Title Agents Podcast

What does it take to build a title company that doesn't just survive market cycles but grows through them? In this episode, Chip Ridge, founder of Perpetual Title, shares his journey from launch in 2002 to navigating corporate life, rebranding, expanding into multiple states, adding 1031 exchange services, and aggressively leaning into automation and AI. From instant escrow funding and fee transparency to agentic AI workflows and fraud-prevention layers, Chip breaks down what technology actually matters and what's just noise. This conversation challenges independent agents to rethink their value proposition, embrace automation strategically, and stay "all in" amid increasing consolidation pressures. What you'll learn from this episode ● How to improve revenue per employee without sacrificing human touch ● Where AI agents fit into the title workflow, and where humans still must lead ● Why 1031 exchanges and commercial capabilities diversify long-term revenue ● The way cybersecurity layers and vendor partnerships mitigate fraud risk ● What independent agencies must do now to compete in a consolidating industry Resources mentioned in this episode ● Traction by Gino Wickman | Kindle, Audiobook and Paperback ● The Science of Scaling by Dr. Benjamin Hardy and Blake Erickson | Kindle, Hardcover, and Mass Market Paperback ● Qualia ● SoftPro ● CloseSimple About Chip Ridge Chip Ridge is the Founder of Perpetual Title, a title and settlement company focused on delivering responsive, relationship-driven service to real estate professionals, lenders, and investors. With extensive experience in the title insurance and closing industry, Chip is known for his commitment to transparency, accuracy, and client education throughout the transaction process. He built Perpetual Title to prioritize clear communication, proactive problem-solving, and long-term partnerships in an industry often known for delays and complexity. Chip is also an advocate for professionalism and ethical standards in real estate transactions. Connect with Chip ● Website: Perpetual Title ● LinkedIn: Donald (Chip) Ridge Connect With Us Love what you're hearing? Don't miss an episode! Follow us on our social media channels and stay connected. ● Explore more on our website: www.alltechnational.com/podcast ● Stay updated with our newsletter: www.mochoumil.com ● Follow Mo on LinkedIn: Mo Choumil Stop waiting on underwriter emails or callbacks—TitleGPT.ai gives you instant, reliable answers to your title questions. Whether it's underwriting, compliance, or tricky closings, the information you need is just a click away. No more delays—work smarter, close faster. Try it now at www.TitleGPT.ai. Closing more deals starts with more appointments. At Alltech National Title, our inside sales team works behind the scenes to fill your pipeline, so you can focus on building relationships and closing business. No more cold calling—just real opportunities. Get started at AlltechNationalTitle.com. Extra hands without extra overhead—that's Safi Virtual. Our trained virtual assistants specialize in the title industry, handling admin work, client communication, and data entry so you can stay focused on closing deals. Scale smarter and work faster at SafiVirtual.com.

January and February feel quiet in the title industry. Closings slow down. Calendars look light. It's tempting to coast. But in this episode, Crosby and Zina challenge that mindset completely. Winter isn't downtime; it's separation season. Revenue is a lagging indicator, and the deals you close in April are a reflection of what you built in February. This deep dive unpacks a three-phase framework called the 90-Day Spring Sprint, a practical roadmap for turning slow months into strategic advantage. From AI-powered CRM segmentation to personalized outreach, fraud-focused authority content, and automated workflows, this episode is a blueprint for reps and agency owners who want to enter spring positioned, not panicked. What you'll learn from this episode 3 phases of the 90-Day Spring Sprint AI tools that can segment your CRM and surface real market intelligence What kills momentum, and what value-first outreach looks like How to build authority before contracts spike Why hustle isn't the true competitive advantage in 2026 Resources mentioned in this episode ChatGPT Perplexity AI Claude Canva AI Loom Descript Zapier Apollo Clay Connect With UsLove what you're hearing? Don't miss an episode! Follow us on our social media channels and stay connected. Explore more on our website: www.alltechnational.com/podcast Stay updated with our newsletter: www.mochoumil.com Follow Mo on LinkedIn: Mo Choumil Stop waiting on underwriter emails or callbacks—TitleGPT.ai gives you instant, reliable answers to your title questions. Whether it's underwriting, compliance, or tricky closings, the information you need is just a click away. No more delays—work smarter, close faster. Try it now at www.TitleGPT.ai. Closing more deals starts with more appointments. At Alltech National Title, our inside sales team works behind the scenes to fill your pipeline, so you can focus on building relationships and closing business. No more cold calling—just real opportunities. Get started at AlltechNationalTitle.com. Extra hands without extra overhead—that's Safi Virtual. Our trained virtual assistants specialize in the title industry, handling admin work, client communication, and data entry so you can stay focused on closing deals. Scale smarter and work faster at SafiVirtual.com.

Janis Gaines, founder of Real Estate Closing Path, breaks down why structured, training, not just seat time, will determine which agencies win the next decade. From aging talent pools and rising compliance demands to AI integration and gaps in customer education, Janis explains why agencies can no longer afford "learn by osmosis" onboarding. What you'll learn from this episode Why structured onboarding beats the old "sit next to Sally" training model How mentorship prevents costly mistakes and accelerates confidence What adaptability to AI and technology really looks like inside a title office The role that company culture plays in reducing turnover and burnout A practical roadmap for creating a real career path in your agency Resources mentioned in this episode The Success Principles(TM) by Jack Canfield | Paperback and Hardcover ALTA - Best Practices Blog - Smart Start Property HER. The Title Collective Real Estate Closing Path – Closing Timeline Graph (FREE RESOURCE) About Janis GainesJanis Gaines is the Founder of Real Estate Closing Path, a training and consulting platform designed to help real estate professionals confidently navigate the closing process from contract to funding. With extensive experience in title, escrow, and real estate transaction coordination, Janis specializes in educating agents, investors, and support staff on reducing closing delays, avoiding common contract pitfalls, and improving client communication. Through workshops, online training, and practical step-by-step systems, she equips professionals with the tools and clarity needed to streamline transactions and close deals smoothly. Connect with Janis Website: Real Estate Closing Path LinkedIn: Real Estate Closing Path Facebook: Real Estate Closing Path Connect With UsLove what you're hearing? Don't miss an episode! Follow us on our social media channels and stay connected. Explore more on our website: www.alltechnational.com/podcast Stay updated with our newsletter: www.mochoumil.com Follow Mo on LinkedIn: Mo Choumil Stop waiting on underwriter emails or callbacks—TitleGPT.ai gives you instant, reliable answers to your title questions. Whether it's underwriting, compliance, or tricky closings, the information you need is just a click away. No more delays—work smarter, close faster. Try it now at www.TitleGPT.ai. Closing more deals starts with more appointments. At Alltech National Title, our inside sales team works behind the scenes to fill your pipeline, so you can focus on building relationships and closing business. No more cold calling—just real opportunities. Get started at AlltechNationalTitle.com. Extra hands without extra overhead—that's Safi Virtual. Our trained virtual assistants specialize in the title industry, handling admin work, client communication, and data entry so you can stay focused on closing deals. Scale smarter and work faster at SafiVirtual.com.

After months of anxiety around the looming "tax cliff," the calm of early 2026 isn't accidental; it's legislative. In this episode, Crosby and Zina unpack how the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Bill (OBBB) quietly rewired the real estate tax landscape and restored certainty to investors, homeowners, and markets alike. From expanded SALT deductions and permanent bonus depreciation to Opportunity Zones 2.0 and the preservation of the step-up in basis, this deep dive explains why capital is moving again, and how smart real estate players can align with the incentives now locked in for the next decade. What you'll learn from this episode How the expanded SALT deduction is unlocking pent-up housing mobility in high-tax states What makes 100% bonus depreciation and cost segregation a powerful engine for deal velocity The role Section 179 now plays in accelerating commercial reinvestment and cash flow Opportunity Zones 2.0 and the new rolling clock Why the step-up in basis preserves legacy wealth Resources mentioned in this episode BBB Cheat Sheet.pdf Connect With UsLove what you're hearing? Don't miss an episode! Follow us on our social media channels and stay connected. Explore more on our website: www.alltechnational.com/podcast Stay updated with our newsletter: www.mochoumil.com Follow Mo on LinkedIn: Mo Choumil Stop waiting on underwriter emails or callbacks—TitleGPT.ai gives you instant, reliable answers to your title questions. Whether it's underwriting, compliance, or tricky closings, the information you need is just a click away. No more delays—work smarter, close faster. Try it now at www.TitleGPT.ai. Closing more deals starts with more appointments. At Alltech National Title, our inside sales team works behind the scenes to fill your pipeline, so you can focus on building relationships and closing business. No more cold calling—just real opportunities. Get started at AlltechNationalTitle.com. Extra hands without extra overhead—that's Safi Virtual. Our trained virtual assistants specialize in the title industry, handling admin work, client communication, and data entry so you can stay focused on closing deals. Scale smarter and work faster at SafiVirtual.com.

Storytelling isn't just a marketing tool; it's a competitive advantage. In this episode of the Title Agents Podcast, Mo Choumil sits down with industry veteran and writer Michael Holden of AmTrust Title to explore how storytelling, history, and human connection shape the future of the title business. From his early days in a family-owned agency to navigating the Great Recession, building thought leadership through Ramblings of a Title Man, and witnessing seismic shifts in technology, automation, and fraud risk, Michael offers a grounded, honest look at where the industry has been and where it's heading next. What you'll learn from this episode Why the role of the title professional has shifted from title examination to experience-driven closings What the 2008 recession taught about resilience, scalability, and agency survival The reasons smaller, agile underwriters are driving innovation across the industry How automation and AI will reshape title examination while elevating the importance of closings Main essential for modern title professionals you need to know Resources mentioned in this episode The Ramblings of a Title man 1929 by Andrew Ross Sorkin | Kindle, Paperback, and Hardcover About Michael HoldenMichael Holden is a senior leader at AmTrust Title, where he works with real estate professionals, lenders, and industry partners to deliver reliable, compliance-driven title and settlement solutions nationwide. With deep experience in title insurance operations, risk management, and relationship development, Michael is known for his practical approach to navigating complex transactions and evolving regulatory environments. His work focuses on protecting property rights, streamlining closings, and supporting real estate professionals with responsive service and national scale. Connect with Michael Website: AmTrust Financial LinkedIn: Michael Holden, NTP, CLTP Connect With UsLove what you're hearing? Don't miss an episode! Follow us on our social media channels and stay connected. Explore more on our website: www.alltechnational.com/podcast Stay updated with our newsletter: www.mochoumil.com Follow Mo on LinkedIn: Mo Choumil Stop waiting on underwriter emails or callbacks—TitleGPT.ai gives you instant, reliable answers to your title questions. Whether it's underwriting, compliance, or tricky closings, the information you need is just a click away. No more delays—work smarter, close faster. Try it now at www.TitleGPT.ai. Closing more deals starts with more appointments. At Alltech National Title, our inside sales team works behind the scenes to fill your pipeline, so you can focus on building relationships and closing business. No more cold calling—just real opportunities. Get started at AlltechNationalTitle.com. Extra hands without extra overhead—that's Safi Virtual. Our trained virtual assistants specialize in the title industry, handling admin work, client communication, and data entry so you can stay focused on closing deals. Scale smarter and work faster at SafiVirtual.com.