First e-Recording in Northeast Pennsylvania Accepted by Luzerne County, Pa.

November 5, 2007

HOUSTON-- Mary Dysleski, Luzerne County Recorder of Deeds in Wilkes-Barre, has accepted the first electronic recording in Northeastern Pennsylvania.

Abstract Resources submitted the real estate documents into the county’s LANDEX land records management system using Landata e-Link software.“With the e-Link software, title companies and other submitters can transmit closing documents just as if they appeared in person at the counter in the courthouse,” said Alan Cellura, president and chief executive officer, Landata Technologies Inc.

Landata Technologies is a wholly owned subsidiary of Stewart Information Services Corp. (NYSE:STC)

“With this technology, documents are recorded earlier, allowing more efficient collection of fees to benefit the county,” said Dysleski. “In addition, e-recording is a real time-saver for our customers, since they don’t have to find parking spaces and visit two courthouse buildings to record documents.

“Also, with documents being e-filed, our office has measurably increased its productivity,” added Dysleski. “Our work load has been leveled-out to cover the whole day instead of having a big rush at the end of the day. Best of all, our customers – our constituents – are happier.”

The first closing-document package included a deed and mortgage and was transmitted on Oct. 23. Scanned images of the documents in addition to index information (grantor, grantee and property information) and cashiering information (document type and number of pages) were sent.

“The main benefit we gain from e-recording is time effectiveness,” said Barbara Mikielski, president, Abstract Resources. “It’s great for our office because we save a 20-minute drive into town and waiting in line to submit closing documents.

“It also gives our buyers a real level of comfort, knowing that their closing is recorded correctly and in a timely manner,” added Mikielski.

Cellura said, “e-Link is a standalone application that any title company can use, regardless of its title production software. We are looking forward to working with all the submitters in Luzerne County.”

Source: Stewart Information Services Corp.


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