CLASSES H through T below

HR For California Employers – Rules, Regs & Law (2017-2018)

In this half day workshop, Attorney Paul Donsback, Esq., will provide you with information you MUST know, as it relates to new and existing California and Federal HR laws. Discussion areas will include:

  • Hiring/Interviewing – some of the rules/law have changed!
  • Maintaining/Retaining Mandated Employee Records & Forms
  • Paying Employees
  • Over time – Exempt vs Non Exempt
  • Preventing Potential Employee Claims (Discrimination/Harassment/Etc.)
  • Minimum Compliance Requirements
  • Benefits – Vacation, FMLA, Sick Pay
  • Employee Discipline – Warning to Termination (Steps to follow)
  • Recommended Handbook Policies
  • When to Seek Professional H.R.Counsel
  • And Much More!

HR law – Wage and Hour Compensation

Are you/Company in compliance with the 2018 California/Federal Wage & Hour and Compensation Laws? Compensation? Classification? How you handle breaks? Overtime? Bonuses? Commissions and more?

Few are experts! Our expert is Paul Donsback, Esq (Advocus Law Group), who will continue our December workshop in depth discussion. Questions were “flying” in December. A workshop you don’t want to miss!.
California/Federal Wage & Hour & Compensation Laws – 2018

  • State & Federal Minimum Wage Laws
  • State Minimum Wage Amount 2018-2020
  • Exempt & Non Exempt Wage Classification Requirements
  • Minimum Annual Exempt Salary
    – Under 25 employees
    – 26 & over employees
  • Overtime Pay
  • Commission Rules & Regs
  • Paying of Bonuses
  • Other Forms of Compensation
  • Penalties for Non Compliance
  • Pre-employment – VIOLATION – Gathering Salary History from Applicant
  • Breaks
    – Handling the person who doesn’t want a break/lunch
    – Rest
    – Meal Breaks
    – Liability
    – Exceptions

And other relevant information.

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.

Class material will include numerous interview questions and templates to use for your next interview.

Intro to Holding Escrow

Want to learn about Holding Escrows from an expert? When and why they are used?

You’re either a professional or a tradesman. A professional learns all he/she can about the various types of escrows so that he/she can better serve the client base and at the same time grow professionally as an escrow expert. Note: This class is one of the most requested workshops by our class participants!

This comprehensive course will introduce the foundational building blocks to holding escrows. You will learn:

  • What the DBO requires for you to participate in “holding escrows”
  • What classifies as a “holding escrow”
  • What happens when you “wing it”
  • What kinds of holding escrows can you do
  • Risk management strategies within the holding environment
  • Escheatment issues
  • How to successfully navigate a “holding escrow”

Intro to Holding Escrow and Personal Property Escrow

Want to learn about Holding Escrows and Personal Property Escrows from an expert? When and why they are used?

Holding Escrows

You’re either a professional or a tradesman. A professional learns all he/she can about the various types of escrows so that he/she can better serve the client base and at the same time grow professionally as an escrow expert.

This extremely comprehensive course will introduce the foundational building blocks to holding escrows. You will learn:

  • What the DBO requires for you to participate in “holding escrows”
  • What classifies as a “holding escrow”
  • What happens when you “wing it”
  • What kinds of holding escrows can you do
  • Risk management strategies within the holding environment
  • Escheatment issues
  • How to successfully navigate a “holding escrow”

This workshop is the mandatory prerequisite to Holding Escrows & Personal Property Escrow II (a more advanced workshop), which will be scheduled later in the year.

Personal Property Escrow

Our Personal Property Escrow workshop is conducted in conjunction with Holding Escrows.

In this half day portion of the workshop, we will be focusing on the particulars of personal property escrow as it relates to the sale of jewelry, artwork, software, film syndications, inventories, businesses without owned Real Estate or ABC, chattel, etc. Add to your escrow service offerings!

By the end of class, you will learn about:

  • When and how Personal Property Escrows are used
  • Differences between Personal Property Escrows and Residential Escrows
  • Personal Property Escrow Forms and Documents/Purpose and Use
  • Red Flags that can stall your escrow from closing
  • Managing the process and more!

Exceptional Material for both subjects is included, in addition to any hand-outs!

Law-Business Principles & Practices

This half day workshop will provide attendees with information and knowledge they can use as it relates to the business principles, practices, strategies and Legal requirements that should be adhered to in operating and managing any escrow business entity. Focus is on providing information primarily to the Independent Escrow Company (DBO) and Broker Owned Escrow Company (BRE).

Topics of discussion:

  • Setting Appropriate Escrow Fees & Discounts
  • Marketing (RESPA Considerations)
  • Managing the Escrow Office
  • Insurance Requirements & Recommendations
  • Taxes and Licensing
  • Employment Management
  • File Management & Privacy Act
  • Surviving an Audit
  • Knowing When You Need an Attorney (case scenarios)
  • Understanding the Important Elements Required When Drafting Escrow Documents
  • CFPB/DBO Updates
  • Q and A – bring your questions!

Lenders Instructions

In this workshop, you will learn all about Lender’s Instructions “in the age of TRID” and their importance to your escrow. What happens and what liability exists (to you and your Company) when the underlying Instructions are NOT followed to the letter!

We will cover:

  • What are Lender’s Instructions? There purpose and use?
  • What are the quick review ” tips and techniques” escrow professionals use!
  • Understanding the implications of a poorly written instruction (legal or policy)!
  • Addressing valid and invalid instructions.
  • Vetting, Lender Push-Back.
  • The potential legal liability YOU create when signing the Lender’s Instructions, agreeing to the conditions within!
  • Recognizing that all Lender’s Instructions, even from the same Lender, may vary!
  • What Lenders can do if instructions are not followed. You signed them!
  • Fannie Mae/Freddy Mac requirements!<50c>
  • Understanding when to say “NO” – when backing away is in your best interest!
  • TRID Impact

In group discussion, we will discuss various Instructions from a variety of Lender’s, including the MAJOR Lending groups. If you wish, bring a set of Lender’s Instructions from your office to class for discussion.

Loan Assumptions

NEW CLASS! Conducted ON LINE by Aaron (Dr. Escrow) Lloyd, recognized as an outstanding, knowledgeable instructor, for ON LINE and in CLASSROOM workshops!

  • What is a Loan (Mortgage)Assumption?
  • Benefits & Risks!
  • How does the “assumable loan” process work?
  • Which type of loans are assumable/not allowed to be assumable?
  • Buyer/Seller advantages/disacdvantages!
  • What does “subject to” mean?
  • Process for releasing futher from further liability!
  • And more!

Managing Escrow Operations – Establishing Internal Audit Controls

Compliance isn’t just a “buzz word”! Safeguard your customers, your Company’s assets and reputation in the marketplace, your team member’s future by ensuring you are operating within certain guidelines, procedures, rules & regulations. Why gamble?

Conducted by an expert in escrow and escrow start-ups, learn how to establish your own internal audit procedures to help ensure compliance, while reducing company risk. By establishing and maintaining periodic internal audit procedures you are much more likely to “pass” your internal or external audit (including D.B.O.) to your operation. Bring your questions to class! Internal control procedures will include, but not be limited to:

  • Auditing the File Before Going to Storage – Step by Step, What Needs To Be Done!
  • Establishing Internal Security Procedures
  • Maintaining Proper Record Keeping Practices
  • Staying in Compliance With Your General Provisions
  • Multiple page Internal Audit Checklists (for use back at the office)
  • Fraud Prevention – focus on fraud from:
    • Inside the Escrow File
    • Within the Escrow Office
    • Outside the Escrow Office

Complete the workshop and you will have the tools to “self check” your operation.

Managing Employee Performance

This workshop is for Managers, Owners AND individuals who are high potential and may soon be managing others. In this class, participants will gain a solid understanding in the following areas:

  • Performance Starts At The Beginning
  • Assessing Current Environment/Identifying Barriers to Success
  • Managing the Future Environment After the Assessment
  • Aligning the Organization – Marching to the Same Drum
  • Establishing/Building Teamwork
  • Building the Business/Building Individual Value
  • Communicating Expectations (What Great Companies Do)
  • Creating S.M.A.R.T. Goals
  • Motivating Employees/Creating a Motivational Environment
  • Managing the Employee Relations
  • Progressive the Discipline Process – Staying Out of Trouble
  • Major Mistakes Managers Make

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.

Managing Employee Relations – Recognizing Behavioral 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).

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!

Building a Team/Managing Performance

This workshop is one of several in a series of programs focusing on Management and Leadership practices within the escrow and title industry and is conducted and facilitated by the President of “The Escrow Training Institute”.

Our workshop is designed for everyone interested in building a championship team and improving team performance. This workshop is for Escrow Managers, Owners, Escrow Officers, “High Potential” individuals who may soon be managing others and for those interested in learning successful management practices.

You will leave this workshop with a solid understanding in the following areas:

  • Performance Starts at the Beginning
  • Assessing Current Environment/Barriers to Success – HOW To
  • Creating a United Culture Focused on the Employee/Customer/Business & Financial Objectives
  • Creating a Winning and Sustainable “Road Map”
  • Managing the Future – Tips & Techniques (group discussion)
  • Maximizing Work Relationships With Millennial Employees & Other Generations
  • What Makes a Championship Team
  • Importance and Understanding of Shared Values/Added Value
  • Aligning the Organization – No Matter How Big/Small
  • Creating an Intrapreneurial (not a typo) Spirit – KEYS TO SUCCESS!
  • Communicating Expectations (What Great Companies Do)
  • Job Satisfiers – YOU Might Be Surprised

Marketing Escrow Services

Want to learn more ways to generate business, whether in a “booming” or “slowing” market? In this workshop 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 and have a greater understanding 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!
  • Understanding RESPA Implications/Limitations
  • 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!!!

Special discussion on use of Social Media and “best practices”.

Mobile/Manufactured Home Escrow

This Mobile/Manufactured Homes escrow class qualifies for P.D. Credits. Estimated credits – minimum 5!

Our workshop, facilitated by a known expert in Mobile/Manufactured Escrows, will cover the transfer/refinance process of existing homes and will provide an overview only on new homes and dealer transactions.

In this workshop you will learn about:

  • Size matters with older homes – DMV or HCD
  • Working with prior executed, but unprocessed title
  • Dealing with Park Management
  • Forms, including obtaining a replacement Insignia
  • Obtaining Tax Clearance and Retail Value
  • Foreclosures & Liens
  • 433 Process
  • And much more

Manufactured Home Escrows and MH Dealers

Our workshop, facilitated by known experts in Manufactured Home escrows, will cover the transfer process of existing homes with a real estate agent or direct from Seller as well as the purchase of new and existing homes through a dealer.

In this workshop you will learn about:

  • Size matters with older homes – DMV or HCD
  • 2014 C.A.R. Manufactured Home Contract changes
  • Working with prior executed, but unprocessed title
  • Working with a Dealer, Real Estate agent or FSBO
  • Dealing with Park Management
  • Forms, including obtaining a replacement Insignia
  • Obtaining Tax Clearance and Retail Value
  • Foreclosures & Liens
  • 433 Process
  • And much more

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!

NOPDA, Foreclosures, AITD

NOTICE OF DEFAULT PURCHASE AGREEMENTs

This class will focus on three primary areas: NODPA’s, Foreclosures and A.I.T.D.’s.

In the NODPA portion of the class we will cover:

  • Using this knowledge to gain additional escrows
  • Consumer Protection Laws
  • Applicable CAR Contract Sections
  • Legal requirements/key provisions to remember
  • Why CAR created this Contract and when it is used
  • Seller’s additional rights under this Contract
  • Differences in processing this type of escrow
  • And muclendersmo!

PROPERTIES IN FORECLOSURE

In this session you will receive an overview of how the non-judicial foreclosure process works in our state and tips to make your escrow run smooth. We will cover:

  • The important time frames you must know
  • What additional documents you will need for your file
  • The proper way to order demands
  • Working with the Trustee
  • Debtor rights
  • How the transaction can change from a foreclosure to a short sale
  • And much more!

ALL INCLUSIVE NOTES AND TRUST DEEDS (A.I.T.D.)

Our real estate market is constantly changing and we must keep up in order to ensure that we retain our existing business but also encourage new business. In this portion of the class you will learn the how to process an escrow where a new AITD is created. Here are just a few of the topics we’ll cover:

  • How to prepare these more complex documents and escrow instructions
  • When and why this type of transaction is beneficial to principals
  • What additional and crucial information you will need prior to processing an escrow
  • What to do with impound accounts, pass troughs, hazard insurance
  • How to process payoffs and reconveyances
  • When to say “no” to processing this escrow
  • And much, much more!

This portion of the class is appropriate as a refresher for experienced escrow officers as well as those new to working with notes and trust deeds.

IT IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED THAT THOSE UNFAMILIAR WITH THE ABOVE ATTEND THE “NOTES & TRUST DEEDS” CLASS PRIOR TO ENROLLING IN THIS CLASS.

Notes and Trust Deeds

This is an excellent refresher class for the seasoned escrow officer, or for those less experienced individuals such as junior escrow officers, or others ready to learn about creating notes and trust deeds.

You will learn about different types of seller carry back notes and trust deeds and the purpose of each. You will also learn not only how to prepare these documents, but when and why! Depending on the situation, identify what phrases and language are required and how to eliminate losses by preparing the documents correctly.

Additional discussion points include:

  • Request for Notice of Default/Notice of Delinquency
  • Common phrases used in notes and trust deeds
  • Escrow for the sale of a note and trust deed
  • Working with individual beneficiaries
  • Balloon payments
  • “Red Flags”
  • And more!

The tuition for this class includes a very comprehensive workbook that can be used as your office reference.

Business Planning – JUMP START Planning for 2024

Are you ready for a year of more CHANGE and more compliance? CFPB enforcement? New procedures? Training and development? Hiring? Maximizing growth opportunities? Exceeding Operational objectives?

“If you don’t know where you are going, any road will do!” C.S. Lewis

Market dynamics continue to change! Have you done the necessary planning (personal & business) to stay on top? This workshop provides you with a VERY workable roadmap to see where you have been, where you are going and how you are going to get there!

This class is for those individuals/companies that want to PLAN for the future to ensure a greater likelihood of meeting and exceeding their 2024 objectives.

This workshop is designed for the small, medium and large escrow operation and can be used for personal career planning too! Start the year off right!

In your workshop, you will be provided with the tools to help you complete the necessary planning, ask the right questions, and develop a workable plan with action steps. You will be provided with templates to help you in this process and you will begin to develop your own plan within the workshop.

You will learn about:

  • Create & Implement a Workable REAL Step by Step Plan (business/personal)!
  • Understand Team, Customer, Company, Community – Planning
  • Use Business Planning as a Team Building Tool! GREAT exercise for Teams!
  • Enhance Employee (Team) Engagement in all Facets of the Business!
  • Eliminate Major Mistakes Companies Make in Business Planning!
  • Have Everyone “Marching to the Same Drum!”
  • Use Planning Tools (just like large corporations use) to Help You Succeed!*
  • Maximize Your Strengths; Identify Current Challenges & Roadblocks!
  • Identify/Maximize 2024 Business Opportunities!
  • Measure Results!
  • And more!

Prorations, Balancing, Funding and Closing

Remove your frustration in completing “manual” escrow computations! You will leave the class room with a higher level of confidence!

Always a class favorite! From computing Documentary Transfer Taxes to balancing your file, you will be actively engaged in a variety of escrow related calculations, from computing interest, taxes and more!

Using examples and case studies, supplemented with “take home” hand-outs that can assist you back at the office, participants will put their heads down, turn on the calculator and learn the manual way to complete the calculations AND how to explain it to your customer!

Don’t forget to bring your calculator to class!

In addition to several “take away” templates, this class will focus on the following:

  • Completing the calculations
  • Understanding the Funding to Closing Process
  • Understanding how to compute “Doc Tax”
  • Recognizing important Tax dates and deadlines\
  • Correcting out of balance conditions
  • And a lot more!

Personal Property Escrow I

Completion of “Intro to Holding Escrows” is a pre-requisite to attend this class.

In this half day workshop, we will focus on a wide variety of types of personal property escrows. Escrows that can add to your Company’s service offerings! You may be surprised at the types of escrows that you can service that fall under the Personal Property umbrella.

By the end of class, you will learn about:

  • Guidelines to follow for a Personal Property Escrow!
  • Differences between Personal Property and Residential Escrows!
  • Understanding the two type of Personal Property transactions!
  • When to “refer out” certain transactions (stay away from) and why!
  • When to use a Bill of Sale!
  • Use of A.C.T. in drafting instructions!
  • Registration requirements – cars/planes/boats and more!
  • Required Sample Forms and Documents – Purpose & Use!
  • Red Flags that can Stall your Escrow!
  • Managing the Personal Property Escrow

You must take, or have taken, the Holding class before taking our Personal Property class, as the former workshop sets the foundation and understanding for this class!

Personal Property Escrow II

Completion of “Intro to Holding Escrows” is a pre-requisite to attend this class.

This workshop may be taken alone, or following the Personal Property Escrow I session. For most, it is advised that you take Personal Property Escrow I with Personal Property Escrow II, but it is not mandatory!

In addition to the class “bullet points” listed above (Personal Property Escrow I), your half day workshop will cover advanced holdings such as:

  • Sale of intellectual property
  • Boats, Airplanes and Vehicles (valued under $100,000)
  • Required Forms and Documents
  • film syndications

You may take Personal Property Escrow II without taking PPE I, but you must take the Holding Escrow workshop first.

Preliminary Report – Deep Dive

In this class, you will learn, or enhance your existing knowledge of the “prelim”.

The class will focus on:

  • How to Effectively Read & Interpret a Prelim
  • “Red flag” Warnings
  • Identification of Risks & Issues
  • Resolving Liens, Encumbrances, Easements, Restrictions, etc.
  • Resolving Common Curative Issues
  • Communicating an Understanding of the Prelim to Buyers/Sellers

REO Processing

In a “down” market, a high percentage of real estate transactions are generated due to the aftermath of a foreclosure where the property ownership reverts back to the lender (generally a bank) after an unsuccessful foreclosure sale. In this class you will learn the “A, B, C’s” of R.E.O. processing and how it can dramatically impact your revenue stream as another source of business.

Conducted by a recognized escrow R.E.O. processing expert, you will learn:

  • The R.E.O. process – what happens before and after Foreclosure!
  • Escrow’s role!
  • How to process the R.E.O. escrow!
  • Use of the C.A.R. Residential Purchase Agreement & Joint Instructions!
  • About R.E.O. documentation – what is needed and when!
  • Disclosures and what you need to know!
  • How to work with the Asset Manager!
  • Tips for staying on top of the process, from start to end!
  • It’s not just Title Companies who can get the business!
  • Establishing “KEY” relationships to get “in the door” for this book of business!

RESPA – Complying with the Regulations & Rules

Want to stay in compliance? Confused about what you can/cannot do under RESPA Guidelines? Meet with Jennifer Felten, Esq. – RE LAW APC for an in depth discussion and exchange of information;

  • Marketing Limitations under RESPA & California Law!
  • RESPA – Section 8 – Rules & Penalties!
  • Recent Events Revolving Around RESPA violations!
  • DBO’s Key Focus Areas; Your competition and More!
  • What is Value? Donuts? Pens? Open House? & More!
  • RESPA Exceptions! Yes, There are Some!
  • Social Media – A New Era. What is Acceptable and Not!
  • Managing the Risk, Financial & Otherwise!
  • When to Contact an Escrow Attorney!

Bring your questions!

Short Sales, Foreclosures and more!

This class covers a variety of topics with a focus on distressed or creative transactions.

In our Short Sale portion of the class you will learn:

  • How to process and understand the Short Sale Escrow!
  • How to read and understand the Short Sale Approval Letter!
  • How to work effectively with Short Sale Lenders!
  • How to eliminate coming up “short”!
  • What you must know and much more!

In the Foreclosure portion of the class you will learn about:

  • How to process the Foreclosure/understand important time frames!
  • Processing the Ordering of Demands/Working with the Trustee!
  • Using the Notice of Default Purchase Agreement Contract!
  • Understanding Consumer Protection Laws!
  • Understand Seller’s additional rights under the Contract!
  • How the transaction can change from a foreclosure to a “short sale”.
  • And much, much more!

NOPDA (Notice of Default Purchase Agreement)

  • Using this knowledge to gain additional escrows
  • Consumer Protection Laws
  • Applicable CAR Contract Sections
  • Legal requirements/key provisions to remember
  • Why CAR created this Contract and when it is used
  • Seller’s additional rights under this Contract
  • Differences in processing this type of escrow
  • And much more!

All Inclusive Trust Deeds (A.I.T.D.)

Our real estate market is constantly changing. In this portion of the class you will learn how to process an escrow where a new AITD is created. Here are just a few of the topics we’ll cover:

  • How to prepare these more complex documents and escrow instructions
  • When and why this type of transaction is beneficial to principals
  • What additional and crucial information you will need prior to processing an escrow
  • What to do with impound accounts, pass throughs, hazard insurance
  • How to process payoffs and reconveyances
  • And much, much more!

Foreclosures, Short Sales and more!

In this dynamic Real Estate market, short-sales are a fact of life. What a fantastic opportunity to learn from an industry expert in the field of short-sales. During this class you will learn:

  • What is a Short-Sale?
  • What is the role of the lender and the Escrow Officer?
  • How to get ahead and impress your customers.
  • How to successfully process a short-sale.
  • Identifying “Red Flags” upfront!
  • Common obstacles and effective remedies
  • Learn the lingo and language of the “short sale”.
  • Red flags and green dollars!
  • What every Escrow Officer should know about a short-sale.
  • Commonly used phrases and much more!

In some locations, Short Sales represent 25% of escrow business, while in other areas of Southern California they represent a multiple (2 or 3 times or more) of total business.

Special Bonus: Each student will receive a handbook, support material and bonus information about the use of lender processing platforms such as Equator.

In the Foreclosure portion of the class you will learn about:

  • How to process the Foreclosure!
  • The important time frames you must know!
  • Processing the Ordering of Demands!
  • Working with the Trustee!
  • Debtor rights!
  • Using the Notice of Default Purchase Agreement Contract!
  • Understanding Consumer Protection Laws!
  • Understand Seller’s additional rights under the Contract!
  • Who completes the Contract and Why!
  • And much more!

Starting Up – A Workshop For the New Escrow Company

This in-depth and ALL NEW workshop will provide you with the information you need to know to assess what is required to:

  • Start Up an Escrow Company (Independent or Broker Owned)
  • Open Up Other Offices/Locations (in California only)
  • Legal/Financial Considerations
    • Formation – DBO and Cal BRE requirements
    • Employment – Employee Qualifications
    • California Employment Law
    • Compliance – DBO, RESPA and CFPB
      • Policies like General Provisions, Best Practices, Marketing Limitations
      • And more!
  • Operational Considerations
    • Managing the Business/Not Just Your Desk
    • Office Organization/Branch Efficiency/Tips & Techniques
    • Managing Others/Staffing
    • Security/Privacy
    • Open Q & A
    • And more

The workshop is divided into two main parts: Legal and Operational.

The Legal portion and Operational portion will be conducted by recognized experts within the industry.

Interested? Got questions? Contact our office! 949-589-1460

Team Building

Be prepared to have fun! To be successful takes a team effort! In this activity-based workshop you will learn the elements of great teams and why some teams flounder! Through group activities you will learn more about yourself and others. After each activity the group will debrief on “lessons learned”. You will learn:

  • The importance of the team/what is important to the team
  • The importance of communication
  • Group problem solving techniques
  • Understanding Personality Styles
  • Thinking outside the box
  • Eliminating “silos” that negatively impact
  • Breaking down barriers/handling Team conflict
  • Team Building Tips and techniques
  • Leadership principles and practices
  • Synergy (the dynamics of group participation)

New World of TRID

Our extensive TRID workshop compliments other processing classes, to assist the class participants in obtaining a solid understanding of TRID rules, regulations and law. The class has been updated to include all changes since the introduction of TRID.

“The World of TRID” is the operating environment in which the industry operates and which is regulated by the C.F.P.B.

Our workshop agenda will include:

  • Understanding the new “Rule” & Where It Applies/Does Not Apply!
  • Understanding the new TRID Disclosures, including Pre-Disclosure Requirements!
  • Guide to the Loan Estimate & Closing Disclosures!
    • Consumer Closing Disclosure
    • Seller Closing Disclosure
  • Who is Preparing What Disclosures (all Disclosures discussed/samples!)
  • New Timing, Delivery and Retention Requirements for Disclosures!
  • Understanding “Consummation Date” and other New Verbiage!
  • Understanding the Lender’s Responsibilities (Not Escrow)!
  • Understanding the Settlement Agent’s (Escrow) Duties & Responsibilities!
  • Completion of Escrow Related Forms!
  • Signing Process!
  • Quoting and Calculating Owner’s Premium Title Insurance!
  • What is Meant by Good Faith Disclosures! Liability issues!
  • Loan Estimates, Re-vised Loan Estimates (Changed Circumstances)!
  • New Tolerance Levels for Fees!
  • And SO Much More!

Trust Accounting/Escheating/Bank Reconciliation

Want to learn industry Trust Accounting “Best Practices”? From ALTA’s recent recommendations to RECON WORKS (an industry leader in Trust Accounting & Bank Reconciliation services) actual BEST PRACTICES learn how to minimize risks and protect the funds you manage.

Ever wonder about the intricacies of Trust Accounting? Daily accounting procedures are needed in order to create good monthly reconciliations and pass annual audits. Even if your company uses an outside vendor, this is information you need to know if you are an Escrow company owner, Manager, or in any other position where you are involved in banking and Trust Accounting activities.

You will learn about:

  • Meeting the Accounting Requirements of the Department of Corporations and Department of Real Estate, as they relate to Trust Accounting and Bank Reconciliation.
  • Daily procedures to follow to accurately account for the public’s funds!
  • How to understand/read your Trust Accounting Reconciliation Report!
  • How to identify potential “red flags”!
  • How to correct errors and out of balance conditions!
  • How to use the Outstanding Checklist as a reconciliation tool!
  • Preventing paying someone twice in error!
  • Procedures to follow to accurately account for the public’s funds
  • Proven ways to maintain and store Trust Accounting Records for future use!

Extensive material supports this class, plus FREE after class support for attendees!

Trust Accounting – BEST PRACTICES

This workshop will incorporate and focus on the legal and regulatory requirements from the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI) and Department of Real Estate (DRE). This workshop focuses on the industry’s Trust Accounting “Best Practices”. Recon Works, an industry leader in Trust Accounting, Escheating and Bank Reconciliation services will show you how to minimize risks and protect the funds you manage through the establishment of internal controls. We will define, step by step, recommended procedures that you should follow for the protection and safeguarding of trust funds under your control. You will be provided “tools” you can use to help ensure on-going compliance.

In addition, you will learn about:

  • Meeting the Accounting Requirements of the Department of Business Oversight and Department of Real Estate, as they relate to Trust Accounting and Bank Reconciliation.
  • Daily procedures to follow to accurately account for the public’s funds!
  • Types of escrow fraud from altered closing statements to wire transfers and more!
  • How to prevent escrow fraud internally and externally!
  • Real life cases of escrow real estate fraud due to Company lack of preparation/education! Fictitious Business Names.
  • Proven ways to maintain and store Trust Accounting Records for future use!
  • Steps your Company can take to ensure strict compliance!

Extensive material supports this class, plus FREE after class support for attendees!

Trusts/Estates/Probate

Our newest class!

This class will provide valuable information on how to handle and process transactions involving trust and estates and the importance of vesting in real estate transaction.  YOU will receive real life examples of what to do when real world issues of life and death interact with an escrow transaction.

ALSO, we will discuss how to setup your own estate and succession plan.  Discussion will revolve around the specifics of trusts, wills, powers of attorney and the other documents that should be included in an estate plan.  Statutory forms for do-it-yourself planning will be provided.

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