The team at Perpetual Title is proud to introduce you to our newest team member, Morris Cummins!
Morris began his legal career working in the field of creditor rights, debtor creditor relations, and bankruptcy law. In 1995, he established a successful local title operation handling general real estate matters including title work, title insurance and escrow services. Morris has thirty years of experience in the real estate field and has handled every type of residential and commercial real estate transaction as well as Estate Planning matters and Probate practice.
What inspired you to pursue a career in real estate law, and what keeps you motivated?
My first position after passing the bar was at a large downtown law firm that handled primarily litigation matters and disputes. I realized early on that I really was more interested in transactional law rather than courtroom litigation, and so I left that firm for a smaller law office handling bankruptcy law and real estate. The attorney put me in charge of setting up the real estate operation, and I quickly began meeting and working daily with real estate professionals. I realized pretty quickly that I had found my “home,” in terms of practice areas.
What are your roles and responsibilities at Perpetual Title?
On the marketing front, I work with local real estate professionals in terms of promoting our business and brand and what we do and how we are different from our competitors. In terms of day-to-day processing, I manage the “pipeline,” to ensure that files are moving through the process in a timely manner and that clients receive the support they need. I review titles particularly in situations where we deal with “Distressed” properties, and there are legal obstacles to closing the transaction. Once those obstacles are identified, I proactively take steps to remove those and clear that title for a closing. My legal experience in other areas of practice, particularly estate planning and probate law, bankruptcy, and debtor creditor law, provides me with the knowledge and experience to quickly remove those barriers and get that deal to “The Table,” for the closing. I also, handle the preparation of legal documents related to those transactions which involve knowledge of the applicable laws and regulations in all the states we operate in. Lastly, I handle the actual closings that are consummated with a traditional “table closing,” in addition to handling any post-closing issues that must be resolved.
How do you stay updated with evolving real estate laws and regulations?
As a Kentucky attorney, I have to take 15 hours of course work per year, and I always make it a point to register for seminars and classes that relate to new laws and substantive changes in our industry.
How would you describe the culture of Perpetual Title?
We are a very tight group of professionals that have been doing this work for decades and have worked with each other for just about as long. We have been able to cultivate very productive and efficient working relationships which our clients sense the moment they come in our office. If you arrive at a professional office where they do not have their act together, you can sense that right away, the confusion and uncertainty. The opposite is true with regard to our firm. Clients sense right away that we both know what we’re doing AND work well together, which in turn creates a positive office “culture,” that provides our clients with the impression that we have everything under control. When dealing with Real Estate matters, particularly with residential purchases, you’re often in the position of handling literally the biggest financial investment that a couple is going to make in their lives. They need the assurance that they’re in good hands and they “see that,” the moment they step into our office.
What is your favorite part of your job?
I love closing transactions with young first-time home buyers. It is immensely satisfying to see a young couple who never imagined they could actually own their own home finally “get it,” when I hand them that deed and say, “congratulations, it’s your home!” Often, throughout the due diligence and pre closing process, they get so wrapped up in providing the documentation and details to their agent, the mortgage company, the appraisal service, and our office that often it doesn’t really “hit them,” until that singular moment when they realize, this house… It’s our family’s home!
Outside of work, what are your interests or hobbies that readers might find surprising or intriguing?
I’m a musician and have played music in different bands and arrangements for years and find that very enjoyable. I’ve been told I’m a better lawyer than a guitar player, so I intend to keep my day job! I’m also an avid hiker/backpacker and have completed long hikes along the Appalachian Trail.
Closing Thoughts
Morris Cummins has shown a deep commitment to improving not only Perpetual Title but also the lives of others. Chip Ridge, owner of Perpetual Title, praises Morris’ impact saying “Morris is a top-tier real estate attorney who truly understands what it takes to drive a deal across the finish line. He’s proactive, solution-oriented, and fully committed—always all in to get the deal closed.” We are lucky to have Morris on our side and are thankful for all of his hard work.
