If you're buying a home, you'll probably hear the word “escrow” used in a few different contexts. Essentially, escrow is a financial arrangement where a neutral third party holds funds or assets on behalf of two parties involved in a transaction until specific conditions are met.
Example: A real estate developer might use an escrow account to ensure that payments to the construction company are released incrementally, corresponding to the completion of specific project milestones.
An escrow agreement normally includes information such as: The identity of the appointed escrow agent. Definitions for any expressions pertinent to the agreement. The escrow funds and detailed conditions for the release of these funds.
The Escrow Holder: prepares escrow instructions. requests a preliminary title search to determine the present condition of title to the property. requests a beneficiary's statement if debt or obligation is to be taken over by the buyer. complies with lender's requirements, specified in the escrow agreement.