Brooke Siegel
Carpinteria,CA
Summary
Accomplished Senior Escrow Officer/Business Professional with a proven track record at First American Title, adept in escrow management and fostering strong client relationships. Excels in staff development and business/market share growth, consistently exceeding performance targets. Skilled in document analysis and customer relations, ensuring smooth and efficient real estate transactions.
Currently seeking employment on Oahu, Hawaii, relocating there upon securing a full time permanent position. Having been raised as a child on Maui, I'm thrilled to be moving back to the Islands to be able to work alongside the community.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Escrow Officer
First American Title
Montecito, CA
03.2012 - Current
- Managed a diverse/high volume portfolio of residential, commercial, and investment properties, ensuring each transaction was handled with professionalism and accuracy.
- Created strategies to develop and expand existing customer sales, resulting in increased marketshare.
- Developed new business opportunities by actively participating in networking events and building strategic partnerships within the real estate community.
- Enhanced client satisfaction by efficiently managing complex escrow transactions and providing exceptional customer service.
- Maintained strict adherence to regulatory requirements and industry best practices when handling sensitive client information and funds during the escrow process.
- Prepared documents for closing and handled complete disbursement and follow up of escrow transactions.
- Developed and maintained relationships with customers, lenders and other third parties.
- Resolved title issues promptly by collaborating with underwriters, attorneys, and other stakeholders to clear any roadblocks hindering property transfer.
- Spearheaded initiatives to improve overall team performance by sharing knowledge, expertise, and best practices with fellow escrow officers.
- Conducted regular audits of escrow accounts to ensure accuracy, compliance, and proper funds disbursement upon closing.
- Assisted and trained junior escrow officers/assistants in resolving complex issues, fostering their professional growth and development.
- Organized educational seminars for real estate agents to keep them informed on current industry trends and regulatory changes affecting the escrow process.
- Collaborated with team members to successfully close high-value real estate deals within prescribed deadlines.
- Contributed to the company's growth by consistently exceeding performance targets and earning recognition for outstanding service quality within the industry.
- Fostered strong relationships with clients, lenders, agents, and attorneys to facilitate smooth escrow transactions and maintain a high level of referral business.
- Ensured timely closings on properties through effective coordination with mortgage lenders, appraisers, inspectors, and other professionals involved in the transaction.
- Examined purchase and sale agreement for potential items of concern and addressed immediately.
Life Insurance Agent
New York Life Insurance Company
Carpinteria/Santa Barbara, CA
02.2010 - 03.2012
- Provided "peace of mind" for families.
- Delivered informative presentations to potential clients about the benefits of life insurance policies, generating interest and driving sales growth.
- Cultivated customer relationships to provide customized life insurance solutions tailored to individual needs.
- Analyzed customers' financial situations to recommend appropriate life insurance policies.
- Developed comprehensive financial plans for clients, ensuring proper coverage and security for their families.
- Finalized sales and collected necessary deposits.
- Analyzed risk factors to recommend appropriate coverage levels.
- Generated leads through cold-calling, networking and other outreach methods.
- Developed and implemented promotional strategies to increase customer base.
Senior Escrow Officer
Lawyers Title Company
Santa Barbara, CA
04.2008 - 10.2009
- Prepared documents for closing and handled complete disbursement and follow up of escrow transactions.
- Set up escrow transactions, processed deposits and mailed out forms and preliminary title reports for review.
- Examined purchase and sale agreement for potential items of concern and addressed immediately.
- Communicated requirements and title exception information to clients.
- Managed a diverse portfolio of residential, commercial, and investment properties, ensuring each transaction was handled with professionalism and accuracy.
- Fostered strong relationships with clients, lenders, agents, and attorneys to facilitate smooth escrow transactions and maintain a high level of referral business.
- Contributed to the company''s growth by consistently exceeding performance targets and earning recognition for outstanding service quality within the industry.
- Collaborated with team members to successfully close high-value real estate deals within prescribed deadlines.
- Conducted regular audits of escrow accounts to ensure accuracy, compliance, and proper funds disbursement upon closing.
- Developed new business opportunities by actively participating in networking events and building strategic partnerships within the real estate community.
- Developed and maintained relationships with customers, lenders and other third parties.
Escrow Officer /Assistant Vice President/Branch Manager
United General Title Insurance Company
Montecito
11.2005 - 04.2008
- Managed multiple escrow closings simultaneously, balancing financial transactions and minimizing risk of errors.
- Resolved staff member conflicts, actively listening to concerns and finding appropriate middle ground.
- Maximized performance by monitoring daily activities and mentoring team members.
- Cross-trained existing employees to maximize team agility and performance.
- Collaborated with real estate agents and lenders to expedite closing times on property sales.
- Reviewed contracts thoroughly to ensure accuracy before proceeding with the escrow process.
- Consistently met deadlines for preparing necessary paperwork for closings while maintaining high-quality work standards.
- Developed strong relationships with clients by providing exceptional service, earning repeat business and referrals.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by resolving disputes promptly, maintaining open lines of communication, and ensuring high-quality service delivery.
Escrow Officer / Assistant Vice President
Fidelity National Title
Santa Barbara, CA
09.2001 - 11.2005
- Managed multiple escrow accounts simultaneously, balancing financial transactions and minimizing risk of errors.
- Prepared detailed settlement statements for each transaction, accurately reflecting funds received and disbursed.
- Collaborated with real estate agents and lenders to expedite closing times on property sales.
- Developed strong relationships with clients by providing exceptional service, earning repeat business and referrals.
- Adapted to changing industry regulations and policies, updating company practices accordingly to maintain compliance.
- Developed and maintained relationships with customers, lenders and other third parties.
- Conducted thorough research on properties to confirm ownership, title status, and outstanding liens or encumbrances.
- Reviewed contracts thoroughly to ensure accuracy before proceeding with the escrow process.
- Maintained strict confidentiality in handling sensitive customer information, adhering to privacy laws and best practices.
- Prepared documents for closing and handled complete disbursement and follow up of escrow transactions.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by promptly addressing inquiries and resolving issues related to escrow transactions.
Escrow Officer
Santa Barbara Bank & Trust
Santa Barbara, CA
03.1996 - 09.2001
- Developed strong relationships with clients by providing exceptional service, earning repeat business and referrals.
- Prepared documents for closing and handled complete disbursement and follow up of escrow transactions.
- Reviewed contracts thoroughly to ensure accuracy before proceeding with the escrow process.
- Streamlined the escrow process for a smoother client experience, managing communication between all parties involved.
Education
Certificate - Escrow I, II And III
Ventura Community College
Ventura, CA1997
General Studies -
Santa Barbara City College
Santa Barbara, CA1992
Skills
- Real Estate Closing Processes
- Escrow management
- Staff Management
- Complaint Handling
- Document analysis
- Analytical and Critical Thinking
- Oral and Written Comprehension
- Microsoft Office
- Active Listening and Learning
- Decision-Making
- Customer service-focused
- Attention to Detail
- Document Preparation
- Contracts understanding
- Closing process expertise
- Goal-Oriented
- Training and mentoring
- Complex Problem-Solving
- Staff Development
- Project Management
- Business Development
- Customer Focus
- Relationship Management
- Oral presentations
CA Notary Public
California Notary Public since 1996
Timeline
Senior Escrow Officer
First American Title
03.2012 - Current
Life Insurance Agent
New York Life Insurance Company
02.2010 - 03.2012
Senior Escrow Officer
Lawyers Title Company
04.2008 - 10.2009
Escrow Officer /Assistant Vice President/Branch Manager
United General Title Insurance Company
11.2005 - 04.2008
Escrow Officer / Assistant Vice President
Fidelity National Title
09.2001 - 11.2005
Escrow Officer
Santa Barbara Bank & Trust
03.1996 - 09.2001
Certificate - Escrow I, II And III
Ventura Community College
General Studies -
Santa Barbara City College