LOAN FAQs
When do I sign loan documents?
Generally, your escrow instructions will be mailed to you for completion and signature. Your escrow officer or real estate agent will contact you to make an appointment for you to sign your final loan papers. At this time, the escrow holder will also tell you the amount of money you will need (in addition to your loan funds) to purchase your new home. The lender will send your loan funds directly to the title company.
What do I bring to my loan document signing appointments?
Obtain a cashier’s check made payable to your escrow company or title company in the amount indicated to you by the escrow officer. You may also wire funds. A personal check will delay closing because the check must clear before funds are disbursed.
Please bring one of the following with you to your signing:
- Valid state ID card
- Diver’s license
- Passport
(These items are needed by a Notary Public to verify your identity. It is a routine but necessary step for your protection. Make sure you are aware of your lender’s requirements and that you have satisfied those requirements before you come to the escrow company to sign your papers. Your loan officer or real estate agent can assist you.
What’s the next step after I’ve signed the loan documents?
After you have signed all the necessary instructions and documents, the escrow holder will return them to the lender for final review. This review usually occurs within a few days. After the review is completed, the lender is ready to fund your loan and informs the escrow holder.
When will I receive the deed?
The original deed to your home will be mailed directly to you at your new home by the County Recorder’s office. This service takes several weeks (sometimes longer, depending on the County Recorder’s work volume).
What is a “Payoff”?
A loan payoff is an extremely important service provided by title companies to facilitate the handling of money in the closing of a real estate transaction. It is the receipt of funds from the buyer and the payment of the obligations of the seller (if any) in conjunction with a real estate transaction. The payoff function is performed by Fidelity National Title as part of the escrow process.
Commonly Used Payoff Terms:
Prefigures: Estimated payoff figures are calculated and given before closing upon request. These figures are only valid through the date given and are based on the information provided at the time.
Good Funds: Fidelity National Title must receive “good funds” before disbursing on a payoff. Types of good funds include:
a) funds wired into Fidelity National Title;
b) a cashier’s, teller’s, or certified check (provide next day availability after deposit to comply with AB51 2);
c) other local checks (provide availability of funds two days after deposit), and
d) out-of-area checks (provide availability of funds five days after deposit).
Demands: Demands must include specific payoff information concerning the particular property and must be signed. It is the responsibility of the Escrow Officer to order and provide all necessary demands, including any updates or changes, on a timely basis.
Taxes: Outstanding property taxes can be paid out of the payoff proceeds.
Refunds: Any overpayment of demands will be refunded to the escrow upon receipt from the lender. Refunds typically take two to six weeks to process.
Shortages: Your Escrow Officer will contact you if there is a shortage of the necessary funds to cover the outstanding obligations. The shortages must be received before payoff.
Disbursement Checks: Checks are delivered locally to lending institutions by a contracted messenger service. Checks to individuals and to out-of-area lenders are typically sent via an overnight delivery company.
Wire Transfers: Funds can be wired into and out of Fidelity National Title offices with our bank.
Out of County Transactions: Fidelity National Title offices can receive and disburse payoff funds through any of our offices.
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