Title, Escrow and STR Closing

The title company examines ownership records, identifies liens and title exceptions, coordinates required closing documents and handles escrow or settlement where that is part of its role. Existing loans or liens may be paid off at closing rather than the property already being free of them.

Review the title commitment, exceptions and proposed policy with your agent or attorney. Roles and closing procedures vary by state.

Typically we’ll be using a vetted high quality title company that has performed well in the past.

Escrow is when a neutral third party, usually the title company, holds the buyer's money and the key documents until every condition of the sale is met, then releases them all at once at closing. Neither side can walk off with the money or the property early.

Cash to close is the total amount the buyer has to wire to the title company before closing. It's the down payment plus closing costs, minus money already paid or credited, like the earnest money and any seller credit.

You’ll receive wire instructions whenever the title company needs money from you, such as at the start of the transaction to submit your Earnest money deposit and at closing to submit your cash to close.

Call the title company using a telephone number you independently verified earlier in the transaction. Confirm the receiving bank, account details, payee and amount before sending funds.

A secure portal can help, but do not rely only on an emailed link or a last-minute change. If instructions change, stop and verify directly with title through the known contact.

Often you can sign through a mobile notary or another process approved by title and your lender. Confirm the permitted location, identity documents and appointment before closing. Overseas signing or a power of attorney requires advance approval.