Deeds, Title, and Escrow

What is the difference between a deed and title? Who pays for title insurance and how much does it cost? What is escrow and who pays for it? Where does my earnest money go and how much is it?

There are many aspects of a real estate transaction most home buyers and sellers don't deal with on a regular basis and at first will be unfamiliar to them.

To help with this process, Kami Price, our experienced buyers agent goes over the process with each new client (adjusting to their experience level) before they make their first offer, and Stephen FitzMaurice, top 1% sellers agent, also makes sure to present the seller's closing costs before listing a home on the market and provides a closing estimate prior to the sale completion.

If you’re considering buying a home in the next twelve months, Kami Price, buyers specialist would love to hear what you’re looking for. Call today to set an appointment.

Kami Price, Realtor
Represented Hundreds of Buyers
Licensed since 2004
503-773-0000

What is Escrow – And How Much Does it Cost?

The home-buying process can feel like a wild ride. And most of that ride can be pretty fun – you’re looking at houses online, touring them in person, and imagining yourself in your new home. What’s not as fun, though? The closing process, with its twists and turns and complicated terms. Closing on a home, […]

Real Estate Deed Vs. Title, What is the Difference?

In the world of buying and selling real estate, ownership transfer is at the center of it all. All the time-sensitive rules and regulations, along with the terms and jargon can be too much for homeowners and potential buyers to sort out. Two such terms are “deed” and “title,” and we’re often asked to explain […]

What is Escrow – And How Much Does it Cost in 2021?

The home buying process can feel like a wild ride. And most of that ride can be pretty fun – you’re looking at houses online, touring them in person, and imagining yourself in your new home. What’s not as fun, though? The closing process, with its twists and turns and complicated terms. Closing on a […]

Portland Real Estate Deeds and Titles FAQ: 2021

Transferring ownership is at the core of real estate transactions, yet few buyers and sellers truly understand the legal process behind deeds and titles. In this article, we answer some of the most common questions we hear from our real estate clients on this topic. What’s the difference between the deed and the title? The […]

19% of Home Sales are Delayed in Escrow

Delayed in escrow? You’re not alone. According to the National Association of Realtors’ most recent Confidence Index Survey, only 77% of homes close escrow on time. Another 19% are delayed but close eventually. In 4% of home sales, the contract is terminated and the home does not close.  Escrow begins at the moment the seller […]

What is Real Estate Escrow and How Much is It?

Going through the escrow process can be a bit like an obstacle course: You pay to get in, and then there are a lot of hoops to jump through before you end up closing on your home! A good real estate agent can help you avoid the pitfalls. In this article we’ll attempt to give […]

Escrow and Earnest Money FAQ – Fact or Fiction

Updated 02/27/2023. “Escrow” is a multifaceted and hard-working term in the realm of real estate. It’s a process (or is it a period of time? We’ll answer that question in a minute.) that holds a number of pitfalls for first-time home buyers and sellers. But on the other hand, even experienced real estate agents and […]

Only 74% of Homes Close Escrow on Time.

When real estate is bought and sold, in Portland or anywhere else, it doesn’t happen instantly. There’s a period of time known as the “closing”, and there are a number of things that need to happen in this 30-45 day (average) window.  According to a recent survey by the National Association of Realtors, 74% of […]

Escrow Earnest Money Fact or Fiction – 2019 Update

True or false: The average length of time a home spends in escrow has gone down over the last ten years, thanks to technological improvements. False! Escrow is a very important period of time in the home sale transaction, one that real estate agents don’t expect to see shrinking anytime soon. Yes, electronic signatures are […]

Real Estate FAQ: Earnest Money, Escrow, and more

Buying or selling a home is different than a car or your old baseball card collection. After an offer is accepted, the home goes into escrow to protect the interests of both the buyer and the seller, as well as the earnest money put down by the buyer. Here are the most common questions a […]

Portland Real Estate Deeds and Titles – FAQ

If you’re a home buyer or seller in the Portland real estate market, you know that every home has a title and a deed. But why do we have both, and why do we need title companies and title insurance? The answers are important, so read on. What’s the difference between a deed and a […]

Three Tips for Navigating the Escrow Process

Congratulations! You found the home you want to buy, or you found a buyer for the home you’re selling, the offer was accepted, and now the home is in escrow. Escrow is a period of time set by your lender so that certain conditions can be met for the home to close. The seller must […]

Earnest Money and Escrow: 10 Essential Facts

True or false? The earnest money and escrow process is easy to understand and makes total sense. False! If this topic has always given you a case of the yawns or left you scratching your head in bewilderment, you’re not alone. Even real estate experts at the Oregon Association of Realtors admit that the concept […]

Let's Connect
Contact us.

What My Clients Are Saying

When my wife and I decided to sell our home we started to search for agents who work for less than the 6% standard commission. Slightly skeptical, I decided to call Stephen for a consultation. Stephen came very prepared with comp sales, marketing techniques, and several other items pertaining to the sale I never would have considered. We sold in six days.

Denny