Donia is amazing! I am a real estate broker who has dealt with 20+ escrow companies in over 18 years. Donia is the best that I have ever dealt with! She is beyond informed and engaged. It is evident she loves what she does and is the pedigree of the entire industry. She made me feel safe with the choices I had to make because she knew the answer to every question I had. Love her! read more

Before considering this escrow company, be aware there's a government action alert from the California Department of Business Oversight stating that this escrow company has allegedly violated several California laws, see attached screenshot and the BBB link below. With this said, and from the 1 star reviews plus our personal experience, I believe most of the 5 star reviews here are from individuals that have conflict of interest (mostly investors and real estate agents). As everyone else has stated, Donia is not communicative and does not follow up with your case. She does not return phone calls or e-mails in a timely matter unless you're extremely persistent about it. The first red flag appeared when we noticed our closing cost was more than the final estimate she provided (seems like they were trying to sneak it past us by not mentioning it). After we asked about it, She stated that it was just a "cushion" in case they go over and most of the time it would be returned. That "cushion" was never returned and when we called to ask about it, she claimed that it was mostly spent on other items. Items that were not revealed or clarified. After looking more thoroughly at our closing documents, we also noticed several exorbitant fees that made no sense (i.e. "e-mail doc fee" for $100). At the very least, they could have updated us and explained to us where these fees are going. As another reviewer pointed out, our HOA company did not received the payments that we already paid Donia for - causing us to be late for account establishment and future payments. The HOA didn't even know we existed since Donia didn't bother reaching out to them. She stated that she did, but I doubt it since I was able to easily contact the HOA without any problems. If I hadn't initiated a conversation with the HOA in time, then we would have been charged months' worth of late fees. Here's the kicker, even after I told Donia that the HOA has not received payment, she assured us she would re-issue payment and e-mail them that day. But of course she didn't until I followed up AGAIN (twice in fact) a week later. A legitimate escrow officer should ensure that all checks and accounts have been cleared and completed before closing the buyer's file. Clearly this was not the case. If you go with this escrow company, you will need to do Donia's work for her by initiating and following up with every source that requires payment. Make sure everything is documented in writing because what she says on the phone does not reflect the actions that have been taken (or not taken in most cases). Here's more information about the pending government alert for anyone interested: https://www.bbb.org/us/ca/encinitas/profile/escrow-services/san-dieguito-escrow-inc-1126-172021085/details#all-alerts read more

San Dieguito Escrow - Pending gov action - Real Estate Services Near Me - Encinitas, California

I'm deeply saddened to have to write this about another one of our industries great disappointments. My complaint is against Yuhong Ackad aka Donia who is the owner of San Dieguito Escrow Inc. located in Encinitas California. I took a listing in Bay Park from a referral that was given to me. I met with the owner and her daughter Owner speaking very little English but her daughter was fluent in English and Mandarin so made the process of communication invaluable. The seller and her daughter called me to list her home. I noticed when I ordered the preliminary title report, there was a lien against the property, my escrow company suggested that the seller call her former escrow company and get a copy of the sellers final closing Statement. My seller reached out to San Dieguito escrow and owner Donia who was her escrow officer on a refi that she did back in January-February 2023. when seller asked Donia for a copy of her final closing statement Donia said why do you need that? Seller said I'm selling my home! Donia then proceeded to tell her not to do anything until she gets there. Donia then called her friend & realtor, Alan Kinzel from Coronado to get a listing agreement and meet her at my sellers house. They get their Alan speaking no Mandarin, and only English and Donia who is fluent in mandarin and can communicate in their native language. She somehow convinced my seller under false pretenses to take sign her listing agreement with her realtor friend and then asked seller to cancel the one that they have with me. According to the sellers daughter her mother was misled to believe that what she was signing was something else (per the family) Later that evening Donia called my cell phone leaving me a message telling me that my seller does not want to continue listing her home with me or my company and to send a cancellation notice seller didn't understand what she was signing with me. Of course when I heard this, I called Donia and we had a very short conversation then I realized really quickly exactly what this escrow officer was trying to do. She then proceeded to send me text messages saying that the seller wants out of her contract that she made a mistake and if I don't let her out that the seller is going to hire an attorney. I forwarded these messages to my seller and her daughter and I was rest assured they had no intention of canceling their listing agreement with me. It gets even worse. According to my seller Donia told seller (per family) that she wouldn't give seller her final settlement statement unless she listed the home with her friend. So, seller hired an attorney to send a letter to Donia for her to send the sellers final closing statement. Fast forward we get into escrow a few days ago and someone pretended to be my seller and contacted my buyers at their place of employment harrassing her about why she was interested in sellers house and that the contract is invalid. Then a person called impersonating my seller this caller spoke good English but you could tell she was of Asian decent according to buyers. My seller on the other hand does not. The impersonator also called the buyers former lender claiming to be the seller asking questions about the homes sale and the buyers intentions and other personal information. This person claiming to be the seller proceeded to paint me as an agent that couldn't be trusted. This is a violation of my clients right to privacy and her protected confidential information which was used as a tool to gain information about the sale. My buyer was so upset that she contacted me and started to cry, as well as fear that someone is trying to sabotage the transaction. The caller was hostile and rude despite the buyers telling impersonator to call Listing agent. The caller kept saying she doesn't trust me. I then reached out to the sellers daughter per her request about the newest developments. She then called her mom who states that she never called the buyers or the lender. Sellers daughter states her mothers is outraged and claims that she never made that call to my buyers or their former lender . I have frankly never seen anyone try so hard to sabotage someone's transaction in my entire 27 years in real estate. If you decide to consider this person and her escrow company take caution and do your research and due diligence. She is also telling leading industry leaders that she handles Chris Hellers short sales in present tense then called my managing broker to confirm same thing yet after speaking to Chris Heller he hasn't used her for nearly 15 years. I'm outraged and will not tolerate this type of behavior in my industry. Also if you want to learn more read this https://dfpi.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/337/2019/03/San-Dieguito-EscrowInc-11-27-18.pdf read more

San Dieguito Escrow facilitated the sale of my home in Spring Valley. The process wasn't easy; the buyer had a lot of hold ups and issues with the bank. Yet, the team stayed engaged, pushed for action when necessary, and was overly communicative to me about escrow status. They were of utmost professionalism and when all the stars finally aligned, got the loan closed quick and easy. I would trust them again and would recommend anybody to use them. I am VERY satisfied. read more

We run a local wholesaling business and decided to take a chance on SDE after a recommendation from a friend. SO glad we did because they helped us navigate a few tricky situations with one of our clients in the Hemet area and helped move the deal along very quickly with minimal issues. Can't recommend SDE enough. Thanks! read more

If you're an investor looking for a dependable, trustworthy, experienced and all around just a kick ass rock star escrow company that's able to handle all types of investor transactions, from assignments to you name it... look no further! I have been using Donia at San Dieguito escrow for the last 3 yeas and could not be more impressed. My company would not close the amount of deals we close every month if it weren't because of Donia and her team being part of our team. read more

I have had the privilege to work with Donia and her team over the past 4 years on numerous real estate transactions. Donia is a seasoned professional who's knowledge and expertise make the escrow process seamless. Her attention to detail and customer service are unmatched and this is why I continue to use her services. As a Realtor the most important thing is for my clients to be completely satisfied and Donia has always come through while exceeding expectations. Thank you Donia! read more

San Dieguito Escrow handled the purchase of our new family home. Donia was great. She navigated the intricacies of our complicated deal. With Donia's help, we avoided delays that could have cost us! The level of communication was excellent throughout the process and afterward. Highly recommended! read more

I've worked with Donia for the past two years and continue to use her for my deals. Love how she communicates great and is always available to help. read more

Donia was fantastic. Being a first time home buyer was super stressful. On top of that, I was buying a For Sale By Owner with a difficult seller with multiple backup offers. Donia was able to connect me with financing at my bank and get us closed quickly and smoothly. I'm sure I called and emailed her much more than she is used to throughout the 30 day gauntlet of mortgage approval and closing, but she was always very confident, friendly, professional and calming. Highly recommend! read more

Very bad experience. I intend to lodge a complaint with Bureu of Real Estate and Dept. of Business Oversight. Since mid March, escrow closing date, I am waiting for my HOA docs, which I should have had before closing. In addition she has not paid my HOA fees, which she debited to my escrow account, clearly stated on my Final Buyer/Borrower Statement. read more

This is as good as it gets! I could not get my deals completed without this escrow!!!! Donia is superb at handling your real estate transactions from start to finish. I am beyond impressed! This will be my escrow gal for life!. Don't waste your time at the other escrows when you can get that personal touch from Donia. She cares about the client. That is what we are looking for. This is the place to go for your real estate transactions!!! Investment , Land Contract you name it! Thank you Donia. read more

I just completed selling my restaurant. Donia at San Dieguito Escrow was excellent in dealing with the intricacies of this type of transaction. read more

Nightmare to work with! Did not return calls. Didn't bother giving copies of signed documents. Flirting with my husband because she knew a few Arabic words. Totally unprofessional. Now she is asking for more money because she said the loan officer made a mistake. We didn't get the keys the day we were suppose to close because she just forwarded the email from the lender. Title tried to call her to get the correct info and she didn't respond. Horrible experience and it's not over!!! read more

This place was the NIGHTMARE of my property sale! I had to ask multiple (4-5)times for copies of document each step as she didn't bother to give me one. Most professional escrow companies would have done it without request as a part of procedure. I just got HUD 1day before closing date after requested 4 times. I had to ask her to correct the mistake for payoff bank account number and other mistakes 2 times on email, phone call and text. If you want to suffer through the processes of dealing with selling your property with condescending raciest lady with attitude this place is for you! I let buyer use Chinese escrow company due to their request, that was a big mistake! This company showed a big favor of Chinese buyer and didn't show fair practice. read more

Donia has been great to work with. We are hard money brokers (Charger Funding) and our deals always close fast which can be tough for a lot of escrow companies. Donia and Zak always do a great job under pressure! read more

I highly recommend San Dieguito Escrow for any escrow related service needed whether real estate or other related legal paperwork. Donia and the team are very knowledgeable professional who are diligent and helpful in many ways. read more

Avoid using this Escrow Company. We purchased a home and the seller's agent indicated in the counter offer that the sellers wanted to use San Dieguito Escrow. The sellers probably have a vested interest in San Dieguito Escrow. That was the first sign of problems. A week after closing I contacted San Dieguito and requested a SIGNED copy of the final HUD. My employer relocated me to California and, as such, was reimbursing all closing costs on a home purchase. The company sent an unsigned copy of the HUD. I responded that I needed a signed copy or my employer would not reimburse the closing costs which were in the $8,000 range. The company then sent another unsigned HUD to me with totally different costs on almost every category. I e-mailed back again and was told to talk to my real estate agent. WTF! The day we signed the closing paperwork, the staff was very unprofessional. The recording officer who had us sign all of the closing documents was very unprofessional. After looking at the driver's licenses of my wife and I, she commented that she was only a couple of years older than us but that we looked a lot younger than her. She then said, "you guys suck." What the hell?! Avoid this company like the plague. read more

Extremely INFORMATIVE and easy to work with - this company looks out for their clients!

Donia there is a serious hard worker. She never gets rattled and is great under pressure. We are a hard money Company that does stuff fast and she delivers. I have worked with tons of escrow officers over the years and she is one of the best if not THE best I have ever worked with. read more

We have waited until now to post this review out of fear of retaliation during the course of our escrow. Now that enough time has passed, we felt it was our duty to warn people about this place. The lack of professionalism displayed by Donia left us gobsmacked on more than one occasion during our escrow process. Every step was like pulling teeth. They even messed up our disbursements. If it wasn't for our lender and realtor, we would not have made it through. DO NOT USE THIS ESCROW EVER. We would rather eat glass and bathe with sand paper than ever have to work with these people again. read more

July 2018. Working through San Dieguito Escrow has been a pleasure, especially since I am located outside of San Diego and selling my property there. San Dieguito Escrow was able to arrange a mobile notary to meet me at my current residence in Southern California to get all the necessary paperwork in place. Their management in quickly processing the title transfer and recording was impeccable and was transparent throughout the process so I am kept up to speed on what is still required and the status. read more

I'm currently in the process of buying a house through this escrow company and I have been a victim of an attempted wire transfer scam!!! Someone took control of the escrow officer email and wrote me in her name that my deposit had been returned and that I had to redo it asap, but to a different (fraudulent) bank account. Luckily enough, I raised the flag with my real estate agent who spoke directly to the escrow officer and found out that those emails were sent by some hacker. I believe that nowadays an escrow company MUST ensure adequate internet/email security against intruders like this. If you cannot do this, you are out of the business as no one will trust you. And then the cherry on top. When I personally spoke to the escrow officer expressing my frustration, she was so "kind" to tell me that they cannot be held responsible for what criminals do, and that the fault was mine as I did an ACH transfer instead of a wire. Nice syllogism... read more

Very great service and went above and beyond to keep me informed with each days updated. Highly recommend for their service.

Worse escrow company we have ever dealt with! They don't do anything right the first time around, make numerous mistakes, cause delays & caused us almost to have our homeowners insurance cancelled by sending the check 10 days after escrow closed & to the wrong address!!! read more