How does escrow work when buying a home in California?

Escrow is the period between your accepted offer and the day you own the home, typically 30 to 45 days for a financed purchase in California. A neutral, state-licensed escrow company runs it: the buyer wires the earnest money deposit, usually 1 to 3 percent of the price, and the escrow officer holds the funds and documents while both sides fulfill the contract. Cash purchases can close in as little as 7 to 14 days, while FHA or VA loans often run 45 to 60 days because the lender has extra requirements. The main steps are opening escrow, ordering the preliminary title report and title insurance, completing home inspections, usually within the standard 17-day inspection window in the C.A.R. contract, reviewing the seller's mandatory disclosures, finishing the appraisal and loan underwriting, reviewing the Closing Disclosure at least three business days before signing, then signing the documents and recording the Grant Deed with the county, which officially transfers ownership. Your agent and escrow officer coordinate every step, and Julian Cesar walks buyers through each deadline so nothing slips. Missed inspection or loan contingency deadlines are the most common reason escrows get delayed, so the calendar matters as much as the paperwork.