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Our Team
Whether you are a first-time or seasoned home buyer, choose Balkun Title and Closing. We are a locally based Rhode Island company providing closing and settlement services whether you are buying, selling, or refinancing a home. Our goal is to offer the best and most efficient closing services for agents, loan officers, and clients, using technology to streamline the process while maintaining a personal touch for exceptional customer service. Our team of title and closing experts are seasoned professionals, and we know what it takes to finalize a closing. We are here to work with you at your pace and convenience. Our team is committed to using our expertise to execute all the steps of a flawless real estate transaction.
Daniel Balkun | President
Dan Balkun is a highly experienced real estate industry professional who began his real estate career in the Title & Closing industry in 2004. He built strong relationships with real estate agents and lenders, completing thousands of purchase and refinance transactions nationwide. In 2007, he began consulting and motivating real estate agents and mortgage originators, headlining over 150 educational seminars and teaching over 3,000 hours of continuing education.
Over the years, Dan has remained at the forefront of the industry. His innovative thinking led him to create a short sale/loss mitigation company where he personally negotiated over 1,000 local short sales and oversaw over 5,000 nationwide short sale transactions. His background and expertise made him one of the most sought-after speakers & the go-to expert in short sale education and negotiation. He has spoken at multiple nationwide events on the subject and trained over 30,000 agents in the art of short sales.
In June 2016, Dan opened Balkun Title & Closing, a locally based Rhode Island company providing closing and settlement services whether you are buying, selling, or refinancing a home. Their goal is to offer the best and most efficient closing services for agents, loan officers, and clients, using technology to streamline the process while maintaining a personal touch for exceptional customer service. He leads a team of 7 experienced staff members everyday as they work with home buyers and sellers throughout RI. When Dan isn’t running the company, he is at home spending time with his wife and daughters.
Our Attorneys
Sara Rasmussen Esq. | Attorney
Sara is a seasoned transactional attorney specializing in residential and commercial closings, currently contributing her expertise to Balkun Title & Closing. Licensed in both Massachusetts and Rhode Island, she graduated cum laude with a Juris Doctor from the University of Massachusetts School of Law in 2016, alongside a magna cum laude Bachelor of Science in Marketing.
While Sara's legal journey began with a focus on civil litigation and landlord/tenant disputes, her current practice centers on navigating the intricacies of real estate transactions. Her commitment to precision and efficiency ensures successful closings, establishing her as a trusted advisor in the realm of real estate law.
Outside the legal sphere, Sara values family time and continues to share her passion for dance by teaching classes. In the past, she enjoyed a successful career as a professional dancer, running a dance studio for over 15 years. Today, her dedication lies in delivering exceptional service and guidance to clients in the dynamic field of real estate.
Gregory Hazian Esq. | Attorney
Greg Hazian, Esq., is a seasoned attorney with a rich and diverse professional background, primarily in real estate law and financial services. With a career spanning over three decades, Greg brings a wealth of experience and a personable approach to Balkun Title.
Greg holds a Bachelor's degree in Political Science, reflecting his love for politics and history, and a Law Degree. Joining the legal field in the early 1990s, Greg began his journey at a small law firm, laying the foundation for what would become a lifelong dedication to the law, particularly in real estate and finance. He then embarked on a 15-year adventure running his own title and closing practice, honing his skills in real estate transactions.
His path led him to a firm in Warwick, where he further developed his expertise in real estate, evictions, and foreclosures. However, the turning point came when he joined the Balkun Team. Here, he found his true calling in a non-adversarial role, focusing on residential real estate transactions and forward-moving solutions. This environment, free from the stress of court appearances and conflicts, aligns perfectly with his professional ethos.
Outside the courtroom, Greg is a family man, blessed with two children, and a passionate sports enthusiast. He enjoys running and cycling, and has completed the Boston Marathon twice. His love for the outdoors extends to gardening and beach visits.
Business Development
Hudson Carvalho | Business Development Manager
Hudson joined the Balkun Title & Closing team in February 2023, bringing nearly 20 years of management, sales, and service experience from the financial and retail banking sectors. Prior to Balkun Title, he served as the Sales and Marketing Director for a Rhode Island based law firm and title company.
Born in Brazil, Hudson immigrated to the United States with his family as a child, settling in East Providence. He studied Business Management with a concentration in International Business at Johnson & Wales University in Providence. Hudson's ability to adapt and thrive in any situation has been key to his successful career.
Family is central to Hudson's life. His son who attends URI's Mechanical Engineering Program is his pride and joy. His 3-year-old American Bully named Rai is a close second! When not working, you can find Hudson spending time with loved ones and enjoying all that Rhode Island has to offer. His best advice? If you ever see him running, you should run too!
With his background, Hudson is well-equipped to lead Balkun Title's sales efforts and expand their market presence. His collaborative approach and focus on customer satisfaction make him an invaluable asset.
Our Support Staff
Tonya Buffi | Post Closing & Funding
Tonya Buffi brings over two decades of real estate expertise to our clients. She specializes in funding and post-closing services, leveraging strong connections with local lenders, attorneys, and their staff. Her comprehensive knowledge of the home funding and closing process, paired with strong ties to local professionals, ensures a smooth transaction for our clients.
A Warwick native, Tonya is deeply embedded in her local community. She serves on the board of the local charity The Gianna Cirella Memorial Fund as Treasurer, and organizes their annual 5K run/walk and golf tournaments. This allows her to give back and connect with her neighbors.
Tonya is married with 3 children, and considers time spent with family the ultimate luxury. She also enjoys traveling, refinishing furniture and crafting.
Tonya's passion for Warwick shines through in both her career and community service. Clients value her expertise and friendly guidance, and she is a valued member of the Balkun Title team.
Liz Gobin | Real Estate Paralegal
Liz became a member of Balkun Title and Closing upon it’s inception in June of 2016, and brought with her 31 years of experience in the real estate industry.
Liz works closely with all the key players in each transaction and prides herself on keeping the lines of communication open. She also works closely with the attorneys in the office for any matters that require legal attention, and with title insurance underwriters for any title issue that may arise. She is a great multi-tasker and problem solver and can take all files from start to finish.
When Liz isn’t working, she enjoys crafting and spending time with her family, especially her 2 grandsons, David and Patrick.