“In general, the first item to enter the escrow is the buyer’s initial deposit. The escrow file will grow, item by item, until all of the conditions have been met and the escrow is ready
to close.”

The selection of the escrow holder is normally done by agreement between the parties to a transaction. Typically, the escrow is then opened by the real estate agent. Which agent (the “seller side” or the “buyer side”) will open the escrow is generally determined by local practice.

Escrow may be opened via telephone, email, website form, or in person, depending upon the preference of the agent and which options are available through the escrow company. An escrow file number is assigned and the appropriate information is entered into the computer. Upon issuance of the escrow file number, the escrow officer will order a Preliminary Report from the title company or title department.

The escrow oficer will need some basic information in order to open and proceed
with the escrow:

• Correct street address, and parcel # if available
• Sales price
• Full names of all parties involved and marital status
• Contact information for all parties
• Existing lender name, loan number, contact information and approximate unpaid balance
• HOA (Homeowner’s Association) information, such as address and dues
• HOA management company information (if any)
• Commission amount and additional conditions

In general, the first item to enter the escrow is the buyer’s initial deposit. The escrow file will
grow, item by item, until all of the conditions have been met and the escrow is ready to close.

The escrow officer will also need the following from the buyer’s agent:

• How the buyer(s) wants to take title (see pg. 14)
• New lender information
• Fire/hazard insurance information for new policy or existing policy