they handle the situation and do everything they can to get the property closed in a timely manner. Their professionalism is unmatched in the REO World of Minnesota." —Karissa White, Realtor, RE/MAX Advantage Plus KEY PERSONNEL Melissa Schwan Closing Manager Tracy Halliday Attorney/Examiner Wayne Rotzien Abstracting Manager Lawrence P. Zielke President Diane Mach VP Ali Hopper Business Development Associate STAFFING 25 employees CONTACT INFORMATION 12550 W. Frontage Road, Suite 200 Burnsville, Minnesota 55337 Phone: 952.831.5010 Web: FirstFinancialTitleAgency.com