Secure domain transfer checklist (escrow, push, verify)

Buying a premium domain name is a wire transfer with a password attached. This checklist keeps a $300,000 acquisition boring — in the best way.

1. Agree on terms in writing

Price, what’s included (domain only — no inventory, no socials unless stated), timeline, and who pays escrow fees. Email confirmation counts; a one-page asset purchase agreement is better.

2. Use a licensed escrow service

Escrow.com or equivalent holds buyer funds while the domain moves. Never wire directly to a seller for investment domains — expired domains and premium names attract impersonators.

3. Verify ownership before funding

Ask for registrar screenshots, WHOIS history, and a host-file verification token. Confirm the seller controls the authoritative registrar account, not just DNS.

4. Check for encumbrances

UDRP disputes, trademarks, registrar locks, 60-day transfer locks after recent moves. A clean single-owner history — like ABQ.Wine — closes fastest.

5. Fund escrow, then push

Buyer funds escrow. Seller pushes the domain to the buyer’s account at the same registrar (fastest) or provides an auth code for inter-registrar transfer (5–7 days).

6. Confirm control, then release

Buyer verifies WHOIS, DNS, and registrar control panel show their ownership. Only then authorize escrow release.

7. Lock it down

Enable registrar lock, 2FA, and privacy protection day one. Move to your long-term registrar if needed — after the 60-day window.

8. Update everything

Search Console, analytics, SSL, email (SPF/DKIM/DMARC), and the canonical URLs on your new site. Domains bought for rebrands leak traffic when this step is skipped.

9. Keep the paper trail

Escrow receipts, transfer confirmations, and correspondence archived. You’ll want them at resale — premium domain names with documented provenance command premiums.

Buying ABQ.Wine

Same path: agree terms via sales@desertrich.com, fund escrow, receive the registrar push, verify, release. Response within 1–2 business days.