Broker: This is the person who represents the buyer/seller during a real property transaction. When buying or selling real estate in California through a broker, you are protected by dealing with a party who is operating under state license.

Escrow: This means to deposit money and documents with an escrow agent, usually in the form of a corporation, to be used as specifically described in the written instructions of the parties.

Escrow Officer:  This person writes the written instructions of the parties for the escrow agent. These instructions govern the use of money and documents given by the parties involved.

Preliminary Report: This report shows preliminary ownership and encumbrance information.  It is given to the escrow officer after the escrow is opened.

Taxes: The prorating of county, city, and irrigation district taxes and the calculation of bonds and special assessments requires skillful handling.

Insurance:  At the time of closing, all premiums must be adjusted and all policies transferred. All changes must be made and the insurance companies must be notified.

Prorate: The division of proportionate shares of rent, insurance, taxes, etc. between the parties involved. This is usually calculated by an escrow officer.

Revenue Stamps: These are put on deeds to show that taxes have been paid at a transfer rate of .11% based on the sale price. The escrow officer uses these when appropriate.

Deed: This is a document that is used to transfer the ownership of land from one person to another.  The form of the deed may vary.

Title: The right by which the owner of the land has possession of the property. Publicly recording a deed is a common way to establish a title.

Title Insurance: A policy which protects your rights as owner of a property, and will reimburse for any problems with the title to the property. Your real estate professional can provide free information about title insurance.