Escrow is the process by which a neutral third party (called the title company) mediates a real estate transaction. The title company holds the buyer's money and the seller's property "in escrow" until both sides agree that all the conditions are met for a sale to close. Escrow is used in real estate transactions to protect both the buyer and the seller throughout the home buying process. 

Escrow begins when the seller accepts an offer and ends when the new buyer(s) name is recorded at the county. Escrow is created by the seller's agent, and both buyers and sellers may speak with the title company at any time during the transaction.