Vendor Spotlight: Metropolitan Title of Indiana, LLC
Jeff Klaehn, Commercial Manager with Metropolitan Title of Indiana tells ICBR about his company and why they belong to Indiana’s commercial board.
ICBR: Why did your company become a member of ICBR?
Klaehn: Metropolitan Title became a member of ICBR to support the commercial brokerage community by participating in the organization as sponsor and an attendee of their seminars.
ICBR: What is the biggest misconception about what you do?
Klaehn: The biggest misconception about what we do is the amount of research that needs to be done in order to prepare a title insurance commitment. We have to research back to the late 1800’s to ensure all easements of record are included in our title commitment. Some searches are easy but some are complicated. Both require more time than people understand;
ICBR: How did you get involved with your industry?
Klaehn: I got my start in the title industry in 1981 as an abstractor, researching the records at the recorder’s and County Clerk’s offices. From there I moved through the various departments with different companies and moved into the commercial side of the industry;
ICBR: Do you have any mentors? If so, who? How has he/she inspired you?
Klaehn: I have had several mentors who invested their time and talent in me. Attorneys, brokers and fellow competitors in the title industry.
ICBR: What is the weirdest question someone has ever asked you about your company or what you do?
Klaehn: Someone wanted to know if I could create a car title for them. Not process a title but create a title for a particular car that wasn’t his.
ICBR: Most recent accomplishment?
Klaehn: My most recent accomplishment would be continuing to provide the best service possible to our clients, to be forward thinking, staying ahead of the curve to ensure a positive, accurate closing process.
ICBR: Designations/Awards/Recognition you have received?
Klaehn: I’ve never chased recognition in the title industry but admire all of the different designations the Commercial Broker has at his disposal. I’ll be completing my 36th year in the title industry and have seen many changes in the industry. Most notably the move from Abstracts to Title insurance as well as the technological advances during this time. By continuing to be at the forefront of the transaction, anticipating the client’s needs, maintaining my continuing education requirements, and teaching fellow employees, clients, even buyers and sellers, about the dynamics of the commercial transaction, the recognition I receive is the next order from my clients.
ICBR: Anything to add?
Klaehn: Metropolitan Title Company is uniquely positioned to be Indiana’s Title Company. Through our relationship with our underwriters and search vendors we are able to handle any transaction for real estate in every county in Indiana.