Meet Our team

The People Behind The Process

Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a seasoned investor, Balkun Title & Closing is your trusted partner for every real estate transaction. With offices in Warwick, Rhode Island and Fall River, MA, we provide expert closing and settlement services for buying, selling, or refinancing a home. Our mission is to deliver the most efficient and seamless closings for agents, loan officers, and clients alike, combining cutting-edge technology with a personal touch for exceptional service. Our team of seasoned title and closing professionals knows what it takes to execute a flawless transaction, working at your pace and convenience to ensure every detail is handled with precision and care.

Daniel Balkun

President & Founder

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, daughters, and family.

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.

Brooke Belson, Esq.

Attorney

Brooke Belson is an attorney who has been practicing law since 2021. Originally from Long Island, New York, she has made Rhode Island her home. Brooke earned her dual degree in Legal Studies and Psychology from Roger Williams University in 2018 and went on to receive her Juris Doctor from Roger Williams University School of Law in 2021.

She is admitted to practice in Rhode Island, Connecticut, and Massachusetts.

Outside of her practice, Brooke enjoys spending time at the beach, reading, and being with family.

Andrew Pelletier, Esq.

Attorney | Of Counsel

Andrew Pelletier, Esq. is licensed to practice law in Rhode Island and Massachusetts and has done so for 40 years. He serves as chair of the governance committee for ALS-RI and as a volunteer attorney for the Milton Council on Aging. Andrew is also a member of the Pawtucket Bar Association.

Andrew, along with his wife Karen, have been part of the Bold Company for the Cape Cod Repertory Theater. They are the proud parents of three terrific kids.

Support Staff

Nicole Rappoport

Office Manager | Closer | Paralegal

Nicole began her journey with Balkun Title & Closing in 2021 as a Post Closer and quickly advanced into a Closer role, working directly with real estate agents, borrowers, and loan officers to guide each transaction from start to finish. She also collaborates with attorneys and underwriters to resolve title issues and coordinate with sellers to ensure every closing goes smoothly.

In 2025, Nicole was promoted to Office Manager, a reflection of her leadership, dedication, and the trust she has earned within the team. Nicole is highly organized and detail-oriented, with a strong track record of managing daily operations, coordinating staff, streamlining processes, and maintaining the efficient, professional environment that Balkun Title & Closing is known for. She is equally comfortable handling scheduling, vendor relations, budgeting, and record-keeping, while supporting both her colleagues and executive leadership with care and precision.

Her path to real estate is one built on experience and determination. After raising her children, Nicole entered the workforce in 2015 as a paralegal intern at a personal injury law firm. She transitioned into foreclosure work in 2017 and moved into real estate in 2020, bringing a well-rounded legal and transactional perspective that makes her an invaluable resource at every stage of the closing process.

She holds an Associate of Science degree in Paralegal Studies, serves as Secretary of the Rhode Island Paralegal Association, and is a member of the National Federation of Paralegal Associations.

When she’s not at the office, Nicole enjoys spending time with her family, cooking, gardening, and reading.

Kimberly J. Perez

Real Estate Paralegal

Kimberly J. Perez is an experienced operations and real estate title professional with a proven track record of leadership, process improvement, and client relationship management. With over 40 years in the title and closing industry, she has successfully overseen multi-state real estate transactions, managed high-performing teams, and ensured full regulatory compliance across complex operations.

Proudly serving as Senior Real Estate Paralegal at Balkun Title & Closing, Kimberly assists with daily operations for a title and closing company and provides support for the legal staff, driving efficiency through system implementation and streamlined workflows. Her expertise includes conducting real estate closings, managing title and escrow processes, and improving client performance through strategic planning.

Previously, Kimberly held executive leadership roles, including Partner/Owner of a National Title & Closing company as well as Vice President of a local SBA lender, where she managed end-to-end residential and commercial transactions across 38 states. She maintained a flawless audit record, oversaw escrow and disbursement operations, and played a key role in business development and client retention.

Known for her attention to detail, strong communication skills, and ability to build lasting personal and professional relationships, Kimberly brings a hands-on, results-driven approach to every aspect of her work.

Passionate about growth and innovation, Kimberly is dedicated to contributing meaningful value while maintaining professionalism and integrity in all aspects of her work.

Kayla Scungio

Real Estate Closer | Paralegal

Kayla Scungio brings hands-on experience in real estate law to her role at Balkun Title & Closing. As a real estate paralegal, she assists with all aspects of property transactions, helping move deals smoothly from initial contract through closing.

Kayla works closely with attorneys, clients, lenders, and title companies to prepare documents, resolve issues, and keep every transaction on track. She is highly detail-oriented and takes pride in making complex processes feel organized and manageable for everyone involved.

Clara Vega

Real Estate Paralegal

With two years of experience at Balkun Title & Closing, Clara serves as a Transaction Coordinator, supporting the closers from start to finish on every deal.

She is often the first friendly voice clients connect with when their transaction begins. She also enjoys connecting with Spanish-speaking clients and helping translate when needed to make the process clear and comfortable for everyone involved.

Her background in real estate, banking, and lending brings a well-rounded perspective to every transaction she is a part of.

Outside of work, Clara enjoys staying active at the gym, catching up with her book club, and spending time as a dog mom.

Sue Estrella

Real Estate Paralegal

Sue Estrella is a Real Estate Paralegal at Balkun Title and Closing.

Dawn Faltus

Real Estate Paralegal

Dawn Faltus is a Legal Assistant with 10 years of experience, known for her strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to effectively support legal teams in demanding environments.

Dawn brings a steady, reliable presence to the Balkun Title & Closing team and is committed to ensuring every transaction is handled with care and precision.

Georgia Balkun | Balkun Title | RI

Georgia Balkun

Legal Intern | JD Candidate

Georgia Balkun brings a well-rounded background in real estate, lending, and law to her role at Balkun Title & Closing. A Florida native and law school graduate, she combines her legal education with hands-on industry experience to support every stage of the closing process and deliver a seamless experience for clients and partners alike.

Prior to joining the team, Georgia worked as a mortgage processor and held a real estate license, giving her a comprehensive understanding of the transaction from multiple perspectives. That experience allows her to anticipate challenges, keep deals on track, and ensure nothing falls through the cracks.

Georgia is known for her attention to detail, clear communication, and genuine commitment to making every transaction as smooth and stress-free as possible.