In 1985 Greater Illinois Title Company (GIT) was founded to provide title insurance and closing services to the Chicagoland real estate market. Since then, GIT has developed a reputation of integrity, professionalism and exceptional customer service. As with many in the title industry, GIT had a strong year in 1997. With falling interest rates, activity increased in the fourth quarter of 1997 and provides a great deal of optimism for the coming year.

But the challenges of shrinking margins and intense competition threaten the status quo in the title industry. As a result, the industry environment is driving change and requiring companies to implement new strategies to survive. GIT is prepared to meet the challenges of today's market by taking an aggressive approach to business. The company is well positioned to provide the quality, value and service demands of a diverse customer base. Change is coming quickly to the industry, and opportunities will be open to those companies that can move swiftly. GIT is focused to make positive and meaningful change as circumstances dictate.

For example, through the Gateway Services Program, the company is offering title and closing services to policy issuing agents of Chicago Title Insurance Company. This initiative helps fulfill our mission of 'viewing our customers as our partners in business' in the various market segments which we compete. REALINFO, the on-line real estate information service developed by GIT and Chicago Title, provides the most comprehensive real estate information database in the industry. Information is becoming the essence of power and the key to credibility in the industry. With this in mind we are exploring other unique and innovative ways to approach the market and explore other viable opportunities for growth.

GIT is committed to making the right strategic choices. A constantly changing customer base requires that the needs of different customer segments be approached distinctively with an eye towards customization of services. Relationships with customers have always played a key role in our success, and further development in that area is critical to Greater Illinois Title's future. Key strategies to ensure success in the coming year include strengthening the organization to build consistency, enhancing capabilities for the benefit of customers and lowering operating costs. Our years of experience will ensure superior execution of these strategies as the company fulfills its mission of being 'the best provider of real estate information products and services in the industry.'

This article originally appeared in the Northern Illinois Real Estate Magazine, February 1998