MESSAGE FROM IDA WILLIAMS, RECORDER OF DEEDS REGARDING NEW ROD WEBSITE:

Good morning everyone,

First of all I would like to thank everyone for the controlled patience and understanding most of you have shown on this first frustrating week of the new website.  I would like to assure everyone that ROD is working hard with the developer to address all the concerns you have brought up to my attention.  I tried to include as many title searching offices as I could remember in this email.  Please share this email with your colleagues so ROD can have a deeper reach to the title community.

The new website which became effective February 24th, 2014 was a project slated to take place since 2009.  I wish it did happen at that time, so Mr. Todd could take the heat for all the anomalies which are expected and inherent in any project of this nature and magnitude.  J

The first problem, which appears to have been resolved, was the copy fee of $4.00 for subscribers instead of $2.00.  Propertyinfo will credit back each subscriber’s account that was charged the extra $2.00.  If you continue to have the fee problem, and/or haven’t received the credit please email: gssuport@propertyinfo.com; and copy me as well.

The new website looks different from the one we all were so used to and loved.  Please let’s allow ourselves time to get acclimated to the new way the information is presented.  The major concern from all the abstractors I have talked to is the loss of some functionalities that were available in the old website.  I have conveyed all those issues to the developer in order to make the appropriate changes in the system.  However, I would also prefer to have an all inclusive, comprehensive list of the main search capabilities the new system should have to assist searchers in their work.  Please take a look at the list of issues below and let me know if there is anything else the website should provide in terms of title searching.  The issue of printing out for free copies that were previously purchased in the old system is not something that can be addressed at this time, so please do not include it.

Here is what I have been asked by abstractors so far:

•         Ability to search for multiple, non-consecutive, lots at one time

•         Improving readability of Print results

•         Allowing users to sort by Square/Lot, Book,  Roll/Frame 

•         Advanced sort functionality allowing sorting up to 3 variables at a time

•         Add ability to search by consecutive document range

•         remove excess names from chain in order to make it more user

                friendly, easier to read and reduce the possibilities of mistakes.

Again, thank you for your patience.  I am positive that our collaborative efforts will make the new website a reliable tool in your hands.

Ida Williams, Esq.

Recorder of Deeds

Office of the Recorder of Deeds

Real Property Tax Administration

Office of Tax and Revenue

1101 4th St SW-5W

Washington D.C. 20024

Direct phone: (202) 442-8610

ida.williams@dc.gov