As the Manager of Stewart Title & Trust here in beautiful Kingman, Arizona, I have a direct interest in the financial well being of my fellow work associates.  I am concerned about the continued employment of all of the Real Estate professionals in my area.   

As a resident I have a direct interest in the economy of my area.  As a mother of 5 children, three of which are still attending local public schools, I have a vested interest in the resources available to the population.   As a business woman depending on income generated from working in Kingman,  I have grave concerns about local business transactions directed outside of my county, to the detriment of my community.

Lending institutions have cut back on loaning significantly, so when a bank owned property is fortunate enough to get a qualified, ready and willing buyer, it is disturbing to see the title and escrow business be countered and sent out of the area, sometimes even out of the State of Arizona. 

Unfortunately, our local real estate market has been seriously affected by the housing crisis.  Realtors,  contractors, title employees, county workers, and many more have felt it.  They are living it.  Many have lost their jobs. 

As a concerned citizen of a county where the median income for a household was $31,521 in 2000[1], I am writing to tell you that our local economy needs this business desperately and can not afford lose it to an out of area company.  When reviewing your next real estate offer, please remember...my community and my fellow citizens need these transactions to stay where the property, the realtors, and the borrowers are located. 

Locally.

[1] United States Census Bureau, 2000