Escrow 101
Let's talk about "escrow". An escrow agent is hired to assure your place closes on time and the transaction goes smoothly. A house is said to be in escrow when in the closing process, money is held by a third party on behalf of two parties (in this case, a buyer and a seller) when the exchange of money takes place. PayPal is a simple way to think of an escrow company.The escrow agent makes sure that all terms and conditions of the seller's and buyer's contract are met prior to the sale being completed. This includes receiving monies and records, filling out required forms, and getting the release documents for any loans or liens that have been paid off with the transaction, assuring you have a free title to your place before the negotiated price is fully paid.
The certificates the escrow agent may secure include:
- Fire and other insurance policies
- Title insurance policies
- Terms of sale and any seller-assisted financing
- Requests for payment for various services to be paid out of escrow funds
- Loan documents
- Tax statements
Upon finishing of all instructions of the escrow, closing can take place. All outstanding payments and fees are taken and paid at this time (covering expenses such as title insurance, inspections, real estate commissions). You'll then receive the title to the property and the title insurance gets dispersed as noted in the escrow instructions.
The escrow company receives a payment at the completion of closing. I'll keep you informed on the procedure.
The Escrow Holder Will: |
The Escrow Holder Won't: | |
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Mortgage Escrow Account
A Mortgage Escrow Account is established to pay on-going expenses while there is a loan on the house. Though most home buyers make payments via their monthly mortgage payment, Escrow Accounts are deposited into at closing as well.
Once you have the basics of the escrow process down, you can be a confident buyer.