Melisa Lopez
Summerville,SC
Summary
Dynamic and results-driven escrow professional with over 15 years of experience in real estate, financial operations, and escrow management. Proven expertise in managing high-volume transactions, preparing and reviewing closing documents, resolving title issues, and ensuring compliance with industry regulations, including RESPA, TILA, Dodd-Frank, and ALTA Best Practices. Adept at training and mentoring teams, fostering strong client relationships, and delivering seamless real estate transactions. Known for exceptional organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage complex processes in fast-paced environments.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Escrow Specialist
South State Bank
North Charleston, SC
09.2024 - 01.2025
- Processed payments for taxes, insurance premiums, recording fees and other related expenses associated with each transaction.
- Coordinated the signing of closing documents, ensuring all parties had a clear understanding of the terms.
- Provided excellent customer service by responding promptly to questions or concerns about the escrow process.
- Organized and maintained escrow files, including loan documents, title policies and closing statements.
Business/Data Analyst – Financial Risk & Compliance
Computer Services, Inc.
Charlotte, NC
09.2017 - 04.2024
- Conducted in-depth analysis of financial transactions to ensure compliance with AML/Fraud regulations, which directly contributed to secure escrow operations
- Leveraged risk assessment tools to identify and mitigate high-risk transactions, safeguarding client interests
- Ensured regulatory adherence by staying updated on RESPA, Dodd-Frank, and other industry regulations
- Managed projects and served as primary liaison between client and multiple internal groups to clarify goals and meet standards and deadlines.
Director of Finance
Poulin Willey Anastopoulo
Charleston, SC
01.2023 - 12.2023
- Collaborated with escrow teams to streamline payment operations and mitigate financial risks
- Utilized regulatory knowledge to ensure compliance in title and escrow operations
- Enhanced financial reporting processes to improve decision-making and operational efficiency
- Supervised accounts payable and receivable operations, improving cash flow management and reducing outstanding debts.
Associate Manager, Escrow Operations
OSNational, LLC
Duluth, GA
04.2021 - 11.2022
- Oversaw a team of 25-40 escrow specialists across multiple states, ensuring accurate and timely preparation of closing disclosures and escrow instructions
- Managed complex transactions, including bulk acquisitions, by coordinating contract-to-close processes and resolving title issues
- Reviewed and cleared title defects, including liens and encumbrances, to ensure smooth closings
- Created KPIs to track team performance, enhance productivity, and maintain compliance with escrow regulations
- Collaborated with clients, attorneys, lenders, and other stakeholders to address transaction-specific requirements
Director of Operations
Millennial Title Partners
Charlotte, NC
06.2020 - 09.2021
- Directed all aspects of escrow and title operations, increasing revenue by 12% through process optimization and strategic planning
- Strengthened security protocols and rebuilt critical datasets following a data breach, ensuring operational continuity
- Resolved title issues, including metes and bounds legal descriptions, and ensured compliance with state and federal regulations
- Trained and mentored staff on best practices, enhancing overall team performance and knowledge retention
Bankruptcy Paralegal
Jeanne Ann Pennebaker, Esq. and Shapiro Pendergast & Hasty, LLP
01.2015 - 01.2019
- Analyzed legal documents and resolved issues related to liens and encumbrances, laying a foundation for escrow expertise
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Business Management
University of Massachusetts
AmherstSkills
- Escrow & Closing Operations
- Real Estate Transactions & Compliance
- Title Clearance & Legal Research
- Regulatory Knowledge: RESPA, TILA, ALTA
- Leadership & Team Training
- Process Improvement & Risk Mitigation
- Escrow & Title Software: ResWare, Data Trace
- Compliance Tools: Dow Jones, OFAC, BOP
Accomplishments
- Cleared complex title defects and managed escrow processes for high-stakes real estate transactions, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
- Developed and implemented training programs to enhance team productivity and adherence to ALTA Best Practices.
- Successfully led high-volume escrow desks, consistently meeting deadlines and exceeding client expectations.
- Strengthened relationships with clients, real estate agents, lenders, and other stakeholders through transparent communication and exceptional service.
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Escrow Specialist
South State Bank
09.2024 - 01.2025
Director of Finance
Poulin Willey Anastopoulo
01.2023 - 12.2023
Associate Manager, Escrow Operations
OSNational, LLC
04.2021 - 11.2022
Director of Operations
Millennial Title Partners
06.2020 - 09.2021
Business/Data Analyst – Financial Risk & Compliance
Computer Services, Inc.
09.2017 - 04.2024
Bankruptcy Paralegal
Jeanne Ann Pennebaker, Esq. and Shapiro Pendergast & Hasty, LLP
01.2015 - 01.2019
Bachelor of Arts - Business Management
University of Massachusetts
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