Understanding the CA Real Estate Closing Process

An Introduction to the California Closing Process

The process of closing on your San Diego County property may be different from your past experiences if you have not done so in the state of California. This article is designed to help you better understand the CA real estate closing process by pointing out some areas where differences may arise. If you have any questions about the particulars of a California closing, allow our expertise and experience to serve you by contacting Realtors Brenda and Dan Wyatt now.

The Particulars of California’s Real Estate Closing Process

The steps of the real estate closing process in the state of California are by and large the same as those of the other states around the country; however, there are some differences. The variations you may encounter, from the negotiating stage to the signing of the final documents, tend towards procedural, the most common of which is the absence of lawyers at most closings. Another noted difference for many is the fact that the buyer and seller rarely meet at the closing in California.

The Major Steps

1. Negotiations The negotiations begin once an offer has been presented. They continue until an offer has been accepted and agreed to by both parties. This stage continues until a transaction is completed or until the buyer or seller rejects the offer/counteroffer outright.
   
   
2. Inspections A buyer typically accompanies a home inspector to the inspection. Allow approximately two to three hours for the inspection.
   
   
3. Repairs If repairs are called for, we will work with you to negotiate the specific requirements of those repairs noted during the inspection.
   
   
4. Walk Through We can schedule the buyer’s walk through for you if one is written into the contract. The property must be in the same/better condition than when the sales agreement was made.

Escrow

In addition to banks and title companies, the state of California licenses independent escrow firms. If you decide to work with one of these escrow companies, be sure they provide a list of charges and fees and define their services clearly. We will gladly recommend reputable escrow companies that we have worked with previously.

Closing Procedures

Many of our clients are accustomed to attending closing proceedings in an attorney’s offices, but in California these meetings occur at the title company’s offices. Typically the seller comes to the closing before the buyer… (please help me fill in the blanks here in keeping with the tone. The idea was to not bore a seasoned buyer, but rather to provide info that is helpful to out-of-towners.)

Now that you have read some about the San Diego County real estate closing process particulars, why not contact Realtors Brenda and Dan Wyatt now so that we can discuss your real estate needs?