Frequently Asked Questions
1 What is an Escrow?
Escrow is a service that enables the Buyer and Seller to transact business with each other through a neutral party, minimizing their risk.
2 Why is Security Important?
The purchase of a home is usually the largest transaction in a person’s lifetime, with an extensive amount of NPI (non-public information) being collected during these transactions. Unfortunately, we live in a reality where cyber criminals relentlessly attempt to steal both personal and financial data – including names, addresses, social security numbers, bank accounts, and credit cards. Once cyber criminals detect a weak IT infrastructure, it’s easy for them to go after your data.
In addition, phishing scams – which are electronic attempts to acquire NPI by pretending to be a familiar or trustworthy source – can have devastating consequences. With wire transfer fraud on the rise, entrusting your valuable personal information and your hard-earned funds to a company that is less than vigilant with their security protocols, systems, and infrastructure can result in the loss of your data and your dollars.
3 WHAT IS "CLOSE OF ESCROW"?
This term refers to the recording of the Grant Deed and other applicable documents with the County Recorder.
4 WHEN AND HOW MUCH MONEY IS REQUIRED FROM THE BUYER?
Upon approval of the new loan the lender sends loan documents to escrow. At this time the Escrow Officer gives the Buyer a final estimate of the funds needed for closing and schedules an appointment for the buyer to sign loan documents. Final funds for closing must be deposited into escrow not later than 48 hours prior to close.
5 WHAT IS A STATEMENT OF INFORMATION?
A confidential statement of information is required by the title company in order to insure the transfer of title.
6 WHAT IS THE CALIFORNIA WITHHOLDING LAW?
The California Taxation and Revenue Code requires Buyers to withhold from Sellers proceeds an amount equal to 3 1/3rd percent of the sales price on the sale of certain California real properties. Sellers are required to complete Form 593 and return it to escrow prior to close to insure compliance with California's tax withholding requirements.
7 What is Form 593?
Form 593 is the Real Estate Withholding Statement that is filed with the State of California Franchise Tax Board (FTB) after every real estate transaction.
8 WHAT IS A CERTIFICATE FOR 1099 REPORTING?
The Internal Revenue Service requires each Seller to answer questions about the nature of their transaction. If one of the four questions the Seller is required to answer does not apply to the Sellers transaction, a 1099 is required to be issued on the sale.
9 WHAT IS AN AFFIDAVIT OF NON-FOREIGN STATUS?
The Internal Revenue Service requires the Buyer to withhold tax from the Sellers proceeds if the Seller is a foreign person. This affidavit is used to inform Buyers that a Seller is not a non-resident alien and withholding is not required.
10 WHEN AND HOW DOES THE SELLER RECEIVE THEIR MONEY FROM THE SALE?
Your proceeds will be available within one business day from close of escrow, either in the form of our escrow trust account check or a wire transfer.
11 WHEN DOES THE BUYER TAKE POSSESSION OF THE PROPERTY?
That depends on the terms of the purchase agreement. Please contact your real estate agent prior to close of escrow to arrange for the transfer of keys to the Buyer.
12 WHAT COULD DELAY THE CLOSE OF ESCROW?
Although we do everything possible to close on the day agreed upon by the Buyer and Seller, delays can be caused if:
- Information or conditions have not been provided to the lender in a timely manner
- Termite repair or other work requirements have not been completed on time
- Liens or judgments have not been cleared