What Each Party Does in the Escrow Process

The Seller

• Deposits the executed deed to the buyer with the escrow holder.
• Deposits evidence of pest inspection and any required repair work.
• Deposits other required documents such as tax receipts, addresses of mortgage holders, insurance policies, equipment warranties or home warranty contracts, etc.

The Buyer

• Deposits the funds required, in addition to any borrowed funds, to pay the purchase price with the escrow holder.
• Deposits funds sufficient for home and title insurance.
• Arranges for any borrowed funds to be delivered to the escrow holder.
• Deposits any deed of trust or mortgages necessary to secure loans.
• Approves any inspection reports, title insurance commitments, etc. called for by the purchase and sale agreements.
• Fulfills any other conditions specified in the escrow instructions.

The Lender (if applicable)

• Deposits proceeds of the loan to the purchaser.
• Directs the escrow holder on the conditions under which the loan funds may be used.

The Escrow Holder

• Opens the order for title insurance.
• Obtains approvals from the buyer on title insurance report, pest and other inspections.
• Receives funds from the buyer and/or any lender.
• Prorates insurance, taxes, rents, etc.
• Disburses funds for title insurance, recordation fees, real estate commissions, lien clearance, etc.
• Prepares a final statement for each party indicating amounts to be disbursed for services and any further amounts necessary to close escrow.
• Records deed and loan documents, and delivers the deed to the buyer, loan documents to the lender and funds to the seller, thereby closing the escrow.