Basic Escrow – Opening to Closing The File

Return to Top

Bulk Sale I

This class qualifies for C.E.A. approved Professional Designation Credits!

FREE after class support!

This class starts with the basics.  What is a Bulk Sale escrow?  What escrow processing differentiates it from residential?  From Commercial Escrow?  What are the commonly used documents in a Bulk Sale escrow? Where do you start?  What do you do?  What about Publishing? Working with outside Agencies?

How and where do you get the business!

Taught by a California Escrow Association Certified Bulk Sale Specialist and Certified Escrow Instructor, in easy to understand language, this class will provide you with your foundation to begin processing Bulk Sale Escrows with confidence!

Among the many things covered will be:

• Steps in Processing the Bulk Sale Escrow
• Information Needed to Open the Escrow
• Commonly used Bulk Sale Escrow Documents
• Tax Liens and Judgment Searches
• Publishing and Filing of Notices, Transfers, Fictitious Business Names.
• What “timelines” do you need to know!
• Recognizing and Dealing with Bulk Sale “Red Flags”
• Working with Alcohol Beverage Control and Other Agencies
• Managing the Process – Start to Finish!!
• Sourcing Bulk Sale Escrow Business!

Return to Top

Bulk Sale II

This class qualifies for  Six (6) C.E.A. approved Professional Designation Credits!

Taught by a Certified Escrow Instructor (CEI & CBSS Designation), this specialty escrow class provides in-depth instruction on the Bulk Sale escrow process and is a continuation to the previously held “Bulk Sale I” class.   This class will focus on the more complex aspects of the Bulk Sale process.

Our workshop will start out with a brief review of the key points of the Bulk Sale I class then proceed with introducing new material and information to help you toward mastering the Bulk Sale process.

The instructor’s goal, recognizing that the very first bulk sale you may process could involve a liquor license transfer, a cash short closing, or other similar situations has developed this program to be able to spend more class time with you in developing key aspects and understanding about the bulk sale escrow.

You will learn about:

• The different Laws that affect Bulk Sale and Liquor License escrows!
• Recognizing “Red Flags” Early & Throughout Your Escrow!
• Alcohol Beverage Control Tips & Nuances To Move Your Escrow Forward!
• Processing the Real Property and Bulk Sale combo!
• Completing the Paperwork & Different Types of Notice Requirements!
• Processing Tax Clearances and Claims!
• Handling the Cash Short Closing!
• Holding funds at closing!  Release of funds!
• And much, much more!      

Return to Top

Commercial Escrow I

Our Commercial Escrow I class is conducted by a former President of O.C.E.A. and an industry recognized expert in Commercial escrows.

This specialty escrow class is for the beginning/intermediate Commercial practitioner.  Taught by a Certified Escrow Instructor (CSEO, CEI) and top Commercial escrow producer, you will learn more about the Commercial process while eliminating the fear of those intimidating numbers, contracts and processes.  Bring your calculators!!

In this class you will learn about the following: 

• Comparison and In-Depth Review of the Three (3) Common Commercial Escrow Contracts!
• Escrow Instructions, Wrap Instructions, No Instructions Commercial Processing!
• Underlying Commercial Documents; Purpose and Use!
• Formation Documents!
• Identifying/resolving “red flags” that can stop/delay your Escrow!
• Processing Requirements You Must Do!
• Completing The Closing Statement!
• Horror Stories – Learning From Mistakes!
• “Tips”, Techniques and Concepts to Save You Time/Avoid Errors!
• Managing the Process While Staying Organized from Start to Finish!
  
  Return to Top

Commercial Escrow II

The instructor has over 20 years of escrow experience, is commercial escrow officer working for a major title insurance company handling commercial escrows nationwide, is a past-President of the Orange County Escrow Association and holds the California Escrow Association’s professional designations of Certified Escrow Officer, Certified Senior Escrow Officer and Certified Escrow Instructor.

The primary focus of this class will be to add to the Commercial Escrow I curriculum by learning more about multi-site and more complex Commercial Escrows and how to audit a commercial escrow file in anticipation of a pending closing. The class will also cover the following topics:

• Reviewing and complying with the closing instructions!
• Handling multi-site escrows!
• Handling out-of-State and multi-State escrows!
• Interpreting and understanding Commitments for Title Insurance!
• East Coast/New York-style/Gap-style closing procedures!
• Managing the process; staying organized and on top!
• And more
  
  Return to Top

Delighting Customers (A Workshop for the Escrow/Title Professional)

Experience a one-day, action filled customer service workshop!  This class is in partnership with Customer Focus, Inc., a noted Customer Service training company.

As a result of this training:
Verizon Wireless leads its industry in customer retention rates.
BMW increased customer satisfaction ratings by 23%.
Edward Jones Investments ranks first in service according to consumer magazines.

Gain the skills, tools, and strategies to:

• Create memorable customer experiences and life-long loyal customers.
• Prevent customer dissatisfaction and complaints before they occur.
• Exceed customer expectations by addressing their needs to feel respected, special and unique.
• Resolve differences, reduce conflicts, negotiate solutions with customers
• Create customer service teamwork with co-workers.

Escrow Documents & Amendments

During this class you will review and discuss a variety of basic escrow Documents and Amendments to the escrow. This class can be used as a “refresher” course or is ideal for the newer employee who is unfamiliar or has had limited exposure in completing escrow documents and/or amendments.   Participants will work “hands-on” in pairs, using “real life” scenarios that create the need for amendments to the escrow.  Excellent and abundant escrow documentation samples are provided each participant for later reference.  Learn about:

• Commonly used escrow documents

• The Differences between Grant & Quit Claim Deeds
• Use of Affidavit – Death of Joint Tenant
• PCOR Requirements
• Subordinate Agreement
• Power of Attorney-General and Special
• Requests for Notice of Default; Substitution of Trustee and Full Reconveyance
• How to Write Amendments to Your Escrow
• And Substantially More! Great reference material provided.
  Return to Top

Escrow Edge - Network Media Marketing                         

Get the EDGE!

In today’s market, companies are using all possible avenues to extend their brand (name) and increase their business opportunities!

From local newspaper articles to the Wall Street Journal and Investors Business Daily publications, it has been confirmed that more and more companies are joining the network media marketing evolution as a means to enhance and position their business.

Escrow is not excluded! This class can supplement your current escrow marketing and our “Escrow Marketing” class, which provides more traditional approaches to marketing your services!

Be a leader in this fast growing marketing avenue. By attending our class you will learn the following:

• Internet Marketing Basics!
• How to be a escrow marketing “leader” within your community!
• How network media marketing can work for you!
• How to develop a new marketing strategy/define your target audience!
• Identify the “upsides” and “downsides” of this marketing tool!
• How to Maximize FACEBOOK and other Media, as part of your total marketing approach!
• How to enhance revenue with a limited/no advertising budget!
• How to increase your market share!
• Learn what other companies are doing!
• How to navigate the media market system (overview)!

Learn how the escrow and real estate industry is changing and how you can stay ahead of the game! Become an escrow marketing “leader”, not a follower!


Return to Top

Foreclosures, Short Sales and more!

Return to Top

Build confidence in your ability to fund, close and balance your file!

As a follow up to the “Prorations” class, or to be taken separately, this class focuses entirely on the “funding, closing and balancing of the file” activities.  Each process will be discussed and covered in depth. .

Participants will be involved and learn more about:

• Completing the Estimated Statement!
• Completing the Final Statement!
• Ensuring that all Escrow Instructions have been followed!
• Ensuring that all Lender Instructions have been followed!
• Computing pay-offs and disbursing funds!
• Handling discrepancies!
• Identifying “Red Flags” early!
• Balancing the Title charges!
• Balancing the Checks & Receipts!
• Identifying/correcting “out of balance” situations!
• Effectively managing the process!

Return to Top

Interview Skills – A Performance Management Workshop

Portions of this workshop were presented during a past California Escrow Association Annual Conference.

Good hiring practices begin before the interview is even scheduled.  In this workshop participants will learn how to structure and deliver an effective interview; learn about the legal do’s and don’ts when asking questions; understand behavioral and competency based interview questioning; ensure that the prospective hire is a “cultural fit.”; understand “life themes” to aid in the hiring decision making, and much more!

Using a systematic approach, you will learn how to ask the right follow up questions while evaluating the job seeker’s response.  You will learn how to listen for “key words” that truly define what the person is saying and be able to rate their response accordingly. 

Loan Documents & Loan Closing

This class is ideal for the escrow, mortgage and real estate person who wants to learn more about loan documentation and the loan closing process.  This detailed and information packed class, accompanied by an extensive manual, will focus on:

• Loan Documentation (Refi & Sale)
• Purpose and Use – Conventional, FHA and VA Loan Documentation
• Preparing and Completing the Loan Package
• Preparing Yourself, Your Documents and Your Customer for the Loan Closing
• Closing Instructions
• Riders – Adjustable, Planned Unit Development, Condominium, Balloon Loan
• Tips and Techniques on Closing the Loan
• Personal Responsibilities & Legal Requirements (Including HUD-1; RESPA, etc.)
• Answering Customer Questions; Managing Closing Problems and/or Disputes
• Practice Session in Closing the Loan (Primary Loan Documents)
  Return to Top

FHA Loans and Escrow Documents

“With everyone else walking away, FHA is absolutely the dominant player left standing” – Meg Burns, FHA Director!

This class is ideal as an introduction to FHA lending and escrow processing, or for the more experienced individual that simply wants to “brush up” on this real estate market vehicle now back in vogue. Conducted by a professional instructor who has been certified to conduct FHA workshops, our extensive class will cover everything you need to know about FHA and VA lending and supporting escrow documentation.

FHA Financing: During this portion of the class, you will learn about the “outstanding” features of the FHA program; FHA guidelines for sale and refinances; recent FHA changes - and there are many); calculating FHA loan amounts,; appraisals and valuation in today’s market; FHA guidelines versus Investor requirements, and more!

VA Financing: In many areas, this financing program is being revitalized as more veterans come home! As an overview, learn the nuances of the VA loan program.

Escrow Documents & Amendments: During this portion of the class you will review and discuss a variety of basic escrow Documents and Amendments to the escrow, including FHA documentation and processing. This class can be used as a “refresher” course or is ideal for the newer employee who is unfamiliar or has had limited exposure in completing escrow documents and/or amendments. In addition to FHA, the class will cover the differences between Grant & Quit Claim deeds; PCOR requirements, Use of Affidavits’ types of Power of Attorney and when to use each, and substantially more!

Return to Top

Managing Employee Relations (Management Only)

Conducted by a former EEO Officer for a Fortune 500 Company, with over 750 branch locations and 3,000 employees, you will learn how to manage risk as it relates to employee relations matters.  Starting with the Interview Process and ending with Conducting An Effective Termination, you will learn how to manage the many aspects of handling the day-to-day employee relation issues that you face!  Using “real world”, actual case studies, the Workshop strategies will include:

• Interviewing – Staying Clear of Trouble (What You Can and Can’t Do/Say)
• Documenting and Disciplining Employee Performance
• Avoiding Charges of Discrimination (Age, Sex, Race, Disability)
• Managing Terminations and Potential Lawsuits
• Preventing Potential Employer/Employee Liability
• Understanding the Different Types of Sexual Harassment; Supervisory Liability
• Investigating Employee Claims

A special part of this class will be an eye-opening “You Be the Judge!” Based on actual situations, you will be given the case facts and through discussion determine what you think was the final outcome.  Names, dates, and locations will be changed, but the actual events and subsequent claims did take place and the end result will be shared.  Class “take away” material will be provided on all of the above subjects.
Return to Top

Managing & Optimizing Employee Performance

This class is designed for Management, Business Owners and “High Potential” individuals who will/may soon be assigned management responsibilities.

Portions of this program were presented at the annual C.E.A. conference in 2004 to an audience of over 400 participants.  This class will provide expanded coverage and is conducted by a former senior level executive and now entrepreneur with experience in management/leadership training and development.  In this class participants will explore and gain an understanding in the following areas:

• What Factors are Important to Employees? Employee Perception vs. Management Views is Notably Different!  (Test Your Knowledge!)
• Managing the Learning Environment!
• Motivating Employees – Three (3) Principles of Understanding!
• Creating Intrapreneurial (no this is not misspelled) Spirit!
• Assessing Your Current Environment and Identifying Barriers to Success!
• Aligning the Organization – Mission, Vision and Values!
• Communicating Expectations – The Pygmalion Effect!
• Creating S.M.A.R.T. Goals!
• Conducting Performance Reviews For Maximum Benefit!
• And a whole lot more!
  Return to Top

Managing Employee Relations – Recognizing Behaviobbral Styles

Portions of this workshop were presented at the 2005 California Escrow Association annual conference.

From reality T.V. to real life escrow, this workshop uses lessons from “The Apprentice” as a building block to focus attention on how Escrow Management can manage:

• The Difficult and Challenging Employee
• The Dysfunctional Team
• Maintaining a Positive and Productive Work Environment
• The Discipline Process

Learn strategies for managing employees who can be a potential disruption to a positive work environment.

To manage employee relations effectively it is important to understand behavioral and communication styles.  In this session you will learn about:

• Recognizing the Four Predominant Behavioral Styles
• Understanding the Differences in Task Orientation versus Relationship Orientation
• YOUR predominant Style
• Identifying the Style of Others In Your Work Group
• Style’s Impact on Behavior (Positive & Negative).
  Return to Top

Want to learn more ways to generate business, whether in a “booming” or “slowing” market?  In this class you will explore ideas on how to market your Company’s services and products from “behind your desk” and “in the field.”

Successful escrow companies know the importance of marketing their services. However, often in the hectic day to day work environment, “marketing” is often the next thing to do!  This class focuses on three key elements: marketing strategies, tips and techniques; and the importance of managing the customer service experience through out the business relationship.

You will learn about marketing from both sides of your desk.  From the office to the field.

Learn

• How to create a Marketing Action Plan (MAP)!
• What your agent thinks is important in dealing with their escrow officer!
• How to handle “tough” requests, such as reducing your fees, special requests, etc.!
• How to ASK FOR THE BUSINESS!
• How to handle customer objections during the sales call!
• Tips on becoming more proactive in your marketing efforts!
• What other people/companies are doing to generate sales!
• Managing the sales call/training others to make the sales call!
• How to take ownership of the customer experience!

Bring your questions to class for this guaranteed informative and  fun workshop!!!

Return to Top

Mobile Home Escrow I

Return to Top

Mobile Home Escrow II

Taught by a recognized expert in Mobile Home escrow, this class will build upon Mobile Home I, with emphasis on Dealer Mobile Home Escrows.  Excellent material supports this class!  Bring your questions!

In this class you will learn about the following: 

• Defining the Differences between “Dealer” and Non-Dealer Mobile Home Escrows
• Understanding the Dealer Mobile Home Escrow Process

• Using and Completing Related Forms and Documents
• Understanding Legal Requirements
• Working with Mobile Home Dealers/Building Relationships
• Recognizing “Red Flags”
• Balancing the File
• Marketing Your Services
• Horror Stories – Learning From Mistakes
• And Much More!
  Return to Top

Mortgage Processing I

Conducted by a Professional Mortgage trainer and Loan Officer, this extensive workshop is designed to help students become more proficient in all aspects of loan processing, thereby increasing their knowledge and skills while adding greater value to their organization.

Class instruction will focus on the following areas of Loan Processing:

• Lending Terminology, Definitions and Ratios

• Processing & preparing Lending Documentation (Conventional/Government)
• Industry Related Consumer and Government Regulations
• Application (Form 1003) Processing
• Credit Scoring and the Credit Report – Qualifying the Applicant
• RESPA; HUD-1; Good Faith Estimate Requirements
• Verifying Income, Employment and other Verification Processes
• Loan Programs – Features & Benefits (Conventional, FHA, VA) – Fannie Mae Brochures
• Resale versus Refinance
• Loan Packaging – Preparing for Submission
• Escrow Instructions; Title Prelims & Policy Types
  Return to Top

Mortgage Processing II

This class is designed for the Escrow, Mortgage, Notary Signer and Real Estate professional who want to gain a greater understanding regarding:

• Types of Promissory Notes (Straight, Adjustable, etc.) and When/Why Each Is Used
• Key Provisions Within the Deed of Trust
• A.I.T.D. – All Inclusive Trust Deeds
• Truth In Lending/T.I.L. Disclosure Statement
• HUD – 1 Regulations & Requirements
• Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (R.E.S.P.A.)
• Riders (Condo, PUD, Adjustable Rate, Balloon, etc.)
• Right to Rescind
• Grant Deeds and Quit Clam Deeds – Use and Purpose
• And more!
  Return to Top

Mortgage Processing III

As a continuation of Mortgage Processing I & II, or as a separate module, Mortgage Processing III will provide class participants with greater understanding and knowledge in the following areas: (class will use training files to simulate processing issues, identify “red flags”, etc.)

• Differentiating A.R.M.’s, Indexes and Caps
• Identifying “Red Flags” Within a File.
• Mastering Underwriting Policies and Guidelines (bring your calculator)
• Satisfying Manual and Automated Underwriting Conditions
• Finding Discrepancies Within the Customer’s Credit File
• Understanding the Appraisal process and Appraisal Report
• Using POINT/CALYX Software (demo of submission of a file)

Notary Essentials & Loan Signing 101^TM

This class is perfect for everyone in the office whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a new or inexperienced employee! Notary commission is not required   Attendance promises a fun day, hands-on experience and a lot of practical information.

This workshop includes a review of:

• Requirements & Steps to a Proper Notarization
• California Notary Law Basics
• What is Acceptable & Valid ID in California – there’s really only four!
• How and When to use Credible Witnesses
•  Laws regarding Signer Capacity & the Use of Translations/Translators: No Can Do!
• All-purpose Acknowledgments for common transactions that include:
• * Single Signer * Multiple Signers * Split Signing
• * Trustee * POA
• Do’s and Don’ts at the Signing Table
• Staying out of trouble with the “Three Basic Answers” to Questions About Loan Terms

There will be a demonstration of the proper presentation of a typical set of loan documents using the “First Five MethodÔ,the best way to get in and out of any signing quickly without compromising notary law, professionalism or customer care.

Return to Top