In real estate, half-right is all-wrong. To ensure your title search, closing, construction disbursement or 1031 Exchange transfer of properties proceeds smoothly look to the comprehensive title service solutions of Runkel Abstract & Title Company.

Runkel Abstract & Title has been serving the Wausau community, Marathon County, and beyond since 1927. Runkel’s experienced team of professionals partner with lenders, realtors, attorneys, and property owners offering a comprehensive line of real estate services and products. Areas of expertise include title insurance policies, information reports, abstracts of title, closing and escrow services, 1031 exchanges and construction disbursing services.

Serving its customers’ regional expansion needs, the Runkel family includes Lincoln County Abstract Company, Merrill; Shoreline Title Services, Inc., Rhinelander; Forest Abstract Company, Crandon; Lake Country Title Services, LLC, Eagle River; and Associate Title Co., LLC, Chippewa Falls and Eau Claire.

Home warranties are always a valuable investment, but they are especially smart during the purchase or sale of a home. A home warranty can protect buyers and sellers alike from surprises and unexpected costs, and even give homes an edge during real estate sales. For home buyers, a home warranty service contract with Choice Home Warranty offers budget protection at a time when you need it most. For home sellers, a home warranty can translate into a better, faster sale, avoid repair issues during closing, and offer reassurance for buyers and sellers alike.

The story begins in April of 1836 when the pioneering Albert G. Knight arrived in the Racine area. On December 29 of that year, the area became known as Racine County. Albert soon became the County Clerk, the County Treasurer and in 1854 formed a company dealing with title abstracts (now known as Knight Barry Title, Inc.). Albert's company was responsible for storing the original plats of Racine in a brick vault in his office, next to the Courthouse. When the Courthouse burned down January 24, 1861, Knight's records were used to restore the courts records. In 1902, Albert's son, John W. Knight, and a friend, Erastus C. Peck, formed the company Knight & Peck Abstract Company, which soon became known as J.W. Knight Company.

In 1915, Joseph J. Patrick bought a 1/2 interest in the Barry Abstract Company from John P. Barry, who was president of the company and also served as the Register of Deeds. Patrick became the company's secretary-treasurer. He soon became the County Clerk, Treasurer, Assessor and Under Sheriff.

In 1918, the J.W. Knight Abstract Company and the Barry Abstract Company merged to form the Knight Barry Abstract Company. Joseph J. Patrick then acquired full ownership and later sold to his children Glenn J. Patrick, Wallace E. Patrick and Gladys Patrick Foldy in the 1950's.

In 1979, Jeffrey B. Green acquired the company from the Patrick and Foldy families and later renamed it Knight Barry Title, Inc. Craig Haskins, the Chief Operating Officer joined the company in 1996 and with Jeff has aggressively expanded the company into four states.

Today, Knight Barry Title has over 40 offices and 270 title professionals making Knight Barry one of the largest title agencies in the country.