Counsellors Title Agency brings over 75 years of title searching, title insurance and paralegal experience to every property transaction. Some of CTA’s services include more than title insurance, property title searches, on and off site closings and escrow services.
1. Counsellors Title Agency, Inc.
PROVEN • TRUSTED • EFFICIENT • PROFFESIONAL: SINCE 1996
TITLE INSURANCE, TITLE SEARCH AND
SETTLEMENT SERVICES FOR PURCHASES
& REFINANCE TRANSACTIONS
504 Hooper Ave. 930 No. Wood Avenue
Toms River, NJ 08753 Linden, NJ 07036
Phone: 732-914-1400 Phone: 908-486-6000
Fax: 732-914-8898 Fax: 908-486-6111
www.counsellorstitle.com www.counsellorstitle.com
2. COUNSELLORS Welcome to Counsellors Title Agency,
TITLE AGENCY
is one of New Jersey’s most I founded Counsellors Title Agency in 1996, and over the course
respected title insurance of time we have witnessed some very significant historical events
agencies.
and changes in value and assets. What has
remained the same throughout is the importance
We have provided of real estate assets. Values fluctuate, but the
security and guarantee of a protected property title
our clients and customers
has never changed.
with a complete range
of title search and Since some titles in the State of New Jersey date
title insurance services back to 1683, knowledge of the title records
within the counties hinges upon the experience
and products, in addition
of the agency performing the search and the
to offering personalized insurance carrier that provides the protection.
settlement services
since 1996. Not all insurance companies are equal, as we have witnessed over
the last few years. Insurance is only as strong as the company
We offer a full range of behind the policy. Old Republic National has had the highest
resources, including online industry rank from the rating agencies since 1992. When it comes
to title insurance, coverage provided by the strongest carrier is
calculators and estimating
paramount to the protection of the asset. We are an exclusive agent
functions. We also offer for Old Republic Title Insurance Group, which is 103 years old.
a free library of documentation Security, credibility and sustainability define our standard of service
to assist our clients with to purchasers, borrowers and their lenders and will continue to
do so for decades to come.
their property transactions.
Ralph Aponte Ralph Aponte
President
Founder, President
Counsellors Title Agency, Inc.
Counsellors Title Agency, Inc.
3. Professional Goals and Values
COUNSELLORS TITLE SPEEDY TURNAROUND
AGENCY EXCLUSIVELY ROCK-SOLID TITLE SEARCHING
REPRESENTS
ONLINE QUOTES & ESTIMATES
OLD REPUBLIC,
WHICH IS THE METICULOUS ATTENTION TO DETAIL
NATION’S HIGHEST INSURANCE FROM #1 RATED U.S. CARRIER
RANKED TITLE 24/7 SETTLEMENT SERVICES
INSURANCE COMPANY.
COURTEOUS
Today, real estate professionals understand that one size doesn’t
fit all. Customer service, expertise and technology have leveled the
playing field. Yet in the real world of real estate and business, one
thing never changes, and that’s all business is personal, and the
persons who treat others with respect and professionalism always
get the best results.
Counsellors Title is all about the people, the property titles and the
professional wisdom necessary to keep every transaction on track to
its final destination: the closing.
CTA achieves this through its combination of competence and
enthusiasm for each and every settlement. The strength of CTA is
born out of its senior team members, who possess over a century of
combined experience in the title, search and settlement business. In
addition to being experts, CTA’s team has established solid business
relationships through which the clients benefit.
Every transaction is significant, unique and requires individual
attention to hundreds of details.
That is our business, and that is what we promise to deliver: from
online electronic notification to documentation and confirmation.
4. Property Title Starts in the Past
THE COST FOR The value of Counsellors Title for the buyer of real estate comes
TITLE INSURANCE directly in the form of CTA’s years of experience and knowledge
IN THE STATE working and understanding the elements and nuances affecting
OF NEW JERSEY property title.
IS FIXED…
THE FINANCIAL In order to determine the status of the title, Counsellors Title
STRENGTH OF THE conducts an extensive and diligent search of the public records
INSURING COMPANY for information associated and connected with the property.
ISN’T!
Counsellors Title examines the documents on record affecting the
property; it will determine if there are any rights or claims that
may have an impact upon the title to the property. Such a search
may reveal the existence
of recorded“defects,”
CHAIN OF TITLE:
liens or encumbrances
Before a title policy is issued, a chain of title is researched.
upon the title, including
The chain of title is the sequence of historical transfers of
unpaid taxes, unsatisfied
title to a property running from the present owner back
mortgages, judgments
to the original owner of the property. Often this calls for
a reconstruction of the chain of title before a title can be
and tax liens against the
deemed “clear.” Various registration systems have evolved to current or past owners,
track the ownership of individual pieces of real property. In easements, restrictions, liens,
the United States real estate transactions are protected when encumbrances and court
insurance companies issue title insurance based upon the actions.
chain of title to the property. The title search is conducted
with each transaction involving the rights attached to a These are defined as “recorded
property. This inquiry can provide valuable information defects,” and as such are
affecting the ownership of the property rights associated reported to the purchaser and
with the specific property tract. lender prior to your purchase
of the property. Once reported,
these matters can be accepted, resolved or extinguished prior to the
completion of the transaction. In addition, the title policy protects
against any loss or damage resulting from recorded defects, liens or
encumbrances upon the title that are unreported to you and which
are within the scope of coverage of the particular policy issued in
the transaction.
5. The Importance of Title Insurance
TITLE INSURANCE According to the Government Accounting Office (GAO) report
protects against defects published in 2007, there is now documented proof demonstrating
the significant role that title insurance plays in maintaining a safe
and hidden risks,
and secure real estate market by covering events in the past, not
including defending against the future. Another feature is that the premium is a one-time fee.
any lawsuit attacking your Did you know that because of the title insurance industry…
title as insured, and will • Americans close their loans faster than any other country –
either clear up 30 days on average.
title problems or pay the • The title industry collects $1.75 billion in back income
taxes annually.
insured’s losses.
• The title industry collects $3 billion per year in delinquent real
For a one-time premium, estate taxes.
an owner’s title insurance • The title industry collects $325 million per year in delinquent
policy remains in effect as long
child support.
as you, or your heirs, retain
• The title industry is an important source of revenue for local
governments, paying $170 million per year to purchase copies
an interest in the property.
of recorded documents.
One premium protects
• Title insurance gives people confidence to purchase property
you forever. anywhere in the country because their insurance covers fraud
Ralph Aponte President , CTA and title defects.
• Mortgage lenders are more willing to lend because ownership
by the borrower is guaranteed.
One of the areas of expertise which CTA
Tidelands provides its clients is its knowledge of
Claim Search title issue involving tidelands. The State
of New Jersey claims ownership of all
lands which are currently or formerly subject to the flow of the tide
within its boundaries. Since much of New Jersey borders tidelands,
title to such property is affected by issues of erosion, accretion,
storm damage and other natural events. The only way you acquire
ownership of these said tidelands is through the purchase of a
riparian grant from the state of New Jersey. Tideland claims are the
largest source of loss of title underwriters. If you are purchasing
a waterfront property, let CTA insure you for title peace of mind.
6. ASAP:
Attorney Settlement Assistance Program
CLOSING SERVICES FOR ATTORNEYS
Counsellors Title Agency understands the demands that real estate
transactions can place on attorneys’ already hectic schedule.
That is why the Attorney Settlement Assistance Program [ASAP]
was created.
This program was designed with YOU, the Attorney, and your
needs in mind.
Our Real Estate Secretarial Services are able to assist you in every
aspect of the sale, purchase, refinance or loan closing process.
We will directly communicate with all the parties involved in the
transaction and coordinate and obtain all the items necessary to
bring the matter to closing.
Our ASAP services can be individually customized to fit your needs.
These services include:
• Documentation Preparation
• Disbursement of Funds
• Attendance at Closing
• HUD Preparation or
• Post-Closing Matters
These are just some of the many services that we can provide
to you.
Let us take the burden of Today’s Real Estate Transaction off
of your shoulders.
Our goal is to provide you and your clients with a smooth,
stress-free closing process.
For more information about the attorney services provided by
Counsellors Title please call our home office: 732-914-1400 or
email us at info@counsellorstitle.com
7. Counsellors Title Agency, Inc.
Counsellors Title Agency [CTA] is one of the most respected and
experienced privately owned title insurance companies in the State
of New Jersey. Centrally based in Toms River, New Jersey, with
offices also in Linden, CTA provides our clients with a complete
range of title, search and closing services. We bring years of hands-
on experience to every aspect of the business, and conduct business
with a level of professionalism which is hard to come by. Our
research is conducted with a careful attention to detail, with a
17-point checklist to guard against title defects by covering every
aspect of the title search process.
Call Counsellors Title Agency
If you have any questions regarding title insurance coverage, please
call Ralph Aponte at Counsellors Title Agency. We are here to help
protect the title of your property.
COUNSELLORS TITLE AGENCY, INC.
504 Hooper Avenue 930 No. Wood Avenue
Toms River, NJ 08753 Linden, NJ 07036
Phone: 732-914-1400 Phone: 908-486-6000
Fax: 732-914-8898 Fax: 908-486-6111
Ralph@counsellorstitle.com www.counsellorstitle.com
8. Counsellors Title Agency, Inc.
504 Hooper Ave. 930 No. Wood Avenue
Toms River, NJ 08753 Linden, NJ 07036
Phone: 732-914-1400 Phone: 908-486-6000
Fax: 732-914-8898 Fax: 908-486-6111
www.counsellorstitle.com www.counsellorstitle.com