Reference
Document checklists
What to gather before you open escrow, so nothing holds up your file once we get started. Pull these together early and the rest of the process moves faster.
Most delays in escrow come down to a missing document or a detail we couldn't confirm. The lists below cover what we typically need for a buyer, a seller, and a refinance. Your file may need a little more or less depending on the property and the lender, and we'll tell you if anything specific comes up.
Buyers
Have these ready when you open escrow as a buyer:
- A government-issued photo ID for everyone going on title
- Your earnest money deposit, sent only after we confirm instructions by phone
- Proof of funds for your deposit and down payment
- Your lender and loan officer's name and contact information
- Signed escrow instructions once we issue them
- Signed disclosures and loan documents when your lender releases them
- Proof of homeowners insurance naming the property, before closing
- How you intend to hold title (your vesting), so we can prepare the deed correctly
Sellers
Have these ready when you open escrow as a seller:
- A government-issued photo ID for everyone on title
- Payoff information for any loans on the property, including your loan number and lender
- Details on any liens, judgments, or unpaid items that may be recorded against the property
- Completed and signed property disclosures
- HOA contact information, if the property is in an association
- Any home warranty details that apply to the sale
- Forwarding details for your sale proceeds, confirmed with us by phone
- Keys, gate codes, and access information to hand over at close
Refinancing
A refinance doesn't change ownership, so the list is shorter. Have these ready:
- A government-issued photo ID for everyone on title
- Your new lender and loan officer's name and contact information
- Payoff information for the loan you're replacing, including your current loan number
- Details on any other liens or recorded items that need to be addressed
- Current homeowners insurance information
- HOA contact information, if the property is in an association
Before you wire
Whatever your role, one rule covers all of them. Before you send any money, call our office at a number you already have and confirm the wiring instructions and amount by phone. We never send or change wiring instructions by email. If you get an emailed change, a sense of urgency, or new account details at the last minute, stop and call us first. This one habit prevents the most expensive mistake in real estate.
Ready to open an escrow?
Send us the basics and we'll route your file to the right officer. Have an agent already? They can open it for you in a few minutes.