OPEN ESCROW & CONDUCT INSPECTIONS
After Next Wave Title receives a Contract, they will contact the Buyer to submit their Earnest Money Deposit (EMD). The EMD will be held in escrow until closing. Next Wave Title offers several options for the delivery of the EMD, which includes one for an electronic wire.

Please note: Buyers and sellers should always call to verify any wire instructions with the title agency and/or
closing agent.

During this time, the inspections are being ordered and completed.

START TITLE SEARCH & EXAMINATION
Next Wave Title will search public records, which include deeds, mortgages, liens, wills, divorce settlements, and more.
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After the search is completed, an examination is performed to determine legal ownership, debts owed, and whether there are any liens or encumbrances. Once both steps are completed, a title commitment is issued to all parties for review.

Thinking about paying off your mortgage before closing on your home sale?
It might feel like the responsible thing to do, but it can actually delay or derail your closing. Here's why it's best to wait:

✅ The Title Company Handles It for You
At closing, your mortgage is paid off directly from the sale proceeds. This ensures the exact amount due is paid on the correct date—including interest and fees.
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🚫 Paying It Off Early Can Delay Closing
Even if you send in a payment, the lender might not release the lien right away. That means your title may not be clear when the buyer is ready to close.

Buying or selling a home is already a complex process, but one hidden issue can bring everything to a screeching halt: an open permit. Many homeowners don’t even realize they have one until it’s too late, leading to costly delays, extra paperwork, and even canceled deals.

If you're in real estate—whether as a buyer, seller, or agent—understanding how open permits work and how to resolve them is key to ensuring a smooth closing.
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What Is an Open Permit?
An open permit means that a renovation, repair, or construction project was started but never officially closed with the city or local building department. This could happen for several reasons:
   ✅ The contractor never scheduled a final inspection
   ✅ The city has backlogs or processing delays
When a permit remains open, it signals that the work may not be up to code or unfinished, making it a risk for lenders and buyers.
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Why an Open Permit Can Delay Your Closing
If a title search reveals an open permit, the closing process may be put on hold until the issue is resolved. Here’s why:
   🚧 Lenders Won’t Approve the Mortgage – Banks don’t want to finance a home with unresolved work that could pose safety risks or lead to legal problems.
    🚧  Buyers May Walk Away – Buyers don’t want to inherit someone else’s unfinished project or be responsible for unexpected repairs.
   🚧Closing Costs Could Increase – The longer closing takes, the more expensive it becomes, especially if contract extensions or re-negotiations are needed.