{"id":72436,"date":"2025-11-09T11:12:59","date_gmt":"2025-11-09T19:12:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/?p=72436"},"modified":"2025-11-19T14:40:45","modified_gmt":"2025-11-19T22:40:45","slug":"what-is-escrow","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/what-is-escrow\/","title":{"rendered":"What is Escrow? A Clear Guide to the Escrow Process"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2><b>Key takeaways:\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Escrow ensures fairness and security<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> by holding funds or documents with a neutral third party until all transaction terms are met.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>There are two main types of escrow:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Transaction escrow (during the purchase) and mortgage escrow (after closing).<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Escrow accounts simplify ownership costs<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> by combining property taxes and insurance into one predictable monthly payment.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>They also reduce risk<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for both homeowners and lenders by ensuring critical payments are made on time.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As a first-time homebuyer, you may have encountered the term \u201c<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/definition\/escrow\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">escrow<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201d, but what does it actually mean? Escrow refers to holding something, like funds or documents, by a neutral third party until all obligations in a transaction are fulfilled. In real estate, \u201cescrow\u201d can refer to two distinct but related concepts:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Transaction escrow <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(During home purchase):<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Protects the buyer\u2019s earnest money deposit and ensures sale conditions are met before funds and ownership are transferred<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Mortgage escrow account <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(Post-purchase): Manages and pays annual property taxes and homeowners insurance in monthly installments<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whether you&#8217;re buying a home in <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/city\/245\/NY\/Albany\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Albany, NY<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, or a condo in sunny <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/city\/16660\/AZ\/Scottsdale\/filter\/status=active+comingsoon+contingent+pending\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Scottsdale, AZ<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, understanding escrow helps make the process less overwhelming. Let\u2019s explore how escrow works and why it matters.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-75177\" src=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/New-house-What-is-Escrow.jpg\" alt=\"New House - What is Escrow\" width=\"1200\" height=\"771\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/New-house-What-is-Escrow.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/New-house-What-is-Escrow-300x193.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/New-house-What-is-Escrow-1024x658.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/New-house-What-is-Escrow-768x493.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/New-house-What-is-Escrow-233x150.jpg 233w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/New-house-What-is-Escrow-981x630.jpg 981w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/New-house-What-is-Escrow-467x300.jpg 467w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><b>How does escrow work in real estate?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">At its core, escrow is a legal arrangement in which a neutral third party holds assets on behalf of other parties who are in the process of completing a transaction. These third parties ensure that both buyer and seller meet the agreed-upon conditions before any money or property changes hands.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">During the purchase phase, escrow serves as a safeguard and holds your <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/what-is-earnest-money\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">earnest money<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> deposit, ensuring that neither party is exposed to undue risk as the transaction progresses. Once the sale is finalized, your mortgage lender will typically set up a separate<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">escrow account, this time to manage future property expenses like taxes and homeowners&#8217; insurance. This provides added security and trust for all parties involved.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>What is an escrow account?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">After you close on a home, your lender opens an escrow account to handle recurring homeownership costs, such as:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Property taxes<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Homeowners insurance<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Private mortgage insurance (in some cases)<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Instead of managing these expenses yourself, you\u2019ll make one monthly payment to your lender that includes your mortgage plus a prorated share of your estimated taxes and insurance. The lender then pays these bills on your behalf when they\u2019re due.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>How escrow accounts mitigate risk<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Escrow accounts act as a built-in safety system for both homeowners and lenders, ensuring that essential property expenses are handled automatically and on time. This reduces the chance of missed payments, penalties, or financial exposure.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Key ways escrow accounts reduce risk:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Prevent missed payments:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Taxes and insurance are paid on schedule, avoiding late fees or coverage lapses.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Protect lender interests:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Ensures property taxes and insurance remain current, safeguarding the lender\u2019s investment.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Reduce homeowner stress:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Consolidates multiple large bills into predictable monthly payments.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Minimize human error:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Automates critical transactions, reducing the risk of oversight or financial mismanagement.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div class=\"ast-oembed-container \" style=\"height: 100%;\"><iframe title=\"What Exactly is an Escrow Account? | Redfin #realestate\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/flyZFFHAenw?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><b>Why escrow matters in real estate<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Imagine you\u2019re buying a home, and the seller agrees to fix a plumbing issue before <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/home-selling-guide\/how-closing-works\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">closing<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. An escrow agent ensures the repair is completed before releasing any money or property. Without escrow, there\u2019s no neutral enforcement, and in the above-noted situation, the buyer is put at risk.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Escrow also protects the seller, ensuring the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/what-is-earnest-money\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">buyer\u2019s earnest money<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is secured and the closing proceeds smoothly. Even for homeowners not looking to buy or sell, escrow ensures critical bills get paid, which protects both the owner and their lender from tax liens or insurance lapses.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The homebuying process involves many moving parts, from inspections and appraisals to final paperwork. Escrow keeps these pieces in sync. By using an escrow agent to hold deposits and documents, both parties are protected from premature or incomplete transfers. In this way, escrow becomes the mechanism that ensures fairness and follow-through.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>What is the escrow process?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Escrow begins once the seller accepts an offer. The steps generally look like this:<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>1. Earnest money deposit<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The buyer deposits \u201cgood faith\u201d money into escrow. This shows they\u2019re serious and committed.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>2. <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/contingencies-in-real-estate\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><b>Contingencies<\/b><\/a><b> and conditions<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">During escrow, both parties fulfill conditions in the purchase agreement. This may include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Inspections<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Appraisals<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Loan approval<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Title search<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Repairs<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>3. Escrow duration<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Typically, escrow lasts 30-60 days. Delays can occur due to inspection issues, appraisal discrepancies, or financing holdups.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>4. Closing<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Once all requirements are met:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Documents are signed<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The deed transfers to the buyer<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The seller receives payment<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The lender sets up the escrow account for ongoing expenses<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">At closing, you\u2019ll pay escrow fees (generally 1\u20132% of the home price), initial escrow deposits (3-12 months of taxes and insurance), as well as any other closing costs required. Your lender will provide a loan estimate and later a closing disclosure, which outlines these fees in detail.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><em><strong>&gt;&gt; Read: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/escrow-disbursement\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\">What is Escrow Disbursement?<\/a><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<h2><b>The role of escrow in your mortgage<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">After closing, the lender&#8217;s escrow account becomes a regular part of your financial life as a homeowner. Monthly <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/types-of-mortgage-loans\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">mortgage<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> payments now include not only principal and interest but also an escrow portion that covers property taxes, insurance, and in some cases, private mortgage insurance (PMI).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your lender is responsible for disbursing these payments on your behalf. If you miss a payment or your insurance lapses, your lender has the right to step in. In some cases, this can result in force-placed insurance, a costly and limited coverage option that the lender purchases to protect their interest in the property. These policies often exclude liability coverage and personal belongings, and they typically come at a premium.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-75178\" src=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Sold-House-What-is-Escrow.jpg\" alt=\"Sold House- What is Escrow\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Sold-House-What-is-Escrow.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Sold-House-What-is-Escrow-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Sold-House-What-is-Escrow-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Sold-House-What-is-Escrow-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Sold-House-What-is-Escrow-225x150.jpg 225w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Sold-House-What-is-Escrow-945x630.jpg 945w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Sold-House-What-is-Escrow-450x300.jpg 450w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><b>Advantages of escrow accounts for buyers<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Escrow accounts make homeownership easier for many buyers. Here\u2019s why:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Predictable payments:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> They serve as a built-in savings plan, breaking up large bills into manageable monthly payments. Instead of scrambling to pay thousands in taxes once or twice a year, you can rest assured that your lender is handling it on time.<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Simplified bill management: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Escrow also provides a worry-free experience. If your lender makes a mistake, like missing a payment deadline, they\u2019re the ones responsible for fixing it. You gain peace of mind knowing your obligations are being met consistently.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Easier mortgage approval: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Many lenders require escrow accounts, especially if you&#8217;re putting down less than 20%. Without one, your loan options may be limited, and you could face higher interest rates.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>Disadvantages of escrow accounts for buyers<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While convenient, escrow isn\u2019t perfect:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Limited control over your money: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One downside is the loss of investment potential. Money sitting in an escrow account isn\u2019t earning interest (except in a few states like California). That same money could potentially be invested elsewhere for a higher return.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>The cushion requirement: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Another common concern is the cushion requirement. Lenders are allowed to keep up to two months\u2019 worth of additional funds in your escrow account to cover future cost increases. These extra funds are essentially locked away until you sell the home or pay off the loan.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Payment fluctuations: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Escrow accounts can also lead to delays in adjustments. For instance, if your property taxes decrease, you won\u2019t immediately see those savings. Your lender recalculates escrow balances annually, so any rebate or reduced payment could take months to materialize.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>What if you don\u2019t have an escrow account?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If your loan doesn\u2019t include escrow, you\u2019re on the hook for paying your own taxes and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/how-much-homeowners-insurance-do-you-need\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">insurance<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. While this might appeal to homeowners who prefer control over their finances, it also means taking on more responsibility and risk.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In the event you miss a payment, your lender may step in and establish an escrow account, or worse, purchase force-placed insurance at your expense. These policies are more expensive and offer less protection than typical homeowner coverage.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Even with an existing escrow account, failure to maintain proper insurance can trigger force-placed coverage. This may happen if your provider drops coverage or if your lender decides you need additional protection, such as wildfire or flood insurance.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-77722\" src=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/Tan-house-with-flowers-in-yard.jpg\" alt=\"Tan house with flowers in yard\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/Tan-house-with-flowers-in-yard.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/Tan-house-with-flowers-in-yard-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/Tan-house-with-flowers-in-yard-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/Tan-house-with-flowers-in-yard-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/Tan-house-with-flowers-in-yard-225x150.jpg 225w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/Tan-house-with-flowers-in-yard-945x630.jpg 945w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/Tan-house-with-flowers-in-yard-450x300.jpg 450w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><b>Escrow account FAQs<\/b><\/h2>\n<h3><b>Will your escrow payment change over time?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yes. Even with a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/definition\/fixed-rate-mortgage\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">fixed-rate mortgage<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, your escrow amount can fluctuate based on changes to your property tax bill or insurance premiums. Your lender will reassess the escrow account annually to reflect these shifts.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>What if you want an escrow account but your loan doesn\u2019t include one?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You can usually request one, but it may require a large upfront deposit, especially if payments are due soon. This can function like pre-paying a year&#8217;s worth of expenses.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Can your escrow account pay your HOA dues?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In some cases, yes, but it\u2019s uncommon. Most lenders don\u2019t cover HOA fees through escrow unless the community requires it.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>How does PMI fit into escrow?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If your down payment is less than 20%, your lender may require PMI. The monthly premium for this insurance is usually bundled into your escrow payment.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>What happens to the escrow account once your mortgage is paid off?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Once your mortgage is paid off or refinanced:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The escrow account is closed<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Any remaining balance is refunded to you<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">You\u2019ll take over direct payment of taxes and insurance<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Escrow protects buyers and sellers during a home sale and simplifies taxes and insurance payments after you close on the house.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":807,"featured_media":75178,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"default","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"default","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"default","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"set","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[34276,10756],"tags":[34617,4007],"coauthors":[36339],"class_list":["post-72436","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-buying-a-home","category-featured-post","tag-home-buying-process","tag-home-buyer-tips"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v24.7 (Yoast SEO v27.4) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>What is Escrow? A Guide to the Escrow Process | Redfin<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"What is escrow in real estate? Learn how escrow protects your home purchase and manages taxes and insurance after closing.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/what-is-escrow\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"What is Escrow? A Clear Guide to the Escrow Process\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"What is escrow in real estate? 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