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.

This Template was installed 5 times.

Initial Setup & Client Information

1 of 8

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

2 of 8

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

3 of 8

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

4 of 8

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

5 of 8

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

6 of 8

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

7 of 8

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

8 of 8

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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