After the buyer and seller agree to terms of a sale, the transaction goes into escrow, which can take several weeks (30-45 days or more) to reach closing. Escrow can be opened by the buyer or the seller's real estate agent.
New Legal Requirements: As of August 17, 2024, signing this agreement is mandatory before viewing homes, and buyer's agent commissions must be negotiated upfront to sign. Benefits for Homebuyers: Provides clarity, access to resources, and legal protection during your homebuying journey.
The California Escrow Process Step 1: Escrow Begins. Step 2: Initial Deposit. Step 3: Disclosures and Inspections. Step 4: Repair Negotiations and Appraisal. Step 5: The Mortgage Process. Step 6: Title Searches and Insurance. Step 7: Final Verification.
The choice of escrow agent is typically agreed upon by the buyer and seller. However, the specific preferences can vary depending on local practices and negotiations between the parties.
Lead from paint, paint chips, and dust can pose health hazards if not managed properly. Lead exposure is especially harmful to young children and pregnant women. Before renting pre-1978 housing, lessors must disclose the presence of known lead-based paint and/or lead-based paint hazards in the dwelling.
"No Seller Disclosures" means that the seller is selling the property without disclosing any defects or facts that might be necessary for a buyer to make an informed decision.
Every buyer should receive a Seller's Property Disclosure Statement (“SPDS”).
Sellers are obligated by law to disclose all known material (important) facts about the Property to the Buyer. The SPDS is designed to assist you in making these disclosures. If you know something important about the Property that is not addressed on the SPDS, add that information to the form.
Every buyer should receive a Seller's Property Disclosure Statement (“SPDS”).