INVESTORS
TITLE
...a nationally recognized and publicly traded company with exceptional financial strength, resources, and expertise that is fully committed to superior personalized service for commercial clients
Investors Title – an Industry Leader
Investors Title is proud of its five-decade track record of excellent financial performance and consistent profitability. Headquartered in Chapel Hill, North Carolina since its founding in the early 70s, Investors Title has maintained the #1 market share position among title insurance companies in the state since 1984.
Investors Title – a Nationwide Service Provider
Investors Title’s issuing offices and commercial client network extend well beyond North Carolina. Through a dedicated Commercial Services Division, our underwriters facilitate multi-layered commercial transactions both in North Carolina and throughout the United States, regardless of the property location.
Known for being conservatively managed and operated, Investors Title Company, parent of Investors Title, is publicly traded on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the ticker symbol ITIC.
“Our commercial services division continues to grow its revenue and market share by deepening existing relationships and adding new clients. We consistently receive excellent customer feedback on our products and services and the support provided by our commercial services team members. We thank our clients for their loyalty and trust.”
− Morris Fine, President & COO Investors Title Insurance Company
COMMERCIAL SERVICES
Our Team Makes the Difference
Capable, committed, and genuinely invested in their relationship with you, Investors Title commercial professionals provide comprehensive services for local and national commercial clients. You work directly with knowledgeable, solution-driven title counsel and underwriters who are experienced in all facets of commercial transactions:
■ Commercial specialists serve as your single point of contact through all aspects of the transaction – management and coordination of title searches, underwriting, escrow, disbursements, closing, and post-closing
■ Experienced underwriters facilitate complex transactions with a focus on meeting the unique needs of each project and each client through:
■ underwriting expertise
■ national transactional expertise including multistate and multi-site coordination
■ tracking of title searches through close management of approved providers, ensuring quality work and timely delivery
■ customized escrow services
“We have relied on Investors Title for many of our projects, and we trust their expertise in resolving tricky issues to help us reach closing in a timely manner. ”
– Clay Grubb, CEO Grubb Properties
ESCROW & DISBURSEMENT SERVICES
Operational efficiencies ensure that all parties involved receive fast, accurate, and secure settlement and escrow services. Our team has over 75 years of combined, wide-ranging experience with commercial acquisition financing and development transactions, including:
■ Defeasance closings
■ Transactions comprising multiple parcels in different states and involving various buyers and/or sellers
■ 1031 exchanges
The commercial escrow team manages the complex details of commercial transactions, allowing you to better utilize your internal support personnel.
■ Earnest money deposits
■ Closing statement and disbursement services
■ Post-closing escrow involving our disbursement services
EXCHANGE SERVICES
Wholly-dedicated to the 1031 exchange business since 1988, Investors Title exchange and accommodation professionals facilitate thousands of forward and reverse tax-deferred transactions every year. Through our qualified intermediary and exchange accommodation titleholder services, property owners may defer capital gains recognition on the sale of property in a 1031 exchange.
“Investors Title Exchange Corporation’s 1031 services are excellent and exceptional. I have had approximately twenty 1031 exchanges over the past several years with ITEC and appreciate the fast, efficient, and competent way each of these transactions was handled. The paper work is well done, the calendaring and reminders are timely, and the instruction letters to my clients are clear and to the point.”
– Henry (“Hank”) P. Van Hoy, II Martin & Van Hoy, LLP
“Rarely in our business is there truly only one choice in a partner/ relationship. But when it comes to 1031 exchanges, Investors Title is the ONLY option for us. Whether we have questions about the process or intermediary services, the ITEC team is reliable, dependable, and extremely knowledgeable in what they do. We must be going on a 20- year relationship with them by now, and I am certain it will continue.”
– Daniel S. Kadis, President
Centrex Properties, Inc.
RISK MANAGEMENT
With the increase in cybercrimes and security threats, using our commercial escrow services assists in reducing your risk. Investors Title’s internal protocols provide current and proactive security measures to ensure the safety of all funds held.
■ Multiple approval levels
■ Daily account reconciliation
■ Escrow funds maintained in separate interest-bearing accounts
■ 256-bit email encryption
CLAIMS RESOLUTION
Effective claims resolution is paramount to our policyholders. Our claims attorneys are accessible and seasoned, and they use practical solutions to resolve claims quickly and fairly. Attorneys and our policyholders benefit from:
■ Early and consistent communication – direct access to the legal and administrative team
■ Effective claims administration – professionals who provide the highest service level available to investigate, evaluate, and resolve losses
■ Financial strength – an industry-leading company that prudently maintains the financial resources to meet claims obligations
THE INVESTORS TITLE COMMITMENT
Personalized service in all aspects of the commercial real estate transaction:
■ Solution-driven and results-oriented underwriting and service offerings
■ Flexibility to offer tailored services to meet client needs
■ Targeted commercial education and personalized commercial presentations upon request
■ Escrow & disbursement services
■ 1031 exchanges
Protection through title insurance and transactional expertise:
■ Proactive risk management
■ Timely education on emerging fraud trends and fraud prevention training
■ Reliable claims resolution
■ Financial strength
Commercial Title Insurance Customers
RELY ON INVESTORS TITLE
for an Unmatched Combination of Service, Protection, and Financial Strength
…personalized service delivered by a NASDAQ-traded title insurance company with exceptional financial stability and national commercial expertise
COMPLETE PROTECTION
Better Protection by Spreading the Risk
Risk retention is governed by state law. On any single policy, Investors Title Insurance Company (ITIC), coupled with its sister company, National Investors Title Insurance Company (NITIC), maintains a combined self-imposed risk retention limit of only $12.5 million, less than 30% of the statutorilyallowed limit. We provide a combination of primary coverage from ITIC, secondary coverage from NITIC, and tertiary coverage from our reinsurance partner, a national, well-capitalized title insurance company. Our customers benefit from the protection of multiple companies, all for the cost of one premium.
Investors Title Company (ITC) – an Industry Leader
Known for its conservative management philosophy, Investors Title Company, parent of ITIC, has adhered to the same financial strategy and approach to business throughout our more than 50-year history.
• Our track record is distinguished by strong growth and consistent profitability.
• Our consolidated balance sheet carries no debt or material intangible assets.
• ITIC’s underwriting leverage ratio is consistently the best in the industry.
Exceptional Financial Ratings
We are proud to be rated by the most recognized rating firms in the title insurance industry. Our exceptional ratings reflect the strength of our financial resources and the soundness of our general and commercial title insurance expertise.
• A.M. Best Company: Financial Strength Rating of A (Excellent) for excellent ability to meet ongoing insurance obligations.1
• Demotech, Inc.: Financial Stability Rating® (FSR) of A'' (A Double Prime), Unsurpassed. 2
• Demotech, Inc.: Commercial Real Estate Recommendation: Highly Recommended.2
1 A.M. Best Company (ambest.com – 11/2024).
2 Demotech Performance of Title Insurance Companies, 2025 Edition (demotech.com); based on data as of December 31, 2024.
RELY ON INVESTORS TITLE
UNMATCHED SERVICE
Before and During Closing
Commercial customers have direct access to knowledgeable, solution-driven title attorneys and underwriters who are experts in handling commercial transactions. With a focus on meeting the unique needs of each client, our commercial services include:
• National transactional expertise including multi-state and multi-site coordination
• Comprehensive coverage offerings
• Tracking of title searches through close management of approved providers which ensures quality work and timely delivery
• Customized escrow services
• Competitive services and rates with a focus on managing closing costs
• Personalized attention through a central point of contact
When There Is a Claim
Commercial customers work directly with experienced and responsive claims professionals.
• When resolving claims, customers have access to local representatives as well as senior management
• Our claims professionals use practical solutions to resolve claims quickly and fairly
• Investors Title prudently maintains the financial resources to meet our claims obligations
1 A.M. Best Company (ambest.com – 11/2024).
2
A strong balance sheet is very important when selecting a title insurance company. These charts illustrate how we compare.
LEADERSHIP | RESOURCES
Dedicated to being accessible and committed to delivering personalized service, the Investors Title commercial underwriting attorneys facilitate complex transactions with a focus on meeting the unique needs of each project and each client.
GATES GRAINGER
VP Commercial Services
Division & Title Counsel
ggrainger@invtitle.com
704.940.3561
M 704.562.0724
Gates Grainger specializes in commercial transactions business development and provides the direct access to solution-driven underwriting support that commercial clients require. Prior to joining Investors Title, Mr. Grainger spent 10 years as agency and underwriting counsel for a regional title agency and, before then, as assistant general counsel for LendingTree, LLC. After law school, Mr. Grainger served in various capital markets practice groups with with the law firms of Parker, Poe, Adams & Bernstein, and Womble, Carlyle, Sandridge, and Rice, and as assistant general counsel for First Union Corporation. After earning a bachelor’s degree, cum laude, from Davidson College, Mr. Grainger earned a Juris Doctor degree from Duke University School of Law.
TABY CRUDEN
VP Commercial Services
Division & Title Counsel
tcruden@invtitle.com
252.489.4066
M 919.368.6703
Taby Cruden focuses on commercial underwriting and crafting creative solutions for customers to address their title challenges. Prior to joining Investors Title, she served as national counsel for another title insurance underwriter and a variety of other roles in the title industry. Ms. Cruden is a former president of Triangle Commercial Real Estate Women (TCREW) and North Carolina Land Title Association (NCLTA) and is a member of Coastal Virginia CREW. After earning a Bachelor of Arts degree from Wheaton College, she earned a Juris Doctor degree from Campbell University.
JAMES L. BRYAN, JR.
VP Commercial Services
Division & Title Counsel
jbryan@invtitle.com
M 828.773.7927
Jimmy Bryan specializes in commercial and residential underwriting and business development. Admitted to the North Carolina State Bar in 2012, Mr. Bryan joined Investors Title in 2013 as a Title Attorney providing underwriting support to approved attorneys and branch and agency offices in North Carolina. Prior to joining Investors Title, he was in private practice where he practiced real estate law. Mr. Bryan holds a bachelor’s degree from Appalachian State University and a Juris Doctor from Thomas M. Cooley Law School. Mr. Bryan is a member of the Wake County Bar Association and Delta Theta Phi Legal Fraternity.
ESCROW
MARIANNE JOINES mjoines@invtitle.com
704.940.3543 M 980.214.4703
arachels@invtitle.com
ESCROW TEAM
VICTORIA TEMPLETON, ESQ., CES® EVP ITEC/ITAC Exchange Counsel vtempleton@invtitle.com 919.945.2400
MATT LINVILLE, CES® VP Marketing ITEC/ITAC mlinville@invtitle.com
984.484.8685
Victoria Templeton serves as executive vice president and exchange counsel for Investors Title Exchange Corporation and handles 1031 exchange transactions including build-to-suit and reverse exchanges. Prior to working at Investors Title, Ms. Templeton worked as an attorney for several firms in California, including the Office of Counsel for IBM, Portal Software, and the Technology Finance Division of Hewlett-Packard Company. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from Bates College in Lewiston, Maine, and her Juris Doctor degree from Santa Clara School of Law in Santa Clara, California. She has served on boards of directors for various charitable organizations since moving to North Carolina.
As vice president – marketing for Investors Title Exchange Corporation, Matt Linville leads ITEC marketing efforts and collaborates with the Commercial Services Division, subsidiaries, and local offices on 1031 exchange business development and education. Mr. Linville began his career as a relationship manager for like-kind exchange transactions with a large financial institution and has held various positions related to financial management and business administration for more than 25 years. He earned an Associate of Arts degree from Surry Community College, a bachelor’s degree in business administration/ management, and a master’s degree in business administration from The University of North Carolina at Pembroke.
“Investors Title is committed to meeting our clients’ varied, sometimes complicated title insurance needs. They are extremely responsive and consultative even through very complex real estate transactions.”
– Philip N. Chandler, Charlotte Market President | Atlantic Union Bank
“We perform real estate development in several states and are pleased to be able to have one primary source of title services. Investors Title has become an important part of our development team aiding us in ensuring that our acquisition and disposition closings run efficiently. They work seamlessly with our attorneys and know how we prefer to have things done which saves us time and fees. When a problem arises, we can count on them to jump in with potential solutions to make our deal work.”
– Tom Gauch, CEO | Pavilion Development Company
“Investors Title and I have developed a great partnership over the years for facilitating commercial closings on behalf of my clients. I frequently utilize their disbursement services and can rest assured that they will get the job done in an efficient and timely manner. Each member of their team is professional, responsive, and knowledgeable. They do an excellent job of keeping all parties updated and informed throughout each step of the process.”
– David T. Pryzwansky | The Pryzwansky Law Firm, P.A.
“I have relied on Investors Title for commercial escrow services for decades. The transactions they handle for me run like clockwork whether there is $1 million at stake or over $100 million. They know how to meet and exceed the expectations of the largest financial institutions across the country.”
– Michael R. Thornton, Partner | Smith Anderson
“Investors Title Escrow and Settlement Operations has been an invaluable resource to my commercial real estate practice. As a small firm practitioner, I don’t always have the staff available to assist with certain aspects of a real estate closing, including the preparation of a closing statement and the receipt and disbursement of funds. I have found that just these two tasks alone consume hours of my time that could otherwise be spent working on other matters. With Investors Title’s help and expertise, I can delegate these tasks to them, confident that the work product and customer service will be second to none. This in turn allows me to focus on what’s most important, my clients’ needs. I highly recommend Investors Title to any attorney looking to maximize their output and efficiency.”
– John T. Langston IV, Esq. | Langston Law
“Having worked with a number of groups and individuals at Investors Title Insurance Company for more than a decade, I can say that their engagement, responsiveness, and problem-solving approach to matters is second to none. Morningstar Law Group’s real estate team, and our clients, have the highest confidence in Investors Title for our (and their) most complex and important transactions.”
– Michael J. Ovsievsky, Partner | Morningstar Law Group
“It has been my pleasure to work with Investors Title Escrow Services. I find them to be well organized, and they have always responded to my escrow needs. In my experience, they have been available and willing to do their part to help steer a transaction to closing.”
– J. Drake Brinkley | Ward and Smith
COMMERCIAL ESCROW SERVICES
ESCROW PROCESS FOR EARNEST MONEY DEPOSITS
INITIATE THE PROCESS USING STEPS BELOW:
1. DELIVER DOCUMENTS
OPTION 1:
• Upload Purchase Contract and Escrow Agreement when completing Commercial Escrow Request located at www.invtitle.com/commercial-escrow-request.
OPTION 2:
• Email the Commercial Escrow Request, Purchase Contract, and Escrow Agreement to commercialescrow@invtitle.com.
OPTION 3:
• By overnight carrier, send the Commercial Escrow Request, Purchase Contract, and Escrow Agreement to Investors Title at the address below.
2. DELIVER FUNDS
All funds are placed in separate interest-bearing accounts. A W-9 will be required for this purpose.
OPTION 1:
• Send funds electronically (up to $100,000.00) through the secure “DEPOSIT ESCROW FUNDS” button on https://www.invtitle.com/escrow.
• You will receive immediate confirmation that the transaction was successfully completed and an official confirmation of receipt within one business day.
OPTION 2:
• Wire funds. For wiring instructions contact the Commercial Escrow Services team at 800.326.4842 or commercialescrow@invtitle.com.
• You will receive confirmation of receipt within one business day.
OPTION 3:
• Send the earnest money check by overnight carrier to Investors Title at the address below.
• You will receive confirmation of receipt within one business day.
3. PREPARE FOR CLOSING
When parties are ready to close, email preliminary Settlement Statement and wiring instructions to commercialescrow@invtitle.com at least 24 hours in advance.
SETTLEMENT STATEMENT & DISBURSEMENT SERVICES
The Commercial Escrow Services team can prepare the settlement statement and disburse, or facilitate the disbursement of, closing funds for commercial transactions. Once you have contacted a commercial escrow representative, indicated the services needed, and provided the preliminary closing date, our team will assign an escrow coordinator for your transaction.
“Unrivaled financial strength affords our business partners and policyholders the highest possible level of confidence in the value of our insurance product. Our long-term focus on superior financial strength distinguishes us among our peers and provides assurance that ample resources will be available to meet our claims obligations, regardless of the ebbs and flows of the business cycle.”
– J. Allen Fine, Founder, CEO Investors Title Company
UNRIVALED FINANCIAL STRENGTH
A leader in financial stability, Investors Title has maintained a record of excellent financial strength and performance for more than five decades. Visit invtitle.com for more information about our exceptional financial ratings.
■ A.M. Best Company: Financial Strength Rating of A (Excellent) for excellent ability to meet ongoing insurance obligations (ambest.com)
■ Demotech, Inc.: Financial Stability Rating® (FSR) of A” (A Double Prime), Unsurpassed (demotech.com)
■ Demotech, Inc.: Commercial Real Estate Recommendation: Highly Recommended (demotech.com)
To accommodate certain transactions, Investors Title is able to serve as a title insurance agent for select national title insurance underwriters and has an automatic reinsurance treaty in place.