10 Tips for a Successful Signing Appointment

On July 9, 2012   /   Blog, Escrow  

tips for a successful escrow signing appointment

Your escrow closing date is coming up and there is one more important appointment before closing, whether you are a Buyer or a Seller. That is your Signing Appointment!  Our Escrow professionals have provided some tips that will help you to prepare for it. Here are the top 10 things you can know and do to be fully prepared for this important milestone on the way to closing.

Signing vs. Closing

Remember: Your signing appointment is a crucial step towards closing escrow. For an explanation of the many steps that take place after signing, check out our related article. What happens between signing and closing.

Tips for a Smooth Signing Appointment

  • Please try to keep your schedule flexible. Once Escrow has received all the necessary documentation for closing they will be calling you to schedule the signing appointment which is usually 2 – 3 days before your closing date.
  • Signing appointments for sellers usually take between 15 and 30 minutes.
  • Signing appointments for buyers will be 45 to 60 minutes.
  • If you’re going to be traveling during the closing process, please be sure to let Escrow know.
  • If you are required to bring money to closing, remember that it must be in the form of a Washington State Bank Cashiers Check or Wire Transfer. Escrow cannot accept personal checks. These funds need to be received by the Escrow office 24 hours in advance of the recording/closing date indicated on your Purchase and Sale Agreement.
  • If you are receiving funds from your closing and choose to have funds wired, you will need to provide a deposit slip or voided check at time of signing.
  • A valid picture ID, such as a Driver’s License, is required for all persons who will be signing documents. Signatures will be notarized.
  • Sellers: Contact all your utility companies PRIOR to closing and make arrangements for your final bills.  Please note that Escrow does not transfer utilities from Seller to Buyer. (If your Purchase and Sale Agreement has instructed Escrow to handle lien-able utilities, such as water and sewer, Escrow must have the NAME AND ACCOUNT NUMBERS of the utilities being requested.)
  • Escrow will contact all parties upon the closing of the transaction.
  • Your agent will facilitate the exchange of property keys at that time.

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10 Tips for a Successful Escrow Signing Appointment


After Your Signing Appointment

Keep in mind that the date of signing is not your closing date. Closing usually occurs within 1-2 days after signing. Once the lender has reviewed all the documents, they will give authorization for the recording of the documents transferring title and will initiate a wire transfer for the loan funds being provided. Per the Purchase and Sale Agreement, closing occurs once documents have recorded and funds are available to the seller.

Per the Purchase and Sale Agreement, closing occurs once documents have recorded and funds are available to the seller.

Clear Communication is Key

Remember that communication and preparation are the keys to a successful closing.  Contact your Escrow team with any questions as early in the transaction as possible.  Arrive for your signing appointment on time and be prepared with the items noted here.

Related Article: What happens between signing and closing

Questions or comments? Please share below!

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Keys to a Successful Escrow Closing

On June 14, 2011   /   Blog, Escrow  

Keys to a successful escrow closing - have your ducks in a row

Getting your ducks in a row for a smooth escrow closing

Closing on a home can be an exciting and stressful process all at the same time. With so many potential speed bumps it’s important we make your closing flow as smooth as possible. At Ticor we believe one of the easiest ways to accomplish this is by educating buyers and sellers as they prepare for the big day. In particular we’d like to highlight some of the simple steps a buyer/seller can take to expedite the process.  We call these steps the “Keys to a Successful Closing”.

Prior to Closing

Buyers:

  • Check that all conditions have been met by your Loan Officer.
  • Send the names of your lender and homeowner’s insurance company to your Escrow Officer.

Sellers:

  • Gather the following and deliver to your Escrow Officer:
  • Your forwarding address
  • Any existing mortgage information
  • Identify leased equipment
  • Homeowner Association information
  • Utilities (if they are to be paid out of escrow.)

Buyers and Sellers

  • Confirm with your agent that all contingencies have been satisfied.
  • Keep your agent informed of any vacation plans or times you will be unavailable.
  • If you plan to have your documents reviewed by an attorney, please notify your Escrow Officer at least 48 hours prior to signing.

Before Your Signing Appointment

  • Expect to sign at the escrow company one or two business days before the closing date.
  • If funds are required to close, be prepared to bring the monies in the form of a cashier’s check 24 hours before recording or wire transfer the same day as closing.
  • Have a valid photo identification available at your signing appointment: Driver’s License/State ID, Passport, or Green Card.
  • Expect the signing to last approximately one hour if you are the buyer and 30 minutes if you are the seller.

If you have questions or comments about the closing process, please share by commenting below!

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