At Ohio Real Title, we provide realtors with the unique opportunity to become minority partners in our title company through our joint venture, Venture Land Title Agency, LLC. This partnership allows realtors to make a modest investment and receive substantial returns through quarterly distributions over the course of the year.
We’re proud to have over 1,000 partners in Northeast Ohio, several hundred in Central Ohio, and growing partnerships through our Naples, Florida branch, Venture Title Services.
Recently, we sat down with two partners—Remington Lyman, Real Estate Advisor at the Lyman Group under ReafCo, and Lance Martinicchio, Real Estate Advisor at the Florida Lifestyle Group under Compass Real Estate—to hear how the ORT and VTS joint ventures have impacted their businesses. Learn more about their experiences in the Q&A below.
1. What initially attracted you to the Joint Venture opportunity with Ohio Real Title/Venture Title Services?
RL: I followed Sarah Thorpe when she joined the Ohio Real Title team, as I enjoyed working with her and I’ve had bad experiences with other title companies in the past and didn’t want to change anything. Two of my top agents had also been collaborating with ORT for about a year, and their joint venture shares with ORT were generating significant returns, which sparked my interest.
LM: The joint venture felt like a natural extension of my existing business. I was already providing title work to companies without receiving additional compensation. This partnership presented a valuable opportunity to generate income from the work I was already doing.
2. Can you describe the process of joining the Joint Venture? Was it easy to integrate into your existing business?
RL: Yeah, getting started was really simple. All I had to do was just send business to Ohio Real Title’s email and that was that.
LM: Getting started wasn’t even a “transition,” per se. I met with Ken and Tricia from VTS at their Naples office, and they made the process seamless. It was straightforward to start referring agents and clients to their title company, and the integration was incredibly smooth.
3. What kind of financial impact have you seen since joining the Joint Venture?
LM: The quarterly distributions have been a nice added bonus—income I wasn’t anticipating. I can reinvest this back into my business, whether through marketing or other initiatives.
4. How has this partnership impacted your personal or professional growth?
LM: Partnering with Ken and Tricia has been an excellent experience. Customer service has always been my top priority, and they share the same values. They’ve proven to be reliable and responsible, always treating customers with top-notch service.
Referring my clients to a company like this reflects well on me, strengthening my relationships with clients and other agents. It’s also expanded my network and enhanced the overall quality of service I can offer.
5. How does being a partner in Venture Title Services enhance your business or service offerings to your clients? Has your partnership helped you build stronger relationships with your clients or referral network?
RL: So, my business model is a little different. We work almost exclusively with investors, so my ideal title company operates seamlessly in the background. I prefer minimal interaction—only emailing me when absolutely necessary or if there’s an issue that requires immediate attention. That allows me to focus on securing deals, finding opportunities for my clients, and helping them sell their properties effectively.
The more I have to step in or handle tasks that should fall to the title company, the fewer deals I can close and the less value I can deliver to my clients.
In that sense, Ohio Real Title has been a perfect fit for my needs. They handle the process efficiently without over-communicating or under-communicating. I just need a title company that ensures deals close on time and runs everything smoothly—and Ohio Real Title excels at doing exactly that.
LM: Absolutely. It’s improved my workflow by eliminating the need to micromanage the title side of transactions. Venture Title Services manages communications with the client efficiently, which takes a significant load off my plate. Their seamless process ensures a better experience for my clients, which helps strengthen my relationships and grow my referral network.
6. Have you noticed any significant changes in your workflow or business efficiency since becoming a partner?
LM: Definitely. If I have a transaction, it’s much more efficient now. Venture Title Services handles the title side flawlessly. Their expertise allows me to focus on other aspects of my business, knowing they’re on top of things.
7. What would you say to other real estate agents who are considering a joint venture with Venture Title Services?
RL: I’d definitely say it’s been a very fruitful partnership. I’d recommend that agents take the time to test out the escrow agents, processors, and managers at the office they’re considering, just to ensure it’s a good fit for their needs before fully committing, but from my experience, it’s been excellent.
LM: They’d be foolish not to explore the opportunity. As realtors, we’re often the key connection for other vendors like inspectors, mortgage companies, and movers. Partnering with a reliable title company ensures that you’re providing a high level of service to your clients, and this joint venture allows you to benefit financially from work you’re already doing.
8. In your opinion, how does Venture Title Services stand out compared to other title companies offering similar opportunities?
RL: I’ve worked with four or five different title companies over the years, and Ohio Real Title definitely stands out. From their processors and escrow agents to the leadership team, they excel at every level. I’ve had the chance to meet Ryan Marrie a few times, and he’s very professional – exactly what I’d expect from a successful business owner.
LM: Customer service is where they truly shine. They’re available on weekends and evenings whenever I need them. That level of accessibility and relationship-building is rare, and they consistently go above and beyond for their clients, who are often realtors.
Get started with Ohio Real Title’s Joint Venture, Venture Land Title Agency, LLC, today!
Get started with Venture Title’s Joint Venture, Venture Land Title Agency, LLC, today!