Understanding Escrow
Escrow is a process that evolved to ensure protection for all parties to a real estate transaction. A “neutral third party” or “stakeholder” was nominated to hold the funds until the purchaser received appropriate assurance that the property had been transferred.
Today the escrow is overseen by an escrow officer employed by an independent escrow company or title company. All parties are protected because the escrow holder will retain funds and documents until all the instructions are fulfilled.
An escrow is created when money and/or documents are deposited with the escrow officer. The escrow officer’s authority is strictly governed by written instructions, mutually agreed upon by the parties involved. The instructions direct the escrow holder to perform duties necessary to complete the transaction.
A few of the tasks which may be required are:
Receive and deposit earnest money
Order information for payoff of existing liens
Calculate and/or prorate taxes, liens, interest, rents, and insurance policies
Make arrangements for title insurance protection for the buyer and the lender
Prepare and/or receive documents relating to the escrow
Request and receive funding from new lender when conditions have been satisfied
Arrange for recording of the conveyance documents and any other legal instruments required to transfer title to the property pursuant to the terms of the purchase agreement
Close the escrow and disburse funds as agreed upon in the instructions
Prepare a closing statement for the parties showing disposition of funds
