The Change Co. has acquired Connect Escrow, a woman-owned and operated real estate escrow services company. The Change Co. was represented in the transaction by law firms Gaynor Law Group, P.C. and Michelman & Robinson, LLP. Connect Escrow was represented by Relaw, APC.
The Change Co. and its affiliates provide lending, banking, appraisal management, escrow, and insurance services to the underbanked. It is certified by the U.S. Department of the Treasury as a community development financial institution (CDFI) and maintains an investment grade credit rating.
Connect Escrow, headquartered in Los Angeles, is a green company licensed by the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation to provide escrow settlement services for real estate transactions. Connect Escrow will continue to be managed by its existing team, the release stated.
“We are excited to join The Change Co. and become part of America’s CDFI [community development financial institution],” Connect Escrow’s CEO Leanne Alva said in a release. “Connect Escrow is founded on principles of strong, sustainable, and inclusive relationships to ensure all Americans have an equal ability to buy and sell real estate. Our technology platform is highly scalable and enables us to serve clients in communities that for too long have been underserved by credible and reliable service providers. Our digital platform will accelerate Change’s ability to meet its mission to bank the unbanked, fairly and responsibly.”
Cofounder of The Change Co. Jeff Seabold said the company is thrilled to add Alva and her team.
“As we expand access to homeownership, it is critical that The Change Co. is able to provide fair and responsible escrow services to its clients,” Seabold said. “Connect Escrow is known for its deep community roots and its commitment to ensuring all its clients are treated fairly and respectfully. The Change Co. is excited to empower Leanne and her team at Connect Escrow.”