By Patrick McCarran, Real Estate Broker

An offer has been accepted, and a closing date has been set. Now the home is going through escrow, and the process begins and ends once the financing is approved and the buyer and seller have fulfilled their requirements. So how does it work?

A neutral third-party agent of the principals—buyer, seller, lender and borrower—is designated the escrow holder. This agent assists with the transfer of ownership by ensuring that the terms of the transaction are completed including safeguarding all funds (including the buyer’s deposit) and documents.

The escrow holder is given instructions from the buyer and seller and keeps track of obligations. For example, if the seller is required to supply a termite inspection, the escrow holder will make sure it is fulfilled before any funds are transferred to the seller. Findings in the termite inspection report must be corrected on or before the close of escrow.

In addition, the escrow holder receives from the title company a complete ownership history of the property and any liens on record in the preliminary title report. Any discrepancies that affect the condition of the title, such as condo liens, judgments, etc., against the buyer and seller, must be addressed prior to close of escrow.

The escrow process can last any number of days depending on what is agreed upon between the buyer and the seller. To ensure a timely closing, it is important that each party provides the escrow holder requested information as soon as possible. For example, a lender will not fund a new home without a homeowner’s insurance policy. Without the lender’s verification that there is insurance, the escrow process may be delayed.  An unsecured source of funding, such as a personal check, can also delay the process, because it takes longer for those types of funds to clear.

Most buyers think that their check will not be cashed until the close of escrow, but that is not the case. The check is cashed by the escrow company immediately and held in a trust account. If anything out of the ordinary is to be done at the close of escrow with the seller’s proceeds, the escrow holder must be notified. A signed amendment is required for wiring funds or splitting proceeds.

The escrow process is just one step towards fulfilling the dream of homeownership. Your real estate professional can provide more detail on the escrow process, as well as answer other questions you may have about home buying and selling.

Patrick McCarran is a local Realtor and Broker DRE# 01325072. He can be contacted by phone or text at (925) 899-5536, pmccarran@yahoo.com or www. CallPatrick.com. An independently owned and operated office.  In association with Realty One Group Elite DRE# 0193160. Equal Housing Opportunity.

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Willow Park Mercantile is located at 205 G Street in Antioch’s historic, downtown Rivertown. For more information visit Willow Park Mercantile or call 925-732-3877.

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Willow Park Mercantile is located at 205 G Street, corner of W. 2nd in Antioch’s historic, downtown Rivertown. For more information visit willowparkmercantile.com.

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With Blues Night, Country Boogie Night & Vintage Rock Night

“Not too loud, not too long and not too expensive.”

By Rebecca Roudman

On July 26, Aug. 23 and Sept. 20 at Gilman Brewing in Berkeley, the folks from Not Loud Concerts are presenting Summer Sessions. These music festivals are part of the Not Loud Concert Summer Series – a set of concerts designed to be Not too long, Not too expensive, and of course, Not too loud.

Designed with the audience’s comfort in mind, these short festivals will be held outdoors at Gilman Brewing. There, 2 bands will be on stage at the same time, trading songs and dueling it out. Each concert will have a different theme. 

July 26 is Blues Night featuring Delta Wires, an exciting harmonica and horns blues powerhouse and Dirty Cello, a world-traveling, high-energy blues band. 

Aug 23 is Country Boogie Night featuring the Alex Lucero Band, a boot-stompin’ Americana band and Dirty Cello, a high-energy band known for their crazy takes on classic country. 

Sept. 20 is Vintage Rock Night featuring The Rockbusters, a roaring nostalgia-filled cover band playing all of your favorite songs from the 80’s. They’ll be joined by Dirty Cello, who are known for their crazy and electrifying performances of everything from the Stones to CCR.

Food and drinks will be available for purchase. The audience is welcome to bring chairs, and chairs will also be provided. There will be room to dance and room to sit. No porta-potties, but plenty of clean, indoor bathrooms.

Not Loud Concerts focus on creating an experience that is casual and fun for both the musicians and the audience. The concerts are never too long, never too expensive and of course never too loud.

Not Loud Concerts presents… Summer Sessions at Gilman Brewing

July 26 – Blues Night

Aug 23 – Country Boogie Night

Sept 20 – Vintage Rock Night 

7 – 9 pm

Tickets: NotLoudConcerts.com

Here are a couple short videos about the festivals: https://youtu.be/rsu32TPUOjw?si=ye_r5_2ig6lofFLp and https://youtube.com/shorts/GwNNu6WiPwc?si=K_EPLIyDrRDgDhxr

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Best view of the fireworks in Antioch! DJ and live entertainment

By Monica Barajas

Come Celebrate America’s 250th Birthday with us all day long this 4th of July.

Brunch & Lunch until 5pm.

Cucos Tacos & Mexican Hot Dogs 5pm -9pm.

Full bar all day.

DJ starts at 5pm. Live entertainment at 8pm.

Exclusive outdoor seating on the river to view the fireworks at 9:20pm!! Bring a chair! Chairs and tables are limited.

Entry is $10 for adults, $5 for kids (includes a beverage ticket).

Monica’s Riverview is located at 1 “I” (Eye) Street on the pier in Antioch’s historic, downtown Rivertown.

For menu and reservations go to www.visitmonicas.com.

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At new, larger location Saturday, July 4th

By Nicole Holmes

For the Fourth of July, The Lemon Tree will have a 9:00 AM workout class open to both men and women. Payment details are included on the flyer.

At 11am we’re also hosting a kids’ event designed with neurodivergent and children on the spectrum in mind. It is open to all kids but created with extra care for families who benefit from a calmer, more supportive space.

The Lemon Tree has relocated from W. 2nd Street to 314 G Street in Antioch’s historic, downtown Rivertown. For more information visit www.instagram.com/thelemontree_antioch.  

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