BIO: Bart Shaw has more than 10 years of experience in real estate and title services, specializing in sales, marketing, and closing. He is currently the Faulkner County market manager at Lenders Title Company and supports sales and operations for Preservation Title in New Orleans and Precision Title in Chicago, as part of the Knox-Title Family of Companies.

Lenders Title handles everything from traditional closings to commercial, multi-family, residential, agricultural, and forestry transactions. How have you built expertise across such diverse commercial sectors?

We manage real estate transactions and insure the conveyance of property from seller to buyer, as well as the lender’s interest in the property when applicable. Our scope includes all forms of real estate, with commercial and residential being the primary categories. Our Conway team consists of seasoned professionals with extensive experience in the title industry. Their comprehensive understanding of the transaction process enables them to confidently support realtors, bankers, developers, builders, and both buyers and sellers in achieving successful closings.

What role does collaboration between lenders, attorneys, and title companies play in ensuring smooth commercial closings?

Collaboration among all parties is essential to a successful closing. We work closely with lenders, realtors, and attorneys to serve as a neutral intermediary for buyers and sellers, ensuring all aspects of the transaction progress efficiently. Once we receive an order, our team manages every necessary step to move the transaction to completion with accuracy and minimal disruption.

You emphasize having relationships with multiple underwriters. How does that flexibility enhance outcomes for commercial clients?

We maintain strong working relationships with our underwriters, internal underwriting counsel, and title agents to align each transaction with the most suitable underwriting partner. As part of the Knox Title Family of Companies, we have access to expertise across eight states and more than 40 offices. This combination of local market knowledge and national resources allows us to engage directly with external underwriting leadership when needed.

Commercial transactions often involve unique complexities related to property type or transaction size. Our team’s experience and internal resources allow us to make informed decisions promptly. When additional input is required, we can quickly engage our underwriters to ensure the best possible outcome.

What does your client-focused approach look like in practice, especially with complex commercial deals involving multiple stakeholders?

Clear and consistent communication is at the core of our client-focused approach. Our team provides regular updates to referral partners and stakeholders to address file details and resolve issues efficiently. For complex situations, direct conversations allow us to address challenges and obtain necessary information more effectively, followed by detailed written updates to maintain complete records.

What unique challenges do multi-state commercial transactions present for title companies, and how can those be addressed?

Multi-state transactions can be challenging due to variations in land record accessibility and differing state regulatory requirements. While these situations are less common, we are fully equipped to manage them through our network of partners. Once the states involved are identified, we develop a tailored plan to help the client meet their closing objectives efficiently.

How important is client education in the commercial closing process, and what should investors or developers understand before starting a deal?

In the commercial sector, clients typically possess a greater familiarity with the closing process and the title insurance industry. Many investors and developers have already structured their transactions with their lenders. Our role is to align with that structure to provide the required loan coverage and fulfill all contract obligations. Once the property is under contract or lender-approved, we manage the remaining steps so the client can remain focused on their core business activities.

Where do you see the commercial title and closing industry heading in the next five years, and what major changes do you anticipate?

As Central Arkansas continues to experience growth, we anticipate increased activity in both residential development and commercial business expansion. This trend will likely create greater demand for title and closing services in the region.