Most parties enter the escrow process with little or no understanding of what it is or what to expect. The dictionary will tell you that an escrow is defined as a secure and neutral holding place for the documents and funds that are used to complete the transfer of real property. That secure and neutral holding place is your escrow officer who acts much like the hub of a wheel, bringing together all the pieces of your transaction by managing the complex web of documents and funds. The goal of a good escrow officer is to move the parties smoothly, comfortably, and securely through the process and, in the end, to provide the Seller with a check and the Buyer with a deed to his new home.
In more technical terms, the escrow holder acts as an impartial third party who is entrusted with the safekeeping of the documents and funds until all of the conditions of the contract have been fulfilled. This means that your escrow officer is an unbiased party who can be trusted to assist you through the process with neutrality. The Buyer and Seller give the escrow officer written instructions that define the terms and conditions under which he or she is authorized to distribute funds and record legal documents.
Communication is the key to limiting the stress and pressure of obtaining loan approval, processing escrow and planning a move. Common closing delays are caused in the following areas:
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Business Development
Office: 951-348-8782
Shelly has been in the real estate industry for over 25 years and has a true passion for the business. She was a top producing agent for two major brokerages which eventually led to her opening her own brokerage where she and her team focused on real estate owned properties for several years. While owning her brokerage, she managed over 40 agents helping them to grow their business.
She entered into business development for escrow in 2013 where she has worked hard to build relationships with realtors and lenders to develop partnerships and provide ideas and tools to assist with growing their business. Her flair for marketing and knowledge of real estate is a unique blend that offers clients an opportunity to not only use the best escrow service, but have a genuine relationship with someone who truly cares about their business and success.
Shelly has always been involved in the association of realtors and has served and chaired countless committees and events and has received many awards for her commitment and giving back to the community. She believes that building a business stems from building authentic relationships for life. Shelly has raised four amazing children two of which are in the military.
Escrow Officer
Office: 949-373-7000 Ext. 8130
Fax: 949-276-8227
The personal touch is the best way to describe Rosie’s service to her clients. Rosie loves it when her clients come in to have documents personally notarized by her. She enjoys explaining the documents and ensuring that everything is handled and that the customer has a full understanding of the transaction. Her real estate agents know that their customer is in good hands when they refer them to Rosie.
Starting in the escrow business back in 1977 with Bank of America, Rosie handles every type of transaction including Residential Resale, Refinances, REO, Short Sales, Commercial and Manufactured home sales.
She has earned the professional designation of Certified Senior Escrow Officer through the California Escrow Association. Rosie is a wonderful asset to Escrow Leaders and looks forward to handling your next escrow!
Vice President of Sales and Marketing
Office: 949-373-7000 Ext. 8030
Fax: 949-276-8210
As the VP of Sales and Marketing, Bob draws on a lifetime of experience, including his years living in St. Andrews, Scotland where he served as Director of Marketing for Slotline Golf Europe. Bob brings a different perspective to the escrow industry.
Understanding the needs and desires of a client and customer is where it all begins. With 33 years in the escrow business, Bob understands that insight and the ability to help a customer realize what he or she needs is very important. As an agent looking to grow their business, Bob brings a wealth of experience to the table and loves to study, observe, and share techniques that work.
Bob’s frank approach and ability to get to the heart of the matter is refreshing. His ability to see solutions combined with an attitude of gratitude ring through in the motto of the company brought to life by Robert Greenleaf, “Good Leaders must first become Good Servants!”
Branch Manager
Office: 949-373-7000 Ext. 8150
Fax: 949-276-8208
Tawnia serves as Assistant Manager for Escrow Leaders. She has a true passion for serving others and brings two decades of experience to her role. Her experience includes running a successful escrow desk, supporting her team’s needs, and effectively navigating the industry with grace and kindness.
Tawnia pulls from her previous experience to bring positive engagement, ensuring her team feels supported on every level, each day. Her appreciation for clear and concise communication has proved to be extremely useful in her role. She prides herself on building and maintaining long-lasting relationships which she attributes to her strong work ethic, attention to detail, and always going above and beyond what is expected. She is the mom of three beautiful adult children who are her pride and joy.
In her free time, you’ll find her enjoying the great outdoors, both near and far, hiking, at the gym, relaxing at the beach, traveling, and making memories with her family at her home in Lake Havasu, Arizona.
Escrow Officer
Office: 949-373-7000 Ext. 8140
Fax: 949-276-8204
Lisa prides herself in being proactive, not reactive. She stays in constant communication with her clients and strives to keep her files one step ahead. Lisa’s natural desire to be very detailed and extremely thorough has proven invaluable. Lisa takes ownership of her transactions and communicates very well with all parties to the escrow every step of the way.
Lisa has lived in Southern Orange County for 40 years and has worked in the escrow industry for over 30 years. She began her escrow career working as an assistant for Valerie Velotta and believes that she was trained by the best.
Prior to entering the world of escrow, Lisa worked in the title insurance industry for 7 years. Understanding the inner workings of the title business gives her an upper hand in quickly and effectively solving title issues which may arise during a transaction.
Escrow Officer
Office: 949-373-7000 Ext. 8170
Fax: 949-276-8209
Tami Wyrick is determined to close escrows! From the time the escrow opens, Tami is focused on closing, constantly working to meet all conditions. Her goal is to be prepared to close the escrow as early as possible, giving the agents and their clients the freedom to close early or on time.
Born in the City of Mission Viejo, Tami began her escrow career in 1989. Tami has an impressive resume which includes handling escrows for new home tracts, split parcels, standard sales and refinances. Tami’s #1 asset is her enthusiasm and willingness to get the job done. Her knowledge combined with a joyful heart makes working with Tami a genuine pleasure!
Escrow Officer
Office: 949-373-7000 Ext. 8190
Fax: 949-276-8221
“I’ve found my escrow officer!” This is truly a common response Karin’s customers give after using her to do their escrows for the first time.
Karin has extensive resale & refinance escrow expertise which includes: residential properties, 1031 tax-deferred exchanges, commercial properties, and vacant land. She loves to help people through the escrow process and gets a genuine thrill out of closing escrows for the buyer and seller.
She enjoys spending time with her husband and daughter, especially on family camping expeditions. Karin has a joyful spirit and an attitude of gratitude that you can hear through the phone!
Escrow Officer
Office: 949-373-7000 Ext. 8160
Fax: 949-276-8214
Since 2005, Kristin has been rocking the world of Escrow. She began her career as a receptionist and dedicated herself to learning every aspect of the escrow process from start to finish. Kristin’s attention to detail, self-discipline, and willingness to learn continues to serve her well. As a cognizant professional who prides herself on her responsiveness, Kristin is well respected by her clients and truly has a passion for her work and clientele.
In her current position at Escrow Leaders, Kristin handles all types of escrows inclusive of both Residential and Commercial sales, short sales, REO’s and refinance’s. Kristin strongly believes in providing the best service possible with integrity, enthusiasm, and a positive attitude. From the moment you first speak with her to the “congratulations” at the closing of escrow, you’ll know Kristin was the right choice.
When she isn’t closing escrows, Kristin enjoys reading a great book, spending time outdoors and being with her loved ones.
Escrow Officer
Office: 949-373-7000 Ext. 8145
Fax: 949-276-8212
Kelly started her escrow career as a receptionist in 1999 and moved up to escrow officer within 2 years. With her 22 years of experience, she handles all types of transactions including refinances, REO’s, residential and commercial resales and short sales. Kelly takes pride in being organized and truly enjoys working with all her clients.
On the weekends, Kelly spends time running to and from soccer and softball fields with her husband, 2 teenagers, and their 3 year-old and newborn in tow. Kelly also likes to spend time with her family at their house on the river for fun in the sun on the boat.
Senior Escrow Officer
Office: 951-304-4107
Fax: 951-226-0420
Beth has been in the real estate industry for 30 years, with 22 years working specifically in escrow. For her, it is a supportive work environment where her success and professional growth are encouraged.
A home is an important part of someone’s life, and Beth is glad to be along for the adventure — to see the excitement in a new buyer’s face or to work with sellers who are about to start the next chapter in their lives.
Through years of hard work, Beth has gained a distinctive and invaluable skill set. She has a broad understanding of what her clients need and the talent to provide the escrow experience they are seeking.
She is an expert in sales, refinances, REO’s (bank sales), short sales, and mobile homes. Whether you are a first-time home buyer or a seasoned real estate professional, you can depend on Beth to make the escrow process smooth, smart, and clear.
Business Development
Office: 949-294-2503
Being the daughter of a Marine Col has helped Holly develop discipline and the ability to adapt quickly. Holly has spent her life traveling and meeting people from all over the world. With an enthusiasm for life and people, her ability to connect with individuals comes easily and is a driving force for her.
Holly sees herself more as a consultant, rather than a salesperson. She stays abreast of current real estate marketing trends and is always searching for the best and most effective and efficient tools for her agents. Earning a degree in Merchandising and utilizing her trained eye, she is able to pass along her experience with regards to branding and marketing. Her perspectives that she is a team player and her goals of assisting each of her clients grow their business have helped her gain the trust of those clients.
She has spent the last twelve years working in Escrow, Title and Notary aspects of our industry honing and developing her knowledge and skills. Holly looks forward to each day with a positive and open-minded attitude and looks forward to meeting you and assisting you with your business.
Business Development
Office: 949-550-3250
With 20+ years in the Real Estate industry, Andrea is passionate about building lasting relationships and connecting with people. Her success begins with a genuine joy for helping her clients as she strives to deliver an amazing customer experience!
She goes above and beyond for her clients, but for Andrea, it’s a standard operating procedure. Because of her years as a Real Estate agent in Minnesota, she is clear on what her clients need, and she does everything she can to meet those needs.
Andrea currently resides in San Clemente and enjoys spending her free time at the beach, walking her dog Chloe and spending time with her friends. She also loves the local music scene, enjoys singing karaoke, and is an avid sports fan.
Janel Afjari
Design + Marketing Coordinator
Office: 949-373-7005
Branch Manager and Escrow Officer
Office: 951-304-4102
Fax: 951-304-4090
Adela Velotta loves closing escrows. With over 22 years of experience, Adela is proud to manage a thriving branch of Escrow Leaders in Temecula!
Starting out as an assistant on a national refinance desk served her well. Now, as an accomplished escrow officer, Adela has found her career for life. Adela still finds it a thrill and never tires of a buyer getting excited about closing on their new home!
To relieve the stress of the day and to keep in shape, Adela loves to run and is occasionally joined by her mother! She especially enjoys running in 5k’s to support the local charities.
Assistant Branch Manager and Escrow Officer
Office: 951-304-4100 Ext. 8421
Fax: 951-304-4095
Kaylie has been in escrow for nine years and has become an excellent Escrow Officer and Assistant Manager!
As a third-generation escrow officer, it was clear from the start that Kaylie would be a great success. She has a tremendous depth of knowledge and a relentless thirst for learning.
Kaylie’s ability to manage details and connect with clients combined with her sweet personality make for an unbeatable combination. Kaylie is very passionate about CrossFit and all things fitness-related. When she is not working, Kaylie enjoys going camping with her family.
Escrow Officer
Office: 951-304-4103
Fax: 951-304-4093
Karina brings a wealth of knowledge to Escrow Leaders. She has over 22 years of high-volume escrow experience including refinance and REO desks.
She prides herself in building and maintaining strong customer ties and lasting relationships that benefit both her clients and the company. Karina is dedicated to closing every transaction with no delays and motivated to do the best job in every transaction. “I treat my desk like my own business, and I am happy to go above and beyond to be successful for you.”
Escrow Officer
Office: 951-304-4105
Fax: 951-304-4096
Excelling in the customer service industry for 19 years, Tiffany enjoys bringing a sense of comfort to her clients, especially during the escrow process. Tiffany started her real estate career in lending, gaining experience first in the appraisal department and ending as a High-Dollar Account Executive Assistant. In 2010, she made a switch to escrow starting as a Receptionist and diligently worked her way to Escrow Officer. Tiffany says her favorite day of the month is the last day because she loves closing escrow, and thrives under pressure.
When she is not busy closing escrows Tiffany loves traveling, exploring, and finding adventure. She and her family enjoy off-roading and spending time at the river. Tiffany is extremely close with her family and thanks them for encouraging her to pursue her career and give in to her desire to play hard, too!
Vice President of Escrow Operations
Office: 949-373-7000 Ext. 8020
Fax: 949-276-8210
Valerie’s 43 years of successfully closing escrows is just the beginning. Since 1980 our business has dealt with 3 major real estate and mortgage slumps. She is one of the true “possibility thinkers” who can bring everyone involved in a real estate transaction together and facilitate a successful closing under the most difficult circumstances. Valerie is skilled and knowledgeable in all aspects of escrow including commercial, residential, income, and in structuring and coordinating 1031 exchanges.
Known in the industry as a wonderful trainer, Valerie has a knack for teaching good escrow practice to anyone willing to learn. Her instincts as a mother to six children have served her well as a supervisor, office manager, and now owner. Her grace and mercy shine through every day whether she is helping one of her employees or a client dealing with the natural stress of buying or selling a home.
Knowledge, experience, and service are great words to describe an escrow officer, but along with possessing all three of those, Valerie combines an attitude of gratitude that comes from her heart and soul.