Uptown Escrow Office
Passion and Determination to continuously provide that “Uptown” level of service
Uptown Escrow Services, Inc. opened its first office in the Lake Arrowhead area in February 2011, moving to its current location in Cedar Glen, CA in August 2012. Laura Stone, owner and an escrow officer with the company, decided to do business in this beautiful mountain community because she saw the need for a local company with professional, courteous and most importantly, experienced staff, to assist buyers, sellers, agents and lenders with their escrow services. Customer Service is the foundation of this company which explains how it has grown from one employee in 2011 to the 7 currently employed now. The staff at Uptown Escrow take pride in the service they provide, making sure to find out each customer’s needs and goals when the escrow opens and following through with meeting those needs and goals, ensuring their closing is smooth, seamless and most important, occurs on time.
Our Team
Laura Stone
Escrow Officer/Owner
Laura Stone began her journey in the Escrow Industry in February1983, in Fresno, CA where she worked for multiple title companies, consistently being one of the top 3 producing escrow officers in Fresno County. In November 2005, Laura decided to take a break from escrow and move with her family to La Quinta, CA and then to Lake Arrowhead in July 2009. Due to the real estate market and economy being in a downward spin at the end of 2010, Laura decided to take a chance to get back into escrow and opened her own Independent Escrow Company in February 2011, giving her an opportunity to build a business not only for her future, but for her entire family as you will see.
Crystal Upton
Escrow Officer / Manager
Crystal Upton, daughter of Laura Stone, relocated from the Bay Area to Lake Arrowhead in 2012 to assist Laura with the opening and operations of Uptown Escrow. Crystal brings experience in Escrow, Lending and the Regulatory Industry, beginning her career in 2001. Outside of the office, Crystal enjoys interior design, remodeling properties, painting, cooking, and traveling. She has done an impeccable job in building cliental and long-lasting relationships in the community and consistently provides the exceptional customer service her customers expect and deserve.
Catherine Figone
Escrow Officer / Manager
Catherine Figone, daughter of Laura Stone, moved to Lake Arrowhead in 2009. Catherine has become quite passionate for snowboarding and all activities which the lake offers, making this mountain community a perfect fit. She graduated from Cal State University of San Bernardino with her bachelor’s degree in Business and Marketing. Catherine started working in the Real Estate and Escrow Industry at the age of 17 years old, bringing experience and prospective from all sides of both businesses. With Catherine’s high work ethic and sincere qualities, she constantly provides that gentle and caring touch which her clients appreciate and rely on.
Michael Figone
Jr. Escrow Officer
Michael Figone, son of Laura Stone, has resided in the San Bernardino Mountain Community, since 2009 and has been an employee with Uptown Escrow Services since 2015. He is currently attending California State University, San Bernardino, working toward a master’s degree in marketing and computer design. Michael is the gentle giant in the company, always providing customers with that caring customer service at all times, regardless of how big or small the task may be. Michael’s favorite motto is
“You are confined only by the walls you build yourself”.
Halie Pederson
Escrow Assistant
Halie Pederson is currently enrolled at Crafton Hills College and working towards her Major in Journalism. Halie was born and raised in the San Bernardino Mountains. Outside the office, her favorite activities include reading, softball, drawing, wakeboarding, and enjoying the lake. Halie has been employed with Uptown Escrow Services since 2019 and is one of the companies top escrow assistants. Halie’s contagious smile and upbeat personality is the first thing you see and experience when entering the office, which clients appreciate.
Christina Monaco
Escrow Assistant
Christina Monaco was born and raised in Redlands, CA and has been a resident of the San Bernardino Mountains since 2015, when she bought her first home. Christina recently married Nick Monaco and enjoys many outdoor activities with Nick, including hiking, camping, and visiting her family in Lake Havasu. Prior to joining the Uptown Escrow team in 2021, Christina spent twelve years working in the Banking industry, while working towards a degree in Business Administration. Christina has been a valuable Uptown team member, always demonstrating a positive and calming attitude, which is greatly appreciated by her fellow team mates and her customers.
Jill Darwish
Escrow Assistant
Jill Darwish joined Uptown Escrow Services in July 2018. Prior to working for the company, Jill was in the Insurance and Financial Industry. In her free time, she enjoys spending time at her second home on the Colorado River with her family. Jill lived in the Lake Arrowhead area as a Child, moving to Orange County as a young adult and returning to the Lake Arrowhead area to raise her son in this beautiful and unified place. Jill is the team leader of the company, providing the support for all of the staff.