Hawaii Standard Conditions of Acceptance of Escrow (SCALE) are a set of guidelines and requirements that govern the escrow process in the state of Hawaii. They outline the rules and conditions that must be met for a successful escrow transaction, ensuring the protection of both buyers and sellers. The SCALE in Hawaii covers various aspects of an escrow agreement, including the responsibilities and obligations of the escrow agent, buyer, and seller. It establishes the standards that all parties involved must adhere to in order to complete a smooth and secure escrow transaction. Some key elements addressed in the Hawaii SCALE include: 1. Documentation: The SCALE specifies the necessary documents and paperwork that must be provided by the buyer and seller during the escrow process. This may include purchase agreements, loan documents, property disclosures, title reports, and financial statements. 2. Title Clearance: The SCALE requires the escrow agent to ensure that the title to the property is free and clear of any liens, encumbrances, or legal issues. It also mandates that the buyer receives a preliminary title report to review prior to closing. 3. Funds Handling: The Hawaii SCALE outlines the proper handling and disbursement of funds during escrow. It requires the escrow agent to maintain a separate escrow account to hold and disburse funds according to the agreed terms of the transaction. 4. Contingencies: The SCALE defines the contingencies that must be included in the escrow agreement, such as home inspections, appraisal contingencies, and loan approval. It outlines the process for resolving any issues or disputes that may arise during the escrow period. 5. Closing Process: The SCALE sets guidelines for the closing process, including the timeline for completing the transaction. It specifies the responsibilities of the escrow agent in preparing the final closing documents, facilitating the signing process, and recording the transaction with the appropriate authorities. There are different types of Hawaii Standard Conditions of Acceptance of Escrow that may be applicable depending on the specific type of transaction. For example: 1. Residential Escrow: This applies to escrow transactions involving the sale or purchase of residential properties, including single-family homes, condominiums, townhouses, and multi-unit residences. 2. Commercial Escrow: These conditions are tailored for escrow transactions related to commercial properties such as office buildings, retail spaces, industrial properties, and vacant land intended for commercial development. 3. New Construction Escrow: This type of escrow involves the sale and purchase of newly constructed homes or properties. The SCALE for new construction escrow may include additional provisions to address the unique considerations of these types of transactions. In summary, the Hawaii Standard Conditions of Acceptance of Escrow comprehensively regulate the escrow process in the state, ensuring a fair and secure real estate transaction for all parties involved. These conditions cover various aspects, including documentation, title clearance, funds handling, contingencies, and the closing process. Different variations of the SCALE exist to cater to specific types of transactions such as residential, commercial, or new construction.