We are all navigating new territory with the COVID19 pandemic. Your health and the health of our employees is our top priority. We appreciate your understanding and patience during this time as it is likely you may experience delays or you may be asked to try new alternative forms of signing or communicating as we all attempt to comply with social distancing measures.
We have tried to answer many of the frequently asked questions regarding your transaction and the COVID19 pandemic here. If you do not find your question answered here please feel free to contact us.
To see our current practices during the COVID-19 pandemic please click here.
Frequently Asked Questions…
Are you open at this time?
We are open for business and working hard to assist you with your transaction. March 22, 2020, U.S. Secretary of the Treasury, Steven Mnuchin issued a memorandum affirming that the type of financial services title companies conduct is considered an essential critical infrastructure business. During this pandemic, we do ask for your understanding and patience as we are all learning to navigate this new way of transacting business. 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. Public Access is limited to those with a scheduled appointment and those needing to drop off earnest money checks.
Can I still drop off documents or other items needed?
Yes, we have a secure drop location for your convenience. Cowlitz County Title has a mail slot to the right of the main entrance door located below eye level. We appreciate your use of this drop site as to help comply with social distancing.
Who can attend a signing?
Per the CDC and Governors 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 the County Auditor’s Office?
Currently the county auditor’s office is closed to in-person services. The office is accepting recordings. We are currently able to record the pertinent deeds or other documents associated with your transaction(s). For more information you can visit Cowlitz County’s website click here.
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, Old Republic Title, 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. We can offer with an appointment to have you come pick it up.
What options do I have if I am not wanting to come into your office 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 in our offices by e-signing all the other documents. Another option is, 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 so please contact your escrow officer for more information. If you are exhibiting any signs of illness, it is likely this will delay the close 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?
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.
