Buying Your Next House: Closing

Escrow
When you're closing on your new home, a neutral, third party (known as the escrow holder or the escrow agent) is used to ensure the transaction will close appropriately and in a certain amount of time. A place is said to be in escrow when in the closing process, funds is secured by a third party on behalf of two parties when the exchange of money takes place. In Florida, a title company is usually the reliable third party that obtains the buyer's payment, and then sends the payment to the seller.

The escrow company is careful to assure that all terms and conditions of the seller's and buyer's negotiated agreement are performed prior to the sale being finished. This includes receiving monies and documents, finishing required forms, and seeking out the release documents for any loans or liens that are to be paid with the transaction, assuring you have a unobstructed title to your place before the asking price is fully paid.


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These are the legal forms that escrow agents usually compile:

Requests for payment for various services to be paid out of escrow funds
Loan documents
Tax statements
Fire and other insurance policies
Title insurance policies
Terms of sale and any seller-assisted financing

You're ready to close when all parts are finished in escrow process. All debts and fees are collected and paid at this time (covering expenses such as title insurance, inspections, real estate commissions). The property's title is given to you and title insurance begins per the policies of your particular escrow agreement.

When closing is in it's last step, you'll submit a payment to the escrow holder. I'll keep you informed on the what comes next.

The Escrow Holder Will:		The Escrow Holder Won't:
Prepare escrow instructions Request title inquiry Comply with the bank's requirements as outlined in the escrow agreement Receive payments from the buyer Prorate insurance, tax, interest and other payments according to instructions Record deeds and other legal documents as instructed Request title insurance policy Close escrow when all terms of agreement of seller and buyer are met Disburse funds and finish instructions		Give advice - the escrow holder stays at an impartial, third-party status Dispense opinions about future tax estimations

Mortgage Escrow Account

Often, to pay recurring costs while there's a loan on the house, a Mortgage Escrow Account is created. Generally, the Escrow Account is partially funded at closing and the home buyer makes on-going contributions through their monthly mortgage payment.

This is a easy to understand guide about the escrow process. Your individual plan might be different depending on your lender and your escrow company.