The Escrow Process: What Happens After “Yes”
Josie Dvorken, DRE #02085290 – Equity Union Real Estate
You’ve found the home you love, your offer has been accepted, and now the real work quietly begins behind the scenes — welcome to escrow.
Escrow is the system that keeps a real estate transaction organized, transparent, and protected for everyone involved. It’s managed by a trusted, impartial third party who holds funds and important documents until every condition of the purchase agreement has been met.
Think of escrow as your transaction’s calm center — the place where all the moving parts come together so the property can transfer safely and smoothly.
What Escrow Does
Once your offer is accepted, the escrow holder (often a specialized company or attorney) begins preparing the documents and instructions that outline exactly how funds and title will be handled.
Escrow Officer will:
Review the preliminary title report to confirm ownership and check for liens.
Request payoff demands from any existing lenders.
Gather HOA details, termite reports, and proof of homeowner’s insurance.
Communicate with your lender to track loan approval and conditions.
Ensure every signature, form, and notarization meets California’s strict recording standards.
How the Steps Unfold
Here’s what happens behind the scenes, in simple terms:
Escrow opens once your purchase agreement is signed and the initial deposit is made.
Instructions and documents are prepared for both buyer and seller.
The escrow holder coordinates with your lender to receive loan approval and order loan documents.
You’ll sign final paperwork, wire remaining funds, and confirm insurance coverage.
Escrow and the title company verify that all requirements are satisfied — inspections, clear title, lender terms, and legal signatures.
When everything checks out, the lender releases funds, the deed is recorded, and ownership officially transfers.
At this point, escrow closes — and the home is yours.
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The Earnest Money Deposit
Early in escrow, you’ll submit an earnest money deposit, typically around 3% of the purchase price.
This demonstrates good faith to the seller and signals that you’re serious about completing the purchase. The funds remain safely held in escrow until closing, when they’re applied toward your down payment.
Navigating It Together
The escrow process is detailed but not difficult — especially when you have guidance. I’ll help you interpret every update, explain next steps in plain language, and ensure that you always know what’s happening and why.
From start to close, my goal is to keep this stage calm, transparent, and efficient, so you can focus on what really matters — preparing for your move and imagining life in your new desert home.
Josie Dvorken explains the escrow process — from accepted offer to recorded deed — in this step-by-step guide for Coachella Valley home buyers.
Josie Dvorken is a marketing consultant, creative director, and licensed real estate professional serving the Coachella Valley. With a background in photography and design, she brings an innovative, story-driven approach to real estate marketing. As a Marketing Consultant for The Leiterman Group at Equity Union, she helps shape the team’s brand and community presence. Josie also founded Desert Nesting, a lifestyle magazine that celebrates the people, homes, and neighborhoods that make desert living so distinctive.
Josie Dvorken | DRE#02085290 | Equity Union Real Estate
44-495 Town Center Way, Suite B, Palm Desert, CA 92260
