Buying or selling in Concord and wondering what really happens after your offer is accepted? You are not alone. Escrow can feel mysterious until you know who does what, how money moves, and when you get the keys. In this guide, you will see a clear step-by-step path from acceptance to closing, plus timelines, deposits, costs, and practical tips for Contra Costa County. Let’s dive in.

What escrow is and who is involved

Escrow is a neutral third party that holds money and documents, then follows written instructions from you and the other side to close the sale. It is separate from title insurance, though most local escrow companies coordinate the title search and issue title policies with a title partner.

Here is who plays a role in your Concord transaction:

• Buyer: deposits earnest money, completes inspections, works with the lender, signs closing documents, and brings funds to close.
• Seller: provides disclosures, completes agreed repairs, signs the deed and closing documents, and turns over possession per the contract.
• Escrow officer: opens the file with your signed contract, holds funds, orders a title search, prepares closing statements, coordinates recording, and disburses funds per the instructions.
• Lender: orders the appraisal, reviews your loan conditions, clears you to close, and wires loan funds to escrow.
• Real estate agents: negotiate terms and timelines, help manage disclosures and inspections, and keep everyone on track.
• County recorder: records the deed and any loan documents to officially transfer ownership and secure the lender’s lien.

In Concord and across Contra Costa County, residential sales typically use an escrow and title company model rather than attorney escrow. Inspections, appraisal, and lending run alongside escrow on a parallel track.

Concord escrow timeline at a glance

Most Bay Area escrows are commonly 30 to 45 days from acceptance to close. Cash deals can be faster, and complex loans or title issues can extend the timeline. Your contract sets the exact schedule.

Offer accepted → Open Escrow & Deposit → Disclosures & Inspections → Appraisal & Loan Processing → Contingency Removal → Final Walkthrough & Signing → Funding & Recording → Keys

Day 0: Offer accepted

• Your agent opens escrow with the chosen escrow and title company and sends in the signed contract.
• You receive contact details for the escrow officer and initial instructions.

Days 0–3: Open escrow and deposit

• You send the earnest money deposit by wire or cashier’s check as allowed. Escrow confirms receipt and assigns an escrow number.
• The seller begins providing required California disclosures.

Days 3–10: Inspections and early contingencies

• The inspection period is negotiable. Many local contracts use a 7 to 17 day window. Schedule your general home inspection quickly and add pest or specialty inspections as needed.
• Review seller disclosures and ask questions during your contingency period.

Days 7–21: Appraisal, loan, and title report

• Your lender orders the appraisal, often in the first one to two weeks.
• Escrow and title order the title search and issue the Preliminary Title Report. If any liens or exceptions appear, the parties work to clear them before closing.
• You address lender conditions to move toward clear to close.

Mid-escrow: Resolve contingencies

• You remove contingencies in writing after inspections, appraisal, and loan are satisfied. If the appraisal comes in low or inspections uncover major issues, you may renegotiate or cancel if your contingencies allow.

48–72 hours before close: Final steps

• Complete your final walkthrough, usually 24 to 48 hours before closing.
• Escrow prepares your final settlement figures and closing statements. If you have a loan, your Closing Disclosure must be delivered at least three business days before you sign.
• You sign closing documents. Mobile or remote signing options may be available through the escrow company.
• You wire your funds to close following secure instructions.

Closing day: Funding, recording, keys

• The lender wires loan funds to escrow. Escrow disburses proceeds, then records the deed and loan documents with the Contra Costa County Recorder.
• Once recording is confirmed, you receive keys per the possession terms in your contract.

Money in escrow: deposits and costs

Earnest money deposit

• Purpose: shows good faith and is held in escrow.
• Amount: negotiated. Local practice ranges from modest sums to a percentage of the price. Your contract sets when it is due, often within a few days after acceptance.
• Final treatment: applied to your cash to close or returned if you cancel within valid contingencies.

Buyer closing costs

• Typical items: loan fees, appraisal, credit report, escrow fees, recording fees, prorated property taxes, HOA transfer fees if applicable, and the lender’s title insurance policy.
• Range: commonly 2 to 5 percent of the purchase price. Your loan program and any seller credits can change the final number.

Seller closing costs

• Typical items: agent commissions, owner’s title insurance policy in many California transactions, mortgage payoff, prorated taxes, agreed credits or repairs, and any HOA or payoff fees.
• Transfer taxes: county or city may charge documentary transfer taxes. City of Concord and other municipalities can set their own rules. Check current fees with escrow or the recorder.

Prorations

• Property taxes, HOA dues, and some utilities are prorated so each party pays for their period of ownership. Escrow handles these calculations per the contract.

Contingencies and key documents

Standard contingencies

• Inspection contingency: lets you inspect, request repairs, or cancel within the agreed timeline. Start inspections right away to allow time for follow up.
• Loan contingency: protects you if financing is not approved on time.
• Appraisal contingency: if the appraised value is below the price, you may renegotiate, bring extra cash, or cancel if protected by the contract.
• Title contingency: you can review the Preliminary Title Report and require issues to be cleared before closing.
• HOA review: for condos or townhomes, you review association documents and finances. These can take time to arrive.

Documents escrow manages

• Purchase contract and amendments.
• Preliminary Title Report and, at closing, the final title insurance policies.
• Deed preparation for recording.
• Seller’s payoff statements and lien releases.
• Disclosures required by California, including Transfer Disclosure Statement and Natural Hazard Disclosure.
• Closing Disclosure for financed buyers, which must be delivered at least three business days before signing.

Title and recording in Contra Costa

Escrow works with the title company to run a title search and clear issues like old liens, vesting errors, or easements that need clarification. On closing day, escrow sends the deed and loan documents to the Contra Costa County Recorder for official recording. Once recorded, ownership transfers and funds are disbursed per the written instructions.

Protect your funds: wiring safety

Wire fraud targeting home closings is a real risk. Use these steps to stay safe:

• Call your escrow officer using a phone number you already have to confirm wiring instructions. Do not rely only on email.
• Verify account details in at least two ways before you send funds.
• Never act on last-minute changes sent by email without a live call to your known contacts.
• If something feels off, pause and contact your agent and escrow officer immediately.

Practical checklists

Buyer checklist

• Schedule home, pest, and any specialty inspections as soon as escrow opens.
• Send your earnest money deposit using verified wire instructions or a cashier’s check.
• Work your lender’s to-do list quickly. Provide updated documents on request.
• Review the Preliminary Title Report and HOA documents if applicable. Ask questions early.
• Request a draft settlement statement from escrow so you can plan your final wire.
• Bring valid ID to signing and confirm your closing appointment and funds delivery timeline.

Seller checklist

• Complete required disclosures and gather permits, receipts, and manuals for systems or recent work.
• If repairs are agreed, schedule vendors and keep receipts organized for buyer review.
• Provide mortgage payoff information and any HOA contact details to escrow.
• Confirm possession timing and plan your move. Have keys, remotes, and codes ready for delivery at closing.
• Review the settlement statement and confirm how you will receive proceeds.

How we help you close smoothly

You deserve a calm, clear path to closing. We guide you through every step, coordinate with escrow, and keep the timeline on track. Our construction background helps you prioritize inspection findings and choose the most practical fixes or credits. Our local vendor network can step in fast for bids, repairs, and pre-close touch ups.

If you want a team that blends neighborhood knowledge with hands-on technical advice, reach out to the Chatterton Homes Group. We are here to help you move from offer to keys with confidence.

FAQs

How long does escrow take in Concord?

• Most escrows close in 30 to 45 days, though cash or simple deals can be faster and complex loans or title issues can extend the timeline.

When is my earnest money due after acceptance?

• Your contract sets the due date, often within a few days of acceptance. Escrow will confirm when funds are received.

What happens if the appraisal is low?

• You can renegotiate price, bring additional cash, or cancel if your appraisal or loan contingency protects you.

What if I miss a contingency deadline?

• Missing a removal deadline can waive that protection under the contract or give the other party recourse. Put any extensions or changes in writing.

Who pays for title insurance in Contra Costa?

• In many California transactions the seller pays the owner’s policy and the buyer pays the lender’s policy. This is negotiable and can vary by company and contract.

When do I get the keys to my new home?

• Keys are delivered per your contract, commonly after funding and recording are confirmed by escrow.

Can I sign closing documents remotely?

• Many local escrows offer mobile or remote signing options. Ask your escrow officer about what is available for your transaction.

How much are buyer closing costs in Concord?

• Buyer closing costs commonly range from 2 to 5 percent of the purchase price, depending on your loan program and any negotiated credits.