A.I.T.D./Assumptions/Subject to Transactions

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Advanced Holding Escrow

• EB-5 Visa Programs
• E-2 Visas
• Lis Pendens holdings
• Judgments
• Rent Escrow Account Program (REAP)
• Settlement Agreements/Arbitration Awards

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ALTA/EIC Best Practices, Policies & Procedures

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Basic Escrow – Opening to Closing The File

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Building a Championship Team

This workshop is for everyone who is interested in building a championship team, and/or being a part of such a team. In this workshop, with supporting activities, you will learn:

• What Makes a Championship Team
• The Importance of Shared Values
• The Importance of One Team, One Mission
• Intrapreneurial Spirit (not a misspelled word)
• Creating a Roadmap to being a Champion
• Working with Others – Pluses/Minuses
• Creating a Personal & Team Commitment
• Getting Involved/Staying Involved
• What Great Individuals and Team’s Excel At Doing
• Job Satisfiers – YOU might be Surprised
• Personality/Behavioral Styles – Understanding & Working with Each
• And a lot more!

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Bulk Sale I

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?

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!

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Bulk Sale II

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 class will also focus on Bulk Sale escrows where liquor licensing issues are part of the escrow process. Our special guest speaker will spend time for a thorough review of how to process and manage these escrows, PLUS how to effectively work with your ABC Licensing agency. He will provide extensive hand out material.

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!      

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Bulk Sale II - Half Day Workshop

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 class will also focus on Bulk Sale escrows where liquor licensing issues are part of the escrow process.

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!
• ABC Forms
• Handling the Cash Short Closing!
• Holding funds at closing! Release of funds!
• And much, much more!
        

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Business Management – Financial Aspects/Best Practices

Our industry first (E.L.M.S.) Escrow Leadership/Management School begins its second program after effectively launching our “Business Principles, Practices and Law” in July.

• Reading and Understanding Financial Statements!

• Business Red Flags – What they mean!

• Taking corrective actions when something is going “side ways”!

• Understanding “cash flow”, “cash vs accrual” and other financial terms!

• Running an Escrow Business – tips, things to know!

• Seeking professional assistance

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CFPB & TILA/RESPA Integrated Disclosure

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Choices - Career Builder

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Commercial Escrow I

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

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.

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!
  
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Commercial Escrow II

This class has been recently revised and updated! The class qualifies for 6 PD Credits

The Instructor (Commercial Escrow Officer) has over 25 years of commercial escrow experience and works for a Company, managing their commercial escrow operations. He is past president of the Orange County Escrow Association and holds CEA 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 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:

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Compliance Best Practices – Fraud/Security/Privacy

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Creating Escrow C.E.O's

Tuition includes exceptional workbook, toolkit and job aids to positively impact customer service back in the “real” world of escrow.

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Escrow Documents & Amendments

Escrow Documents/Amendments & Prorations

Escrow Edge - Escrow Social Media Marketing                         

YOUR California Escrow Association, some Regional Associations, and several escrow and title companies are now engaged!

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

More and more companies are joining the internet  network media marketing evolution as a means to enhance, position and market 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!

This class covers the business use and application of internet media marketing.

Learn what the competition in your industry is doing.

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

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!

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Preventing Escrow Fraud                         

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Foreclosures, Short Sales and 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:

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Conducted by Chris Pruitt of Recon Works and Glenn Garrity, retired law enforcement officer, here from the experts on what you need to know, what you need to do and current scams perpetuated on escrow companies, banks and other industry entities.             

July 2013 – O.C. Escrow Company loses $1.5 million to escrow fraud. Procedures/safeguards not followed, per the DBO See other examples below!

Many escrow companies have been victimized by fraud in the past, paying a heavy price because of their lack of education and preparedness. Some real life examples in escrow offices:

1) An independent escrow has $465,000 stolen and almost closes it’s doors due to wire fraud
2) An independent escrow has over $350,000 stolen, when stolen refund checks are discovered missing.
3) And there are certainly a lot more “tales” to tell!

Is this something your Company can afford? Probably not!

Common denominator? In part, lack of training, proper internal controls in place, and
the misguided belief “it can’t happen to me!” How can you implement controls to reduce your risk?

In this class you will learn how fraud with the public’s funds occurs with the escrow file and inside and  outside of your escrow office.

We will discuss the most common types of public fraud involving:

• Current E MAIL scams/cyber thieves/pass words
• Thieves watching real estate sales transactions activity as gateway
• Altered closing statements
• Funds held during escrow
• Falsified checks, receipts, and fee transfers
• Outstanding checks and closed files with balances
• Falsifying trust account bank reconciliations/forged checks
• Replacement checks to the same payee
• Outgoing wires (software virus infections to your computer)
• Three types of fraudulent IDs and how to recognize
• Six elements of a bona fide ID
• Red flags

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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. 

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”

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Intro to Holding Escrow and Personal Property Escrow

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

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Law-Business Principles & Practices

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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.

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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)
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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!

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FIRPTA, 1099's and Trusts

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Designed specifically for the Escrow/Title industry, this workshop has received very high reviews from those who have attended.

In fact, well over 100 individuals, from Receptionists to Escrow and Title Company Presidents, have indicated in their Class Evaluation that they WOULD recommend this class to others.

Our class focuses entirely on real life escrow/title related customer service issues! We also spend time on  customer complaints and how to turn an unhappy customer into a loyal advocate.

Our activity based, fun filled, workshop focuses on several key areas:

• Exceptional customer service is the GREAT differentiator between Escrow companies!

• One Team, One Mission, One Focus = (come to class to find out)!
• Understanding the impact of ‘lost’ customers!
• How to effectively handle customer complaints, while building the customer relationship!
• Importance of everyone being “The Director of First Impressions”!
• Building long term loyalty; having YOUR customers be an extension of your Sales Team!
• Building TEAM WORK/Unity/Common Purpose!
• Have FUN while doing so! (Yes, the rumor is true!  We play poker in class! Come and see!)
  

Our class activities “drive home” the learning objectives! Each participant receives a complete manual AND numerous after class activities that the Company can use to continue to reinforce customer service and operational objectives.

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Managing Employee Performance

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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.

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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!
  
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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).
  
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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”.
 

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Mobile/Manufactured Home Escrow

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Manufactured Home Escrows and MH Dealers

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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!
  
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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
  
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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!
  
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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 Designed specifically for the Escrow/Title industry, this workshop has received very high reviews from those who have attended. In fact, 100% of class attendees this summer (approximately 100 individuals, from Receptionists to Title Company President) indicated in their Class Evaluation that they WOULD recommend this class to others within the escrow/title community. Delivered at YOUR location (or ours), the full day, or two half day class focuses entirely on real life escrow/title related customer service issues! The class can be delivered Monday through Thursday and/or Saturday’s too! Our activity based, fun filled, workshop focuses on several key areas: Company President) indicated in their Class Evaluation that they WOULD recommend this class to others within the escrow/title community. Delivered at YOUR location (or ours), the full day, or two half day class focuses entirely on real life escrow/title related customer service issues! The class can be delivered Monday through Thursday and/or Saturday’s too! Our activity based, fun filled, workshop focuses on several key areas: ="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Tahoma">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)

NOPDA, Foreclosures, AITD

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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.

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