Closing Escrow

You are so close! There are a few things that need to be accomplished before you receive your keys, though. A final walk through of the property must be completed, unless you waive this right. We strongly encourage you not to waive the final walk through! This is a time to look at the property and make sure that nothing has changed unexpectedly, such as removal of fixtures, damage, etc; as well as a chance to make certain that repairs agreed upon have been completed. For example, if there was a Bosch stainless steel refrigerator that was supposed to be included in the sale, and when we discover at the final walk through it has been replaced by a different one— we have the right to delay the closing until the situation is remedied. On occasion, things like this occur. That is why it is crucial to utilize your right to a final examination of the property. There are certain situations where a client cannot be present for a final walk through— for instance, an out-of-state buyer who has not relocated yet, and can’t travel for whatever reason to be there. In cases like these, we can do the final walk through for you, but we will ask you to sign a release that you were not able to physically be there. Many times in a circumstance like this, we will either take video, photos, or conduct a video conference walk through so you can check things out for yourself.

Generally, the final walk through is done a few days before the actual close of escrow and recordation of the new deed with the county. In addition, at least THREE days before the closing you will sign the documents needed to close. This can be done in an hour or 2, and we will usually meet at the title company to accomplish this. If you are out of town, the documents can be sent to another title company near you, or failing that, can be signed and notarized at a bank or by using a mobile notary for a fee. If you are out of town, allow a couple more days as documents may need to be overnighted to you, and then overnighted back.

Final walk through completed, documents signed, and it is now the day of the close of escrow. What do you need to do? Generally, nothing! After all of your efforts during the contract period, on the day of the closing you just wait to hear from us. As soon as the sale has been recorded by the title company with the county, we can get the keys for you. Congratulations—now it is time to move in a start a beautiful new beginning! Rest assured that we are still here for you even after the close of escrow, to help you find painters, plumbers, roofers, great places to eat if you are new in town, or other recommendations you might need, as well as be your resource for advice or counsel on real estate matters. We thank you for choosing us to be your agents, and genuinely appreciate your future business and referrals. Again, congratulations!