Frequently Asked Questions..

Are you open at this time?  

During this pandemic, we do ask for your understanding and patience as we are all learning to navigate this new way of transacting business during a pandemic. It is likely you may experience unforeseen delays and encounter situations no one may have an immediate answer. You can be assured we are working hard to find solutions while keeping everyone’s health and well-being at the forefront of all our decisions. Currently our office hours are 8 am to 5 pm Monday through Friday. We are closed all major holidays. 

Can I still drop off documents or other items needed?   

For your convenience, we have a secure drop box located to the right of our main door on 9th Avenue for earnest money. We appreciate your use of this drop site as to help comply with social distancing. You can also deposit earnest money electronically, call us and ask how, 360-943-7300.  

Who can attend a signing? 
Per the CDC and Governor Inslee’s executive order, we are taking every precaution and practicing social distancing measures. To that end, we request that only those having to sign documents attend signings. 

Should I continue with my transaction? 
We will continue to work hard in accommodating your transaction during this time. If you are uncertain about moving forward, we suggest contacting your realtor, lender or other real estate professional to determine your best course of action. Unless instructed otherwise by you, we will continue to proceed in processing your transaction as usual.  

What is the status of Thurston County Auditor’s Office?  
At this time only offering eRecording’s and mail in. 

If the lender has funded and the county Auditor’s office closes or is unable to record do, I have to pay interest on the loan?  

We cannot speculate on how your lender will charge interest in such an instance, please contact your lender or loan officer for more information regarding when your interest is due. However, in this circumstance, our underwriter will insure the transaction if it closes, but due to the COVID19 Pandemic the county is closed and unable to record. We will still be able to disburse funds and “Gap Insurance” will be included in your policy to insure the time between the time of closing and when we are finally able to record the associated documents with the county upon reopening. 

If I am receiving funds after closing how do I get my money? 

Given social distancing measures, we recommend letting us mail a check to you. If mailing a check is not possible, we may be able to offer depositing the funds directly into your bank account or wire. Right now, we cannot offer to have you come pick it up as we are required to limit the amount of public interaction within our office until social distancing measure change. 

What options do I have when the time comes to sign? 

We can send most documents via electronic format for e-signatures. If a notary is required for certain documents, you can at least limit your time with us by e-signing all the other documents. We are offering curbside signing or we can refer you to a mobile notary, where a third-party notary will come to your location. There may be additional fees for this accommodation, please contact your escrow officer for more information. If you are exhibiting any signs of illness, it is likely this will delay the close of your transaction. It is best to contact your real estate agent and/or loan officer to determine the best course of action. 

How do I contact my escrow officer? 
With the high volume of calls currently, we suggest you email your escrow officer. Please be patient during this time and know we are fully committed to getting back to you as soon as possible. You can click here to access a list of our staff emails.