College Escrow

College Escrow, Inc.
Established June 12, 1992

As the ever changing times in real estate, the market, economy and business alike, our goal is to provide relevant news and information that may assist in your real estate endeavors.  Our team invites you to experience the difference of escrow service and we are available for your phone calls and emails in order to assist.

You Have a CHOICE - Choose WISELY

College Escrow IS The Wise Choice

 

CLICK HERE to read about Home Price Comparisons

CLICK HERE to read manager Laurie Misner's interview with BankRate.Com

 

County Recorder Calendar

Loan Amortization

Moving Check List

City Phone Numbers

 

Los Angeles County Tax Collector Website

San Bernardino County Tax Collector Website

<?xml:namespace prefix = o />Orange County Tax Collector Website

Riverside County Tax Collector Website

 

Escrow Institute Website

Tri County Escrow Website

 

California Association of Realtors Website

 

General Escrow Information

What Is Escrow

Life of an Escrow

Escrow Glossary of Terms

EIC (Escrow Institute of California) Consumer Tips

Independent, licensed escrow companies are the first line of defense for homebuyers and property owners. Savvy real estate consumers know that buying or selling property doesn’t stop with finding the right buyer or the right investment. And yet, escrow remains one of the least understood elements of the real estate process. 

Licensed escrow companies are consumers’ best bet for safeguarding their funds.  That’s why it’s so important to work with an escrow officer who has met strict licensing requirements of the California Department of Corporations and has undergone a background check and fingerprinting by the Department of Justice. 

Accountability

Licensed escrow companies are required to complete a financial audit every year to ensure compliance with California regulations, and all licensees are subject to random, surprise examinations by the Dept. of Corporations.

Security

the Dept of Corporations scrupulously regulates licensed escrow companies.  Each licensee is required by law to be a member of the Escrow Agents’ Fidelity Corporation, which provides fidelity coverage for member trust accounts in the amount of $5 million.  This fidelity bond guarantees that, in the event of theft of trust accounts, consumer funds are protected.   

Safety     

All employees must submit to California Department of Justice fingerprinting and criminal background checks. 

You have the right to select your own escrow officer. 

That's right, smart consumers can help in the selection of their escrow officer by investigating those companies themselves rather than leaving this important decision to their realty agent or lending institution.

Here’s a checklist to help you choose the right escrow officer for your real estate purchase:

Obtain recommendations and confirm whether the escrow company is truly acting as a neutral party, or is under the control of a realty agent or mortgage broker.

Remember that price is not the only consideration, attention to your specific needs and good service can and in most cases should be more important.Contact the state agency that regulates a company to determine if there are any pending complaints or disciplinary actions.  College Escrow is licensed by the State of California Department of Corporations under license #963-1676.                     

 

Articles

The California Department of Real Estate (DRE) has issued a new Consumer Alert to help consumers avoid falling victim to fraudsters. March 2011

The DRE, whose mission is to protect and safeguard the public interests in real estate matters, issued the ALERT in response to the large number
of fraud cases it prosecutes involving bogus promises of loan modification and mortgage relief made to vulnerable homeowners in financial distress.......continue reading article

 

In the latest of C.A.R.'s efforts to address the difficulties of completing short sales, the association is proud to launch a new website, California Short Sales. March 2011

This website helps members and consumers stay on top of all the latest news and insider tips on the ever-changing short sale process....continue reading article

 

College Escrow: Choosing to Make a Stand

College Escrow in Claremont is a standout, stand-alone and stand-up kind of company that, ironically, doesn't like to stand out....Like an outstanding umpire or referee, College Escrow work quietly behind the scenes to oversee, administer, navigate, negotiate, guide, and nudge the escrow process along to a successful conclusion, something it's done for clients more than 17,000 times to date, without fail or error......continue reading article

Senate Votes to Repeal Expanded 1099 Reporting - Feb. 2011 

Great news update (Tim Gould, AEA President) …”The Senate just passed a measure that’s good news for employers.   The Senate approved an amendment to the reform law that would repeal  expanded 1099 reporting requirements — a new burden that had business groups howling in protest. The provision requires companies to report all supply purchases of $600 or greater from one vendor. It would take effect in 2012. The measure must now go to the House, where its passage is expected”

Important Change for Riverside County Recordings - Jan. 2011

Effective January 1, 2011, the DTT Affidavit will be required to be completed and submitted with each document when a Documentary Transfer Tax is being paid or when an exemption is being claimed from the payment of the tax. You can download a copy of the DTT Affidavit by clicking on the following link: DTT Affidavit