Kotner Title

10/20/2026

🏡✨ 𝐓𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞 𝐓𝐢𝐩 𝐓𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲 ✨🏡

An unchecked title can turn your dream home into a financial nightmare. While many buyers focus entirely on their mortgage and moving day, hidden ownership liabilities can quietly put your entire investment at risk before you even move in. Conducting a thorough title search acts as your ultimate shield, identifying quiet legal threats so they can be completely resolved ahead of time.

Why a deep title search matters:
✔️ Millions in hidden claims, liens, and judgments are recorded against properties every single year
✔️ Unresolved legal issues cloud property titles and directly threaten your legal ownership rights
✔️ Proactive investigations catch costly financial errors early in the closing process
✔️ Overlooking historical property records leaves you completely vulnerable to past ownership disputes

Want to learn more about title searches? Check out our “Title Insurance Explained Visually” video in the Kotner Title Video Library for more information on why a thorough title search is important!

https://hubs.li/Q04BBstT0

10/13/2026

🏡✨ 𝐓𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞 𝐓𝐢𝐩 𝐓𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲 ✨🏡

Traditional insurance policies are designed to protect you from unexpected events that might happen in the future—but title insurance is entirely different. Instead of just focusing on handling damage control and paying out claims after a loss occurs, title insurance looks backward to ensure your path to homeownership is completely clear from the start.

Why prevention matters:
✔️ It focuses on catching and fixing property issues before you ever reach the closing table
✔️ Both buyers and lenders receive critical protection under the policy
✔️ The deep historical search helps uncover hidden title defects and unexpected risks
✔️ Resolving ownership disputes early helps ensure a smooth, secure transfer of rights

🎥 Want to learn more about title insurance? Check out our “Title Insurance Explained Visually” video in the Kotner Title Video Library for more information on why title insurance is important!

🔗 https://hubs.li/Q04zNkgj0

10/12/2026

🧭🏡 𝐍𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐠𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐁𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐦𝐛𝐮𝐬 𝐃𝐚𝐲!

Every new journey begins with a destination, and at Kotner Title, we're here to help you navigate the path to homeownership with confidence!

Our offices will be closed Monday, October 12, in observance of Columbus Day as we recognize the spirit of exploration, discovery and new opportunities.

🇺🇸 We will reopen during normal business hours on Tuesday, October 13, ready to help you take the next step toward your closing!

10/09/2026

🎉𝐀 𝐁𝐈𝐆 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐆𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐔𝐋𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐒 𝐓𝐎 𝐆𝐋𝐎𝐑𝐈𝐀 𝐓𝐈𝐒𝐎𝐍! 🎉

Please join us in celebrating Gloria Tison, Executive Vice President & General Counsel of Legence Bank and Manager of Kotner Title & Abstract LLC, on receiving the prestigious Dave Besler Affiliate of the Year Award from the Egyptian Chapter of the Mid-Illinois REALTORS® Association! 🏆

This special recognition celebrates Gloria’s outstanding support, dedication and commitment to the real estate industry and the professionals who serve our communities.

Gloria’s leadership, expertise and passion for building strong relationships make a tremendous impact on our team, our partners and the communities we serve.

💙 We are incredibly proud of Gloria and thrilled to see her recognized for the difference she makes every day!

Congratulations, Gloria, on this well-deserved honor! 👏🎉

10/06/2026

🍂🏡 𝐓𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞 𝐓𝐢𝐩 𝐓𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲 🏡❄️

Spring and summer aren’t the only seasons for a successful home sale! Buyers searching during the fall and winter are often serious about making a move—which means sellers still have an opportunity to make their property stand out.

As this week’s tip highlights, the right pricing strategy can make a big difference:

✔️ Price according to current market conditions, not the season
✔️ Take advantage of motivated buyers who are actively searching
✔️ Make your home feel warm, inviting and move-in ready
✔️ Work with your real estate professionals to position your property competitively

🎥 Want to learn more about pricing your home? Check out our “Setting Your Price” video in the Kotner Title Video Library for more tips on finding the right price when it’s time to sell!

🔗 https://hubs.li/Q04zlcWm0

09/30/2026

⚠️𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐥 𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐟𝐫𝐚𝐮𝐝 𝐢𝐬 𝐞𝐯𝐨𝐥𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 — 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐀𝐈 𝐢𝐬 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐬𝐜𝐚𝐦𝐬 𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐭.

Fraudsters are no longer relying only on suspicious emails or spoofed phone numbers. AI-powered voice cloning can now imitate trusted professionals, helping scammers make fraudulent requests sound even more convincing. In one case highlighted by the American Land Title Association, a couple lost more than $66,000 after receiving fraudulent wire instructions followed by a phone call from someone who sounded like their loan officer.

The article also notes that nearly 60% of title companies surveyed experienced at least one seller impersonation fraud attempt in the previous year, while 58% reported deepfake technology was at least somewhat common in fraud attempts. That’s why verification matters more than ever. A familiar voice, urgent request or convincing email shouldn’t replace independent confirmation — especially when money, identity or property ownership is involved.

Take a few minutes to read more about how AI and voice cloning are changing real estate fraud — and why layered verification continues to be so important.

🔗 Read the full article: AI-and-Voice-Cloning-Article-Sept.-17-20026001.pdf (https://hubs.li/Q04yPqfK0)

09/29/2026

🏡✨𝐓𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞 𝐓𝐢𝐩 𝐓𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲 ✨🏡

A Power of Attorney can give someone the authority to act on another person’s behalf—but when real estate is involved, there are a few extra details to consider.

As noted in this week’s tip, using a Power of Attorney to transfer or sell property is an important exception to the general recording rule. That makes it especially important to have the proper documentation reviewed early in the transaction.

A few things to remember:

✔️ Make sure the Power of Attorney includes the necessary authority
✔️ Provide documents to your title team as early as possible
✔️ Additional recording requirements may apply when real estate is involved
✔️ Addressing documentation early can help prevent closing-day delays
When someone else will be signing on your behalf, a little preparation can go a long way toward a smoother closing. 🔑

09/22/2026

🏡✨ 𝐓𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞 𝐓𝐢𝐩 𝐓𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲 ✨🏡

Sometimes, the person selling a home isn’t the property owner signing on their own behalf. When a Power of Attorney or court-appointed guardian is involved, there are additional steps that may need to be addressed before the transaction can move forward.

Here’s what to keep in mind:

✔️ A Power of Attorney must provide the appropriate authority for a real estate transaction
✔️ Guardianship situations may involve additional court requirements
✔️ Documentation should be reviewed early to help prevent closing delays
✔️ Your title team can help identify what will be needed before closing day

When someone is signing or acting on behalf of another person, getting the details sorted out early can help make for a smoother closing. 🔑

09/16/2026

🏡💡 Title Tip Tuesday 💡🏡

Real estate taxes can be a little confusing—especially when it comes time to close! In Illinois, the timing of property tax bills means buyers and sellers may be accounting for taxes that haven’t even been billed yet.

Here’s what to keep in mind:
✔️ Property taxes are an important part of calculating closing costs
✔️ Sellers typically provide a credit for their portion of taxes through the closing date
✔️ The most recent available tax information helps determine the estimated amount
✔️ Proper prorations help ensure each party is responsible for their appropriate share

It’s just one more behind-the-scenes detail your title team helps navigate to keep closing day on track! 🔑✨

09/10/2026

💚 We love celebrating the people who make our communities such a special place! 💗

Congratulations to Rhi Sandefur on being named to the SIBR Board of Directors! 🎉 We’re so excited for you and can’t wait to see all the great things ahead.

Thank you for the kind words and for trusting Kotner Title to have your back. We appreciate you, Rhi! 💚🏡

Huge thank you to Kotner Title for always having my back and being so loving and supportive! I appreciate you guys!! 🩷💚