Buying or selling a home (or other piece of real property) usually involves the transfer of large sums of money. It is imperative that the transfer of these funds and related documents from one party to another be handled in a neutral, secure and knowledgeable manner. For the protection of buyer, seller and lender, the escrow process was developed.
The Escrow Company does the following:
- serves as the neutral “stakeholder” and the communications link to all parties in the transaction
- 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
- receives purchase funds from the buyer
- prepares or secures the deed or other documents related to escrow
- prorates taxes, interest, insurance and rents according to instructions
- secures releases of all contingencies or other conditions as imposed on any particular escrow
- records deeds and any other documents as instructed
- requests issuance of the title insurance policy
- closes escrow when all the instructions of buyer and seller have been carried out
- disburses funds as authorized by instructions, including charges for title insurance, recording fees, real estate commissions and loan payoffs
- prepares final statements for the parties accounting for the disposition of all funds deposited in escrow. (These are useful in the preparation of tax returns.)
The Escrow Company Does NOT Do the Following:
- offer legal advice
- negotiate the transaction
- offer investment advice
I hope that you found that helpful! Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions regarding any of the information provided! I’m a great resource for you!
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