Northeast Title celebrates 20th anniversary with positive changes

Northeast Title is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year by ushering in new changes that aim to situate the company for further success.

The biggest update Northeast Title recently announced is that Nathan Houdek and Angie Mikulich are now the managing partners of Northeast Title.

“It is a huge honor to be part owner,” said Mikulich. “I love this business because everyone here is like family, and our customers become friends and acquaintances.”

Houdek and Mikulich have both been with the company for around two decades. Northeast Title has made a few other changes as well when it comes to personnel, including promoting Shonna Kowarsch to the manager of the Virginia branch.

“She brings with her a wealth of knowledge and upbeat personality with a drive,’ said Mikulich. “She will still be seen in Ely’s office weekly.”

“Another personnel change is that Elizabeth Hubbard is heading up the Final Policy Department, Andrea Bonach has been promoted to Licensed Closing Agent and Karlee Puzel has been added to the team as an upand- coming closing agent,” continued Mikulich.

For those who may be unfamiliar, Northeast Title specializes in real estate closings.

“We do refinance closings, construction closings, and are kind of that middle person to make sure that we’re following the rules and regulations of the industry with legalities when it comes to recordings, ordinances and law,” said Mikulich.

A huge challenge Northeast Title has had to overcome in the last few years is cyber security and ensuring all their dealings and transactions are safe and secure.

With all the cybercrime happening, Northeast Title has taken an active role regarding sensitive information provided to them by clients.

“Making sure that we are being safe with cyber security has been a big challenge,” said Mikulich. “Everything is changing so fast it can be hard to keep up with, and it has been a long road to get everything in place as far as technology is concerned.”

When working with important online documents, Mikulich emphasized the importance of good cyber security and diligence when it comes to equipping Northeast Title with state-of-theart technology.

As such, Northeast Title is implementing a new software program that will use a secure portal for their clients to log into to place a new order and check on the status of their current files.

“Cybercrime is really high these days. It’s been a learning curve getting the new software implemented, but having the peace of mind we are secure is very satisfying, and knowing our customers are safe and protected is a great feeling,” she said.

On top of improving its cyber security, Northeast Title will also change its logo this year and will get new signage.

“We wanted a fresh, simplified look,” said Mikulich. “We are kind of using some colors, and there will still be a compass and arrow, but it will be an improved look. We’re really excited about it.”

They will be getting new signage to accompany the new logo, which should be up by the start of May.

Northeast Title prides itself on its competitive rates, and it’s one of the reasons Mikulich loves working in a small community.

“We try and find the best rate available for our clients,” she said. “For repeat customers, we have discounted rates.”

They also pride themselves on their turnaround time. Which has gotten much faster over the last few years.

“Our turnaround time has been a big adjustment,” said Mikulich. “We used to do two weeks for the title, and now we’re down to five days turnaround.”

Mikulich said that Northeast Title may consider expanding over the next few years, but it is still up in the air.

“We have talked about expansion,” she said. “It would be an expansion possibly to Duluth or Grand Rapids, and it won’t be anytime in the next year or two.”

For now, Northeast Title is satisfied with where they are at, and enjoy the current size of the company.

“We’re really happy with the two offices we have and the clients we have and want to take things slow, but there is a possibility we could expand for sure,” said Mikulich.

Mikulich said she is very grateful for the Ely community and looks forward to helping people buy more properties in the future.