First California Escrow

They closed our sale via internet as we don’t live in the area and did a pretty good job. I like that they were able to do everything online, but there were a couple of things I didn’t like and you’ll want to check their work before signing any paperwork, especially the paperwork that cost you money.
We had some issues with the HOA fee charges and I worked everything out with the HOA management company. After getting everything worked out I sent an email to them asking if we were good to go. The reply was «I think so». That was about 2 – 3 weeks prior to closing, then two days prior to closing I was copied on a email to the HOA management company say that they still had not received all the paperwork they needed and if they didn’t get it they’d have to delay closing. I was very angry that I was finding out about this two days prior to closing. I engaged with the HOA management company and got them to get the paperwork over, but would have rather know much earlier so I could take care of it. To their credit they did tell my realtor that they would not hold up closing for the paperwork. Also, I told them way prior to closing that the full month of HOA dues would be paid in full. They still tried to charge me on the HUD. Also, I ask for a check to be mailed to me which was free and on the HUD they tried to charge me a wiring fee. In the end they easy corrected everything and were quick to let me know on closing day when everything was filed and were also quick to mail me a check. I wouldn’t say don’t use them, but it would say check their work and ensure they know they should contact you with any issues early instead of waiting.

Lisa Shultz and her team were fantastic during the sale of my condo! We had tight deadlines to accommodate a closing under 30 days and they made sure we were on track and in most cases, ahead of schedule. Communication was professional, easy to understand and fast, plus all documents were in order with no errors (honestly can’t say that about other escrow companies). They made it stress-​free and easy for me since I was cross-​country. I would certainly use them again!

I want to thank Jill Severs for her patience on closing my Short Sale that was 16 months in the making. What felt like 20 HUD1’s and so much more. I really enjoy working with Jill and would follow her anywhere!

I am a real estate broker in the SF east bay area and just represented a buyer in a difficult escrow involving both a short sale and a bankruptcy on the seller’s side. As is typical, the listing agent works these types of deals in volume giving extremely little attention to our transaction and remaining nearly impossible to reach via phone or email.
Jill Severns at First California Escrow (thankfully!) was the escrow officer chosen by the listing agent and without her specialized knowledge and care there is literally no way my client would have keys to his new home now. Jill took the time to answer the buyers’ questions relating to the particular needs of the short sale lender and the BK Trustee, coordinating all the moving parts in a timely manner in the absence of a breathing listing agent. Good job Jill, your clients are in great hands!

huge thanks and compliments to Lisa Shultz and her team for closing out what was a long and difficult escrow thanks to the loan providers. Great availability and communication from everyone again thanks well worth the 5 stars

Jill is my escrow agent. I am not impressed. I had no contact via email or phone from her. I just get a huge stack of paperwork sent to address I am not living at. I am asked to sign about 30+ pages of documents (why not electronically?) Then I am send a letter size envelope to return all these in… won’t fit. I have to go try to get my ex to sign a notarized document. Then have to pay out of pocket to get an envelope and mail back these docs. Pre paid envelopes are usually what is provided. Would not recommend… seems like a super discount do it your self escrow and you pay over $ 2000 just for paperwork to be processed.