What is Escrow?
Escrow begins when a real estate contract is signed by both parties and written escrow instructions are sent to the escrow officer. This is the process by which parties finance or transfer real estate documents, funds, and other items of value through a neutral third-party (the escrow company). The escrow officer is granted the authority to receive, safeguard, disburse funds and documents, and oversee the transaction based on specific instructions from both parties. Only once all conditions of the contract and written instructions are met will documents and funds change hands.
The Escrow Process
The escrow process is important as it protects the interests of all parties involved in the transaction to reduce risk. As a neutral third party maintains accountability and security of all funds and documents during the transaction, buyers, sellers, agents, lenders, and other parties may interact with peace of mind knowing no documents can be recorded nor can money change hands until the contract conditions are met.