Escrow is a process that provides for a fair and equitable transfer of property from one entity to another. Your escrow officer (also known as limited practice officer or “LPO” in the state of Washington) opens escrow by assigning your escrow an account number and collecting the contract (usually purchase and sale agreement) and any other instructions, the buyer’s deposit and perhaps additional proceeds or documents related to the transaction.
The escrow officer will prepare documents and figures for closing based on the mutually agreed upon terms within the purchase and sale agreement. Buyer and seller will then have paperwork to sign a few days before closing, including the deed, any final escrow instructions, the settlement sheet of disbursements, lender forms, and often other disclosures or instructions. Escrow closes and the deal is sealed when the new deed is recorded with the Whatcom County Auditor in the buyer’s name, the seller gets paid for the home, and all other monies are disbursed.
If you’d like to request escrow services, please refer to our staff directory to find a specific agent, use the order title/escrow services form on our website to request our services, or contact us directly.