We will protect your privacy, earn your trust, and leverage technology to provide a smooth, easy, and at times fun real estate purchase or refinancing experience.
We focus on solutions to protect your property rights and understand that time is of the essence.
Our goal is to be proactive when faced with obstacles or scenarios that are uncommon in the industry.
The Story:
Founder William J Thompson Jr aka Billtitlepro Thompson got started in the real estate industry as a Realtor at Coldwell Banker Elite. While adjusting to new career path, he took notice that multiple times a week, a gentlemen came to the office providing food and did training. He boldly asked this man what his role in the process is and the reply was I am your title agent. The lightbulb came on and a new path was forged in the title insurance industry in his home state of New Jersey.
In 2009, Billtitlepro Thompson's journey took him across the river into Pennsylvania in search of love and opportunity to further his career by getting licensed in PA. 8 Years later he made a move that required additional education leading to a license in Florida.
After nearly 2 decades working for other entrepreneurs, he drew on inspiration from Christina Holben, who tragically passed at the age of 40, and his encouraging wife Angela Thompson to form ACT Settlement Services, LLC.
With massive support from family, friends, and all my real estate partners in the community, the business has gotten the attention of Investment Title LLC which now offers much needed support to this mom and pop shop!
For more about the journey, you are encouraged to setup a one to one meeting with the founder by emailing [email protected]
ACT Settlement Services distinguishes itself from other title agencies through several key attributes:
Client-Centric Approach: As a family-run business, ACT prioritizes client education and personalized service, ensuring clients are well-informed throughout the process. actsettlements.com
Comprehensive Services: They handle a wide range of real estate transactions, from simple lot purchases to complex multi-million dollar commercial properties. actsettlements.com
Positive Client Feedback: ACT has received numerous 5-star reviews, highlighting their professionalism, efficiency, and effective communication. reviews.birdeye.com
Experienced Team: The team is known for being responsive, dedicated, and accommodating, ensuring smooth transactions for all parties involved. actsettlements.com
Transparent Pricing: ACT is committed to eliminating unnecessary fees, providing clients with clear and straightforward pricing. chamberofcommerce.com
Technological Integration: They leverage technology to streamline processes, enhancing efficiency and client satisfaction. actsettlements.com
Diverse Loan Expertise: ACT handles various loan types, including FHA, VA, USDA, and commercial loans, catering to a broad client base. actsettlements.com
Commitment to Privacy: They prioritize client privacy, ensuring sensitive information is handled securely. chamberofcommerce.com
Community Engagement: ACT is actively involved in the local community, building trust and rapport with clients. chamberofcommerce.com
Efficient Closings: Clients appreciate the smooth and timely closing processes facilitated by ACT's experienced team. actsettlements.com
High Client Satisfaction: The agency's dedication to client satisfaction is evident in their consistent positive reviews and repeat business. reviews.birdeye.com
These factors collectively contribute to ACT Settlement Services' reputation as a preferred choice among title agencies.
Why do I need title insurance?
Courtesy of OpenAI.
Title insurance is a type of insurance that protects property buyers and lenders from financial losses due to defects or issues with the property title. A property's title refers to the legal right of ownership, and any problems with that title could affect your ability to fully own or sell the property.
Why You Need Title Insurance:
Protection from Past Issues: Title insurance protects you from issues that may have happened before you purchased the property. For example, previous owners might have unresolved liens, unpaid taxes, or ownership disputes.
Unknown Claims: Sometimes, there are hidden claims against the property, like fraud or forgery in past transactions that could only surface after your purchase.
Peace of Mind: It gives you the security that, if something goes wrong with the title, the insurer will cover the costs of legal fees or any financial losses, including court costs.
Lender's Requirement: If you are financing your home, your lender will likely require title insurance to protect their investment in case any legal issues with the title arise.
How It Works:
Owner’s Title Insurance: Protects you (the homeowner) from any title issues that may surface after purchasing the property. This is usually a one-time premium.
Lender’s Title Insurance: Protects the lender’s investment in case of title issues, but it doesn’t protect the homeowner.
In short, title insurance ensures you're protected from surprises related to ownership issues, even those you might not discover until after you’ve moved in.
Common text message... What if I opt not to get title insurance?
Savvy consumer
Not having title insurance can expose you to significant risks in the event that there are issues with the property title. Here are some of the worst things that can happen:
Liens or Claims Against the Property: If there are any existing unpaid debts or claims, such as unpaid property taxes, mortgages, or contractor liens, you could be held responsible for paying them, even though you weren't aware of them at the time of purchase.
Ownership Disputes: Someone may come forward and claim ownership of the property. This could be due to a legal issue like a missing heir to the previous owner or a forged signature in the title transfer process. If you can't prove you're the rightful owner, you could lose the property.
Fraud or Forged Documents: If previous owners used fraudulent documents to transfer the property or there was a clerical error, you could be at risk of losing the property or facing legal battles to prove your ownership.
Undiscovered Easements: If there are undisclosed easements (such as rights of way, access to a neighbor’s property, etc.), you could be surprised by restrictions on how you use your land. These may limit your ability to build or develop the property as you intended.
Unpaid Claims: In some cases, there may be legal issues, like unpaid debts or judgments against previous owners, that could result in creditors placing a claim against the property. Without title insurance, you would have to resolve this on your own.
Essentially, without title insurance, you’re fully responsible for fixing any title problems that arise, which can be very costly, time-consuming, and, in the worst-case scenario, lead to losing the property.
I am buying property from family, I don't need title insurance, right?
1st Time Homebuyer
While it might feel like buying property from family or friends is a more informal process, title insurance is still highly recommended, even in these situations. Here’s why:
Hidden Title Issues: Just because you know the seller (family or friends) doesn't mean there aren't potential issues with the title. There could be unresolved liens, unpaid debts, or past claims on the property that the seller isn't aware of or doesn't mention.
Fraud and Errors: Even though you trust the seller, there could still be errors in the paperwork, or fraudulent activities like forged signatures or undiscovered heirs who might come forward later.
Family Disputes: Family relationships can be complicated. If there’s a dispute later on (perhaps a relative claims they should have inherited the property), you could find yourself in legal trouble without title insurance to protect you.
Future Uncertainty: Sometimes, situations evolve, and the circumstances surrounding a property can change (such as undisclosed easements or zoning issues). Title insurance helps cover unexpected problems.
So while you might feel there's more trust involved when buying from family or friends, title insurance still acts as a safeguard against unforeseen problems that could arise later on. It’s better to have the protection, just in case!
Title insurance is a SCAM!
Cash Buyer from...
I totally get why you might feel that way—title insurance can seem like an unnecessary expense, especially if you’re buying from someone you trust or if you think it’s unlikely you’ll face any issues. But here’s the thing: title insurance exists to protect you from the kinds of problems that are often hidden and can be expensive to resolve later on.
Here’s why title insurance can be valuable:
Protection Against Hidden Issues: Most title problems (like unpaid liens, fraud, or missing heirs) aren’t immediately obvious when you purchase the property. Title insurance covers these things, which can sometimes be very costly to fix. Without it, you could end up stuck with those costs.
One-Time Cost: Unlike other kinds of insurance (which require ongoing payments), title insurance is usually a one-time premium at the time of purchase. It’s essentially an upfront payment for peace of mind.
Legal Defense: If someone challenges your ownership or makes a claim on the property, title insurance can cover legal fees to defend your rights as the owner.
Risk of Losing Property: In rare cases, you might even lose your home if there’s a serious title issue that you didn’t know about. Title insurance would help you fight for your rights or compensate you for that loss.
That said, some people do feel it’s an unnecessary cost, especially if they’ve done a thorough title search and don’t believe there’s any risk. The key is understanding the potential risks that you might not see at the time of purchase.
If you're really unsure about it, you could always discuss it with a real estate professional or attorney who could help you weigh the pros and cons for your specific situation!
2025 Growth Plan
ALTA One Event October 2024 in Orlando Florida, I am supposed to be having the time of my life learning tons of amazing industry news, getting sold on new tech and networking with industry professionals. Instead, life as solo operator has me stressed to the max managing closings remotely, worrying about my dads health and most importantly my 7/8 month pregnant wife. Plan to sneak out to Disney Attractions were cancelled so I could manage things from hotel lobby.
On a bus ride to dinner hosted by Fidelity National Title Insurance Company, Jana Segura Partner in Investment Title LLC asked me if I was ok, which if you could see my face the answer was clearly no. She took time to ask me about the business and personal life. One I had a ton of the other not so much. She insisted we needed to partner up and I blew her off because everyone there at that point was now enemy/competition and all I wanted to do was get home to my wife and business.
Jana followed up several times after the conference and I decided to meet with her partners. Finally people that understood me. This business is about service and communication with referral partners. Our goals aligned as we want to be the best in areas we can service versus many players in this space trying to flex the tag National Title Agent.
This powerful move in partnering with Investment Title LLC took my mom and pop shop to a position of being able to handle more volume while still giving neighborhood agent service.
I am super excited about the future!
Here is what people are saying about our team.
5-Star Google Review:
I and my team have worked with ACT Settlement Services on dozens of refinances and purchase transactions over the last several months. My biggest regret is that we didn't partner with them sooner!
Will and his team are top-notch in this industry, and for our buyers/borrowers, we always recommend ACT for professionalism, expertise, attention to detail, and actual sense of urgency. Especially in the refinance market, lots of title companies do not prioritize these files. With Will Thompson we know our clients are not an after-thought- Andrew Stahl
5-Star Google Review:
Bill and Nate worked tirelessly on completing our file for closing. We closed on time and had no issues. Nate communicated and kept us in the loop with every step. Couldn't ask for more. - Brian Lueker
5-Star Google Review:
I've known Bill and his team for years and have worked with them on many purchase and refinance transactions. Their service is excellent and exceeds expectations always. Communication and speed is important in our business and ACT delivers. Go to guy for title services. Great team! -Tom Fellenz
5-Star Google Review:
Bill and his team are amazing to work with. Super efficient and professional. I would definitely recommend ACT Settlement Services to anyone looking for a good title company- Jon Fellenz
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