What to Ask Your Title and Escrow Officer Before Closing?

Most Spokane homebuyers meet their escrow officer once and never ask a single question. That is a mistake. Your escrow officer is the neutral third party who holds your funds, manages all closing documents, and ensures the deed records correctly with Spokane County. Knowing what to ask before closing day protects your money and prevents last-minute surprises at the table.

What a Title and Escrow Officer Does in Spokane, WA

In Washington state, escrow officers and title companies play separate but connected roles in every real estate closing.

• The title company searches Spokane County Auditor records at 1116 W Broadway Ave for liens, easements, ownership history, and any issues that could affect the transfer of clear title
• The escrow officer holds funds, manages closing documents, coordinates payoffs, and follows the purchase contract until every condition is met
• In Spokane, both functions are often handled by the same company such as Spokane County Title or similar licensed providers
• The escrow period in Washington state typically runs 30 to 45 days for financed purchases and 7 to 14 days for cash purchases

10 Questions Every Spokane Buyer and Seller Should Ask Before Closing

For Spokane Buyers:

1. What is my exact cash to close amount and when does it need to arrive? Confirm the wire amount and the deadline directly with your escrow officer by phone using a number you independently verified. Never wire funds based on email instructions alone.
2. How will you send me wire instructions and how will I verify them? Legitimate Spokane escrow companies will establish a verification process at the start of the transaction. Wire fraud targets buyers at closing.
3. What does the title commitment show and are there any exceptions I should know about? Review title exceptions early. Easements, liens, and encumbrances found in Spokane County records must be resolved before closing.
4. What documents do I need to bring to the signing appointment? A government-issued photo ID is required at every Spokane closing. Ask if anything else is needed in advance.
5. When will the deed record with Spokane County and when do I get my keys? Recording typically happens the same day as closing. Keys transfer after the Spokane County Auditor confirms recording.
6. What happens if there is a delay on closing day? Ask what triggers a delay and what your options are if the lender funding does not arrive before the county recording deadline.

For Spokane Sellers:

7. What is the Real Estate Excise Tax amount I owe at closing? In Washington state, sellers are generally responsible for REET. The graduated rate starts at 1.1 percent on sales under $525,000. Spokane County adds a local 0.5 percent surcharge.
8. How are my property taxes prorated and what will I owe or receive? Escrow prorates Spokane County property taxes based on the closing date. Ask for the exact proration amount before signing.
9. When will my mortgage payoff be sent to my lender? Escrow handles the payoff of any existing mortgage at closing. Confirm the payoff amount and the timeline for disbursement.
10. When will I receive my net proceeds? In Washington state, sellers typically receive net proceeds by wire the same day as recording or the following business day depending on timing.

A Real Spokane Example

A buyer purchasing a home near South Hill's Manito Park for $425,000 with conventional financing receives their Closing Disclosure 3 business days before closing. The cash to close is listed as $94,200. The buyer calls their escrow officer at Spokane County Title directly to confirm the wire amount and account details before sending any funds. The call takes 5 minutes and eliminates all risk of wire fraud at closing.

🌟 How Emiley and Zech Prepare Every Spokane Client Before Closing

• They walk every buyer and seller through the closing process before the escrow period even opens
• They coordinate directly with the Spokane escrow officer so nothing arrives as a surprise at the signing table
• They review the Closing Disclosure with every buyer before closing day and flag any discrepancies
• They remind every Spokane buyer to verify wire instructions by phone before sending any funds
• The first conversation with Emiley and Zech is always free

Reach out to Emiley and Zech at Rios and Co Real Estate before you open escrow in Spokane.

Rios and Co Real Estate  ·  eXp Realty  ·  Spokane, WA