FIRST AMERICAN TITLE

I closed at the 3120 Lincoln Ave site in Chicago. It was a nightmare, starting with the unprofessional attitude and presentation of staff (both Claudia Martinez and especially Ed Cruz) and ending with a serious error of the company paying off the 2nd tax installation when it was already paid off by my previous mortgage company. I realize it could have been an honest mistake, however, my phone calls to them were not returned. There was no clarification on their part, and thank goodness my broker was able to intercede and help me. During the actual closing Ms. Martinez was abrupt, pressured and used "trust me" as an explanation to my questions. She was in and out of the room, thereby minimizing the opportunity to clarify specific concerns I had. I was highly suspicious of her experience and what should have been an efficient and stress-less experience (with so much money involved) turned out to be extremely stressful for a long period of waiting time. Very low-quality performance.

OUR REAL ESTATE AGENT PURCHASED A ONE-YEAR CONTRACT FOR US, AND WE HAVE FOUND IT VERY USEFUL. WE HAVE USED THIS COMPANY FOR NINE MONTHS NOW, AND HAVE HAD MOSTLY GOOD EXPERIENCES, BUT A FEW LESS THAN SATISFACTORY ONES. THE CONTRACT IS VERY CLEAR ON WHAT IS COVERED AND WHAT ISN'T. OCCASIONALLY IT IS DIFFICULT TO GET THROUGH BY PHONE, BUT MOSTLY IT IS EASY, AND THE STAFF TRY TO BE HELPFUL AND POLITE, AND THEY DO RETURN PHONE CALLS. WE ARE HAPPY WITH THEIR RESPONSE TO BROKEN APPLIANCES: THEY WILL REPAIR OR REPLACE IT, OR GIVE US THE CASH EQUIVALENT. NOTE THAT THEY CHOOSE THE MODEL, WHICH IS SUPPOSED TO BE EQUIVALENT TO WHAT IT IS REPLACING. IF YOU WANT TO UPGRADE, TAKE THE CASH, BUT NOTE THAT THEY GET A VOLUME DISCOUNT SO THE AMOUNT IS SMALLER THAN EXPECTED. THE CONTRACTORS THEY USE RANGE FROM TERRIFIC TO DISAPPOINTING. THERE IS A CUSTOMER SATISFACTION INQUIRY FAIRLY OFTEN, SO THEY SEEM INTERESTED IN IMPROVEMENT. THIS IS A GOOD VALUE IF THEY IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF CONTRACTORS THEY USE.