History

Mr. George P. Wittman was a member agent of Attorneys Title Guaranty Fund, Inc. for over 30 years.    Laef N. Lorton is continuing Mr. George P. Wittman’s dedication to serving our clients’ needs in real estate transactions by offering title insurance with Fidelity National Title Insurance Company, title searches, closing services, and 1031 exchange services.    

Since Preferred Title & Escrow, Inc. is owned by the attorneys of Wittman & Lorton, P.C., with a combined 30 years of title experience, you can be assured that any title issues or legal questions that may arise during a transaction will be addressed and handled accordingly.  The attorneys of Wittman & Lorton, P.C. are paid a legal fee for legal document preparation prepared for a closing.  Additionally, Laef N. Lorton, as President of Preferred Title & Escrow, Inc., receives a portion of the premium charged for title insurance.  The legal fees and premiums are disclosed to the parties in advance of each closing. 

Preferred Title & Escrow, Inc. is still home to the same familiar faces of the former Wittman & Lorton, Title & Abstract department.    Marci Collins continues to serve as our closer charged with preparing our buyers, sellers, lenders, and realtors for closing while navigating the myriad of documentation necessary for an insured transaction.  Over the years, Marci has worked hard to build special relationships with lenders and realtors to ensure the closing process runs smoothly. She has an ability to make clients feel comfortable with the real estate transaction and helps to guarantee you leave our office happy. Melanie Strebel is dedicated to the initial title examination, preparation of the commitment, and insuring that all parties to the transaction have received necessary disclosures and information.  Melanie’s strengths lie in her ability to dive into the history of a client’s property, and she is dedicated to ensuring there will be no issues with your title transfer, she spends a significant amount of time reviewing abstracts and/or conducting 100+ year searches. Olivia Rowling works to complete a thorough title examination, prepares title commitments and supporting title documents for the closer. Olivia’s detailed work and strong work ethic makes her an essential asset to our team.

Each real estate closing is conducted by one of the attorneys from Wittman & Lorton, P.C, primarily Laef N. Lorton.  Laef desires to continue to Mr. Wittman’s legacy of meeting face to face with the parties to the transaction, answering questions that may arise, and assisting our clients in completing what is for most one of the single biggest investments of their lives. 

Wittman & Lorton, P.C. along with Preferred Title & Escrow, Inc., named JCBA business of the year for 2023.