California Title, Escrow and Closing Checklist
By JC Pacific Corp Published 2026-09-01 Last professionally reviewed: September 2026
Use this checklist to stay organized from offer through title, escrow and closing. It summarizes the steps described throughout this guide and helps you ask the right questions.
Before You Make an Offer
Understand the process:
- Learn how title insurance works
- Understand the difference between the search, the preliminary report and the final policy
- Ask whether an owner's policy is available and what it covers
- Compare title and escrow providers
- Review the purchase agreement for title and escrow terms
After Offer Acceptance
Confirm the basics:
- Confirm escrow contact information
- Deliver the earnest-money deposit on time
- Receive and review the preliminary title report
- Ask about every exception you do not understand
- Review escrow instructions before signing
- Confirm payoff and closing requirements
Before Signing
Verify the final figures:
- Confirm the vesting shown in the documents
- Review settlement figures for charges and credits
- Confirm who is paying each title and escrow charge
- Verify the property description and names
- Ask about endorsements or coverage questions
Protect the Funds
- Call the verified escrow number
- Confirm wire instructions by telephone
- Do not accept email-only changes
- Confirm receipt of funds
- Report suspected fraud immediately
After Closing
Keep these records:
- Recorded deed
- Final title policy or confirmation
- Settlement statement
- Escrow and title instructions
- HOA and tax records
- Receipts and disclosures
- Policy documents and endorsements
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the preliminary report the final policy?
No. The preliminary report describes proposed coverage. The final policy is the insurance contract issued after closing.
Is escrow the buyer's advocate?
No. Escrow acts as a neutral holder following written instructions and is not the personal legal adviser of either party.
How do I protect my closing funds?
Always verify wire instructions by telephone using a known, independently confirmed number, and never rely on email instructions alone.
The title search, preliminary report, escrow instructions and final policy are separate documents with separate roles. Ask questions during the process, not only at the signing table, and verify every fund transfer by telephone with a known, independently confirmed number.
Wire-fraud warning
Always verify wire instructions by telephone using a known, independently confirmed number. Never rely on email instructions alone. If you suspect fraud, contact your bank, escrow, your agent and law enforcement immediately.
Read our wire-fraud protection guideRelated guides
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The next step is a conversation with a local agent.
JC Pacific Corp is an Irvine-based Southern California brokerage helping buyers navigate offers, escrow, and financing. Tell us what you are looking for and we will point you to current options across the region.
A note on legal advice: These guides provide general, educational information about California real estate practice. They are not legal advice and do not create an attorney-client relationship. Mortgage information is general education, not individualized lending, tax or legal guidance. For advice about your specific offer, contract, closing or financing, consult a qualified California real estate attorney and a qualified mortgage professional.