Carrie Patrick, Managing Partner/Escrow Officer

Thank you all that recommended us. We appreciate you and your business

Let’s Donate for the kids and there families. We know everyone is going through a hard time but if you can spare a few dollars please donate to these families that are going through a double difficult time. The have to deal with the COVID-19 stuff and they are dealing with there babies whom are already sick and battling for their lives.

EIC Corona Virus Update 3/23/2020 Escrow Institute of California EIC COVID 19 Updates 3/23/2020...Continue reading

Please see the most up to day California County Recorders, Recording Schedule.

Things are happening fast and furious and as a member of the California Escrow Association, we are giving you alerts so that you are kept in touch: Independent Escrow Companies governed under the Dept of Business Oversight are reminded that under Escrow Law, you are required to operate from the location given on file with the DBO. Working from home or remotely from another location is not allowed and will require special exemptions and notification to the DBO as well as a s...ubmission of a Contingency Plan." Further information will be forthcoming from DBO as to how to apply for such exemptions. Some Title companies are issuing exceptions to their preliminary report which states, in effect, that due to the closure of County Courts, information from the Courts are not readily available to date down the preliminary report. This may affect their ability to properly insure the transaction and thus cause delays to the closing. We are cautioned to please be proactive and check with your transaction Title Officer. In compliance with Governor Newsom’s directives, some county government agencies are closing their physical location to access by the general public. This means that County Recorder/Clerk offices are closed to walk-ins by the general public. Recordings must be conducted electronically, there will be no accommodation or special recordings. Essential services can be provided online, by phone and via email. Members are directed to go the County Recorder/Clerks’ websites for the most up-to-date information. What are some things you can do from your desk? Here are some suggestions. Please check with your management: Limit the clients from coming in to your office during this time period Utilize mobile notaries (if they are willing) for signups outside of office Clean off your work desk/chair arms after each visit with sanitizers Offer a clean pen for signing and let them keep it Make hand sanitizer available to all clients who come in to sign, at your desk, lunch room, and restrooms Recommend your clients to utilize your restrooms to wash hands before and after signing Keep to your office; less congregation in the lunch room or water cooler Disposable gloves will help minimize contact with mail and delivery packages If possible, work in shifts to minimize staff contact Recommend to staff to self-isolate at night and weekends Keep washing those hands! We will keep you posted as we go through these difficult times. Stay safe! The Board of Directors California Escrow Association

Another Happy Buyers Agent and Successful closing. Give Escrow Heights a try we will change how you feel about escrow. aaron wrote: Thank you, Carrie! We appreciate it all of your help and for how smooth this escrow went. Let's get another one soon!

Received the best email today. I had a client very very pregnant who wanted to close escrow before her baby was born we had a few obstacles but we got them worked out and closed before the baby was born. Received this email today warms my heart that she would share this amazing time in her life with me her Escrow Officer. This makes what I do so rewarding. Hi Carrie! It’s April. We closed the escrow for Oliva on December 4 th thanks to your dedication!... Hope you had a wonderful Christmas and New Year! We had our little boy!!!!! We named him Owen Santana Wright, he weighed 9lbs 2 oz and was 19 inches long. Thank you again for all your hard work. We really appreciate it!

Licensed vs. Unlicensed Controlled All escrow companies in California can be classified into two basic categories: Licensed or Controlled. Licensed escrow companies are independent businesses licensed by the California Department of Business Oversight. This license regulates the procedures and practices of the companies and subjects them to stringent requirements designed to protect consumers.... Controlled escrow companies are non-licensed businesses that can be owned by a variety of entities, including real estate brokers, mortgage brokers, banks, savings and loans, and title insurance companies. Such companies fall under the jurisdiction of a variety of supervising agencies, with regulations and requirements that vary widely. One fact remains constant, however. None of the agencies have regulations as strict as those imposed on the escrow companies licensed by the Department of Business Oversight. Better Protection Although the majority of escrow companies are honest and above board, the large sums of money handled by escrow companies can entice unscrupulous individuals to abscond with the funds they are holding in trust. And unless the escrow company is bonded, there is often no safeguard assuring the return of the money to consumers. Licensed escrow companies are consumers’ best bet for safeguarding their funds. All licensed escrow companies are required to be members of the Escrow Agents’ Fidelity Corporation (EAFC), which provides fidelity coverage for member trust accounts. Higher Standards The stringent requirements by the Department Business Oversight assure that every licensed escrow company has met the highest standards in the industry. Consumer protection regulations unique to licensed escrow companies include: A Certification Program for all escrow officers in the company’s employ, including fingerprinting and background checks by the Department of Justice; A requirement that an escrow officer with at least five years experience be on-site; Financial stability requirement, including at a minimum one CPA audit a year; and, frequent surprise examinations conducted by the Department of Business Oversight; Prohibiting employment of convicted felons or anyone who has been disbarred from the real estate industry; Membership with the Escrow Agents’ Fidelity Corporation (EAFC) which provides fidelity coverage for member trust accounts; Company’s sole business is doing escrow, which requires a higher level of state regulatory requirements and oversight. The bottom line is that a licensed escrow company is the best possible neutral third party to complete your real estate transaction. Whether searching for an escrow holder yourself, or looking to recommend one to a client, a licensed escrow company gives you peace of mind.

How Long Does it Take to Close in California you may ask? In California, as in many states, the real estate escrow process can take around 30 to 40 days on average. It can go longer in the case of a more complicated transaction. It can also happen faster, if everything goes smoothly and there are no backlogs. How long it takes to close escrow in California can vary based on many factors. For example, some homes clear the title search process without any issues. Other propert...ies might have title defects (such as a lien or legal judgment) that require additional research. Additionally, a backlog at the escrow company could affect the timeline. In most cases, however, escrow can be closed successfully within the agreed-upon time frame specified in the contract. It’s only in unusual circumstances that things get delayed to the point of rescheduling the closing. As a home buyer, the best thing you can do during the escrow process is to stay in close contact with your mortgage company. Also, if any issues or requests for additional information do arise, handle them as quickly as possible. This will help keep the closing on track which is what everyone wants. Related: The home buying process in California Disclaimer: This is a basic overview of the real estate escrow process and timeline in California. You could encounter additional steps that are not covered above, based on the details of your transaction. The process can vary from one transaction to the next. Tips on what things you can do to assist in a fast and officiant closing: 1. Order your preliminary title report when you take your listing. 2. When your client signs the listing agreement have them complete a statement of information. 3. Have your seller speak with their or a tax professional so they are clear on the tax liability. I especially encourage investors to know this info a head of time. Want more info please give me a Call Escrow Heights Inc 562-912-7657

A fun little video of your escrow officer.