Updates: 10/4/21. The 593 that was submitted to Franchise Tax Board was incomplete resulting in due notices from FTB in amount of $4446.21 in taxes, penalties and interest. The cause was I forgot to enter my SSN number on Part II as Seller, and both Notary and AFT did not catch this. I originally entered the information under Part 1 Remitter as there was a blank line for name and SSN. Best Practices are that no blanks are allowed and any blank boxes are to be X through to prevent this type of mistake. As for contacting AFT, I dont think that would be of any value. My final comment on no review of legal documents is again proven. My recommendations is to take this review and implement improvements in your organizationAfter I sold my rental last July 2020. These were the issues:Initial quote was $2500, the escrow estimate and the escrow docs I signed listed $3173. The ALTA settlement statement to seller ( me) was for $3610...thats a $1110 variance or 44% upcharge from initial quote. About $250 of this was for property tax, and other reasonable and expected charges.However, $817 were unexpected:First, $380 to close out a balance, interest and reconveyance fee to my bank. This was an error that I caught and notified First American in writing with supporting documentation that these were paid and to DO NOT PAY, First American ignored my instructions and paid them (indicates lack of fiduciary interest to client).Second, an additional $437 was added after the final signing but before funds were disbursed. First American stated this was an error on their part as most sellers do not pay all closing costs (Correct procedure would be to contact client, notify them and amend the signed settlement statement, indicates lack of formal procedures and staff training).And today I receive a letter from Franchise Tax Board that $4163, plus interest, is due from sale of rental. I contacted my tax accountant and she says this is probably a Franchise Tax error as all her clients are getting this, however she stated that if any of her clients were going to call her, I would be the one she would put money on because the escrow docs were one of the worst she has ever seen. The documentation (1099, 593) was incomplete lacking parcel number among other things.Overall, C-. Good communication, professional attitude, able to return phone calls, emails, etc. However, unable to perform basic core job duties such as correctly filling out legal documents, reading and following signed instructions, no review of legal documents.

The person under the name Rene that answers the phone needs some phone etiquette. I called 8 times and all 7 times I was put on hold before I could even get a word in! People need to learn some manners. Just because you answer saying Can I place you on hold? Doesnt mean you just put people on hold before they can even answer. Horrible first point of contact.

Shelly assisting the manager who is on PTO doesn’t want to help their customers!We have a loan paid for and they didn’t know they have a subordination department in Utah! They don’t know anything about their company and have awful awful customer service! As a realtor myself I will recommend all customers and realtors to stray away from this poorly run company as a result the Fresno Branch Closed! They are awful poor customer service … Don’t use them they just want your money and solicit your business but don’t like yo finish business!!!

The ladies here are awesome! I am a mortgage processor and I rarely get to work with these ladies, however, when I see that I have a transaction with them I am THRILLED! There have been multiple times where they have exceeded my expectations and go above and beyond to make sure that we receive what we need in time. I am so thankful for their dedication and hard work! Christina, especially! thank you ladies!

They do not respond back to issues and customer service is horrible

The absolute worst customer service I have ever received in my career as a Realtor. I absolutely do not recommend them. RUN!

I work in the mortgage industry & use 1st American for most of my escrows. My escrow officer is quick to respond when issues arise and gets the job done.

Avoid these guys at all costs if you can. Youd think theyd handle a life-changing moment with more detail and dignity. They got my new property address wrong. Forms were not filled out. They sent me the sellers copies to sign instead of the buyers (me) copies. When I emailed them- they ignored my issues and asked a separate question. I had to call and say did you read my entire email?! Then yesterday I saw a tax bill sitting on top of the mailboxes in my building addressed to me with the wrong apartment number. Tulare County said First American Title supplied them with the wrong address. Its frustrating and scary enough purchasing your first home. These guys have no compassion or soul when dealing with an actual person. Youre just a name. And after dealing with them- youre now a name with an incorrect address.

Thank you First American for all the work you did for us! We appreciated your help and a job well done!

Held up my escrow. They call me near 6 P.M to ask me to bring a cashiers check at 8 AM the next morning. Didnt close on time lost $ 300 in wages, and rentals becuase of an unorganized company, with poor commutation, and customer service standards.

I have been a real estate Broker for 30 years and I have never encountered such a rude and unorganized Escrow company. They do not communicate and if they happen to return a call or email it is rude and hateful. They held our escrow up over 6 days and they explained this by telling us how many escrows they close a month. I really dont care what you close if you cant give customer service and be professional then maybe you should close less escrows and treat people like humans. I would strongly advise any of my buyers and sellers not to use this company. EVER

My mom needs to transfer to Visalia her name Coleen minor and she loves u guys u guys are awesom

Avoid them! Held up my escrow too!

Inefficient and rude.