Will the Real John Doe Please Stand Up?

When an escrow is opened in California, the initial package distributed to each party includes the Statement of Information (SOI) – a one-page document intended to verify identities.

Names can be surprisingly common, and the overseeing escrow company needs to ensure that, as we search the public records for any liens, judgments, bankruptcies, or other financial information that could affect a transaction, they are attributed to the rightful John Doe.

The SOI, which may have other names in other states, requests the full name, Social Security Number, year of birth, birthplace, and citizenship information for each respondent and their spouse. Current residence and employment information are also requested, as well as proof of marriage and any data regarding previous marriages if divorced.

Failure to provide the information requested on the SOI hinders the search and examination of public records. At best, it may cause undue delay in the issuance of a title policy. At worst, it could bar the closing altogether and/or result in exceptions to the title insurance coverage that would be unacceptable to most lenders.

Respondents can be assured that the information they provide in the SOI is strictly confidential and is used only by the researching title company to clarify and/or confirm the necessary data.

As your escrow partner, we are committed to ensuring the most seamless transactions possible in every case.

As the real estate agent, you may reassure your clients that the more complete the information they supply on the SOI, the quicker and more efficiently we can complete our search and provide the title policy and related services that bring about a timely closing.