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A Homebuyer’s Guide to The Escrow Process

A homebuyer’s guide to the escrow process is useful when purchasing a residential property. Various steps need to be completed during the purchase and sale of a property. The escrow Process is the period ranging from when the homebuyer accepts the offer until they move into their new place Escrow is essential to understand because it strengthens the real estate transaction and impacts how soon an individual’s get the keys to their new home. Examine the necessary steps to prepare for the escrow process timeline before searching for potential houses.

What is an Escrow?

Escrow is legal terminology that refers to a third party who is authorized to retain payment or asset while two transacting parties fulfil their conditions of the agreement. For example, both parties agree for the escrow to liberate the income or support once the terms are met. Furthermore, an Escrow is responsible for safeguarding the customer against any potential fraud.

Duration of the Escrow Process

The Escrow Process usually takes about 30 days to complete. However, a precise timeline is dependent upon several factors such as:

Whether or not the buyer was pre-approved
State laws governing the escrow process
The time it requires for a lender to underwrite a loan
The introduction of any contingencies following the inspection

10 Step Guide to the Escrow Process

1. Set up an Escrow Account

The escrow process commences once the offer is accepted. At this moment, the buyer and their real estate agent collaborate to establish an escrow account. Furthermore, a neutral third-party company will hold the account and assist in managing the transaction. For example, a financial institution, title company, or escrow agency, any of the above can be an escrow company. Finally, the account will retain any money or documents exchanged during the closing process.

The escrow account protects the interests of both parties whilst the loan and other aspects of the home sale is being concluded. Once the buyer establishes the account, this is where they will place the money deposit.

2. Await Lender’s Appraisal

During the closing process, the mortgage provider will organize an appraisal. This step is a necessity for securing finance. The appraiser makes certain that the property value matches the asking price. Henceforth, protecting the lender of the property even in the case of foreclosure.

3. Secure Your Financing

The next task is for the buyer to secure financing with the lender. Thus, lenders will draft a loan commitment that highlights the possible mortgage amount, interest rate, term, and closing costs once the appraisal is done.

4. Approve Seller Disclosure

At this step in guide to the escrow process, buyers will be aware of any seller disclosures, including during negotiations. Fundamentally, approving seller disclosure means that the seller is disclosing anything done to the property that may affect the home’s condition.

5. Home Inspection

Buyers shall get the home inspected to reveal the true condition of the property. Furthermore, inspections disclose details that were unknown during the walkthrough. There are four different types of inspections.

General Home Inspection
Environmental Inspection
Pest Inspections
Flood Reports

6. Purchase Hazard Insurance

The sixth step in guide to the escrow process includes potential buyers searching for the best homeowner’s insurance, considering any possible add-ons noted during the inspection process, for example, flood or fire insurance. Buyers need to have homeowner’s insurance for the period of their mortgage. Lenders will commonly recommend a provider, but you are not bound to work with them.

7. Title Report and Insurance

The title report informs if there is ownership claims on the property. Commonly, it is recommended that a title company is contacted, and they assist the home buyer with how to go through it and provide the report.

8. A Final Walkthrough

Buyers are offered a chance to complete a final walkthrough of the property before the end of the escrow process. Walkthrough helps in confirming that the seller made the agreed-upon changes or repairs.

9. Review The HUD-1 Form

A HUD-1 form is utilized at the time a mortgage loan is issued. It specifies the buyer and seller’s information, financing details, closing costs, transaction fees, and more.

10. Closing Escrow

The last step in guide to the escrow process requires a large amount of paperwork for both parties. Once complete, the escrow officer issues a new deed to the property and name the buyer as the owner. Next, the deed is submitted to the appropriate office. Furthermore, buyers provide the remaining down payment and funds to cover the closing costs. The funds will be sent straight to the escrow account before eventually being distributed to the seller and seller’s lender. Lastly, the buyer will collect the home’s keys, and the escrow account will officially close.

Escrow in Pakistan

Escrow service is available in Pakistan, Telenor Easypaisa offers it brilliantly. In addition, the Zafar and Associates Firm also assists in the escrow process. Moreover, the civic authorities are directly answerable for real estate activities under their jurisdiction. Therefore, the CDA, KDA, RDA, LDA, and others may also operate as escrow agents.

However, real estate in Pakistan has numerous housing and business projects that people have put their hard-earned money but face losses as developers sell worthless “files” and then vanish with the money in their bank accounts. Henceforth, the government must create a third party to safeguard the buyer because real estate entails extensive payments.

Also Read About: Top 5 Property Management Software’s for Investors in 2021

Conclusion

The escrow process guards purchasers, sellers, and lenders. The guide to the escrow process outlined above will assist in finding out about any potential problem, enabling all parties to arrive at a solution. For any further assistance, Estate Land Marketing welcomes you; come and visit us.

A Homebuyer’s Guide To The Escrow Process