Is an escrow company absolutely necessary?
YES, even if you are selling your home to your brother, the transaction must go through escrow. We need to verify that you have the right to sell this home and that there are no other parties who can claim an interest in this home. The escrow company also prepares the legal forms to properly transfer the property.

Can I write a personal check at the signing for funds to close?
NO, we must have either a cashier's check or the money must be wired into our Trust account. State law requires us to have certified funds.

Can I get the keys when I sign closing papers?
No, in most cases, the closing will actually occur a few days after you sign your paperwork at the escrow company. Once the closing occurs, (depending upon the wording of your Purchase Agreement), you will have access to the keys. Your agent, if applicable, may request that they deliver the keys to you or to your agent.

Whom should we call if we have questions?
Evergreen Escrow Services will help or direct you with any questions. We understand you will have questions and we are dedicated to helping you in any way we can. How ever your Realtor will be able to answer questions about your Purchase & Sale Agreement best. Your Loan Officer will be able answer all questions about your loan status, the conditions of your loan, and the loan process.

When do we sign the closing documents?
Closing documents are typically signed at least two days before the Closing Date. Remember, the Closing Date is different from the Signing Date. The Closing Date is negotiated between the Buyer and Seller on your Purchase and Sale Agreement. However, several things could delay that date, including the Lender not approving the loan, not making the commitment, or not preparing the documents for escrow in time for us to perform our duties. Its best to stay in close contact with your Loan Officer throughout the loan process to ensure your file is proceeding according to schedule.

Can we sign after normal business hours?
Yes, we try to make special arrangements to accommodate difficult schedules. However, we strongly encourage you to make arrangements to sign at our office during regular business hours. Questions or changes often arise during signing that require immediate access to our network. Signing in our office affords us the flexibility to effect any changes necessary to make sure Closing happens on time. There maybe an additional charge for this kind of service. Please contact your closer if you have questions about this service.

Should I tell someone if we're going to be out of town at all?
YES! Please notify Evergreen Escrow Services of any travel plans. Closing can still take place on time even if you travel frequently. This may require the preparation of additional documents that will need to be signed before you leave town, or, if absolutely necessary, we may need to send documents to you while you are away.

When does the Seller get the proceeds from the sale?
Proceeds are usually available the afternoon of closing/recording or the next day. You can pick up your check in person, we can mail it to you, overnight it, or we can make the deposit into your bank via bank wire. ( note that your bank may charge you an incoming wire fee)

Is there anything we should bring to the Signing?
Since we will be notarizing your documents, you will need to provide valid picture identification. Your driver's license is best. This applies to both the Buyer and the Seller.

In addition if the Seller is going to have their funds wired to a bank detailed wiring instructions or a deposit slip are also needed. A contact number for you bank is also very helpful.

After we sell this house, we're going to use the proceeds to purchase another. Is there anything we can do to make the next purchase go smoothly?
The smoothest possible scenario is to have Evergreen Escrow Services perform the closing for both transactions. Should this be the case, we can immediately credit your sale proceeds toward your new purchase. In the event that you are using another escrow company please provide a contact name and number for the other company.

Who handles the transfer of utilities?
The Sellers are responsible for making sure we have the account numbers from all lien-able utilities, such as water, sewer, etc. Under Washington State law, these utilities may be paid out of the Seller's proceeds if we are so instructed by the Buyer and Seller. The Buyers are responsible for calling and opening their own utility accounts.

What happens to any other leased equipment already in use on the property...like water heaters, security systems, and others?
The parties will state how this is to be handled in the Purchase & Sale Agreement. Leased equipment is normally paid off at closing, and will be charged to either Buyers or Sellers, depending on their agreement. Please make sure Evergreen Escrow Services has all the contact information for each company handling the lease.

Will Evergreen Escrow Services notify me when the property closes?
Yes, we call the Buyers, Sellers, and their Agents and loan officer as soon as we receive the ok from the Lender to record and the Title company notifies us with recording numbers.

Who pays the escrow fee?
It is customary, and most Purchase and Sale Agreements state that the escrow fee is to be paid in equal parts between the Buyer and Seller, with the exception of a VA transaction (in which the Seller pays the entire fee). The fee is paid at closing.

Why is Title insurance required?
Title insurance insures that the Sellers hold clear title to the property being sold. Lenders insist that Buyers carry Title insurance as protection from unforseen claims against the Lender's security interest.