Helpful Hints for a Smooth Closing: Items Needed for your Escrow Officer

Please include the Social Security Numbers of your Buyer and Seller on the Earnest Money Agreement (EMA). We search the names of both Buyer and Seller. If a judgment or lien shows up, we need the SS# to determine if it is the same person.
Please print names below the signatures on the EMA.
Please include addresses and phone numbers for both Buyer and Seller, so that escrow can send out title reports and documents prior to closing, or contact the parties if they have questions.
Please indicate on the EMA the marital status of Buyer and Seller.
Please make sure that escrow receives copies of all changes or addendums to the EMA before closing.
If there is a rent holdback, please indicate on the EMA if it is to be handled through escrow.
Please contact escrow ASAP when the buyer selects a lender.
Please let us know if the Buyer or Seller is using a Power of Attorney.
If Buyer or Seller is a corporation, LLC or partnership, escrow will need a copy of The Articles of Incorporation Operating Agreement (or Partnership Agreement) and/or minutes showing who is authorized to sign documents.
Please indicate on the EMA if a mobile home is included in the transaction. A description and VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) are helpful. Please send a copy of the title with the EMA if it is available. Please see our “Helpful Hints” sheet on mobile homes.
If the property is subject to a land use classification (i.e. timber), please indicate if the Buyer will apply for a continuance. If the classification is to be discontinued, please indicate who will pay the “Comp” tax. Whether continued or not, escrow must obtain information from the Assessor’s office before closing. The transaction cannot be recorded unless the Assessor’s office has signed the excise tax affidavit, which takes 3 or 4 days.
Please provide information (name, address, phone, loan number) regarding where the Seller is sending loan payments. This helps in obtaining loan payoff figures.