Escrow Services in Highland, California

A lot of Highland escrows involve homes inside a homeowners association, especially in East Highlands Ranch. That adds steps: ordering HOA demand and resale documents, prorating dues, and making sure transfer fees are charged to the right party. We request those packages as soon as escrow opens because associations set their own turnaround times.

Foothill parcels near the mountains can fall inside a state or local Fire Hazard Severity Zone, and some areas near the base of the range are mapped for earthquake fault hazards. Those items appear on the Natural Hazard Disclosure report the seller provides. We do not interpret the report, but we make sure it is delivered and signed within the timeline in your contract.

San Bernardino International Airport is just west of the city. Properties near an airport can carry an airport influence area disclosure, which is a routine line item, not a problem, but buyers should see it before contingencies come off.

Highland deeds record with the San Bernardino County Assessor-Recorder-County Clerk. For refinances on Highland homes we coordinate the payoff of the old loan, the three-day right to cancel on owner-occupied refinances, and recording of the new deed of trust. For sellers who are behind on payments, our short sale process starts with a call so we can explain what the mortgage company will ask for.

Highland's city limits and its mailing addresses don't line up perfectly. Some homes with a Highland address sit in unincorporated San Bernardino County rather than inside the city, which can matter for permits, local fees and the details shown on the property tax bill. The preliminary title report and the tax bill identify the parcel, and buyers who plan remodels or an ADU should confirm with the right agency during their investigation period. Highland borders Redlands, so documents can be dropped off at our Plum Lane office by appointment, and signings can be scheduled there as well if that is easier than meeting a notary.