Step 1: Opening Escrow. The first step in the escrow process is opening escrow.Settlement is the signing and delivery to the closing attorney of all doc- uments necessary to complete the transaction. Once the offer to purchase contract is fully signed, the buyer will deposit earnest money into the listing broker's escrow account. A real estate "closing" is the final step in the transaction. Under the standard form Offer to Purchase and. The repair request clause outlines the process for addressing any repairs the buyer requests after the inspection. It is several days before the scheduled closing and the rainy weather is delaying the installation of the new roof on the property being sold. Lender orders appraisal. The buyer gets the money in the account if the home seller doesn't complete repairs or overstays in the home.