Where escrow companies handle buyer and seller paperwork, most escrows (the period following the initial contract and before the closing or settlement takes place) can be opened or started up by a simple phone call or by having an agent drop off the signed contract itself at their offices. Escrow and title firm selection, as with every other aspect of real estate, is negotiable, but most buyers try to use the same firms for both buyer and seller, just to make it simple. New homebuilders may use the same companies for all their new home subdivisions, taking advantage of reduced fees due to the volume of escrows they handle. These discounted fees are usually attractive to their buyers as well. Ask your real estate agent how real estate purchases are handled in your state in this regard. |
