Sales gets all the credit for any successful business, but a good defense is just as important as a good offense. And in this metaphor, a good defense for you is cost management.
Fixed overhead costs and the natural ebbs and flows of demand in our industry make cost certainty a challenge for title agencies. In our final topic of the Intentional Outsourcing series, D. Bello COO Andrew Acker shares an outside-of-the-box approach to managing costs more effectively.
The finale of our Intentional Outsourcing series shares how your organization can win by deploying a title production outsourcing strategy with a purpose.
The unique challenge for the title industry is the lack of direct control we have over the demand for our product. During peak seasons, companies expand by adding more – staff, office space, equipment, and technology – to keep up. This results in bloated payroll costs and decreased efficiency during the inevitable valleys.
On the flip side, companies trying to find a middle ground between seasons find themselves slogging through sagging turn times with overworked, tired employees when demand peaks again.
There has to be a better way. How do we manage this more effectively?
In this episode, Andrew shares how working with a reliable outsourcing partner like D. Bello can help you absorb the highs and lows of both extremes. This allows for a consistent and stable workflow for your teams while ensuring you only pay for what you need when you need it. Watch the video above to learn more!
Welcome back to the final topic in our Intentional Outsourcing Series. In this episode, we’re wrapping things up with a focus on cost certainty — something that’s more relevant now than ever.
Typically, sales get all the headlines and glory. But just as important, though often less talked about, is managing costs. It’s hard for any company to be profitable with a large and fixed overhead structure. I’m guessing most of us can relate to that right now in the current market.
Unfortunately, many title agencies could be the poster child for this. Business gets busy, and the default response is to expand — more office space, more equipment, more payroll — all just to meet current demand. Sound familiar?
After all, sales cover a multitude of sins, right? At least, that’s how it felt in our most recent business cycle. And while this is the standard way many businesses adapt to growing demand, it hurts both operations and profits no matter if we’re in a peak or a valley.
Our industry is unique because we don’t control the demand for our product.
If we can’t control demand, what can we control?
For companies staffing by the traditional model, the goal is to find a “middle ground” between seasons — a balance between the harsh winter valleys and the booming summer peaks. But the reality is:
The result? Waste at both extremes.
We’ve seen this cycle play out post-pandemic — a real estate boom followed by whatever this market is now. Layoffs are in the headlines, and more may be coming.
So how do you manage this more effectively?
By partnering with a reliable, intentional outsourcing partner like D. Bello. We help absorb the peaks and valleys so your internal team maintains a consistent, stable workload.
Even better, this model converts your fixed overhead into variable costs. That means you only pay for what you need, when you need it — giving you true cost certainty.
No matter the season, you can still achieve a consistent, desired margin. That’s the “secret sauce” our clients love — and it’s written all over their P&Ls.
If you want to thrive in any market cycle, let’s talk about how we can make cost certainty part of your business model.
If there's one thing we've learned from our years in the title industry, it's that this business is about so much more than transactions. It's about the communities we collectively serve. That's why we've always […]
With 2025 behind us, I've been reflecting on what made the past year so memorable. It wasn’t just the milestones we hit or the challenges we overcame. It was the passion, creativity and resilience of […]
The D. Bello team went coast to coast for this year's ALTA ONE in the Big Apple, and honestly? We’re still trying to recover. It’s just... a different pace. After all, where else do you […]
In May, our team attended the latest 100 Companies That Care event, and it was another powerful reminder of why we’re honored to be part of this group. We started the morning with an update […]
What Do Clean Titles and Clean Laundry Have in Common? It’s a question we never thought we’d ask, but it turns out clean laundry is the perfect metaphor for clean title. In our latest video, […]
What Is an Easement in Real Estate? An easement gives someone the legal right to use a piece of land they don’t own—usually to access something important, like a driveway, path, or utility line. It […]
It’s like loading the dishwasher and hitting “start.” It might not feel like high-tech magic, but it’s still an automated system. You’re not scrubbing every plate by hand. The process runs consistently, and your result […]
The idea is simple but powerful: gather 100 local companies, each willing to contribute quarterly, and direct those combined funds to local nonprofits doing incredible work in the community. We’ve been a member for the […]
1. Start With the Right Software Before you post a single record, make sure you have the right platform to do it on. Whether it’s cloud-based or hosted on-site, your title plant software should empower […]
Outsourcing title production can feel daunting—especially for companies exploring it for the first time. There are real concerns: managing remote teams, maintaining quality control, protecting data security. But while those concerns are valid, they shouldn’t […]
Let’s be real—explaining title insurance to someone who doesn’t work in the industry can feel impossible. Whether it's your friends, your family, or someone at a dinner party, the question “What is title insurance?” is […]
Why Build a Title Plant Backplant? Whether you're filling a gap in your title plant, trying to push back 30, 50, or even 100+ years to comply with state regulations, or simply enhancing your data […]
Why Title Plant Outsourcing Is Worth Considering Title plants are a foundational component of any title company’s operations. A well-maintained plant cuts turn times, improves search accuracy, and minimizes risk—all critical to delivering the kind […]
Understanding Offshore Title Production Offshore title production (and data entry) refers to outsourcing title-related tasks—like search, exam, and indexing—to teams based outside the U.S. It’s often used to reduce labor and operational costs by tapping […]
Unpredictability Isn’t Just Annoying—It’s Expensive In title, the storm always comes.Rates shift. Demand fluctuates. Deadlines get tighter. Costs go up.And if you’re not prepared, you’re left reacting—hiring in a panic, overworking your team, and hoping […]
Interest rates drop? Refi spike.Inventory surges? Closings flood in.Things slow down? Suddenly you’ve got too many people and not enough work. And just when you think you’ve caught your breath… the cycle starts all over […]
When I stepped into the role of CEO at D. Bello a decade ago, I couldn’t have imagined the journey ahead. D. Bello is a remote workforce solutions provider specializing in the title insurance and […]
One minute, rates are steady—the next, they’re dropping and refis are flooding in. Housing supply is tight—then suddenly, there’s a surge, and everyone needs to close yesterday. And when the market slows? You’re left wondering […]
With a new administration making housing affordability a priority, we’re seeing discussions about reducing regulatory barriers, freeing up federal land for development, and shaking up housing finance. Could this mean a flood of new transactions? […]
Markets shift. Interest rates rise and fall. Demand surges and stalls. And while waiting might feel like the safest move, it’s actually the riskiest. Because when you’re stuck reacting after the shift happens, you’re already […]
A note from Jeff. Before we look ahead with excitement to all that 2025 has in store, we invite you to take a moment with us to reflect on the year that was. As we […]
Newport Beach, Calif. – D. Bello, a pioneering leader of remote workforce solutions in the real estate title industry, is proud to announce its $5,000 contribution as a Gold Sponsor of the ALTA Good Deeds […]
It’s time for another edition of D. Bello’s Lifestyle Outsourcing series, where we explore ways to optimize your work and life. Because let’s face it, there’s more to life than work, and we’re here to […]
CEO Jeff Bates discusses the rise of remote work in the title insurance industry and its impact on compliance and cybersecurity in a special edition of the Title Report. The world has changed. Remote work […]
Jeff Bates and Andrew Acker share two of their favorite 'Dad Hacks'.
There are some awesome humans working at D. Bello. Our team spotlights are a chance to pull back the curtain and get to know the people who make it all happen. In this next episode, […]
Jeff Bates and Andrew Acker share two of their favorite 'Dad Hacks'.
Jeff Bates and Andrew Acker share their favorite luxury items.
Welcome back to D. Bello's Lifestyle Outsourcing Series, where we explore ways to optimize your work and life. Because, let’s face it, there's more to life than just work, and we're here to help you […]
Work (and life) can get overwhelming fast. D.Bello’s Lifestyle Outsourcing series is your go-to guide to slowing down and simplifying everything one gadget, tip and trick at a time. Because let’s face it, there’s more […]
You've probably caught on that we're big fans of title production and intentional outsourcing solutions—it's what keeps the lights on, after all. But let's be honest: life's not all about tapping away at a keyboard […]
Get to know the D. Bello team with the next episode of our Team Spotlight Q&A Series! In this video, we chat with Lisa Ingraham. As our highly valued Title Services Director, Lisa is instrumental […]
I don’t think any of us could have predicted 2023 in the way it unfolded. This past year made me think of one of my favorite books of recent years: The Messy Middle by Scott […]
So… what are you grateful for? I know, I know. It’s a question we’ve been asked over and over these past few weeks. And to be sure, even amid a challenging 2023 (and potentially more […]
The D. Bello team recently made the trip to Ski Country USA for the annual ALTA ONE conference with over 1,000 industry leaders and professionals. And while we didn’t have the chance to hit the […]
D. Bello, a pioneering leader of remote workforce solutions in the real estate title industry, proudly announces a renewed commitment to support the ALTA Good Deeds Foundation. This $10,000 contribution provides further support to the […]
People. Process. Technology. These are the three key ingredients in the recipe for title success. Drawing upon years of experience in the industry, we’ve discussed the critical role they play and some of the most […]
Our Employee Spotlight is a chance to pull back the curtain and get to know the D. Bello team. Next up is Jonathan Rivera, our newest D. Bello team member. Jonathan is our adaptable, cool-under-pressure […]
Welcome back to Production Perfected: The Recipe for Title Success! In this episode, D. Bello CEO Jeff Bates and COO Andrew Acker break down the final key ingredient of a successful title production recipe: technology. […]
The year was 2003. A time before iPhones, Facebook, and YouTube. Blockbuster was still alive. Friends was the number one show on TV. Cargo pants were a thing for some reason… And at age twenty, […]
Welcome back to Production Perfected: The Recipe for Title Success! In this episode, CEO Jeff Bates and COO Andrew Acker break down the second key ingredient in a successful title production recipe: process. Like it […]
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. – June 20, 2023 – D. Bello, a leading provider of customized workforce solutions for the title industry, is celebrating its 35th anniversary in 2023. Established in 1988, the company has achieved […]
Welcome to a new video series that delves into the art and science of a well-balanced and successful title production philosophy. Drawing upon extensive experience in the title industry, CEO Jeff Bates and COO Andrew […]
In this bonus video of our Intentional Outsourcing series, CEO Jeff Bates and COO Andrew Acker recap key takeaways from this great series. “So… what do you actually do?” That’s the question we aimed to […]
In the first edition of our Q&A series, we’re pulling back the curtain and shining the spotlight on the D. Bello team. First up is Jade Zaharoff! Jade is D. Bello’s amazing Administrative Services Director, […]
Producing a great title product is the culmination of countless decisions. Unfortunately, for most title companies, the production process is often fragmented and disconnected. In the next episode of our Intentional Outsourcing series, D. Bello […]
In the next episode of our Intentional Outsourcing series, D. Bello CEO Jeffrey Bates discusses the importance of safeguarding your company’s vital knowledge and ensuring that it’s accessible, shareable, and easily deployed across your organization. […]
2022 In Review I don’t think anyone could have envisioned the twists and turns 2022 provided. From local to global issues, there was no shortage of unpredictable events. As Jim Collins notes in his book […]
First things first, congratulations to Deborah, the winner of our ALTA ONE Giveaway and the soon-to-be recipient of a brand-new RadPower Rover e-Bike! The D. Bello team made the short trip down south to attend […]
SAN DIEGO, Calif. – Oct. 14, 2022 – The reimagined and redesigned website of D. Bello, the leading remote workforce solution partner in the real estate land title space, has been recognized as one of […]
D. Bello’s Intentional Outsource series shares how your organization can win by deploying a title production outsourcing strategy with a purpose. In this video, we discuss the difference between growing and scaling your business. Growing […]
Our Intentional Outsourcing series shares how your organization can win by deploying a title production outsourcing strategy with a purpose. Our second episode focuses on staffing stability, a term sure to elicit strong emotions thanks […]
We sit down with Wayne Stanley & Heather Lunsford of Bowe Digital for their first airing of the new webinar series, The Full Package. As inaugural guests on the pilot episode, we share more […]
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. – Jun. 23, 2022 – D. Bello, a leading remote workforce solution in the real estate title space, announced that it has made a donation to the American Land Title Association (ALTA) […]
Welcome back to our Intentional Outsourcing Series, where we share how you can win by deploying a title production outsource strategy with a purpose. Our first deep dive will focus on turn-time efficiency. Turn time […]
Welcome to our Intentional Outsourcing series. This series explains what occurs in your organization when you deploy a title production outsource strategy with a purpose. You may know about generic, transactional outsourcing. But your company […]
Having returned to the office this week after a time of relaxation this Christmas season, I’ve been reflecting on the whirlwind year that was 2021. Despite all the challenges this pandemic posed (and continues to […]
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. – Nov. 30, 2021 – D. Bello, a leading remote workforce solution partner in the real estate title space, is capping off a successful 2021 with a new accreditation relating to digital […]
Get ready for summer: D. Bello unveils hot look, logo as first steps of 2021 rebrand Building upon a run of record-breaking years, D. Bello has added another accomplishment: An updated look to match the […]
The word is out. We were recently named one of the top growing small businesses in California by Inc. Magazine. “This award serves as a testament to the focused effort we’ve placed on providing the […]
What’s the purpose of an office? It may seem straightforward at first, but for many an office can have a lot of negative connotations. If we don’t step back and define it, by default it […]
ALTA One is a week away, and while many might associate LA with beautiful sunshine, Hollywood stars, and now LeBron James; there's a unique side to the culture as well. One that we appreciate for […]
There’s a classic quote that business leaders and managers love to throw around (and spoiler alert, I’m about too as well). It comes from Peter Drucker, one of the original management gurus. He classically states […]
This probably isn’t news to you, but ALTA ONE this year is happening in LA. As an organization that’s been both a proud ALTA member and headquartered in the LA Area and Southern California for 30 years, […]
D. Bello Associates CEO Jeffrey Bates told The Title Report business is booming post-TRID. A privately held, independent outsource service provider, the company offers title data and operational services to the industry. To read this […]
Whether you’re a conference veteran or still in your rookie season, we all know conferences can be some of the best times of the year. You probably also know then that they can be some […]
It's true. We've found a new place to call home. It's just as amazing with ever better weather and a $5 Uber ride to one of Southern California's best airports (hint, it's not LAX). As […]
Pasadena, California based D. Bello Associates Founder and President Doug Bello has been awarded a National Title Professional (NTP) designation from the American Land Title Association (ALTA), effective August 1, 2014. ALTA is the national […]
Pasadena, Calif.-based D. Bello Associates recently celebrated the 10-year employment anniversary of Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Jeffrey Bates on April 25, 2013, Since joining D. Bello Associates as a customer service representative […]
D. Bello Associates made several announcements, including a new offshore service provider partnership; founder Doug Bello will return full time to the company; and Andrew Acker was named operations manager. D. Bello Associates (DBA), a […]
In August of 1980 I went to work for Title Records, Inc. (TRI) in Sun Valley, a suburb of Los Angeles. TRI was the largest title plant in the United States based on recording volume. […]
Over 20 years of replicating data entry instructions from dozens of unique clients has provided us with a unique view of title plant philosophy across our industry. Arbed plants, PIN-based plants, name abbreviation lists, document […]
In a refreshing twist, the sentiment was overwhelmingly positive at the ALTA Annual Convention. Plus, how our industry downturn will bring us back stronger. The 2010 American Land Title Association Annual Convention concluded in mid-October. […]
Are Private Transfer Fees truly a threat to the free transfer of property? Some would agree. Regardless, they sure are causing a problem for title companies. As an outsource provider in the title insurance process, […]
I entered the title industry fresh out of college in September 1970. I remember my first day at work, dressed in a green shirt, tie and cuff links. I started out with Chicago Title in […]
