02/24

Understanding Escrow

Let Pacific Alliance help you understand a little bit more about the real estate lingo – and hey – you can always improve your score in Scrabble too, can’t you?

If you’re currently in the process (or about to be in the process) of purchasing a home, then you’ve probably heard the word “escrow” quite a lot. So, what is it?

In the real estate world, escrow refers to funds and documents that are held by an impartial third party (like Pacific Alliance Title) on behalf of the buyer and seller and/or lender during the completion of the transaction.

Written instructions will be created and given to all parties involved, and it is only then that funds will be distributed and documents recorded in accordance to what the written instructions stated.

Why Escrow is Important

Not only do escrows act as protection for the buyers and sellers, but they are also convenient. All parties rely on the escrow holder to faithfully carry out their mutually agreed upon instructions – or, advise the parties if any of the instructions are contradictory or cannot be completed.

Once everything has been fulfilled within the terms and conditions of the written instructions, and all closing conditions are completed, the escrow is closed and the transfer of property and money is completed.

Escrow & the Seller

The seller is assured and feels confident that the transaction will properly close, and that the title will not pass to the buyer until the purchase price is fully paid.

Escrow & the Buyer

The buyer is able to review the condition of the title to property by receiving a copy of the preliminary title report prior to closing, and of course, that the transaction will be properly completed and the title cleared.

Know your real estate vocab & increase your Scrabble score – and for more real estate guides, check out Pacific Alliance Title’s Blog!