🌀How Long Does The Escrow Process Take?

How Long Does Escrow Take to Complete?

Unsure of how long your escrow process will take? If you want to get a better idea of how long the escrow process is, you have come to the right place! 

In this article, we go over how long the escrow process takes and what you can do ahead of time to make it run more smoothly. Keep reading until the end to learn other ways you can make your escrow process even faster.

How Long Does the Escrow Process Take?

The escrow process typically takes 30-60 days to complete. The timeline can vary depending on the agreement of the buyer and seller, who the escrow provider is, and more. Ideally, however, the escrow process should not take more than 30 days. 

If an escrow process lasts longer than 30 days, then there might have been some issues in the process.

Let’s look into some factors that will determine how long escrow will take.

What Determines The Length Of Escrow?

The following will determine how long the escrow process will take:

• Mortgage pre-approval
• Time requirements for tasks
• Having the proper documents on hand
• State requirements for escrow
• The time it takes to get the underwriting complete 

Underwriting in Escrow

Underwriting is the process through which an individual or institution takes on financial risk for a fee. It helps set fair borrowing rates for loans, establishing premiums, and underwriting creates a market for securities by accurately pricing investment risks. 

Escrow Process in 30 days

For our visual audience, here is a detailed flow chart of the escrow process.  DOWNLOAD YOUR ESCROW PROCESS FLOWCHART HERE.

Disclaimer: This process is specific to the escrow process in California but can be held as a general model for understanding the escrow process. 

What Happens if Escrow Doesn’t Close on Time?

There should be no penalty if an escrow process does not close on time as long as the contract has no stipulations regarding it. However, the delayed party (buyer/seller) will need to ask the other for more time.

Let’s look at some of the biggest factors that can hold up your escrow process below:

What Are The Biggest Time Holdups During Escrow Process

Nobody wants their escrow process to drag on, but sometimes it will happen if you are in an unorganized and inefficient escrow closing process. Check out the main culprits of a long escrow below.

1.Inspections! 

Whether for pests, or for environmental checks, these inspections can take a while in the home closing process if not organized in a timely manner. Schedule these ahead of time. 

2. Locating Documents

Sometimes the hardest part about escrow is locating and organizing the required documents to close on a house. We recommend you start locating the documents for your escrow closing before you begin your escrow process

List of documents needed during escrow:

• Copy of the Offer
• Sellers Disclosure Packet
• Termite Certificate
• HOA Documents and Transfer Fees
• Contingency Removal Form
• FIRPTA Affidavit
• Prequalification Letter
• Proof of Funds
• Commission Instructions
• Wire Transfer Instructions
• Documents for Deed Transfer

3. Slow Escrow Service

Sometimes a longer escrow process and come down to an unorganized escrow service provider. You want to make sure that your escrow agents are fast, efficient, and always available to help you with your questions during the escrow process.

For more info

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