In The News…
Chicago Business Journal 2024 Women of Influence Honorees
Congratulations to the 2024 Chicago Business Journal Women of Influence Honorees. Special recognition to our very own, Kathy J. Kwak on being named this year. Such wonderful stories and tips from each honoree about leadership within their industries.
Proper Title opens downtown Valparaiso office
Chicago-based Proper Title has expanded further into Northwest Indiana with a downtown Valparaiso office. “As we gained more market share in the Region, we realized we needed a presence in Valparaiso to be close to our expanding client base,” said David Zawadzki, executive vice president of business development at Proper Title, in a press release. “Offering conveniently located, modern spaces ensures our closings go smoothly and efficiently, and investing in our office space has proven to be as successful in Indiana as it has been in Illinois.”
Tune-in to the podcast ‘Freakonomics’ as we discuss Title insurance
Almost everyone who buys a home spends thousands of dollars on title insurance. Most of them don’t understand it, and almost none of them use it. So why does it exist? Zachary Crockett interviews Proper Title’s very own, Kathy Kwak and closes the deal.
How construction escrow helps keep payments safe from cybercrime
These types of accounts help contractors, lenders and suppliers protect funds from online fraud while keeping a project on schedule, writes title expert Michael Stump.
Five steps to selling your late parents’ home
How to handle the logistical and emotional challenges - plus how to sell their home when they’re still alive. Even in the best of circumstances, selling a home is typically several months of prolonged stress. But selling a late parent’s home — a transaction potentially fraught with grief, financial urgency and family drama? That takes the difficulties to a whole other level.
Weekend Interview: Proper Title's Kathy Kwak On The Resilience Of The Title Industry
“This series goes deep with some of the most compelling figures in commercial real estate: the deal-makers, the game-changers, the city-shapers and the larger-than-life personalities that keep CRE interesting.
“Title insurance isn't one of real estate's glamour niches, but its place at the foundation of a deal is as important as a building's physical foundation, according to Proper Title Chief Operating Officer Kathy Kwak.”
Women’s History Month: Notable women in CRE
“Every transaction is different; I learn something new with every single deal. I also love our team. We have built a dedicated commercial and construction escrow team at Proper Title, with the best talent in the business. They teach me new things all the time. We trust one another and truly enjoy working together.”
Proper Title Expands National Commercial Services Division
Proper Title is positioned for National Commercial growth. To support the new division, Charity Murow was promoted from senior underwriting counsel to director of underwriting and compliance. Proper Title also welcomed Cullen Marshall as national commercial underwriting counsel and Dolores Saavedra as senior national construction escrow manager.
Proper Title, LLC, celebrates 10th anniversary, fast rise as one of Illinois’ largest title insurance agencies
Proper Title launched in 2013 with two offices in the Chicagoland area. Since then, we are proud to say we are one of the fastest growing title insurance agencies in the midwest and have expanded to 14 closing offices throughout metropolitan Chicago and Northwest Indiana.
Photo ©Built: The Bluebeam Blog
One Way to Keep Contractors Safe from Cybercrime: Construction Escrow Services
Construction has increasingly become a target for cybercriminals; one way to thwart these malicious efforts is to funnel funds through a third party - a title company with construction escrow services.
Photo ©Christa Boaz/Getty Images
Seller Impersonation Fraud
Real estate transactions have been a prime target of cybercrime over the past decade, and fraudsters continue to evolve to avoid detection. The most recent uptick of cybercrime has been, Seller Impersonation Fraud. David Zawadzki vice president of business development with Proper Title discussed with Business Insider on how this new scheme has been affecting buyers, sellers and real estate professionals across the country.
Photo ©Chicago Agent Magazine
An open dialogue at The Chicago Association of Realtors DEI event
Imagine inheriting a beautiful house — that’s falling apart inside. It has ruptures and diagonal cracks, groaning floors and rotting wood. It’s up to you to fix it, though. This idea was the crux of the opening presentation at Chicago Association of REALTORS®’ (CAR) 360° Summit. The annual diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) event was held on June 22, 2023 at Venue West. Proper Title’s COO, Kathy J. Kwak participated in a collaborative open conversation entitled, Brave Spaces.
The Risk/Reward of ChatGPT
ChatGPT has become a hot topic in the title and real estate industry. While many see the benefits of the artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot, others raise concern over the drawbacks. Sabrina Bier, director of digital media and education with Proper Title discusses the risk and reward of ChatGPT with, The American Land Title Association.
WGN RAdio Interview with Dick Bales
Team Proper Title celebrated a big win for our talented colleague and friend, The Godfather of Title, Mr. Dick Bales. Listen to Dick's interview with WGN Radio on the show, After Hours with Rick Kogan about Bales' second book, The Short Writings of Nelson Algren. Dick Bales writes in great detail and clarity about the American author, Nelson Algren and his work of short stories. To quote Bales, "This book is a result of a hobby turned into what I call a marvelous obsession". As with all things Dick Bales, this interview is engaging and informative, please give the interview a listen and you will learn something new and be inspired. Congratulations, Dick!
5 Ways Real Estate Attorneys Can Get More Business This Year
Proper Title's Kathy J. Kwak and Sabrina Bier share an insider’s perspective with Attorney at Work about the dynamics between real estate attorneys and brokers. Read the full article for 5 tips on what real estate attorneys can do now to retain clients and cultivate new relationships in 2023.
Kathy J. Kwak awarded Connect CRE 2022 Lawyers in Real Estate Award
Connect CRE’s 2022 Chicago & Midwest Lawyers in Real Estate Award celebrates real estate attorneys who have distinguished themselves in their practice and the larger community.
Love of learning paves The path to COO for Kathy J. Kwak
With 18 years in the industry including as a real estate attorney on the buy, sell and contractual side of transactions, as an underwriter and in title operations, Kathy Kwak imagined she might be named chief operating officer of a title company “someday.” That day came much sooner than she anticipated.
Proper Title Named 2022 Chicago Tribune Top Workplace
Thank you to our employees for voting Proper Title a Chicago Tribune Top Workplace. We are grateful to our team for creating and upholding the unique culture that is Proper Title. As Proper Title embarks on our 10 year anniversary in 2023, we are beyond proud to be one of the fastest growing title agencies in the region. We are grateful to grow and work with our customers by offering them the most experienced and dedicated team in the title industry.
The Chicago Tribune Top Workplaces list is based solely on employee feedback gathered through a third-party survey administered by Energage, LLC. The survey is conducted anonymously and measures key drivers of engaged company cultures.
What Is a Property Title Search? Why It Matters for Buyers and Sellers
While it may seem straightforward that a home seller owns his house, there could be hidden claims or liens on the property the homeowners themselves may be unaware of, making a title search essential for both buyers and sellers. Here’s a rundown on everything you need to know about a property title search.
Proper Title makes new hires in Chicagoland and northwest Indiana
Proper Title opened its first offices outside of Illinois this year, in Schererville and Valparaiso, and the news of three new hires represents regional expansion. The company announced that Julie Cwik, Jan O’Hara and Kristi Greer will all be joining the firm as senior underwriting counsel, escrow manager and processor, respectively. Cwik will operate out of Chicagoland while O’hara and Greer are based in northwest Indiana.
Top 5 tips for preventing wire fraud in commercial real estate
Cybersecurity is unfortunately a reality for all parties involved in a real estate transaction. Hackers have become more and more sophisticated and it's our goal to collaborate with our business partners and protect all our clients. Kim O'Donnell, Vice President of Business Development with Proper Title shares 5 quick tips that Proper Title uses to stay safe against wire fraud in commercial (and residential) real estate.
Is your commercial real estate business ready to get social?
Check out this article by National Association of REALTORS® who taps into the social selling tips of Sabrina Bier, Director of Digital Media + Education with Proper Title, LLC. This quick read offers great tips and insight on how Commercial real estate and social media do mix.
Commercial real estate Future Leaders: Michael Stump of Proper Title
With an eye toward growing its commercial title services team, Proper Title, one of Illinois’ largest title insurance agencies, hired Michael Stump in March 2021 as Assistant Vice President of Commercial Business Development. In less than a decade after graduating college, Stump has built a reputation for efficiency in processing the most complex commercial real estate transactions both locally and nationally.
Fast-Growing Proper Title Insurance Agency Expands into McHenry County with New Office in Crystal LakE
“Even amid the pandemic, we’ve had an incredible growth trajectory that has seen us nearly double our total number of locations since the start of 2020,” said Kathy Kwak, chief operating officer of Proper Title.
Image ©Getty Images
What Does a Title Company Do? A Guide for First-Time Homebuyers
If you’ve recently gone under contract to buy a home, you’ve probably been told by your real estate agent to find a title company. In that case, you may be wondering what does a title company do? And what is a “title,” anyway?
Proper Title Insurance Agency Expands to Schererville
“The opening of this office is a great way to continue the momentum we have coming off a record-setting 2021 where our residential closings were up 41% over 2020 and our commercial closings were up 121%,” said Kathy Kwak, chief operating officer of Proper Title. “Our parent company, @properties, expanded into Indiana in 2021, and the opening of our new Schererville office keeps us in step with them and helps us more conveniently service the homebuyers, sellers and industry professionals in this region.”
Title Search: Your Ticket to Finding Liens on Your Property
Charity Murow, Senior Underwriting Counsel with Proper Title says that while homeowners may find it convenient to search an online portal, “there’s obviously no assurance that it’s a proper chain of title.” Online public records aren’t always as up to date as the databases that title companies can access. Citing the pandemic, Murow points out that “a lot of recorder’s offices were closed for a while, so there was a very large lag in recording.”.
What will 2022 bring for the real estate industry?
Experts across the country weigh in, including Proper Title's executive vice president of business development, Brent Fielder.
‘Be proactively available to listen and value each person.’
Proper Title’s COO, Kathy Kwak met with The Daily Herald and touched on topics ranging from hybrid closings and managerial tips to dance and international travel. Meet the leadership behind Proper Title and read the full Q&A!
Proper Title adds six new hires to growing Chicago-area team
Proper Title has announced the expansion of its commercial and residential title services through six strategic hires including, Michael J. Stump, Michele Clement, Charity Murow, Gary Irwin, Adrienne Sutton, and Cheryl Nutley.
Clubhouse: A New Powerful Real Estate Hub?
Learn more as Sabrina Bier, Director of Digital Media + Education with Proper Title discusses with Bisnow about opportunities that await real estate professionals on Clubhouse.
Proper Title Awarded Forbes America’s Best Startup Employers of 2021
Forbes partnered with market research company Statista to identify the up-and-coming companies liked best by their employees in our second-annual ranking of America’s best startup employers. The list was compiled by evaluating 2,500 American businesses with at least 50 employees on three criteria: employer reputation, employee satisfaction and growth.
Proper Title ranked 362 out of 500 companies named to the list, with over 2,500 companies considered throughout the nation.
Proper Title promotes Sabrina Bier to director of digital media
Proper Title has promoted Sabrina Bier to director of digital media and education. In this newly created role, Bier will create strategic networking opportunities for real estate professionals, moderate and facilitate the programming and content for educational seminars, and utilize digital media to collaborate, connect and educate the real estate industry. She will also manage employee education initiatives.
Proper Title Named Fidelity #1 Issuing Agent in Illinois for 2020
Proper Title is ecstatic to announce that Proper Title was named Fidelity’s 2020 #1 Issuing Agent in Illinois. We are grateful for the loyalty of our clients and the dedication and expertise of our staff.
RISMedia’s Newsmakers: Celebrating the Industry’s Luminaries and Trailblazers
Congratulations Kathy J. Kwak
RISMedia recently announced the RISMedia 2021 Real Estate Newsmakers, individuals who made news in 2020 for their positive contributions to the industry. Leaders who helped their fellow industry professionals navigate a whole new world of challenges in the world of real estate, focusing on training and technology to quickly adapt.
Congratulations to Proper Title’s Kathy J. Kwak, chosen as in the Luminaries category — who are founders, CEOs and executives who’ve built and grown their companies to enormous successes. You’ll recognize these leaders as those who’ve dedicated their lives to the betterment of their companies, agents, the real estate industry and all those it serves.
forbearance: Not an entirely new concept
Forbearances aren’t an entirely new concept. During the Great Recession, lenders commonly worked with delinquent borrowers to enter into these agreements. The lender would agree to postpone the filing of mortgage foreclosure proceedings, thereby giving the homeowner a chance to bring their mortgage payments up to date.
The process became formalized during the coronavirus pandemic. With millions of Americans losing jobs and incomes, and many unable to keep up with their mortgages, Congress passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, which allows homeowners to ask for forbearance on federally backed mortgages for up to a year.
Is forbearance an option for your client? What are the risks and rewards?
How the COVID-19 Pandemic Has Forever Changed the Process of Selling a House
In normal circumstances, selling a house involves interacting with a lot of people. In-person house tours, roundtable closings, and handshakes are all standard formalities.
But in a world rocked by the COVID-19 pandemic, safety and social distancing are a must, and real estate professionals and sellers have had to adapt to a new way of doing business. That means altering how they approach open houses, closings, and even personal greetings.
Mrs. O’Leary and her Cow are Innocent!
Mrs. O'Leary and her cow are innocent! Proper Title's very own, Dick Bales, a lawyer by trade and historian by passion has contributed to clear Mrs. O'Leary's (and her cow's) name in a new book and a WTTW-Ch 11 program airing October 9th at 8pm about the Great Chicago Fire.
Proper Title opens Naperville office
Proper Title a full-service title insurance firm serving the commercial and residential real estate industry throughout the Chicagoland area, has announced the opening of a new office at 552 S. Washington Street, in Naperville, Illinois.
Proper Title hires industry veteran Dick Bales as senior underwriting consultant & counsel
Dick’s expertise will help strengthen our attorney-agent client relationships, especially as we grow our business into new Chicago suburban markets.
@/The Market: How Closings Are Happening Now
The closing process has undergone big changes as a result of COVID-19, . Kathy Kwak of Proper Title discuss how closings are happening now, from more efficient in-person and curbside closings, practiced with careful social distancing, to power of attorney options in which buyers don’t attend the closing at all.
Proper Title promotes Kathy Kwak to operations VP
Proper Title has promoted Kathy Kwak to executive vice president of operations and counsel. Kwak will be responsible for managing Proper Title’s processing, closing and overall operations.
#GoodDeeds: Proper Giving
Proper Title’s charitable arm, Proper Giving, sponsored the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago ‘Move for Kids’ annual walk. This year, due to Covid-19, the walk was held virtually. Many of our Proper Title staff walked with their families for a great cause.
@home Blog, @properties
Closings Go Curbside: How Proper Title is Making Closings Happen
The closing date represents the finish line for a real estate transaction. It’s a day when, traditionally, all parties involved join together at the closing table and complete the necessary paperwork before the buyer receives the keys to their new home. But what happens when you throw the COVID-19 pandemic and social distancing into the mix?
How the coronavirus is forcing Chicago real estate pros to think outside the box
From curbside closing to e-recorded deeds, the homebuying process looks a lot different these days.
Read More Here
Forbes Magazine
From Curb Service To Porch Signings, Title Companies Get Creative With Social Distancing Options For Closings
As the impact of the coronavirus pandemic continues to turn the real estate market on its head, curbside and remote mortgage closings have become a logical extension of signing loan documents and distributing money at the office of a title company or escrow office. Title companies are adjusting to new protocols to ensure safe closings.
How title companies are hedging bets and keeping closings on track
Proper Title's, Kathy Kwak discusses with, Chicago Agent Magazine the pre-and post-COVID closing world.
Curbside closings are a thing now in real estate
In the first week of the new normal, title companies, agents and attorneys had to devise ways to complete home sales and try to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Proper Title got creative, read more here, pdf or if you have a Crain’s subscription link here.
Proper Title is Awarded 2020 Crain’s Best Places To Work - 2nd Year In a Row!
Proper Title is one of the top 100 companies to work for in Chicago for the 2nd consecutive year!
Veteran title insurance executive Katy Thomas joins Proper Title, LLC
Proper Title, LLC has hired Katy Thomas, a 30-year veteran of the title insurance and real estate industries, as director of business development – Chicago…
Proper Title expands with new Park Ridge office
The new Park Ridge office offers 3,500 square feet and five closing rooms to accommodate a steady stream of residential and commercial closings…
When your clients say yes to mortgage, but no to marriage
Nontraditional couples have been going in on big purchases together forever. But the trend of unmarried duos going in on a property purchase together is a rapidly growing trend.
CHICAGO'S 100 BEST PLACES TO WORK IN 2019
We asked more than 26,000 Chicago-area employees about their companies to find the top 100 to work for, and over 14,000 responded. Though the top 100 companies all received overwhelmingly positive reviews from their employees, each has its own definition of what it means to be a great place to work. Here's how they ranked and what they offer.
Proper Title gains community, industry recognition
Proper Title, LLC. recently was named one of Chicago’s “Best Places to Work” by Crain’s Chicago Business. The company also received the “Excellence in Action” award from Fidelity National Title Group, Inc.