Definition: The loan "mortgage escrow" typically refers to a type of escrow account used in real estate transactions where the seller transfers ownership of the property to the buyer, which may involve paying a fee or commission to the title company for this service. In essence, the escrow account serves as a buffer against potential fraud and is used to prevent the sale of a property without the required funds being paid. The definition of "mortgage escrow" can be broken down into its key components: 1. Escrow: This is a type of accounting system where a lender holds the proceeds from a loan payment until the final payments are made or a specific date, such as 60 days after closing, have been made on the property. The money in escrow is typically used to pay off the remaining debt on the mortgage and any other charges associated with the transaction. 2. Loan: In real estate transactions, the borrower typically takes out a loan to purchase a property or refinance an existing one, which is typically secured by the home itself. The lender pays back the balance of the loan over time through monthly installments, known as "mortgage payments." Once the final payment has been made, the escrow account will be released to the borrower. 3. Title Company: This is a third party that acts as the title company for real estate transactions such as these. They are responsible for transferring ownership of property from the seller to the buyer, typically by paying a fee or commission to them. 4. Escrow Account: The escrow account serves as a buffer against potential fraud and is used to prevent the sale of a property without the required funds being paid. It often holds funds in an account until the final payments are made or a specific date, such as 60 days after closing, have been made on the property. This ensures that the seller has enough money available to pay for the purchase. 5. Commission: In real estate transactions, the title company may charge a commission to the buyer for the transfer of ownership of the property to the lender. The amount of this fee can vary depending on the market conditions and the specific terms of the transaction. Overall, "mortgage escrow" is a type of accounting system used in real estate transactions that allows the seller to transfer ownership of their home or other property to the buyer without having to pay any fees upfront.