Ballard Escrow

I recently worked with Ballard Escrow on the close of my condo. I agree with many of the negative comments from other reviewers. If you have the option, choose a different escrow company (there are plenty of them out there). There seems to be a lack of un-​professionalism within the office that is a bit startling. For example, when in the office to sign documents employees were gossiping (loudly) about other co-​workers, they are not responsive to emails (it was not uncommon to get NO response back), they were not friendly, helpful or knowledgeable. The lady administering my signing seemed nervous and unsure. I did not leave the office feeling confident in their work and that they really could care less if everything was done correctly. For the close of my new place, I had the pleasure of working with Lake Union Escrow, what a difference! They were extremely knowledgeable, friendly and professional. Given the choice I would NEVER work with Ballard Escrow again and I would never recommend them to anyone.
Update to original review:
TERRIBLE, just absolutely TERRIBLE. Stay clear of this place unless you want to be dealing with the close of your property for months and want to scream. They are rude, unprofessional, not knowledgeable and miss important documents. The worst part is they have an excuse for everything, nothing is ever their responsibility. I’m in awe of how they are still in business and how some of the individuals who work there are still employed. They are not trustworthy and I have VERY little confidence in what they do. Stay clear and save yourself the stress and frustration.

Our experience with Ballard Escrow was professional and easy. Maureen handled our account and when I mentioned that normal hours might be difficult for The Wife for signing she offered to have a notary show up at our home on the WEEKEND so that we wouldn’t be inconvenienced. That is a very nice touch.
Closing went off without a hitch and the funds were in my bank the next morning at opening time. Easy as can be!

I received a call the morning the house we were selling was supposed to close saying that they transposed some numbers and we owed them $ 4500.00 dollars. We had already put so much money into selling the house. Both the seller and buyer had signed the paperwork. Ballard Escrow is paid quite a bit of money to make sure the paperwork is accurate. If these people cannot complete a spreadsheet without making a mistake, I would not trust them with the rest of the closing process. When buying and/​or selling a house please consider using another escrow company. It will save you a great deal of frustration.

I’ve bought and sold lots of houses and never had an experience quite like the one I got at this place. The front desk person was courteous (she actually smiled at me when I got there) and the closer (attorney) was whip smart and funny (which was a pleasant surprise). The vibe in this place is pretty laid back, but without sacrificing an ounce of efficiency. I felt like they were in complete control (I wish I could have said the same for my loan officer and real estate agent — but that’s another story). If you’re buying or selling a house, I highly recommend these folks.

This is the worst service I have ever had in my 10 years in the industry. Shelley is very unprofessional. Inappropriate language and lack of RESPA knowledge are just the tip of the iceberg. She definitely likes to yell and very loud.
If you have the option RUN AS FAR AWAY AS YOU CAN!

More like the other 1 star ratings here.
Choose a different escrow company for the following reasons —
1. They must be understaffed because response times are beyond slow.
2. The escrow assistant we dealt with seemed to know every little about the actual process, and it would take forever to get the correct answers from the escrow officer.
3. They really don’t seem to care that they are unresponsive and lack knowledge. (Yes, I understand they handle a lot of money everyday, but they at least need to make me fee like they care what happened to my $ 1,000 since every penny counts when getting a huge new mortgage)
4. This address is incorrect so if you want something really convenient to Ballard they are no longer a good option (They are way up on Crown Hill now)

As a fellow real estate pro, I consider Ballard Escrow the gold standard in escrow services in Seattle. I always look forward to the opportunity to work with them!

I am a real estate agent who has worked with a lot of escrow companies. I am amazed at the difference in the level of service I receive at Ballard Escrow verses many of the others. Ballard Escrow provides Nordstrom level of service compared to so many others. The communicate very well, the escrow agents are extremely knowledgeable, they will always go above and beyond to serve, and any time I request Ballard Escrow on a contract, the other agent will always say that they have had great experiences with them. I can’t tell you how thankful I am for the service they have provided me. If I could give more than 5 stars, I would.

Didn’t get the impression they cared in the least. No updates, did not inform us of additional costs, just added them on. Not helpful at all when asked about it. Paid them way too much money to be treated like that.
We worked with Dawn, or rather were completely neglected by her. AVOID.

Had a very important business deal all depending on the escrow. A very nerve racking event to say the least. Also, timing was of the essence. The person I was buying from decided to use Ballard Escrow. There were several times I would call and would not get a response for days. No updates. Also, when I went in to sign my papers I was in the waiting room as Danette went back to fill out a few forms. I had a question so I got up and walked by her open door to ask her a question. She barked at me about not interrupting her. Not friendly at all. Very sad and dissapointed. I would not use again.

Love working with them. Cheryl was awesome!

The professional staff at Ballard Escrow made my first time home buyer closing experience as painless as signing your name 30+ times can be.
With many scheduling conflicts and tight deadlines are no problem for them. I was in and out for signing in 45 minutes, but Danette was so organized that allowed extra time if needed. Nothing was left out, and I closed on my home that day.
I even had a few snags after signing, and Danette and her assistant Taryn helped me through it… they were like ducks… just letting it all roll off and keeping the transaction going.
If possible, ask your realtor to use them. They don’t disappoint.