What are typical escrow fees in California and who pays them? 805escrow’s Trusted Advice

Typical escrow fees in California range by transaction size and complexity, and buyer and seller often split them by local custom or contract terms; however, your purchase agreement ultimately decides.

If you are planning a home purchase or sale in Southern California, you will quickly hear about escrow fees and title insurance. Because these terms show up across your estimate and closing package, you need a guide that explains what you pay, why you pay it, and how to budget for it. In this expert guide from 805escrow, you will learn how California escrow fees are calculated, who typically covers which items, and how to keep your transaction on track.

Quick answers before you get quotes

• Escrow is a neutral process that coordinates documents and funds; the escrow fee compensates the licensed holder for that work.
• Title insurance protects against covered title defects; premiums are usually a one‑time cost at closing and rates are filed and regulated in California.
• The purchase contract controls; because of this, buyer and seller can agree to allocate fees differently than local custom.
• Fees vary by price, loan type, property type, and complexity (trust sales, condos, new construction, 1031 exchange, or solar/UCC).

What are escrow fees in California?

Escrow fees cover the work of opening, managing, and closing the file. For example, your escrow officer verifies identity, coordinates wire instructions, orders payoffs and HOA statements, collects disclosures, balances figures with the lender, and disburses funds. As a result, the escrow fee typically scales with the purchase price and the amount of coordination required. Although fee schedules differ by Escrow Company and region, many files include a core escrow fee plus document prep, courier, notary, loan tie‑in, HOA processing, and recording coordination charges.

Typical fee ranges you may see

Because pricing varies by provider and file complexity, the figures below are purely illustrative. Always request a written quote.

Item	Typical Range (CA)	Who Commonly Pays
Core Escrow Fee	$900–$2,200+	Split or negotiated
Loan Tie‑In / Additional Loan	$200–$500 per loan	Buyer
Doc Prep / Drawing	$100–$350	Buyer or Seller
Notary / Mobile Notary	$15–$200+	Each party for their signatures
HOA Docs / Transfer	$100–$500+	Seller (docs) / Buyer (transfer) by custom
Courier / Payoff / Wire	$25–$75 each	Buyer and Seller
Recording Service	$50–$150	Buyer (purchase) / Seller (payoff)
Title Insurance Premiums	Filed rates, one‑time	Buyer (lender policy), Buyer or Seller (owner policy)

Who pays what in California escrow?

Allocation is a matter of contract, although local custom often influences expectations. In many Southern California purchases, buyers pay lender‑related costs and loan tie‑ins, while sellers cover owner’s title insurance and HOA document fees. However, negotiations can shift these allocations. Because every file is unique, you should review the purchase agreement and your preliminary settlement statement early.

Examples by local custom (Ventura, Santa Barbara, Thousand Oaks, Oxnard)

For example, a Ventura purchase may show the buyer paying lender policy and recording of the deed of trust, while the seller pays the owner’s policy and city transfer tax if applicable. Similarly, a Santa Barbara or Thousand Oaks transaction might split the core escrow fee, with each party paying for their own notary. Because customs evolve, you should rely on your written contract.

How Escrow Company fee schedules usually work

Escrow Company fee schedules often include a base amount plus increments by purchase price tier. In addition, some schedules add line items for refinance, trust or probate sales, or extra work such as clearing liens and coordinating solar payoffs. Because of this, the most accurate way to budget is to request scenario‑specific quotes from your escrow officer.

Title insurance, lender requirements, and related charges

In California, title insurance rates are filed and regulated. You will typically see an owner’s policy and a lender’s policy when financing is involved. Because lenders require proof of clear title, the lender’s policy is commonly a buyer expense, while the owner’s policy may be a seller expense by local custom. In addition, endorsements requested by the lender can add cost. Since every scenario is different, ask your escrow officer to coordinate a title quote alongside the escrow estimate.

Extra costs that can surprise buyers and sellers

• HOA document packs, master association documents, and rush fees
• Solar leases and UCC‑1 terminations that require payoff coordination
• Private lender reconveyances or hard‑money payoff statements
• Mobile notary after hours or multiple signing appointments
• Courier fees for original documents when required by a lender

Trusted advice from 805escrow: how to control your costs

Because clarity reduces surprises, request a written escrow and title quote during offer or before contingency removal. As a result, you can compare options and negotiate allocation in the contract. In addition, provide HOA and payoff details early, approve wire instructions in person or by a verified phone call, and schedule signings during business hours when possible. Finally, keep your lender’s document list current to avoid redraws or rush services.

Compliance matters: RESPA, Fair Housing, and California regulations

Escrow and title transactions must follow federal and state rules. Therefore, all fee disclosures should be transparent and consistent with your Loan Estimate and Closing Disclosure. Because RESPA prohibits kickbacks and referral fees, you should expect neutral, service‑based pricing. Additionally, California regulates title insurance and licensing. If you have questions about rates or coverage, review official resources or speak with licensed professionals.

Choosing the right Escrow Company for your Southern California closing

You deserve a calm, organized closing. With 805escrow, you get proactive communication, verified wire procedures, and local expertise across Southern California. In addition, our team collaborates with your agent and lender, so your documents and funds move on time.

For authoritative guidance, visit the California Department of Insurance: California Department of Insurance

Ready for a tailored estimate or to open escrow? Visit 805escrow Services to connect with an escrow officer.

Professional disclaimer

This article is for general educational purposes only. It is not legal, tax, accounting, or financial advice. Because every transaction is unique, you should consult your licensed real estate professionals, attorney, and tax advisor.

Get your personalized estimate from 805escrow

You can move forward with confidence. Request a written quote, review allocation with your agent, and ask your escrow officer to coordinate title insurance and lender requirements. Because preparation shortens timelines, your closing will feel smoother from offer to recording.

Start here: Contact 805escrow for a fast, confidential estimate.