In a real estate transaction, what does escrow primarily secure?

In a real estate transaction, escrow primarily secures the safe-keeping of funds and documents. The escrow process involves a neutral third party who manages the holding of these assets until specific conditions are met, which typically includes the completion of necessary contractual obligations by both the buyer and the seller. This ensures that neither party can access the funds or critical documents until the transaction's terms are fulfilled, thereby providing a level of security and trust throughout the process.

The use of escrow protects both the buyer and the seller: the buyer's funds are safeguarded until the seller can prove that they have met their obligations, and the seller is assured that their property title will be transferred only after payment is secured. This arrangement helps to prevent fraud and misunderstandings, ensuring a smoother transaction experience for both parties.