If you are buying or selling a home, it is easy to forget that a real estate transaction involves many more people than the buyer, seller, and real estate agents. Both the title and escrow company are central to the process, and their work of closing a residential sale begins after the buyer and seller agree on a price, and the agents have completed the contract.

Placer Title Company in Pleasanton is a full-service title and escrow operation that has been in the real estate business for more than 40 years. They are one of the largest independent title agencies in the West with nearly 50 branch locations in 20 counties and are licensed to do business in all 58 California counties.

Each side of a residential real estate sale relies on the professional and independent services of a title company to ensure the deal complies with applicable real estate laws and, most importantly, closes on time. The process begins and ends with a title company.

"The key to our service is to make the transition for either purchase of a new home or sale as seamless as possible," said Joey LaFon, a branch manager. "We try to remove the tension and give people peace of mind."

The staff in the Pleasanton branch, which manages anywhere between 30 and 150 residential real estate deals each month, brings an in-depth real estate knowledge and professionalism to every contract they handle and each member is a key component to a successful sales process. Elena and her team go above and beyond for their clients, they are dedicated to providing every client the utmost attention to ensure that they enjoy an efficient process and are committed to building long-term client relationships.

Placer Title Company was founded in 1973 by Leo French and his wife, Eileen. Together they built the company and Leo remained actively involved until he retired in 2013. The company began with five employees in two offices, and over the years the company has expanded to a number of locations including the branch in Pleasanton. Mr. French's vision was to create a work environment that emphasizes the best interests of both their clients and staff.

His dream was that Placer Title Company would be known, wherever it operated, as a company that stood out above the rest though superior customer service.

For most people, buying or selling a home is the largest financial investment they will make in their lives, as well as perhaps the most complex they will undertake. The team at Placer Title Company in Pleasanton is led by Elena Velarde who has a well-rounded background that ensures that her clients receive excellent service and a smooth closing.

In addition to managing residential transactions and the refinancing process, Placer Title Company also has played a key role in the commercial development of Northern California. They are involved with builders and developers from land acquisition to mapping services, among other services.

For more information about Placer Title, visit their website at www.placertitle.com/branch/pleasanton.