Best Escrow Companies in Bend & Surrounding Areas
Escrow Services in Bend, Oregon: What to Know Before You Close
When buying or selling a home, closing day is a big deal. And in Bend, where the real estate market remains competitive and fast-moving, having a reliable escrow partner can make all the difference. Whether you're a first-time homebuyer, seasoned investor, or commercial developer, understanding how escrow works—and who you can trust locally—is essential.
What Is Escrow?
Escrow is a neutral third-party process that ensures both the buyer and seller meet the terms of a real estate contract before money and property change hands. During a home sale, the escrow company holds funds, coordinates documentation, communicates with lenders, and ensures everything is properly finalized before closing.
This process helps prevent fraud, avoids miscommunication, and keeps the transaction on track.
Western Title & Escrow
Western Title is a long-standing escrow and title company in Central Oregon, known for personalized service and deep roots in the local real estate community.
Website: westerntitle.com – Bend Office
Address: 150 SW Scalehouse Loop Ste 101, Bend, OR 97702
Offers residential and commercial escrow services
Provides 1031 exchange coordination and title insurance
Trusted by agents and lenders across Central Oregon
In business since 1983 with multiple locations
Known for local knowledge and a highly responsive team
AmeriTitle
AmeriTitle is one of the largest and most trusted title and escrow providers in the Pacific Northwest. Their Bend team handles everything from first-time home purchases to complex development deals.
Website: amerititle.com
Address: 15 NW Oregon Ave, Bend, OR 97703
Full-service escrow, title, and 1031 exchange support
Local team with access to regional resources
Known for reliable communication and closing efficiency
Offers digital signing and secure document management
Also serves Redmond, Sisters, and surrounding areas
Deschutes County Title
Deschutes County Title is locally owned and operated, offering a client-focused approach to real estate closings. Their experienced team specializes in personalized, secure escrow and title services.
Website: deschutescountytitle.com
Address: 1133 NW Wall St, Bend, OR 97703
Offers title, escrow, and notary services
Handles residential, commercial, and construction transactions
Dedicated to keeping transactions on schedule and well-communicated
Works closely with buyers, sellers, and agents
Emphasizes a smooth, stress-free closing process
First American Title – Bend
As a national title company, First American brings scale and security while offering personalized service through its Bend office. They're trusted for both standard and complex escrow transactions.
Website: First American – Bend Office
Address: 395 SW Bluff Dr Suite 100, Bend, OR 97702
Residential, commercial, and refinance escrow services
Offers builder services and custom development closings
Secure online tools for document signing and access
Backed by one of the largest title insurers in the U.S.
Preferred partner for lenders and developers
Secured Trust Escrow
Secured Trust Escrow is an independent escrow company with a specialized focus on commercial real estate transactions in Bend and across Central Oregon.
Based in Oregon with services in Bend
Focuses on commercial property closings and investor deals
Offers independent third-party escrow for large transactions
Known for privacy, accuracy, and secure fund handling
Custom escrow solutions for real estate professionals
Provides flexible support for complex deal structures
Why Escrow Matters in Bend
Bend’s real estate market has unique characteristics. High demand, rapid growth, rural land deals, and investment properties often require escrow officers who are not only detail-oriented but familiar with regional nuances. Here’s why local knowledge matters:
Complex properties: Many homes in Bend come with land, wells, or septic systems, requiring more coordination at closing.
Fast-moving sales: In a competitive market, you need an escrow partner who keeps things moving and communicates clearly.
Commercial and new construction: Bend’s growth means more development deals that require specialized escrow support.
What to Expect During the Escrow Process
Once your offer is accepted, your agent or lender will open escrow. From there, you can expect the following steps:
Deposit of earnest money into an escrow account
Title search and preliminary title report
Coordination of inspections, repairs, and contingencies
Lender requirements, loan document preparation, and funding
Signing appointment with the escrow officer (often in person or remote)
Final review and disbursement of funds
Recording of the deed with Deschutes County
A good escrow officer manages timelines, helps prevent delays, and keeps you informed at every step.
Escrow vs. Title: What’s the Difference?
Escrow and title services often come from the same company, but they play different roles.
Escrow manages the process: documents, money, timelines, and communication between parties.
Title ensures the property has a clear ownership record and issues insurance to protect the buyer and lender.
You may work with the same company for both, but they are distinct services.
How Much Does Escrow Cost in Bend?
Escrow fees in Oregon are not fixed and can vary by provider and the complexity of the transaction. However, most residential deals in Bend include:
Escrow Fee: Typically split 50/50 between buyer and seller
For homes under $500,000, this might range from $500 to $1,000 total
Title Insurance: Also varies, based on the sale price and lender requirements
Recording Fees: Standard Deschutes County charges apply
Always ask for a fee breakdown before closing so you know what to expect.
Questions to Ask Your Escrow Provider
To ensure a smooth transaction, ask these questions up front:
Are you familiar with the type of property I’m buying/selling?
What is your average turnaround time?
Do you provide digital signing or remote closing options?
How do you handle communication with lenders and agents?
Are you handling both escrow and title, or is another company involved?
