Your Appointment (Buyers)

Now that you have your appointment to sign your papers, the following is a list of items you will need in preparation for your appointment.

IDENTIFICATION

All parties - there are several acceptable forms of identification which may be presented. One of the following forms must be presented at the signing of escrow in order for the signature to be notarized: Current California or (your state) driver's license, passport or Department of Motor Vehicles ID card.

CASHIER'S CHECK

(If applicable) You need a cashier's check or a certified check issued by a California financial institution made payable to the Title company in the amount indicated to you by your Escrow Officer. A personal check may delay the closing since the Title company is required by law to have "good funds" before disbursing funds from escrow.

LENDER'S REQUIREMENTS

Check with your lender to make sure you have satisfied all your lender's requirements before coming to the Title company to sign the papers.

FIRE AND HAZARD INSURANCE

You must have fire/hazard insurance in place before the lender will send money to the Title company to fund the loan. Whenever you buy a home, you must have insurance. Once you have spoken to your insurance agent, call the Title company with the insurance agent's name and phone number so they can make sure that the policy complies with your lender's requirements.

TITLE TO YOUR HOME

You may refer to the "Common Co-Ownership Interests" in the next few pages of this guide for general information with regard to holding title, but is best to contact your attorney or tax consultant.

AFTER THE APPOINTMENT

After all parties have signed all the necessary papers, your Escrow Officer will return your loan documents to the lender for final review. This review usually occurs within a few days of execution of the documents. Once the review is completed, the lender will call your Escrow Officer so that the necessary final paperwork can be completed.

ESCROW CLOSING

The escrow closing is the legal transfer of title to the property from the seller to the buyer. Once all the conditions of the escrow have been satisfied, your Escrow Officer will inform you of the closing date and will take care of all the final details. Usually after funds are disbursed, the deed of trust is recorded within one business day. This completes the transaction and signifies the close of escrow.