Escrow Checklist - Buyer

Our goal is to provide a seamless experience that empowers you to feel secure throughout your escrow* transaction. To ensure a successful closing, the following forms must be read, completed in full and signed. Please note that failure to complete the forms by the specified date could result in closing delays.

Escrow Instructions
Confidential Statement of Information
Insurance Information
Preliminary Change of Ownership
Vesting Worksheet

Escrow Instructions
Please review your escrow instructions to ensure they match your purchase contract. If your name is misspelled or has changed, contact your Escrow Officer immediately.

Confidential Statement of Information
The title company requires this form to ensure the successful transfer of title. If any item on this form does not pertain to your situation, please enter 'N/A'.

Insurance Information
Your lender will require fire insurance prior to funding the new loan. Please designate your selected insurance agency and provide all contact information to your Escrow Officer as soon as possible upon opening your escrow.

Preliminary Change of Ownership
This form must be submitted to the County Recorder with the Grant Deed. This is used by the Tax Assessor to determine the tax basis for the property. Complete and sign on the second page and return to Ecsrow. There are penalties assessed by the county for failure the return this form.

Vesting Worksheet
Complete this document to indicate how you wish to take title of the property. Consult your tax professional for advice on making a decision that best suits your financial and estate planning goals.

*Escrow is the service that will allow you and the Buyer to conduct business with each other through a neutral third party, thereby minimizing risk. An escrow is ready to close when the parties have deposited all funds and documents required. Your timely deposit of all information and documents will help to ensure that your transaction closes as scheduled.

Escrow Checklist - Seller

Our goal is to provide a seamless experience that empowers you to feel secure throughout your escrow* transaction. To ensure a successful closing, the following forms must be read, completed in full and signed. Please note that failure to complete the forms by the specified date could result in closing delays.

Escrow Instructions
Confidential Statement of Information
Loan and Homeowners Association Information
Certificate for 1099 Reporting
Affidavit of Non-foreign Status
1099-S Input Form
California Real Estate Withholding Certificate (Form 593-C)
Grant Deed
Other Requested Documents

Escrow Instructions
Please review your escrow instructions to ensure they match your purchase contract. If your name is misspelled or has changed, contact your Escrow Officer immediately.

Confidential Statement of Information
The title company requires this form to ensure the successful transfer of title. If any item on this form does not pertain to your situation, please enter 'N/A'.

Loan and Homeowners Association Information
Supplying this information allows the appropriate documents to be ordered to payoff your mortgage loan, line of credit or equity line. It also facilitates the transfer of any Homeowners Association memberships to the Buyer. If the loan you are paying off is an FHA loan, please consult with your Escrow Officer, as additional interest may be required.

Certificate for 1099 Reporting
This form may be furnished in your opening paperwork if you qualify as exempt from the transaction reporting requirements imposed by the IRS. If you cannot answer “Yes” to all four questions in this form, a 1099 form must be filed with IRS by the Escrow Holder.

Affidavit of Non-foreign Status
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) requires the Buyer to withhold tax from the Seller's proceeds if the Seller is not of US descent. This affidavit is used to certify that you are a resident and helps avoid unnecessary withholding. For more information regarding federal withholding requirements contact Internal Revenue Service.

1099-S Input Form
The information provided on this form is used to ensure accurate reporting to the IRS.

California Real Estate Withholding Certificate (Form 593-C)
The California Revenue and Taxation Code require tax withholding for Sellers who do not meet residency requirements. The manner in which Form 593-C is completed will determine whether you are subject to withholding. For more information regarding the withholding requirements of the State of California, contact the Franchise Tax Board.

Grant Deed
This document must be signed before a Notary Public. Notaries are available in each of our branch offices and your Escrow Officer can arrange a signing at your request. When you meet with the Notary, please be sure to bring a current photo ID.

Other Requested Documents
The Escrow Holder may also ask that you furnish personal documents including Homeowners Association, trust or partnership agreements, in order to meet the requirements of the transaction.

*Escrow is the service that will allow you and the Buyer to conduct business with each other through a neutral third party, thereby minimizing risk. An escrow is ready to close when the parties have deposited all funds and documents required. Your timely deposit of all information and documents will help to ensure that your transaction closes as scheduled.

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