Friday, December 20, 2013

The Alpha-Omega Title Story

The Alpha-Omega Title Story 


1983Alpha-Omega Title founded by Byron "Gibbs" Wilson, Jr. (a fourth generation Tampa native) with two employees in a 500 square foot office space.
1983To accommodate the growing staff, Alpha-Omega Title moves to larger office space on MacDill Avenue.
1997Alpha-Omega Title expands to a second office in North Tampa.
2000To benefit our community, the Alpha-Omega Title Charitable Fund is established.
2005Alpha-Omega Title finishes in top five in Tampa Chamber of Commerce's Small Business of the Year competition.
2006Alpha-Omega Title is awarded Small Business of the Year recognition from the Tampa Chamber of Commerce. Also received Mayor's Award for Community Involvement.
2008Founder Byron "Gibbs" Wilson, Jr. is awarded Outstanding Leader of the Year award from Tampa Chamber of Commerce.
2010Gibbs Wilson's 5th year as Chairman of National Christian Foundation
2012A third Alpha-Omega office opens in Brandon to better serve our Eastern Hillsborough County customers.

Click HERE to view this page on our website!

Contact us for more information -- 

 
Alpha-Omega Title Services, Inc.
14001 North Dale Mabry Highway
Tampa, FL 33618
813-963-3009 (office)
813-963-5336 (fax)
lwilson@alpha-omegatitle.com

 
[This blog is maintained by our social media manager, C.J. Johnson. He can be reached at cjjohnson@alpha-omegatitle.com.]

Friday, December 6, 2013

Our Mission and Values

The Mission of Alpha-Omega Title  


Our mission is to honor God by being a title insurance agency of choice where employees love to work, and clients love to do business.  

The Core Values of Alpha-Omega Title

  • Faith in God
  • Integrity
  • Teamwork
  • Service - internal and external
  • Knowledge
  • Problem solving

White Glove Customer Service


Since Alpha-Omega's founding in 1983, exceptional customer service has been a critical part of our success. We constantly challenge our staff to exceed all customer expectations and regularly poll customers to see how we can improve our White Glove Customer Service.
Here are a few other initiatives that contribute to our top-notch performance
  • Over 300 years combined title insurance experience across our staff
  • Employee incentive programs based on productivity and customer surveys
  • An extensive realtor, builder, and lender referral service
  • 10-year member of CABA (Carrollwood Area Business Association)
  • Active member of GTAR, WCR, PBA, TBBA, TEC, FLTA, ALTA & C-12

Click HERE to view this page on our website!

Contact us for more information -- 

 
Alpha-Omega Title Services, Inc.
14001 North Dale Mabry Highway
Tampa, FL 33618
813-963-3009 (office)
813-963-5336 (fax)
lwilson@alpha-omegatitle.com

[This blog is maintained by our social media manager, C.J. Johnson. He can be reached at cjjohnson@alpha-omegatitle.com.]

Friday, November 22, 2013

Frequently Asked Questions


Q. What is title insurance?
A. Insurance which protects the lender and the homeowner (when an owners title insurance policy is issued) against loss resulting from any defects in the title or claims against a property that was not uncovered in the title search, and that are not specifically listed as exceptions to the coverage on the title insurance policy.

Q. What is a title?
A. A title is evidence of the right that a person has to the ownership and possession of land. It is possible that someone other than the owner has a legal right to the property. If that right can be established, this person can claim the property outright or make demands on the owner as to its use.

Q. What is a title search?
A. A title search is a detailed examination of the historical records concerning a property. These records include deeds, court records, property and name indexes, and many other documents. The purpose of the search is to verify the sellers' right to transfer ownership, and to discover any claims, defects, and other rights or burdens on the property.

Q. What problems can a title search reveal?
A. A title search can reveal several types of defects and liens, as well as other encumbrances and restrictions. These include unpaid property taxes, unsatisfied mortgages, judgments against the seller, and restrictions limiting the use of the property.

Q. What can make a title defective?
A. Several problems could remain undisclosed, even after the most extensive search of the public records. These hidden defects are dangerous, because it could be months or years before they become known. Yet the owner could be forced to pay large sums of money to defend these claims. When you purchase a title insurance policy, you receive protection from these and a host of other hidden defects.
  • Forged deeds
  • Mistakes in recording of documents
  • Creditor claims
  • Undisclosed heirs
  • Incorrect legal descriptions
  • Errors in tax records
  • Incorrect or misrepresented marital status
Q. What does title insurance costs?
A. A lot less than you probably think. Fees vary in different parts of the country, but generally the cost of title insurance (including search, exam and related services) amounts to about 1% or less of the cost of the property.

Q. What is a closing?
A. Closing, which is also known as settlement or escrow, is the event where the title to the property is transferred from seller to buyer. Closing is typically held in an office, such as the title company or attorney and involves the completion of all of the forms or paperwork to finalize the agreement between seller and buyer. Also, all financial issues are settled at closing. Once the title is successfully transferred, the necessary documents are prepared, signed and filed with the local authorities.

Click HERE to view this page on our website!

Contact us for more information -- 
 
Alpha-Omega Title Services, Inc.
14001 North Dale Mabry Highway
Tampa, FL 33618
813-963-3009 (office)
813-963-5336 (fax)
lwilson@alpha-omegatitle.com

[This blog is maintained by our social media manager, C.J. Johnson. He can be reached at cjjohnson@alpha-omegatitle.com.]

Friday, November 15, 2013

Community Involvement and Leadership Activities


Giving back to the community is something Alpha-Omega's CEO, Gibbs Wilson, has consistently modeled to the AOT team and others in his life. Gibbs encourages and supports corporate and employee involvement in activities that improve our communities.

A portion of everything AOT makes goes into a charitable Fund which supports dozens of local, non-profit organizations. In 2002, Gibbs established the Alpha-Omega Title Charitable Fund and has distributed over $500,000 to charitable causes, including the American Cancer Society, Bethany Adoption Services, Boy Scouts of America, Executive Ministries, Family First, Family Life Resources, Florida Orchestra, Hope Children's Home, Metropolitan Ministries, Muscular Dystrophy of America, A Woman's Place, World Relief, YMCA and others.
 
Since February, 2006, Gibbs has served as Chairman of the Board of Christian Legacy Foundation (CLF) whose goal is to give $1 billion dollars to the Tampa community over the next 20 years. (CLF is on pace to exceed the billion dollar goal.) CLF is an affiliate of National Christian Foundation (NCF), the largest Christian foundation in America.

Gibbs has been giving back to the community for decades. For the last 15 years, Gibbs has been a Big Brother. AOT team members helped build a "Habitat for Humanity" home. In addition, Gibbs donated Alpha-Omega Title's original office building to Habitat for Humanity in 2002 and provided them with value exceeding $200,000.
 
Gibbs supports Family First and "All Pro Dad". "All Pro Dad" is currently in thousands of schools across the nation.

AOT team members have been involved in the community through the following organizations:
  • Metropolitan Ministries - Back to School Program (backpacks, school supplies, helping children select supplies)
  • Have A Heart - Annual feeding lunch to the homeless for Valentine's Day
  • Reading Is Fundamental - Monthly tutoring of "at-risk" kindergarten children in inner city (teaching to read)
  • American Cancer Society - Annual Fund Raiser Project/Cattle Barons' Ball
  • Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
Gibbs Wilson currently or formerly has served on the following boards:
  • CEO Council of Tampa Bay
  • Interbay Rotary Club & Rotary Club of Downtown
  • Fellowship of Christian Athletes
  • Tampa Help Line, a local crisis phone center 
  • Vicky Lyn Robinson Foundation V.P.
  • Hyde Park United Methodist Church, Administrative and Financial Boards 
Gibbs is a member of the following professional organizations:
  • The Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce
  • Rotary Club of Downtown Tampa
  • CEO Council of Tampa Bay
  • The Executive Committee (TEC) - a group comprised of small business owners and executives who meet regularly to help one another stay on track and succeed in business
  • Florida Land Title Association
  • Tampa Bay Builders Association
  • Women's Council of Realtors
  • Greater Tampa Association of Realtors
  • Network Professionals, Inc.

Click HERE to view this page on our website!

Contact us for more information -- 

Alpha-Omega Title Services, Inc.
14001 North Dale Mabry Highway
Tampa, FL 33618
813-963-3009 (office)
813-963-5336 (fax)
lwilson@alpha-omegatitle.com

[This blog is maintained by our social media manager, C.J. Johnson. He can be reached at cjjohnson@alpha-omegatitle.com.]

Friday, November 8, 2013

"Meet Our CEO" - Byron Gibbs Wilson, Jr.

Gibbs Wilson is the CEO of Alpha-Omega Title Company, which he founded in 1983 and grew from a two-employee operation into one of the largest, privately held title insurance agencies in Tampa. Wilson has more than 30 years experience in the title insurance business as a searcher, examiner, closer, and manager. He is AOT's primary strategic planner, liaison to underwriters, key clients and the community.
 
The title insurance agency has served more than 100,000 buyers and sellers of residential and commercial real estate and closed and insured billions of dollars of real estate transactions since its inception.
 
Leadership development is a passion for Wilson, who has participated in the following programs:
  • TEC/Vistage (Largest CEO development organization in the world)
  • C-12 (Faith-based leadership development and peer advisory group)
  • Leadership Tampa (2007 Class)
  • Lifework Leadership of Tampa Bay (Inaugural class and serves on Board of Directors)
  • Strategic Coach (Chicago)
  • CEO Council of Tampa Bay

In addition, Wilson served as Chairman of National Christian Foundation Tampa Bay from 2005-2012. The National Christian Foundation (NCF) is the largest Christian grant-making foundation in the world, having received $5.5 billion in contributions and made more than $3.7 billion in grants to thousands of churches, ministries, and non-profits. Locally, NCF-Tampa Bay is on pace to facilitate one billion dollars of generous giving.

Wilson received the 2008 Outstanding Small Business Leader of the Year award from the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce. AOT received its Small Business of the Year award and the inaugural Mayor's Award for Community Involvement in 2006.


A fourth generation Tampa native, Wilson grew up in South Tampa (literally on the site where AOT's MacDill office now sits) and attended HB Plant High School, Emory University and the University of South Florida. He played on the varsity tennis team at Emory and on the state champion tennis team at Plant High. He is married to the former Lori Dudgeon, CPA who is the CFO of AOT. The couple has ten-year-old twin sons. The family attends Van Dyke United Methodist Church and Wilson has traveled to Russia, Cuba, Guatemala, Brazil, and Sudan on mission trips.

The favorite recreational activities for Wilson are tennis and chess. His wife enjoys basketball, having played on her high school and college teams and their sons play basketball, tennis, chess and baseball. The twins played on the third grade chess team that won the 2013 state title and both will be inducted into the National Elementary Honor Society in Aug. 2013.

Contact us for more information -- 
Alpha-Omega Title Services, Inc.
14001 North Dale Mabry Highway
Tampa, FL 33618
813-963-3009 (office)
813-963-5336 (fax)
lwilson@alpha-omegatitle.com

[This blog is maintained by our social media manager, C.J. Johnson. He can be reached at cjjohnson@alpha-omegatitle.com.]

Thursday, October 31, 2013

Our Services for Homeowners

This is the fourth post in our series "Who is Alpha-Omega Title?". We have dedicated a portion of our website to this topic -- you can view that by clicking on the following link! http://www.alpha-omegatitle.com/Homeowners.

Shopping For Title Insurance


When you purchase your home, how can you be sure that there are no problems with the home's title and that the seller really owns the property? Problems with the title can limit your use and enjoyment of the property, as well as bring financial loss. That is what a title search and title insurance are for. Consumers are free to shop for title insurance and to select a title company to conduct their closing. Many consumers rely on their real estate agent or lender for a recommendation for a title company since they are in a position to know which companies provide good service.

Types of Title Insurance


Knowing what you are asking for is your first step in shopping for title insurance rates. There are two kinds of title insurance: the Loan Policy, which protects the lender's investment, and the Owner's Policy of Title Insurance, which protects the buyer's interests. If you are obtaining a loan to purchase your house, the lender will usually require that you purchase a Loan Policy to protect their investment. We strongly encourage consumers to obtain an Owner's Policy for a one-time fee paid at closing to protect their interests. 

Settlement Agents


Closing the sale of your house or business is easy, if you chose the right title company. Title companies, or any settlement agent who performs a closing, are involved in a multitude of activities involved in a closing.
A settlement agent glues together the process of the sale, working with both the buyer and the seller in the transaction. They research the title, making sure there aren't any liens on the property, pay the seller and the old lender, obtain money from the buyer and new lender, obtain recording fees and taxes for the government, and file the paperwork at the local courthouse. In effect they orchestrate the settlement from start to finish. 

The Owner's Title Policy


Sometimes title problems occur that could not be found in the public records or are inadvertently missed in the title search process. To help protect you in these events, it is recommended that you obtain an Owner's Policy of Title Insurance to insure you against the most unforeseen problems. An Owner's Policy provides assurance that your title company will stand behind you - monetarily and with legal defense if needed - if a covered title problem arises after you buy your home. 
 

The Loan Policy


Most lenders usually require a Loan Policy when they issue you a loan. The Loan Policy is usually based on the dollar amount of your loan. It only protects the lender's interests in the property should a problem with the title arise. It does not protect the buyer. The policy amount decreases each year and eventually disappears as the loan is paid off.


Contact us for more information -- 
 
Alpha-Omega Title Services, Inc.
14001 North Dale Mabry Highway
Tampa, FL 33618
813-963-3009 (office)
813-963-5336 (fax)
lwilson@alpha-omegatitle.com

[This blog is maintained by our social media manager, C.J. Johnson. He can be reached at cjjohnson@alpha-omegatitle.com.]

Monday, July 1, 2013

Our Services for Lenders

Welcome to our fourth blog post, focusing on our commitment to lenders --

We believe that the market is turning a corner... The decline in housing activity over the last few years brought with it a significant contraction in home financing. Until recently, short sales and foreclosures were a significant source of activity and a significant drain on lenders, and mortgage refinancing represented a large portion of all mortgage applications due to the interest rate environment. Those were difficult days for lenders. But with all signs now pointing toward a recovery in the housing market and continued low interest rates, the outlook looks promising. Mortgage applications for home purchase are now on the rise. New home construction lending and commercial lending are both recovering nicely with year over year gains. Alpha-Omega Title's Commercial Closing Team is led by a 20-year title veteran who is well-respected in the industry. 
  
Lenders now operate with increased regulation... Since the housing crisis began, mortgage lending guidelines and regulations have been continually changing in an attempt to eliminate the problems that caused the crisis. Each of those has had consequences for borrowers, lenders, the housing market and the broader economy. New levels of documentation and verification are now required for a loan approval. Stricter underwriting standards and more lender accountability are now the norm. All of that combines to slow down and complicate the mortgage loan process. All of these factors and others increase the importance of minimizing uncertainty when it comes to choosing a title services company. Expedient, comprehensive and accurate service is a must in today's real estate market to ensure a smooth closing every time.

You need a trustworthy partner who understands your needs... Alpha-Omega Title has had the privilege of working with lenders for 30 years and we understand your title insurance needs. We understand the increased regulatory environment, are knowledgeable of situations that could delay closings and know how to address those issues. Alpha-Omega Title wants to be your title services partner to provide a superior closing experience with your client and serve you with excellence. Alpha-Omega Title will handle all of your title insurance needs with efficiency, innovation and personalized service. We are committed to consistently delivering service that is timely, responsive and accurate. Alpha-Omega Title will handle all of your title insurance needs with efficiency, innovation and personalized service. We are committed to consistently delivering service that is timely, responsive and accurate.

Alpha-Omega Title offers stellar services for lenders... Through our experience with mortgage lenders, we have built a team that understands the ever-changing needs of lenders and partners with them to provide top quality service to them and their borrowers.

We make the following promises to you as a lender: 

  • Competitive Rates - We understand that the costs of lenders policies and closing costs for homebuyers can be burdensome. With this in mind, Alpha-Omega strives to offer competitive rates to keep costs to a minimum.
  • Responsiveness and Speed - Alpha-Omega Title provides quick turnaround time on preliminary closing statements, title commitments, and other documents.   
  • Risk Mitigation - Around a quarter of all real estate transactions have some sort of title problem which must be remedied prior to closing. You want your title company to be able to address any title issues accurately and efficiently so your closing is not delayed. We will advise you on the best procedures for clearing title defects or removing encumbrances.
  • Experience - Our knowledgeable, courteous and professional representatives are intimately aware of the special requirements of lending institutions. Our experienced staff of experts understands how increased government regulations and scrutiny impacts your business.
  • Relationships - We want a long-term relationship with you and your institution. Relationships require trust first and foremost. Trust comes with time as you realize how experienced, fast and responsive Alpha-Omega is.
  • Personal Service - You will have a dedicated team working on your files from order to closing. 
  • Innovation - Alpha-Omega uses Best Practices for the most efficient ways to close transactions and provide our customers the information they need. We continually strive for excellence in all that we do. 
  • Expertise - Our experienced teams provide expertise in all areas of title lending transactions including residential, commercial, builder services and REO transactions. 
  • Smooth Closings - Our dedication and experience ensure your loan closing will get done efficiently and accurately. We anticipate issues that may arise, and we work with you to get these situations resolved promptly. 
  • Regular Communication - There are many steps that must be completed in the closing process. We will provide you information in the manner in which you prefer to communicate. Some clients prefer phone calls, others prefer emails.We are committed to effectively communicating with our clients throughout the closing process. 
Contact us for more information -- 

Alpha-Omega Title Services, Inc.
14001 North Dale Mabry Highway
Tampa, FL 33618
813-963-3009 (office)
813-963-5336 (fax)
lwilson@alpha-omegatitle.com

[This blog is maintained by our social media manager, C.J. Johnson. He can be reached at cjjohnson@alpha-omegatitle.com.]

Monday, June 17, 2013

Our Services for Builders

Welcome to our third blog post, focusing on our services for builders -- 

We work with national and regional builders... Alpha-Omega Title provides customized solutions for a range of closing services and title insurance needs. We have the capability to provide on-site personnel in your sales centers to handle your clients' questions, as well as open escrow on new sales. We can provide title services on land acquisition, construction and bridge loans. Additionally, we can handle your end-consumers' closing services and title insurance requirements. Alpha-Omega can assist you with every phase of development.

Alpha-Omega can provide you the following as a builder: 

  • Act as Your In-House Title Company By using our services, you can gain the benefits of having your own title agency without actually having to endure the costs and responsibility.  
  • Working Together By partnering with your engineers and surveyors, we assist in identifying all boundary easement and setback lines plus restrictions before you purchase a lot.  
  • Peace of Mind We work with your lender to ensure that your purchase runs smoothly. 
  • Affordable Pricing We work to keep your costs to a minimum by working with you to obtain re-issue credit for entire subdivisions. 
  • Keeping You Updated We update your title along the way and report any problems that may arise.
  • In Addition We offer customized fee programs/escrow services, and close your transactions at locations convenient for you.

Recovery is well underway... There are ample signs that the housing market overall is improving. Historically low mortgage rates and low home prices are driving demand for the first time in years. Meanwhile, the inventory of foreclosed and distressed properties is decreasing. Housing starts are rising, and homebuilder confidence sits at a six-year high. We expect that recovery to continue and even accelerate since housing starts have been down for so long while population has been growing. 

But there are still challenges... As the housing market recovers, builders will still face some challenges:Lack of credit availability continues to be an issue for both builders and buyers.
  • Many economists expect the slow recovery to continue for another year.
  • Home price increases are limited by conservative lending and appraisals.
  • Vendors along the supply chain may be reluctant to increase production if they believe the recovery is not sustainable.
  • Increased building activity may mean cost increases for commodities such as concrete, lumber, sheetrock, roofing and paint. 
  • Exodus of workers from the industry may mean a scarcity of qualified and season employees as the recovery continues. 
  • Overall, pricing constraints and rising costs could squeeze builder profits, making it difficult for builders to sell, construct, and service new homes at the level customers now expect. 
You need a trustworthy partner... We've been in business for 30 years and understand your concerns and the challenges builders face. We want to be your title services partner to help see you through the ups and downs of the real estate development market. To help you meet these challenges, Alpha-Omega handles all of your title insurance needs with efficiency, innovation, and personalized service. We are committed to consistently delivering service that is timely, responsive and accurate. 

Contact us for more information -- 

Alpha-Omega Title Services, Inc.
14001 North Dale Mabry Highway
Tampa, FL 33618
813-963-3009 (office)
813-963-5336 (fax)
lwilson@alpha-omegatitle.com

[This blog is maintained by our social media manager, C.J. Johnson. He can be reached at cjjohnson@alpha-omegatitle.com.]



Monday, June 10, 2013

Our Services for Realtors

Welcome to our second blog post, focusing on our services to realtors -- 

Alpha-Omega makes the following promises to you as a realtor:
  • Competitive Rates - We understand that closing costs can be burdensome on home buyers. With this in mind, Alpha-Omega strives to offer competitive rates to keep your client's costs to a minimum. 
  • Personal Service - Get "instant information" by simply calling your Account Representative. Whether you need information concerning ownership, transfer tax, legal descriptions or lender information, we are here to help you. 
  • Responsiveness and Speed - Rapid turn-around on documents such as preliminary closing statements, title commitments and policies. 
  • Smooth Closings Our experience and processes ensure no last minute issues or delays. 
  • Regular Communication - So many steps must be completed in the escrow process - in a specific order, or in parallel - for a transaction to close. It is important for the agent, and to a lesser extent the agent's broker, to know when these steps are initiated and/or completed. That's why communicating with the real estate  agent is crucial for a title company - and why we communicate so well.


Recovery brings with it new opportunities for realtors... Housing starts, new home sales, existing home sales, sale prices, low interest rates, and even a looser grip on lending all point toward a promising recovery in the housing market. You're already feeling it - and it's a welcome relief after years of little movement in the market besides short sales and foreclosures. Most economists expect the recovery to be sluggish this year, but prospects for a better tomorrow are excellent. 


But realtors face challenges on the road ahead... But all is not clear sailing. If past history is a guide, there are still challenging days ahead. Market activity is picking up but still lags behind historical averages. Many realtors have left the business so there are now fewer competitors,  but they're competing over a smaller base of transactions. In many cases, it is now taking longer to close. More deliberate lenders mean more financing delays. More conservative appraisals bring unexpected surprises. For realtors, all of that can make it more difficult to get to a pay day. So as a closing date approached, the last thing you need is a delay in the escrow and closing process after all those other pieces have fallen in place. 


You need a trustworthy partner who understand your needs... At Alpha-Omega Title, we understand your concerns and the challenges realtors face. We've been in business for 30 years and like you, we've weathered the storms. Alpha-Omega wants to be your title services partner to help see you through the ups and downs of the real estate market. To help you meet these challenges, Alpha-Omega handles all of your title insurance needs with efficiency, innovation, and personalized service. We are committed to consistently delivering service that is timely, responsive and accurate. 


Alpha-Omega's title services for realtors... Alpha-Omega is committed to helping people achieve the dream of home ownership. Our goal is to make the purchase of real estate a pleasurable and rewarding experience for the principals and their real estate professionals. We understand your title services needs and strive to build long term relationships with realtors based on trust, dependability, outstanding service, and responsiveness. 


Contact us for more information -- 

Alpha-Omega Title Services, Inc.
14001 North Dale Mabry Highway
Tampa, FL 33618
813-963-3009 (office)
813-963-5336 (fax)
www.alpha-omegatitle.com
lwilson@alpha-omegatitle.com

[This blog is maintained by our social media manager, C.J. Johnson. He can be reached at cjjohnson@alpha-omegatitle.com.]

Thursday, June 6, 2013

Introduction to Alpha-Omega Title

Welcome to the official blog of Alpha-Omega Title, celebrating 30 years of award-winning service!


As one of Tampa's largest independent title insurance agencies, we have the experience to ensure no hurdles get in the way of a smooth closing. We've closed and insured billions of dollars of real estate transactions since our inception as a title agent for some of the largest and most financially sound title insurance underwriters in the country.


Alpha-Omega Title believes that each customer is important and different. So we strive to understand your unique needs and provide the level of service you deserve. Whether you are a realtor, lender, builder, homeowner, buyer or vendor, Alpha-Omega Title commits to work with you in a way that meets your needs and blesses you.

Want to to know more about us? Contact us -- 

14011 N. Dale Mabry Hwy.
Tampa, FL 33618
813.963.3009
www.alpha-omegatitle.com
lwilson@alpha-omegatitle.com


[This blog is maintained by our social media manager, C.J. Johnson. He can be reached at cjjohnson@alpha-omegatitle.com.]