What is Escrow?

Escrow is the depositing of funds and documents by the Sellers and Buyers with a neutral third party. The word escrow is derived from the French word ‘escroue’ meaning a scroll or roll of writing.

After the funds and documents have been delivered to the Escrow Officer, it is said that they are being held “in escrow”.

Purpose of an escrow

The common use of an escrow is to enable the parties in a real estate transaction to deal with each other with less risk, since the escrow holder acts as:
1. Custodian for funds and documents
2. A clearing house for payment of all demands
3. An agency to perform the clerical details for the settlement of the accounts between the parties.
At the time an escrow is opened, a Preliminary Title Report is ordered and copies are delivered to all parties. The “Prelim” provides the customer with an analysis of the present status of the property as revealed by the public records filed in the county in which the property is located.

Upon receipt of the “Prelim”, an analysis is made to determine the necessary actions and documents required to complete the transaction. i.e. demand for satisfactions of liens; documents for recording; and instructions and requirements of the new lender.

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Contact Lisa & Lisa Real Estate Consultant Group:

DRE#01327739

Keller Williams Realty, Inc. is a real estate franchise company. Each Keller Williams office isindependently owned and operated. Keller Williams Realty, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and supports the Fair Housing Act.

Lisa Grisalin

Broker-Associate, Partner
408.605.4961
DRE#00848432

Lisa Paz-Furtado

Realtor®
408.802.9552
DRE#01382697

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