John Doe's (mfigurski) Blog

I am currently looking for some nice office space in the Pittsburgh and surrounding area.  My title business is only two people.  I am looking for either a space with three offices (one for each of us and one for closings) or even a two room space (provided one of the spaces be large enough for t...

Last week was a very busy week.  Finally, Friday had rolled around and all I wanted to do was relax, have a nice dinner and perhaps a couple beverages.  My wife and I went to Benihana.  Since we were a party of two, we were sat with a group of six who were apparently celebrating a birthday.  Thro...

Please come and join us as we host a golf outing to raise money for the American Diabetes Association.  The outing will be Saturday August 9th, 2008 at Ponderosa Golf Course in Hookstown, PA (about 30 miles outside of Pittsburgh). The cost is $75 per golfer and that includes 18 holes w/cart and d...

This morning I told you all how I lost another deal to the strong-arming of a realtor with a JV title company. I replied to an email I received from the buyer stating that I understood and that I would still be willing to help in whatever way that I can.  I told him to be careful and watch for a ...

I got a call on Tuesday last week from a friend of mine that we closed a deal for a few months back.  One of his friends from work was buying a house and he mentioned my company.  Early Thursday morning, I get a call from the buyer.  We discuss some details and he said that he would like to use m...

With the number of foreclosures going up and up, so does the number of people who want to prey on those in troubling times.  I actually saw this particular scheme several years ago up in New York.  Last week, I attended a continuing education seminar and they talked about it again, so I figured I...

We are closing a Fannie Mae cash deal tonight.  These people are buying a 3 bedroom house for $12,000.00  They have declined obtaining an Owner's policy for title insurance, so basically all my firm is making is the "Settlement Fee".  Do you know, the buyer is fighting tooth and nail about our mi...

A bad day of golf is better than a good day in the office!Now that the weather is warmer, I am excited to get out and start golfing again.  The only thing is, I live in the South Hills of Pittsburgh and I always end up going to one of the same 3 or 4 courses.  I know of a ton of courses, but I do...

I was reading about the ActiveRain gathering they had in Philadelphia and it looks as though it was a great success and I am sure it was a lot of fun.  I am contemplating putting a gathering together for those of us in and around the Pittsburgh area.  Right now, I am just looking to see who may b...

My partner and I used to work for a large national title company who has recently announced that they are closing their doors.  I live in Pittsburgh and there are no less than 5 or 6 large title companies who have ceased operations here.When I started at that national title company, their entire ...