Escrow Opening Checklist
Ensure a smooth real estate closing! Download our free Escrow Opening Checklist - your guide to mastering the initial steps, avoiding costly errors, and keeping transactions on track. Perfect for agents, buyers, sellers, and escrow teams.
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Initial Setup & Client Information
Gather essential client details and establish the foundational aspects of the escrow.
Escrow Officer
Client Name (Buyer)
Client Name (Seller)
Client Contact Information (Buyer - Phone, Email, Address)
Client Contact Information (Seller - Phone, Email, Address)
Communication Preference (Buyer)
Communication Preference (Seller)
Date Client Instructions Received
Property Information & Legal Description
Verify details about the property being transferred, including legal descriptions and address confirmation.
Property Address
Parcel Number(s)
Legal Description (Full)
Lot Size (Acres/Square Feet)
Property Survey (if available)
Property Type
APN (Assessor's Parcel Number)
Parties & Contact Information
Confirm identities and contact information for all involved parties: Buyer, Seller, Real Estate Agents, Lenders, Title Company, etc.
Buyer Full Name
Buyer Phone Number
Buyer Email Address
Seller Full Name
Seller Phone Number
Seller Email Address
Listing Agent Full Name
Listing Agent Phone Number
Listing Agent Email Address
Buyer's Agent Full Name
Buyer's Agent Phone Number
Buyer's Agent Email Address
Purchase Agreement Review
Thoroughly review the Purchase Agreement for key dates, contingencies, and special instructions.
Review Purchase Agreement - General Comments & Summary
Effective Date of Purchase Agreement
Closing Date (as per Purchase Agreement)
Purchase Price (as per Purchase Agreement)
Contingency Types (Select all that apply)
Summary of Inspection Contingency Details (if applicable)
Summary of Appraisal Contingency Details (if applicable)
Earnest Money Deposit Amount Specified?
Special Instructions/Riders/Addenda (Summarize)
Funding & Loan Information
Collect and verify loan details, funding sources, and lender requirements.
Loan Amount
Lender Name
Loan Officer Name
Loan Type (e.g., Conventional, FHA, VA)
Estimated Closing Date (per Loan Commitment)
Interest Rate (per Loan Commitment)
Loan Commitment Details/Conditions (if applicable)
Loan Estimate (LE)
Funding Type
Title & Insurance
Initiate title search and order necessary title insurance policies.
Title Company Selection
Title Company Order Instructions/Special Requests
Title Insurance Type (Standard, Extended, etc.)
Estimated Title Insurance Premium (if known)
Date Title Search Ordered
Flood Certification Required?
Copy of Preliminary Title Report (if available)
Endorsements Required?
Initial Deposits & Funds
Collect initial deposits and establish fund handling procedures.
Initial Deposit Amount
Source of Initial Deposit (e.g., Bank Name)
Deposit Account Number
Deposit Date
Confirmation Number (if applicable)
Earnest Money Deposit Amount
Method of Earnest Money Deposit (e.g., Wire Transfer, Check)
Copy of Deposit Confirmation (if available)
Escrow Fees & Disclosures
Clearly outline escrow fees and provide required disclosures to all parties.
Escrow Fee Breakdown Explanation
Escrow Fee Amount
Earnest Money Deposit Amount
Payment Method for Initial Deposit
Copy of Initial Deposit Receipt (if applicable)
Disclosure of Potential Conflicts of Interest (if any)
Summary of Key Disclosures Provided to Parties
Date Disclosures Provided to All Parties
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