US Title Insurance Agency
Christie Rice
Office Manager | Escrow Officer
Your escrow officer for For Sale By Owner land transactions on the Wasatch Back. Christie manages title, escrow, closing documents, recording, and disbursement so buyers and sellers can close with confidence, without an agent in the middle.
Your Escrow Officer
A neutral third party who keeps your FSBO closing on track
Selling or buying land without an agent means there is no one coordinating the paperwork, the deadlines, or the money. That is where your escrow officer comes in. Christie Rice serves as Office Manager and Escrow Officer at US Title Insurance Agency, and works directly with buyers and sellers to guide them through every step of a Utah closing.
From the moment a purchase contract is signed, Christie opens the escrow file, secures the earnest money, orders the title search, and tracks every document and deadline through recording and disbursement. Buyers and sellers each get clear instructions on what is needed and when, so nothing falls through the cracks.
What Christie Handles
Title and escrow services for your transaction
- Earnest money depositReceived and held in a secure escrow account per the contract terms.
- Title search & commitmentIdentifies liens, easements, encumbrances, and requirements to clear before closing.
- Owner's & lender's title insurancePolicies that protect the buyer and any lender against covered title defects.
- Payoffs, prorations & settlement statementsExisting loans, property taxes, HOA dues, and closing figures prepared for both parties.
- Document preparation & signingDeed, affidavits, and closing documents prepared; signing scheduled and notarized.
- Recording & disbursementDeed recorded with the county and funds released once all conditions are met.
FSBO Transactions
What to expect from your escrow officer
A For Sale By Owner closing follows the same four phases as any Utah real estate transaction. Here is what Christie does in each one, and roughly when.
Open Escrow
Days 1–3
- Receive the fully executed purchase contract and open the escrow file.
- Review key dates and deadlines and coordinate receipt of earnest money.
- Introduce the parties to the escrow process and outline what will be needed for closing.
Title & Escrow Processing
Weeks 1–4+
- Begin the title search and identify any title issues or requirements.
- Coordinate with the buyer, seller, lender, and other professionals as needed.
- Track required documents, payoffs, disclosures, and other items needed to move the transaction forward.
Prepare for Closing
Approximately 1–2 weeks before closing
- Confirm title and escrow requirements are being completed.
- Prepare closing documents and coordinate final closing figures.
- Schedule signing and communicate final instructions to the buyer and seller.
Closing, Recording & Disbursement
Closing day & after
- Coordinate signing and confirm that required funds and documents have been received.
- Facilitate recording of the deed and other required documents.
- Once all closing conditions are satisfied, disburse funds and complete the transaction.
About US Title
Utah title insurance and escrow, built around service
US Title Insurance Agency provides title insurance, escrow, and settlement services throughout Utah. The team handles residential, land, ranch, commercial, and construction transactions, with a reputation for accurate closings and responsive communication.
For Bridger Land & Ranch buyers and sellers, that means a title partner who understands vacant land: water rights, recorded easements, access, mineral reservations, and the county-level requirements that come with property on the Wasatch Back.
Visit ustitleutah.comCommon Questions
FSBO title & escrow FAQ
Do I need a title company for a For Sale By Owner land sale in Utah?
While Utah law does not require a title company, nearly every FSBO transaction uses one. The escrow officer holds earnest money, performs the title search, prepares closing documents, records the deed, and disburses funds as a neutral third party, which protects both buyer and seller.
How long does a FSBO closing take in Utah?
Utah does not have one universal FSBO closing timeline. The escrow officer coordinates the process based on the deadlines in the purchase contract. Cash land transactions can close in as little as two to three weeks; financed transactions typically take four weeks or longer.
What does Christie need to open escrow?
A fully executed purchase contract, contact information for buyer and seller, the earnest money deposit, and lender information if the purchase is financed. Use the form below or email the contract directly to crice@ustitleutah.com.
Does the escrow officer handle my due diligence and inspections?
No. Buyers and sellers remain responsible for completing their own contractual obligations, including due diligence, financing, inspections, and disclosures. The escrow officer coordinates title, documents, funds, and recording.
Who pays for title insurance and escrow fees?
In Utah, this is negotiated in the purchase contract. Customarily the seller pays for the owner's title policy and the parties split the escrow/settlement fee, while the buyer pays for any lender's policy. Christie can provide a fee estimate for your specific transaction.
Get Started
Open an escrow or ask a question
Have a signed contract, or just want to understand the process before you list? Reach out to Christie directly, or send the details below and she will follow up with next steps.