Escrow When Selling a House in California
When you sell a home, escrow holds the deed and documents until the buyer's money is in and every condition is met. Here's what to expect.
Last updated November 2026
What escrow does for you
Escrow is a neutral third party. It makes sure you're paid and your loan is paid off when the deed transfers.
Your steps
- Open escrow after your offer is accepted.
- Disclosures go to the buyer through the agents. Under the standard RPA, within 7 days after acceptance.
- Payoff demand: escrow requests it from your lender, which must deliver it within 21 days of a written request, for a fee of no more than $30, FHA and VA loans excepted (Civil Code §2943).
- Signing: you sign your escrow documents and grant deed.
- Recording: the grant deed is recorded. That's close of escrow.
- Getting paid: escrow disburses your proceeds after recording is confirmed.
The standard RPA's deadlines are defaults. Your own contract may set different ones.
What you'll pay
- Escrow fee: $0
- Wire fee: $30
- Messenger fee: $50
Other closing costs and service fees may apply.
Seller escrow FAQ
When do I get my money?
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After the lender funds, the documents record and recording is confirmed, escrow disburses funds, including your proceeds.
How is my loan paid off?
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Escrow requests a payoff demand from your lender, which must deliver it within 21 days of a written request. Your loan is paid from your proceeds at closing. When a new loan pays off old ones, the title company often handles the payoff through sub-escrow.
Do I need to be there to sign?
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Escrow arranges signing with you. Ask your escrow officer how signing will work for your sale.
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.