If you own land in the state of Iowa, then there’s a pretty good chance one of the Iowa Land Title Association’s members has helped you with that process.

“The work we do is kind of considered behind the scenes,” said Danielle Michalski, general manager at Abstract Associates of Iowa Inc. ” We do our part by preparing abstracts and written searches for attorney, lenders and anyone with an interest in a particular piece of real estate. Once our work is done, it kind of gets the ball rolling for a closing to be set, and the land to be transferred. Our abstract products notify an examining attorney on what needs to be cleared up before real estate can be transferred. It’s a process many people don’t know much about.”

On Thursday, land title professionals from across north central Iowa gathered to share information and education on the constant changing policies and laws that affect land transfers within the state.

Michalski, recently named regional vice president in north central Iowa for the ILTA, spent the last few months planning and organizing speakers and legislators to speak at this event.

Michalski is the general manager of Abstract Associates of Iowa Inc., which serves four counties, including Webster, Calhoun, Wright and Franklin.

“Meeting like this gives us a chance to compare notes so to speak,” she said. “It gives us an opportunity to discuss the positives and negatives we might all face collectively as land title professionals throughout our state. This meeting also allows us to get to know one another and network with other counties.”

ILTA Board President Dan Kadrlik was in attendance as well, and spoke about the importance of the Abstracting and Title Opinion System used in Iowa.

“Iowa is very special,” he said. “Others look to us for leadership in quality and our product is said to be the best in the country. We lead the nation on several points with regards to abstracting.”

Webster County Recorder Lindsay Laufersweiler presented to the group about digitization, communication and collaboration.

“This is my passion,” she said. “I love to learn and know everything I can to ensure that these records are protected for many, many years in the future.”

Laufersweiler has been the Webster County recorder for eight years, beginning her role in the position in January 2015. Since that time, she and her staff have worked diligently to preserve the integrity of all recorded documents within her office, most recently being awarded almost $300,000 to assist in digitizing the 442,000 plus recorded documents currently housed within the vault of the Recorder’s Office. These records range from warranty deeds, mortgages and easements to military, death, birth and marriage records.

“My hope is that in the future, we leave this office in a place where it is easy and efficient to access records from the beginning of when documents were recorded and accepted in Webster County.” Laufersweiler said.

State Sen. Tim Kraayenbrink, R-Fort Dodge, was also in attendance. Kraayenbrink spoke about the state budget and the importance of strength in numbers when reaching out to legislators.

“Develop those relationships,” he said. “If you reach out in your own areas to your legislators, you can have seven or eight of us discussing your issue, rather than having 20 people reaching out to one legislator, and really only having one voice discussing an issue.”

Other speakers at the event included Iowa Title Guarantee Director Dillon Malone, and and State Lobbyist Mike St. Clair.

Iowa Land Title Association is the recognized voice of the real estate title industry in the state of Iowa. ILTA sets the standards of professional excellence and technical competence for the lasting benefit of the public and the title industry.

The regional meetings are held annually, and allow for industry professionals to meet and collaborate, discussing issues and topics that affect Iowa land transfer.