ABOUT BLUE WATER ESCROW
Selecting an escrow company to handle the closing of your real estate transaction—whether you’re buying, selling, or refinancing—is one of the most important decisions you’ll ever make. It’s critical that your escrow officer possesses knowledge, experience and integrity. It’s every bit as vital that the escrow company meets certain criteria—and all organizations are not created equal.
Blue Water Escrow, a member of the Escrow Institute of California, is licensed by the Department of Business Oversight (DBO) and bonded by Escrow Agents’ Fidelity Corporation (EAFC). We bear these designations because we’re subject to the most stringent federal requirements, which are in place to protect not only the best interests of banks, but the best interests of consumers. Being held to the highest standards means that we are frequently audited by government regulatory agencies without any prior notice. It’s important to know that this isn’t the case for all companies.
Blue Water Escrow’s experienced professionals are also vetted and certified according to the strictest requirements. All of our employees, including officers, directors and managers, have passed mandatory background checks and fingerprinting conducted by the Department of Justice.
Why Choose an Independent Escrow Company?
| Independent Escrow Companies | Real Estate Broker-Owned Escrow Departments | Title Company Escrow Departments | Bank Escrow Departments | Savings & Loan Escrow Departments | |
| State Regulator | Dept of Business Oversight | Bureau of Real Estate | Dept of Insurance | FDIC | FDIC |
| Bonding Required | YES | NO | NO | NO | NO |
| Manager – Escrow Experience Requirements | 5 yr E.O. Experience or 4 yr E.O. + Escrow School | NO | NO | NO | NO |
| Regulator Audits | Yes (Every 12 mo by the DBO without any prior notice) | NO-B.R.E. Auditors go by appointment only | Internal audits at employer’s discretion | ||
| Annual CPA Audit Requirements | YES | NO | NO | NO | NO |
| Trust Funds Insured | YES, $5,000,000 Escrow Agents Fidelity Corp. (E.A.F.C) Covers all Licensed Escrow Corporations | YES, B.R.E. Recovery Fund: Max $20,000 per individual | NO | NO | NO |
| Escrow Officer Certification | Available to any individual who is a member of the California Escrow Association | ||||
| Financial Liquidity Requirements | YES | NO | NO | NO | NO |
| Escrow License Required | YES | NO | NO | NO | NO |
| Assumed Impartial as a Third Party | YES | Escrow Officer is an employee of broker, who has influence over the transaction | Title Department has access/control of escrow money and procedures | Yes, unless financing is provided by the bank | Yes, unless financing is provided by the S&L |
| DOJ Investigation of all Employees, Including Photos and Fingerprints | YES | NO | NO | NO | NO |