Homeseller Can Sign Warranty Deed on Closing Day

  Question:  We are scheduled to close the sale of our Scottsdale home in three weeks.  The escrow company handling the transaction has sent us various documents for signing, including a warranty deed to the buyers.  We are concerned about signing a warranty deed to our home three weeks before closing, but the escrow company says that this warranty deed will not be recorded until closing and, if the sale does not close, this warranty deed will not be recorded until closing and, if the sale does not close, this warranty deed will be destroyed.  Should we sign this warranty deed now?

  Answer:  To have a timely close for a transaction, much of the paperwork from both the seller and the buyer is typically signed and delivered to the escrow company before the actual day of closing.  No longer do the seller and buyer meet at the title company on the day of closing and sign the closing documents.  However, if you have concerns about signing the warranty deed now, you should contact the escrow company.   If you tell the escrow company that you approve of the form of the warranty deed, the escrow company should permit you to sign the warranty deed at the time of closing.