Escrow When Buying a House in California
When you buy a home, escrow holds your money and documents until every condition of the sale is met. Here's what to expect.
Last updated November 2026
What escrow does for you
Escrow is a neutral third party. It holds your deposit and loan funds until the seller's side is done too.
The funds and the deed are released at the same time, so neither side goes first.
Your steps and deadlines
"Acceptance" is when the signed offer, or the final counter offer, is delivered back. Deadlines count from that moment.
- Deposit: deliver it to escrow within 3 business days after acceptance.
- Contingencies: investigation, loan, appraisal and insurance run 17 days after acceptance. Remove them in writing, signed by you.
- Loan: your lender approves the loan and orders the appraisal.
- Signing: you sign your escrow and loan documents.
- Funding: the lender funds, the deed records and escrow closes.
These are the defaults in the standard C.A.R. California Residential Purchase Agreement (RPA). Your own contract may set different deadlines.
If a deadline passes, the other side can deliver a Notice to Buyer (or Seller) to Perform. They may cancel only if the deadline has passed and at least 2 days have gone by after the notice was delivered.
What you'll pay
Cloud Escrow's buyer escrow fee is $300 base plus $3 per $1,000 of the price, plus itemized fees. See full pricing.
Protecting your deposit and wire
Cloud Escrow never sends or changes wire instructions by email. Before you send money, call us at (949) 991-2345 using a number you already know.
Buyer escrow FAQ
When do I send my deposit?
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Under the standard RPA, within 3 business days after acceptance. Your contract may set a different deadline.
How long do I have to remove contingencies?
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The standard RPA gives 17 days after acceptance for the investigation, loan, appraisal and insurance contingencies. You remove them in writing, signed by you.
What does Cloud Escrow charge buyers?
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$300 base plus $3 per $1,000 of the price, plus itemized fees listed on our pricing page.
Ready to open escrow?
This guide is general information, not legal or tax advice. Customs vary by county, and every cost is negotiable in your purchase agreement.