Escrow, done well.

Typical residential escrow takes 30-45 days from accepted offer to closing, depending on loan type, contingencies, and coordination complexity. Cash transactions can close in 7-14 days. Complex properties or financing issues may extend timelines to 60+ days.

Escrow fees are negotiable and vary by region. In California, fees are typically split 50/50 between buyer and seller. In other states, one party may customarily pay. Expect $1,000-$3,000 in escrow fees for typical residential transactions.

Escrow officers hold earnest money and closing funds, coordinate with lenders and title companies, prepare settlement statements, ensure all contract conditions are met, and disburse funds at closing. They're neutral third parties serving both buyer and seller.

Yes — common reasons include financing denial, inspection issues, appraisal gaps, title problems, and contingency failures. About 10-15% of escrows fall through. Clear communication, prompt responses, and thorough pre-qualification reduce fall-through risk.