Camelot Title Agency Becomes One of First to be Open 7-Days-a-Week

January 25, 2006

WOODBRIDGE, N.J. -- (BUSINESS WIRE) -- With demands for instant access to information and services increasing at every level of the real estate transaction process, Camelot Title Agency announced today that it is now open seven-days-a-week, with extended weekday hours.

The move positions Camelot Title as one of the only independent title agencies in the nation with published weekend hours of operation. It also highlights the ongoing trend within the real estate transaction process for quicker access to information.

Camelot Title Agency is one of the fastest growing providers of residential and commercial title insurance products and services in the Tri-State area. The company markets its services to realtors, brokers, lenders and attorneys in New Jersey, Eastern Pennsylvania, and Southeastern New York State. Title insurance protects those who purchase real estate from encumbrances, such as liens or contested divorce settlements.

"Whether buying a home for the first time, refinancing or purchasing commercial property, in pursuit of the American dream, the title insurance agency should be a facilitator not an obstacle," said Robert Sebia, president and COO of Camelot Title. "Because we are open daily, when our clients need us, we can make certain that the title process doesn't stand in the way of today's real estate transaction process."

Camelot Title extended their hours in part due to an independent survey conducted to uncover the needs and concerns of realtors, brokers, attorneys and lenders involved in the real estate transaction process. The top areas of greatest importance for those surveyed included: 1) availability and location; 2) flexible services; 3) knowledge of the title company staff; 4) timely order verification; 4) provision of accurate information; and 5) high quality service.

Sebia estimates that the average length of time it takes to complete a standard title search is between 5 to 7 days. "We find that our attorney and lender clients are often ready to help their clients complete a transaction for a desired property in 24 to 48 hours," said Sebia. "Using a traditional title agency model, that means people have to wait on that one step. We know the title agency can't operate on a 9 to 5, Monday - Friday model any longer; we simply must do better to meet the needs of our clients."

Title insurance is a critical, but often little understood facet of the real estate transaction process. When titles to property are not thoroughly or accurately researched, it can cost potential buyers considerable time, money, and aggravation. For example, if there is a forgery, defective deed, lien on a property or a contested divorce, the transaction could be voided, which could result in a loss of property. In addition, the protection offered by title insurance is of vital importance to consumers, realtors, brokers and attorneys involved in real estate transactions.

"The real estate transaction often becomes bogged down when it comes to the title and settlement process," said Nancy Malool, an attorney from Scotch Plains, NJ. "That often creates challenges for those of us on the frontline trying to meet the needs of our customers. The buyers are ready to move, the attorneys are ready to move, but the title search just isn't done. We are delighted that finally a title agency has recognized that one of the best ways to help the real estate industry - and to meet today's needs - is to expand hours and speed up the entire real estate transaction process."

Source: Camelot Title Agency, LLC


Contact ALTA at 202-296-3671 or communications@alta.org.