09/11/2024
👋🏼 Ever wonder what you should look for in an Escrow Officer? Here’s a list:
✅ See that they work for a reputable and long standing company, preferably an Independent Escrow Company (a company that does escrow and is not affiliated with any other company).
🙋🏽 Why is this important? Checks and balances. All escrow companies have regulations to follow and frequent audits. Reputable and long standing companies will be most familiar with regulatory processes (including how to file paperwork and bank on the back end of the business). For example, employees that are allowed to sign checks should not be the employees who do the daily banking. Independent escrow companies are unbiased and have no affiliation to any party. Remember: you can check the DFPI website to be sure your escrow company is legitimate and in good standing before sending in any money.
✅ Ask how long they’ve been running an escrow desk. Longer is better! Escrow is something that is learned over time and, since no two transactions are alike, experience matters. I repeat: experience matters.
✅ They should be responsive and informative when you attempt to contact them with questions. You should not have to hunt them down or remind them to do their part of the job. Be aware: escrow is busy! Leave voice messages and contact by email if you are unable to speak with your escrow officer right away. That is sometimes the only way they will know you tried to get in touch.
✅ Strong customer service skills. This does not only boil down to only answering your calls/inquiries with a smile. This means, making that extra call, taking the extra step, being timely and aware of your needs, making your life easier and not pushing work they would typically be responsible for back on to you (the agent) or your client. A real professional will make you feel taken care of and confident in their abilities.
And lastly,
✅ Tact and Confidence: The ability to handle several personality types professionally and do what it takes to get the deal closed as scheduled.
✅ (one more) bonus points if they work at in Long Beach 😃
🏢💕
