(Nov. 21, 2007) – Allen County Recorder’s Office customers are now getting back the documents they submit for recording more than two months faster than they were at the start of 2007.

At the beginning of 2007, the recorder’s office had a 68-day backlog of documents waiting to be returned.  In most cases, when a document is submitted for recording, a digital copy is made and the original returned after the appropriate information is entered and checked for accuracy. 

Many different pieces of information, including names, grantors, grantees, legal descriptions, addresses, mortgage amounts and other data, are captured from the document and entered into the recorder’s computerized land records system to make searching for the document simpler.

Following replacement of the recorder’s land records system in June and the implementation of several related process improvements, turnaround time for document return has dropped to about two days.

Shorter turnaround time can help recorder’s office customers in several ways.  For example, title companies may not be able to do title work or issue title insurance without original documents.  In some cases mortgage companies may not be able to release funds without an original document.

"Our customers work in an extremely competitive environment where days add up quickly,” said Allen County Recorder John McGauley.  “Cutting document turnaround time to the bare minimum is one way we can help them be more competitive in an already challenging market.”