LIFE OF AN ESCROW
It all begins with the offer and acceptance skillfully negotiated by the
real estate agents representing Buyer and Seller.
The Buyer(s)
Tenders a written offer to purchase (or accepts the Seller's
counter-offer) accompanied by a good faith deposit amount.
Approves and signs the escrow instructions and other related
instruments required to complete the transaction.
Approve the preliminary report or title commitment and any property
disclosure or inspection report required in the purchase and sale
agreement.
Approves and signs new loan documents and fulfills any remaining
conditions contained in the contract, lender's instructions and/or the
escrow instructions.
Deposit funds necessary to close the escrow.
Approve any changes by signing amendments in the escrow instructions.
The Lender (when applicable)
Accepts the new loan application and other related documents from the
Buyer(s) and begins the qualification process.
Orders and reviews the property appraisal, credit report, verification
of employment, verification of deposit(s), preliminary report and other
related information.
Submit the entire package to the loan committee and/or underwriters for
approval. When approved, loan conditions and title insurance requirements
are established.
Informs Buyer(s) of loan approval terms, commitment expiration date and provides a good
faith estimate of the closing costs.
Deposit the new loan documents and instructions with the settlement agent for Buyer's
approval and signature.
Reviews and approves the executed loan package and coordinates the loan funding with the
escrow officer.
The Escrow Settlement Officer
Receive an order for escrow and title services.
Place order for the preliminary report or title commitment for the subject property from
Alamo Title®.
Acts as the impartial "stakeholder" or depository, in a fiduciary capacity, for all documents
and monies required to complete the transaction per written instructions of the principals.
Prepare the escrow instructions and required documents in accordance with terms of the sale.
With the authorization from the real estate agent or principal, orders demands on existing
deeds of trust and liens or judgments, if any. For assumption or subject to loan, orders the
beneficiary's statement or formal assumption package.
Reviews documents received in the escrow: preliminary report or title commitment, payoff or
assumption statements, new loan package and other related instruments.
Review the conditions in the lender's instructions including the hazard and title insurance
requirements.
Present the documents, statements, loan package(s), estimated closing statements and other
related documents to the principal(s) for approval and signature, and requests the balance
of the buyer's funds.
Receive the proceeds of the loan(s) from the lender(s).
Determines when the transaction will be in the position to close and advises the parties.
Assisted by title personnel, records the deed, deed of trust and other documents required
to complete the transaction with the County Recorder and orders the title insurance policies.
Depending on the property location, the recordation of the documents may occur after the
closing date.
Close the transaction by preparing the final settlement statements, disbursing the proceeds to
the Seller, paying off the existing encumbrances and other obligations.
Deliver the appropriate statements, funds and remaining documents to the principals, agents
and/or lenders.
The Seller(s)
Accept Buyer's Offer to Purchase and initial good faith deposit to open escrow.
Submit documents and information to escrow holder, such as: addresses of lien
holders, tax receipts, equipment warranties, home warranty contracts, any leases
and/or rental agreements.
Approves and signs the escrow instructions, grant deed and other related documents
required to complete the transaction.
Orders inspections, receives clearances and approves final reports and/or repairs
to the property as required by the terms of the purchase and sale agreement (Deposit
Receipt).
Fulfills any remaining conditions specified in the contract and/or
escrow instructions; approves the pay off demands and/or beneficiary's
statements.
Approve any final changes by signing amendments to the escrow
instructions or contract.
Alamo Title
Receive an order for title service.
Examines the public records affecting the real property and issues a
preliminary report or title commitment.
Determines the requirements and documents needed to complete the
transaction and advises the escrow settlement officer and/or agents.
Reviews and approves the signed documents, releases and the order for
title insurance, prior to the closing date.
Alamo Title records the signed documents with the County Recorder's
office and prepares to issue the title insurance policies.
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