Escrow Fees and Closing Timelines in Orange County Real Estate
When you’re buying or selling a home in Orange County, escrow plays a key role in getting your deal across the finish line. But how much does escrow actually cost, and how long does it take to close?
This post breaks down the basics of escrow fees and timelines so you know what to expect.
What Are Escrow Fees?
Escrow fees are the charges for the services provided by your escrow company. In most cases, they cover:
- Holding the buyer’s deposit
- Managing all paperwork
- Communicating with the buyer, seller, agent, lender, and title company
- Coordinating signatures and document delivery
- Handling final funds and disbursements
Escrow is a neutral third party that protects everyone involved — and helps keep the transaction clean and compliant.
How Much Do Escrow Fees Cost in Orange County?
Escrow fees in Orange County are often calculated as a base fee plus a small percentage of the sale price. While every company has its own pricing structure, here’s a general idea:
- Base fee: Around $250–$500
- Plus: $2.50–$3.00 per $1,000 of the sale price
For example, a $900,000 home might have an escrow fee in the range of $2,250–$2,700, unless negotiated otherwise.
At Next Door Escrow, we keep our pricing transparent and competitive — and we never tack on surprise charges.
Who Pays the Escrow Fees?
In most Orange County real estate transactions, the escrow fee is split 50/50 between the buyer and seller. But like anything else in real estate, this is negotiable and can vary by contract.
How Long Does Escrow Take in Orange County?
A typical escrow timeline in California is 30 days, but it depends on a few key factors:
- Loan type: Cash deals can close in 10–15 days. Loans with underwriting take longer.
- Contingencies: Inspection, appraisal, and loan contingencies can slow things down.
- Speed of communication: When everyone is responsive, things move faster.
- Property type: Condos or homes in HOAs sometimes require extra docs and approval.
At Next Door Escrow, we’ve seen everything from 10-day closes to 45-day transactions — and we’re built to adapt either way.
How to Avoid Delays
Want to speed up the process? Here are a few tips:
- Submit documents to escrow quickly
- Stay in close contact with your lender
- Make sure all terms and credits are in writing
- Use a local Orange County escrow company that communicates clearly and often
Local Expertise Saves Time and Money
Every county has its own quirks. Orange County escrow closings involve specific local forms, tax guidelines, and HOA processes that out-of-area teams may not understand. That’s why working with a local escrow service matters.
When you’re working with a company that knows the Orange County real estate market inside and out, you reduce errors, avoid bottlenecks, and get to the finish line faster.
📩 Ready to open escrow or want a custom fee quote? Email us at adam@nextdoorescrow.com