Business Details
22 Years
experience
Your Trusted Title & Escrow Partner in Washington, DC
Founded in 2004, Answer Title has established itself as a trusted partner in real estate transactions across Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia. Our team combines over 40 years of collective experience in title research, escrow, and settlement services, delivering precision and reliability to residential, commercial, and government clients. As a woman-owned and minority-owned business, we bring a unique perspective shaped by leadership roles in the District of Columbia Department of Banking and Financial Institutions, the Industrial Bank of Washington Board of Directors, and the District of Columbia Land Title Association. Our commitment to innovation is evident in our adoption of remote online notarization (RON) and remote ink-signed notarizations (RIN), ensuring secure digital closings that meet modern demands. We specialize in navigating complex title issues, providing transparent processes that protect client investments.Our expertise extends to TRID compliance, NAICS-certified government contracting, and partnerships with major title underwriters like First American and Fidelity National. With a client-centric approach, we prioritize clear communication, timely execution, and personalized service, as evidenced by our 4.9-star customer satisfaction rating. Our track record includes high-profile projects with federal agencies such as the Department of Homeland Security and the US Army Corps of Engineers, alongside community-focused initiatives that convert vacant properties into homeownership opportunities. By maintaining rigorous industry standards and fostering long-term relationships built on trust, we ensure every transaction reflects our core value: excellence delivered through expertise and attention to detail.
Services
Title Insurance
Settlement Services
Escrow Services
Title Examinations
eClosing Platforms
Property Reports
Remote Notarization
Government Contracting
Details
- Year established: 2004
Highlights and features
- We offer over 40 years of combined experience in real estate title research and settlement.
- Our team includes former government officials and industry leaders.
- We provide remote online notarization for secure digital closings.
- We are a woman-owned, minority-owned business with SBA 8(a) program graduation.
- We serve residential, commercial, and government clients across DC, Maryland, and Virginia.
What people say
Friendly team
Smooth process
Responsive communication
Excellent service
Professional and efficient
Services
Title Insurance
Title insurance safeguards property ownership by identifying and resolving title defects before closing. Our policies protect buyers and lenders from financial loss due to undiscovered liens, ownership disputes, or documentation errors. With one-time premiums and lifelong coverage, we ensure peace of mind for residential and commercial transactions.
Settlement Services
Our settlement services manage all aspects of real estate closings, including document preparation, fund disbursement, and stakeholder coordination. We streamline transactions for buyers, sellers, and lenders through transparent communication and adherence to TRID compliance standards. Our team ensures legally sound transfers of property ownership.
Remote Notarization
Remote online notarization (RON) enables secure, fully digital real estate closings through audio-video verification. This service eliminates geographic barriers while maintaining legal integrity, using encrypted platforms for document signing. We comply with state-specific regulations to ensure valid, tamper-proof transactions.
Title Examinations
Title examinations confirm clear property ownership by analyzing historical records for liens, easements, or encumbrances. Our experts deliver detailed reports identifying potential issues that could affect transactions. This process ensures marketable title for residential, commercial, and government property transfers.
Government Contracting
We specialize in title and settlement services for federal, state, and local government projects. Our NAICS-certified team handles property acquisitions, receivership management, and nationwide title coordination. We support initiatives like affordable housing development and infrastructure modernization through compliant, efficient transactions.
People
S. Kathryn Allen
Founder & President
S. Kathryn Allen leads Answer Title with expertise in residential and commercial title transactions, drawing from her tenure as former Commissioner of the DC Department of Banking and Financial Institutions. Her leadership in the District of Columbia Land Title Association and legal background ensure rigorous compliance and client-focused solutions.
Donna Fitzgerald Shuler
Vice President
Donna Fitzgerald Shuler brings decades of financial services experience as former President & CEO of Independence Federal Savings Bank. Her focus on client satisfaction and operational excellence drives Answer Title's commitment to seamless transactions, supported by her licenses in DC, MD, and VA real estate.
Questions
What title insurance policies do you offer?
We provide owner's and lender's title insurance policies that protect against title defects, liens, and ownership disputes for residential and commercial properties.
Do you support remote closings?
Yes, we offer remote online notarization (RON) and remote ink-signed notarizations (RIN) for secure digital closings in compliance with state regulations.
How can I get a title quote?
Use our online Connect platform to generate real-time title quotes, calculate fees, or request a Good Faith Estimate instantly.
Are you TRID compliant?
Yes, we strictly adhere to TRID regulations for accurate disclosure timelines and transparent closing cost communication.
What government agencies do you work with?
We serve federal clients like DHS, FDIC, and USACE, as well as state and local entities including DC Housing Authority and Maryland DHCD.
What areas do you service?
We operate in Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia, with nationwide title services and partnerships for expanded coverage.