California Escrow Association Holds 52ND Annual Conference Themed “Making a Difference”

The California Escrow Association (CEA) announced plans to focus its 52nd Annual Conference, “Making a Difference,” on education that escrow professionals can share and pass along to consumers, such as timely escrow concerns affecting the day-to-day operations for all professionals and consumers, current and prospective legislative issues affecting the escrow process and workshops to improve the escrow process for professionals and consumers. The four-day event will host more than 1,000 escrow practitioners and other industry professionals from throughout California. “Making a Difference” will run Oct. 11-14 at the Palm Springs Convention Center located at 277 North Avenida Caballeros in Palm Springs, Calif.

“This year’s annual conference will be jam-packed with outstanding educational classes as well as lots of fun at our Casablanca-themed casino night,” said Fran Butler CEA president. “CEA’s Annual Conference is an important event that allows escrow practitioners and other industry professionals throughout California to convene and exchange knowledge, legislative updates and other information that supports the success of the entire real estate process.”

Butler explained that this year’s theme, “Making a Difference,” is inspired by all the new ways that the organization is working to advance the escrow industry. Over the last year, CEA has created online education classes, held statewide workshops and seminars, and created a public awareness campaign to educate consumers about real estate fraud. Throughout the year, the real estate fraud campaign has been one of the organizations most successful public awareness campaigns to-date. Statewide, homeowners have found the following CEA tips very helpful:

• Request a credit report. Checking credit reports annually ensures that no false loans appear. Consumers have the option of receiving one free credit report from each of the three main credit agencies (Equifax, Experian and TransUnion).
• Verify exclusive home or land ownership. Consumers can call the customer service department of their title company with questions about this important issue.
• Check tax bills. This is one of the easiest things to do. Consumers can verify their status as the true owner of a home on each tax bill received.
• Make a habit of shredding any document or mail item that includes personal information before placing it in the trash. That will deter anyone from sifting through trash for information.

Presentations and workshops by leading experts will provide the latest insight for escrow professionals regarding a variety of topics, including:
• Managing Risk in a Changed Market – Learn how to adjust management tactics to meet the demands of the new real estate market.
• State & National Legislative Update – A review of current issues and those on the horizon.
• Fraud on the Horizon– Discussion of how escrow agents can become a pawn for real estate and loan fraud and learn how to avoid this situation.
• Fortune Swapping – Education of basic exchange concepts and how to handle them
• The House Always Wins – An overview of foreclosures and how to better assist clients dealing with foreclosures.
• The Gig is Up – The ins and outs of short sales and how to process them.
The conference will include a variety of activities and educational seminars, including a golf tournament, Escrow Expo with over 50 exhibitors, Awards Luncheon, casino night, and raffle drawings.

CEA is the only organization throughout California offering a statewide program for professional designation of escrow officers based on comprehensive examination. Attendees who hold professional designations can earn up to 15 continuing education credits and receive a discounted registration fee.

About California Escrow Association
Founded in 1956, the California Escrow Association (CEA) is a statewide organization for professional escrow practitioners with more than 2,700 members. The organization is dedicated to maintaining the highest standards in escrow through continuing education and legislative advocacy. CEA is the only organization throughout California offering a statewide program for professional designation of escrow officers based on comprehensive examination. To stay on top of the ever-changing escrow industry, Professional Designation holders are required to earn continuing education credits and maintain membership status in CEA as a requirement of their designations.
In addition to its professional designation program, CEA works with community colleges throughout the state to develop CEA-approved curricula leading to a certificate in Escrow. CEA also presents educational opportunities throughout the State for escrow professionals, including the three-day Annual Education Conference in October. CEA’s dedicated legislative advocate screens proposed legislation to gauge its effect on the escrow profession, and to draft new legislation as needed.

The CEA Annual Conference fees range from $115 - $405 depending on the event package selected. To register for the conference or for more information on the California Escrow Association, visit www.ceaescrow.org or call (916) 239-4075. The deadline for early bird registration is September 1, regular registration is September 22, and late registration is after October 1.