POULSBO — When all else fails, Laurie LeMay might tell you, do it yourself.

On the wrong side of layoffs, LeMay and business partner Erin Goodall decided to take matters upon their own shoulders. Each a limited practice officer in the escrow industry, together they founded Peninsula Escrow LLC. The shop swung open its Poulsbo office doors last October.

Now, they say it’s the only independent escrow business in Kitsap’s North End.

“Everyone’s moved out,” LeMay explained, due mostly to the current economic storm and lack of home buying, selling and refinancing. Many title companies have consolidated branches, reeling in outer offices. Aside from services on Bainbridge or in Silverdale, the two say they’re the last group left standing at a time escrow services can be key: House prices are dropping and some are beginning to buy.

“We are the neutral third party that provides the closing services for real estate transactions,” LeMay explained. That means she and Goodall don’t see the entirety of the process (they rarely even get to see the purchased house) but they do walk customers through what can be the most stressful point of buying: finalization.

Despite having a strong familiarity with area real estate agents and loan officers, Goodall made it clear those moments with customers are her favorite times.

“The excitement in the first-time homebuyers when they’re sitting across from you, nervous and excited,” she described, “Our big goal is to provide good customer service.”

Those customers come in all types, they say, from relocating military families to first-time buyers to retirees.

With Peninsula Escrow LLC, buyers can work with any title company, as LeMay and Goodall have no specific affiliation. The two also offer flexible hours, working evening and weekend appointments when needed.

“Whatever’s necessary,” says LeMay. “We just do whatever we have to do.”

She and Goodall hold a combined half-century of industry experience; each has worked locally for years in independent escrow and title company offices. LeMay’s mother began an escrow business on Bainbridge Island on 1969, where LeMay eventually worked.

Goodall is a board member for the Peninsula Regional Escrow Association. LeMay is a past board president for that association, and is a current escrow commissioner for the state Department of Financial Institutions.

Peninsula Escrow LLC

Open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday – Friday

Phone: (360) 598-9960