Hello world!

Hello world!
August 21, 2018
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Deanna Weber

Marketing & Communications Specialist / Closing Processor

At the height of the 2020 pandemic, but more importantly “real estate pandemonium”, I joined Laurel Settlement Group and quickly discovered I loved the fast paced, detail-oriented environment of settlement services. With a background in customer services, sales and marketing, I have the ability to help our clients facilitate a smoother, less stressful closing by keeping the lines of communication open and going above and beyond in any way to assist everyone in reaching their end goal…a closing!

Fun Facts About Me:

  • I am a 2nd degree Black Belt in Tag Soo Do and achieved the 2015 Adult National Championship
  • Although not scientifically proven, I have an eidetic memory. I’ll never forget you!
  • A long-time geek/nerd, my first job was at a comic book store. I have loved super heroes long before it was cool
  • I am a classically trained soprano. Music is a part of me every day, and I often sing while I balance your settlement statements!
  • I am a widow with three beautiful sons. Everything I do I make sure I excel at because it is all for them.
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Ashley Higgins

Title Processor

I have a degree in paralegal studies and have been performing title work for over 25 years. I have searched titles in the areas of residential properties, commercial properties, mineral interests and oil and gas interests. I am here to help clear up those pesky title problems!

Fun Facts About Me:

  • I am a 2nd Black Belt in Tang Soo Do.
  • I have an adult son and teenage daughter.
  • I enjoy flying on the weekends with my daughter.
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Keith R. Nicola, Esquire

On-Staff Attorney / Title Agent / Notary

I grew up in the North Hills, attended Shaler High School and ultimately went on to Lafayette College where I obtained an engineering degree.  After several years in software sales, I decided to go to law school at the University of Dayton School of Law.

Following law school, I worked briefly for a firm in Media, Pennsylvania before returning to the Pittsburgh area in 1995 to practice law at the firm Bumbaugh and Nicola until I opened my own practice in 2023. I am a general practice attorney specializing in real estate, estate planning, estate probate, business and corporate law and minor criminal matters.

Fun Facts About Me:

  • I am an avid outdoorsman and enjoy hiking, mountain biking, camping, and riding dirt bikes and quads.
  • I am also an avid hunter in Pennsylvania and have also hunted big game out west and in Africa.
  • I love to mountain climb and have summited almost 20 mountains with peaks over 14,000 feet, including Mt. Ranier (WA), Mt. Whitney (CA), and Long’s Peak (CO).
  • I enjoy cooking, especially making my own sauce and other Italian dishes.
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Shelby Sperber

Legal Assistant

I have been with Laurel Settlement Group since August of 2023. I was born in raised in Westmoreland County Pennsylvania and enjoy living here as an adult. Prior to my current position I was a legal secretary for the City of Greensburg magistrate.

Fun Facts About Me:

  • I have a Black Belt in Tae-Kwon-Do
  • I am a paternal twin and middle child of 5 siblings
  • I love hunting and fishing and crafting with my Cricut when those seasons end
  • I am recently engaged and planning my dream wedding.
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Michelle Powell

Closing Coordinator & Processor

My career in the mortgage & title industry started in Jacksonville, Florida in 1989. Just out of high school, I started in the foreclosure department of a mortgage lender. I was there until I moved back to PA in 1995 and started in title insurance and have been here ever since. I have been with 4 different companies here in PA over the last 27 years, including Elite Settlement Services, before landing with Laurel Settlement Group.

Fun Facts About Me:

  • I love to read books. Stephen King and Nora Roberts are a couple of my favorites.
  • I am a big fan of the Pittsburgh Penguins & Pittsburgh Steelers.
  • I collect walking & running Carlton Ware pottery. I have a collection of tea cups, egg cups & tea pots.
  • I am a lover of music and love going to see it played live. I have been to many, many concerts.
  • I someday hope to travel to Scotland, the home of my ancestors
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Jennifer Learn

Closing Coordinator/ Title Agent/ Notary

I have been involved with real estate for all my career. Originally searching real estate titles while attending Westmoreland Community College, where I obtained an associate degree in Legal Assisting. When I moved onto the University of Pittsburgh, I continued my education in Legal Studies earning a bachelor's degree, but still dabbled in real estate at my first law firm.

Jennifer Learn, Real Estate Closing Expert

I have been involved with real estate for all my career. Originally searching real estate titles while attending Westmoreland Community College. When I moved onto the University of Pittsburgh, I continued my education in Legal Studies earning a bachelor's degree.

Two years after graduating, I started a paralegal service. I learned many aspects of the law, including estate administration, estate planning, civil law and, of course, real estate. I soon obtained my title agency license and began preparing and attending closings. I also have experience with searching title for oil and gas rights.

Starting Laurel Settlement Group LLC has been a project in the making for many years. Specializing in real estate closings has always been my passion. Watching buyers purchase their first home and sellers moving onto the next phase is great to be a part of and witness. My team and I understand that we are helping people, not paperwork, through a process that may be one of the biggest purchases of their lives. We strive to make this process as easy as possible.

I am also a mom of 1 adult son, Brandon, who is currently attending Washington and Jefferson College, majoring in Economics and is part of the President’s basketball team. I am married to Scott, who is a dentist in Latrobe, PA.

When I am not closing a deal, you can find me attending a Pitt football or hoops game – go Panthers!! I also enjoy the beach, and love a quick flight from Latrobe, PA to Myrtle Beach, SC to take time to relax and recoup.

I am a mom of 1 adult son, Brandon, who is currently attending Washington and Jefferson College, majoring in Economics and is part of the President’s basketball team. I am married to Scott, who is a dentist in Latrobe, PA.

Fun Facts About Me:

  • I am a Board Member of The Stoneybrook Foundation – a therapeutic center for child and adults with disabilities. We use horse grooming and riding as part of their therapy.
  • I love to start my mornings with a run or walk – I feel like it makes me focus!!!
  • I love a great red wine – Cabernet or a great Zinfandel are my favorites.
  • Go Panthers!!! You’ll catch me tailgating at a Pitt Football game with friends and family. We have had a group for as long as I can remember.
  • My happy place is at the beach – love a quick trip to Myrtle Beach to recoup!!
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Audrea King

Closing Coordinator & Processor

My journey in the financial world started in 2007 pre-mortgage meltdown and lasted through a merger/buyout and internal job changes over a 10-year span before landing in the title world in 2017. I have an undergraduate degree from the University of Pittsburgh in political science and history.

Fun Facts About Me:

  • I am an avid pool shooter and have played in leagues.
  • I love college basketball. I traveled with both my high school and college teams to keep stats.
  • I do not know how to swim.
  • I would love to travel the world.