San Diego real estate blog - Peter Toner

As an active San Diego real estate agent I am frequently asked by my clients what the Escrow process is and how can they assist to make it run more smoothly. I remind my clients how important it is to understand the escrow instructions. If they want further explanation I refer them to the escrow officer. The escrow officer is not an attorney and cannot practice law - if it is legal advice you are seeking, you should consult your lawyer. The escrow officer cannot advise you as to whether or not you have a “good real estate deal” or are doing things the right way, the escrow officer is there to follow the instructions given by the principals in the escrow both the buyer and the seller.

In order to expedite the closing of the escrow, I advise my clients to check with their escrow officer as to what specific items they could do to assist. The question to ask is “What can I do to expedite the closing of this escrow?” Another important factor to a timely closing is to make sure to respond quickly to any correspondence you receive from your escrow officer.

If you are required to deliver funds into the escrow, make sure that you provide “good” funds in the form required by the escrow officer. Company procedures differ in this regard, and there are many ways you can help at the time of closing; check with your escrow officer. Do not give the escrow officer a personal check and expect the escrow to close immediately; the escrow can only close on cleared funds, and the processing of a personal check can take days, possibly even a week or more.

Once the escrow has closed you may request copies of the closing papers, checks, title policies, statements, etc. There are many aspects to the closing of the escrow, and some of these items cannot be processed on the day of the closing. It may take several days, have patience with your escrow officer and know they will get your requested items to you as soon as the items are processed. If you have a special need, for example, a cashier’s check on the day of closing, you should communicate that need to the escrow officer early in the processing of the escrow so that they may assist you in a timely manner.

In closing I would add that a profficient Realtor - a buyers agent with experience, can make or break a sale if things start to go wrong. Written by a TeamToner buyers agent Sally Kimble – view all our San Diego real estate team members here.