Page 15 - Homeowners Manual - Santa Cruz County

At Escrow Signing

• All individuals named on the Deed of Trust must be present at the signing. If this causes a conflict, please let
your Escrow Officer know as soon as possible.
• All buyers must present valid identification in the form of a CURRENT driver’s license, passport, Department
of Motor Vehicles identification card, or other approved identification card that provides a photograph,
description of the person, signature and an identifying number.

When do I get the keys?

After you sign all of the documents, the Escrow Officer will prepare them to record at the County Recorder’s
Office. If there is a lender involved, the Escrow Officer will work with the lender to fund the loan. When the funds
are in escrow, the Escrow Officer will send the deed(s) to the County Recorder to be officially recorded. Once
the deed has been recorded, the transfer of title has occurred and you now own the home.

Keys will be handed over by the sellers or the seller’s agent to you or your agent and the recorded deed will be
mailed to you from the County Recorder’s Office usually within two to three weeks.

Side Note:

If uncertain who to turn to for answers, below are the best sources for most common questions.
• Details of your purchase agreement: Your Real Estate Agent
• Final amount needed to close escrow: Your Escrow Officer
• Possession of keys to home: Your Real Estate Agent
• Loan requirements and financial matters: Your Lender or Mortgage Company
• Hazard insurance/agent questions regarding escrow instructions: Your Escrow Officer
• How to take title or ownership: Attorney or Legal Advisor

10