When I explain the escrow process to buyer clients, I usually use the analogy of landing a plane…several things have to happen simultaneously, or in sequence.  I tell them that there could be some turbulence along the way.  Usually we get all get a nervous chuckle out of knowing that the worst case is the plane crash (i.e. the deal falls apart).

I prepare each buyer that the transaction is never a done deal until keys are exchanged.

Any number of challenges or hiccups can occur along the way.  These are the high level issues – if I broke it down, there would be over 100 potential issues that can arise during escrow.

1.   Preliminary Title Report, Inspections, or other disclosures may uncover something unexpected
2.   Lender conditions, requirements
3.   Timing issues related to moving money, scheduling, and time difference of the parties
4.   The style and expectations of the other agent or agents
5.   The style and expectations of the other principal or principals
6.   Misrepresentation on the part of any involved party
7.   Government (city, county, state) point-of-sale requirement glitches
8.   Organization – Realtors or Escrow loses or sends out incorrect documents
9.   Appraiser and/or appraiser issues – comparables, schedule, lack of local market understanding
10.   Communication issues – preference for how & when documents are sent/received

Each team member needs to do their job in a timely manner (Sellers and Buyers, each Realtor, Escrow team members, Lender team members) – there are usually a minimum of 10 people working on an escrow file – there could be more, or less.

So yes, it’s cause for celebration when escrow successfully closes, to the satisfaction of both buyer and seller!

Notice the blue striped shirt!  Summer 2009 at a family pool party.

We took this picture because we were to tickled with our matching shirts.  We are in front of my my Aunt’s home in Marin County around 1990.

My Mom at 4 1/2 months and her Mom, my Grandmother in 1923.

To plant a virtual flower in honor of a mother, check out EngenderHealth.

“Growing older and having youth follow makes life sweet.” – by Juliana

Main Street in Half Moon Bay continually reinvents itself, always with an eye towards the creative and inspirational – a natural outcome for the rolling hills backdrop and beachfront community.   The hyperlink above also provides links to some of the business and specials they are offering for this weekend’s event. 

And while you’re on Main Street in Half Moon Bay…

stop in for a to-die-for Latte at MCoffee.

treat yourself to a frozen yogurt at Nano’s Yogurt shop.

pick up a fabulous pastry at Moonside Bakery to take home.

share a glass of wine next to the fireplace at It’s Italia’s hidden patio.

daydream over Mother’s Day, Wedding, or Graduation gift ideas at the spectacular Main Street Goldworks.

Enjoy galleries at the other end of Main Street – Coastside Art Gallery, Coastal Arts League Museum, Gallery M, Light & Art.

The Coast is made up of small cottages and a few A-frames, some charming mid-century designs, 20th century ranchers, two or three-story eclectic or Mediterranean styles, and spectacular one-of-a-kind/custom ocean view homes – with varying prices.

Half Moon Bay Community page.

El Granada Community page.