What Makes us Different

 

We are Professional...

Trust and estate management is our business, not a sideline.  Our clients' needs are our foremost concern and do not take second place after other professional duties.  As professional trust managers, we are experienced and knowledgeable about the federal, state and Internal Revenue Service regulations regarding trust and estate management and reporting.  Through professional organizations, continuing education and professional publications we ensure that our knowledge is current.

We are Personal...

The focus of our business is to understand and provide for the unique needs of each client.  When a trustee has discretion in making investment decisions or distributions on behalf of a beneficiary, it is important that the trustee understands the beneficiary's current and future financial, medical, educational and physical needs.  This only happens when the trustee takes the time to develop a relationship with the client.  Our first duty when we are retained is to meet with the client and his or her advisors to listen to them and ascertain the client's needs.  At Northwest Trustee & Management Services, we do not allow technology to come between the trust officer and the client.  When a client calls, he or she speaks to a trust officer who knows them and who is prepared to listen, answer questions and help solve problems. 

We are Responsive...

When a client has a need, we are committed to respond to the needs quickly and efficiently within the scope of our authority under the trust document.  Because our trust officers care about the individuals they serve, they often go beyond the scope of their duties to assist clients by helping them find ways to obtain services or meet needs.

We are Accountable...

We provide complete periodic financial accountings which allow you to see exactly how we are managing your estate.  The financial statement includes an Income and Expense Statement which, like a check register, shows the detail of every deposit and every withdrawal from the account and a Balance Sheet which combines assets held in the bank and brokerage accounts, as well as other assets such as real estate.  This balance sheet sets forth cost basis and provides yield information as well.  We have the flexibility to provide the statement monthly, quarterly, semi-annually or annually according to the client's preference.

We are a Team Player

We retain the client's financial manager and other professional advisors.  The client often has a history of being served by trusted professionals and we will continue this legacy of trust.  While Stephen Trefts acts as in-house counsel to the firm, each client that establishes a relationship with us utilizes his or her own attorney.

The Safeguard

 

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Tom and Lenore, in Wenatchee, WA, had serious problems.  A former business partner was about to default on a large real estate contract, the condo association was balking at repairing damages on the property, and their significant security portfolio needed management attention.  Their attorney called us in to assist his elderly clients; and, through a living trust, we safeguarded their assets and increased their return. 

 

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 "Having Northwest Trustee in one's life is like having a trusted member of the family living nearby--unobtrusive, competent and caring, dedicated to your well-being.  I recommend choosing their services when dependability is essential."

-Jack Poole

Spokane, WA

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“…Northwest Trustee & Management Services…is local, has people to whom you can actually talk and who care about their beneficiaries, is very responsive and provides financial reporting that is understandable. Most important, while Northwest does a fine job on large trusts, it is willing to act as a fiduciary for modest estates that the larger corporate fiduciaries will not take.”

 

-George F. Velikanje

Attorney at Law

Stokes, Lawrence, Velikanje, Moore & Shore

Yakima, WA

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