A long-standing title & settlement company established solely for the benefit of you!
Leading You To Your New Front Door
D.D. Hamilton is licensed in Missouri ready to take care of any residential
or commercial title and closing needs in the Southwest region.
We want to put our experience and resources to work for you.
Who We Are
D.D. Hamilton is ready to take care of any residential or commercial title and closing needs in Southwest Missouri.
- Closing Services
- Title Ownership/Lien Searches
- Title Insurance
- Construction Loan Disbursements
- 1031 Exchanges
This is the final meeting between the buyer and seller so the real estate sale can become official. The necessary documents are signed, funds are paid, and the property is transferred successfully. This is often a joyous time for the parties involved, and we are committed to make sure everything goes smoothly.
This is an examination of public records to determine if there are defects or encumbrances in the chain of title of a property. It’s what ensures that the seller actually is the rightful owner of a property at the time so the sale can be valid. Our knowledgeable staff is searching for any loans, back taxes, liens, judgments or disputes on the property that could put this ownership in question.
This is an insurance policy that protects your property rights. There are two different kinds of title insurance policies – a lender’s policy and an owner’s policy. If you take out a mortgage, your lender will take out a lender’s policy on your property. However, that does not protect your stake in the home. Title insurance, which is a one-time, affordable fee, is not the same as homeowner’s insurance, as the latter only protects your home and the contents in it.
This is a process where we verify the work performed, at certain intervals and throughout the construction process, monitor the process for mechanic’s liens and disburse funds.
We do both 1031 and Reverse 1031 Exchanges. These are part of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code, which allows one to defer any capital gains taxes due on the exchange of certain types of property.
Home Buyers & Sellers
When you trust the D.D. Hamilton team with your transactions, you are ensuring that your property rights are protected now and in the future. We do the title search and related work to ensure your sale is good to go, prepare your closing documents, keep your funds secure and set you up with the title insurance policy you need for peace of mind for years to come.
Meet The Team
Experience is important to us. Not only has D.D. Hamilton been around for more than 125 years, but our team is full of the knowledge and caring expertise you need to help close your Missouri residential and commercial real estate transactions quickly and accurately. Primarily serving Webster, Douglas, and Wright counties, but licensed to handle deals all over the Show Me State – the D.D. Hamilton team is ready to show you what a friendly, modern, real estate closing should look like from any of our three offices.
We’re committed to the security and integrity of your transaction and are backed by the underwriting strength and tech tools that are needed to deliver on that promise. We know how important your transaction is to you so it’s important to us. Reach out to one of three locations today (Marshfield, Mountain Grove, and Ava), and let’s get to work.
Mark Foglesong
President
Mark Foglesong is the president of D.D. Hamilton and has been around the title industry almost his entire life.
Mark Foglesong is the president of D.D. Hamilton and has been around the title industry almost his entire life. The Foglesong family can trace its ownership roots of the company back to the 1920s. Mark's parents bought the company from his grandfather and his partners in 1973, and in 2016, Mark assumed ownership of the company. He is proud that the D.D. Hamilton team is full of dedicated and highly capable people who are able to assist customers through complicated land transactions and issues every day. In addition to serving customer needs, Mark is focused on making sure that D.D. Hamilton has the resources and technology it needs to be in line with current best practices. He is actively involved in both the community and the title industry as a whole, serving as the current (2019-20) Missouri Land Title Association President. He has also received the "Missouri Land Title Professional" designation from MLTA. Mark has previously spent five years on the board of the Marshfield Chamber of Commerce, including a year as the president, and has been a member of the City of Marshfield's Finance Committee for several years. He is especially proud to have the honor of working closely with the Webster Country Sheriff’s Department to develop the county’s new Justice Center. Mark graduated from Drury University in 2002 with a major in Business Administration and minor in German. He received his law degree from the University of Missouri – Kansas City School of Law in 2006. Before returning to the family business, Mark practiced law in the Kansas City area. He and his wife, Susan, married in 2009 and have two sons. He and his family love to travel, explore the outdoors and make music (Mark on the electric guitar.) Mark also enjoys hunting, shooting, and golf.Mark Foglesong, President
Cheri Herrera
Closing Agent
Cheri Herrera has been part of the D.D. Hamilton team for 15 years and is a closer in our Marshfield office.
Cheri Herrea has been part of the D.D. Hamilton team for 15 years and is a closer in our Marshfield office. She loves meeting new people and welcoming them to our great community. Her favorite part about working for D.D. Hamilton is how much the entire team cares about each other, as well as for our customers. Cheri has been married for almost 30 years and has three children and six grandchildren. When she’s not in the office, she is often with those grandchildren or spending time with family and friends.Cheri Herrera, Closing Agent
Jenny Gardner
General Manager
Jenny Gardner has spent more than two decades as part of the D.D. Hamilton family. She is a general manager of our Marshfield office.
Jenny Gardner has spent more than two decades as part of the D.D. Hamilton family. She is a general manager of our Marshfield office. She loves helping our customers succeed as they fulfill their homeownership dreams. In fact, she says her favorite part of the job is listening to customers talk about their future goals. Jenny is a member of the Marshfield Rotary Club and loves spending time with family and friends. She has been married to her husband, Bradley, for 23 years. The couple has two teenage sons and two pets. Jenny Gardner, General Manager
Sarah L. Forrest
Closing Agent
Sarah L. Forrest is a closer in our Ava office and has almost a decade of experience in the industry.
Sarah L. Forrest is a closer in our Ava office and has almost a decade of experience in the industry. She loves meeting new people and says one particular joy about her job is working with first-time homebuyers and the genuine smiles they have after they have purchased their first home. Sarah enjoys being a part of the D.D. Hamilton family because of the collaborative effort we put forth for our customers. She knows that we will always work together to find the right solution. Outside of the office, Sarah loves spending time with her family and pursuing her passions of photography and graphic design through various projects. Sarah L. Forrest, Closing Agent
Jurahee Crawford
Operations Manager
Jurahee Crawford is the operations manager of D.D. Hamilton. She has been part of our family for almost three decades.
Jurahee Crawford is the operations manager of D.D. Hamilton. She has been part of our family for almost three decades. She loves the team she works with every day and says her favorite part of her job is serving our customers and guiding them through one of the most important purchases of their lives. Jurahee has a passion for learning and service. She regularly attends continuing education opportunities involving real estate, was a Rotarian for several years and is a Paul Harris Fellow through that organization. She is actively involved in her church and local outreach efforts centered on homlessness and recovery. She and her husband, Scott, have been married for 33 years and have two children and two grandchildren.Jurahee Crawford, Operations Manager
Melinda Hall
Title Examiner
Melinda Hall is a title examiner in our Ava office. She has been with D.D. Hamilton for almost 15 years.
Melinda Hall is a title examiner in our Ava office. She has been with D.D. Hamilton for almost 15 years. She is a proud farmer’s wife. When her family isn’t working on their cattle farm, her husband and two daughters enjoy going to the lake and attending church. Melinda Hall, Title Examiner
Melanie Robertson
Policy Writer & Title Examiner
Melanie Robertson writes policies for Wright and Douglas Counties in our Ava office. She has been part of the D.D. Hamilton family for five years.
Melanie Robertson writes policies for Wright and Douglas Counties in our Ava office. She has been part of the D.D. Hamilton family for five years. She loves working with her co-workers and making them laugh with daily jokes. Melanie is married to her husband David for 9 years and has two children. She enjoys the small town of Ava and spending time on the farm with her boys. Melanie Robertson, Policy Writer and Title Examiner
Kem Nuckels
Title Examiner
Kem Nuckels is a title examiner for Wright County in our Marshfield office . She has been part of the D.D. Hamilton family for more than 15 years. She truly has a love for learning the history of every piece of property she researches.
Kem Nuckels is a title examiner for Wright County in our Marshfield office. She has been part of the D.D. Hamilton family for more than 15 years. She truly has a love for learning the history of every piece of property she researches. Kem has two adult sons and loves being outdoors, especially on the lake. She also has a passion for crafting and is often known to make artsy items for her family and friends.Kem Nuckels, Title Examiner
Susan Rust
Title Examiner
Susan Rust is a title examiner in our Marshfield office. She has worked for D.D. Hamilton for almost two decades.
Susan Rust is a title examiner in our Marshfield office. She has worked for D.D. Hamilton for almost two decades. She loves her co-workers and how everyone works together to serve our customers. Susan is married and has a daughter, a son and three grandchildren. When she’s not working, Susan and her family enjoy camping, boating and traveling.Susan Rust, Title Examiner
Realtors & Lenders
When you recommend a title company, D.D. Hamilton knows it’s not a suggestion you take lightly. Our team has the experience, knowledge and resources your clients need to ensure their transactions are completed quickly and efficiently. Whether we have a longtime relationship or you’re looking to add a new title provider, we’d love the opportunity to show you – and your buyers and sellers – everything D.D. Hamilton’s experience, knowledge and technology can do.
Lenders need a title and closing provider that is dedicated to the security and integrity of the transaction. When you rely on D.D. Hamilton to handle your closings, you know you’re getting an ALTA Best-Practices-certified company that is committed to protecting the customers’ transaction, as well as their property rights. We have the experience, underwriter strength and innovative tools you can trust.
What’s in a name?
Our History
The more things change, the more they stay the same. That’s certainly evident in our company’s name. D.D. Hamilton was founded in 1893 by Doug Hamilton. In fact, our 125+ years in business make us the oldest business here in Webster County.
While our name has never changed, there have been many chapters in our company history. Each of these has included an evolution to help serve our valued Missouri customers better. Hamilton would eventually sell the business to Robert W. Fyan and, in the 1920s, Robert was joined by partners Ellis Jackson and Paulene Dyche. In 1973, it was taken over by John and Martha Foglesong who shifted the business from an abstract-writing operation into the modern title insurance and closing world.
Now, the company is headed by Mark Foglesong. The Foglesong family knows that Doug Hamilton would be proud to see his name still on a respected land title business here in Southwest Missouri. Mark and the rest of the D.D. Hamilton team are committed to continuing the legacy of this respected business. But we know we must also forge ahead using technology and innovation to provide the best service possible to you for years to come.
Our Underwriters
What To Expect at Closing
While we’ve been doing this for more than 125 years, D.D. Hamilton knows that the title and closing process can get confusing. We take immense pride in helping our Missouri customers through the journey every day and do everything we can to make the process easier. Please read through the following FAQs, and feel free to reach out to us if you have any further questions.
What to expect at closing?
When you choose D.D. Hamilton for your closing, you are trusting us to make sure you get into your new home. It’s a role we love. As your closing appointment nears, our team ensures that we have all the updated information we need to complete your transaction so you’re ready to sign the papers and get the keys.
What is a title search?
As part of the closing process, we conduct a title search. This task includes searching public and private records to ensure that the seller has the right to sell the home. What exactly are we looking for? Everything from previously undisclosed liens, unpaid child support, tax issues, ownership disputes, fraud and more. We’re the ones you want sweating the small stuff.
What is owner’s title insurance?
Title insurance protects you against possible issues that haven’t come up yet – future problems that couldn’t be found in our search. Such down-the-road issues could arise due to forgery, fraud and human error. If you have a mortgage, your lender will take out a title insurance policy, too. However, their policy doesn’t protect your ownership rights.
How much is owner’s title insurance?
The cost of title insurance is only one single payment at your closing, and it protects your property as long as you or your heirs own it. That means there are no yearly premiums for your policy. Your specific cost could vary, but typically in Missouri, it is about 0.5 percent of your purchase price for a residential policy.
Protecting Our Customers
As part of our commitment to security and integrity, D.D. Hamilton is proud to say that it is third-party certified as a follower of the American Land Title’s (ALTA) Best Practices. We obtained our certification after a review from the respected firm Aprio, LLP. These Best Practices ensure that we, as your title company, are doing our best when it comes to protecting you and your customers. We believe it’s a designation our Realtors, lenders, and buyers/sellers appreciate.
The seven Best Practices cover the following areas:
- Licensure, Continuing Education, & Training
- Control of Escrow Trust Accounts & Escrow Funds
- Privacy & Information Security
- Real Estate Settlement Procedures
- Policy Production, Delivery, Reporting, & Premium Remittance
- Levels & Forms of Professional Liability, Fidelity, & Cyber Liability Coverage
- Resolution of Consumer Complaints
Many of the ALTA Best Practices address what most consumers would consider good business procedures, and D.D. Hamilton has certainly been committed to that for years – way before these pillars were established. However, we believe that publicly committing to these standards gives our customers the extra peace of mind they deserve. Here are just a few ways D.D. Hamilton exceeds these Best Practices while delivering the kind of service Southwest Missouri real estate customers deserve from their title and escrow provider.
- We write for the two largest title insurance companies in the country: Chicago/Fidelity Title and First American. Having strong underwriters gives us – and you – access to the most innovative tools and updated information in the title industry.
- We maintain the most stringent controls over escrow funds in our possession, including: Positive Pay, in-house daily reconciliation and RynohLive account monitoring and reconciliation services.
- As part of our Best Practices certification, we retained Superior Consulting, LLC, a company that audits banks’ IT security and provides assistance with regulatory compliance.
- We maintain a terminal server in the Bluebird Network’s colocation data center located 85 feet below ground in the Springfield Underground. Our IT systems are continually monitored by its IT service provider to protect our customers’ sensitive and private information.
- We maintain E&O, Fidelity, and Cyber Liability coverage in excess of state and underwriter requirements.