EscrowHomebuying Glossary

Escrow

A neutral third party that holds money or documents until the conditions of a deal are met.

In plain English

Escrow describes a neutral arrangement where a third party — a title company, attorney, or escrow company — holds funds (like earnest money) or documents until all conditions of a sale are satisfied, then releases them appropriately.

Why it matters

Escrow protects both buyer and seller during a transaction — neither side gets the money or the property until the deal is actually complete.

Where you'll run into it

Guides and tools on TheBuyingPath that cover escrow in context.

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