Chicago Title: Your friendly, local experts

Enter Chicago Title’s offices and you feel as welcome as you would at Grandma’s house. The cozy country décor, candy on the desks and freshly brewed coffee all contribute to the comfort of those involved in one of the biggest and most important transactions of their lives: the buying or selling of property.

Chicago Title has grown in stature and reputation since 1847, when it started in Illinois. In 2000, it merged with FNF to become the largest title company in the nation. In the 150-plus years since it was founded, Chicago Title has offered outstanding customer service and the expertise to insure your most prized asset: your home.

Between them, the five professionals who make up the staff of Fallbrook’s oldest title and escrow office have upward of 115 years in the real estate industry. Manager Helen Kirkpatrick began at Fallbrook Escrow, has owned her own escrow company and has managed the Fallbrook office of Chicago Title for six years.

Wilma Strickland opened Fallbrook Escrow in 1975 and arrived at Chicago Title 14 years ago. Wilma says she’s planning to celebrate her retirement and her 100th birthday at the same time.

Jan Henrichsen has been running a busy desk with Chicago Title since spring of 2005. When a family comes in to sign their final papers, she welcomes the children to play with her stuffed animal collection and tries to make this sometimes stressful experience a pleasant one. She believes that maintaining mutual respect, insight and good communication makes for a smooth and successful transaction.

Rosemary Leitmeyer joined Chicago Title as an escrow officer in 1993. Her specialty is mobile home escrows. Rosemary is active in the community, especially during Hot Summer Nights, when she serves as a member of Connections.

Darrel Williams is the newest addition to Chicago Title. He’s only been there two months, but he’s been a title rep for over 16 years. Darrel describes himself as customer-fixated. One customer asked that documents be scanned in color, so his company purchased a new scanner. “With a company like Chicago Title behind me, I can give my customers all the service they require,” he says.

The Fallbrook office specializes in all forms of title and escrow services. “It’s so satisfying to see our customers return time and again,” says Helen. “It means that we are providing them with the excellent service that Chicago Title is noted for.”

Chicago Title can be visited at 131 East Fig Street, Suite 6, Fallbrook. Phone (760) 728-3882.