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.
In California, the buyer may choose the escrow company.
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.
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.