Definition of "Escrow fees"

Jason Coker real estate agent

Written by

Jason Cokerelite badge icon

Legendary Realty

The escrow fee is basically how the escrow agent or manager get his/her compensation for assisting and handling both the parties and the funds involved in escrow.

In real estate, the escrow fee is considered part of the Closing Costs and, because it’s in both parties best of interest, it can be split by the Home Seller and the Home Buyer, but there are some cases where the Home Seller or the Home Buyer will handle it by him/herself. Usually, this decision follows local customary practices, so ask your real estate agent – who usually oversees the escrow for you anyway – how is it usually done regarding who pays the escrow fee.

Now, the amount you (and/or the other party) pay for it is determined by the escrow agent and is negotiable - especially if you are in a competitive real estate market. But if there is an “average” cost of escrow fee, it would be of 1 to 2% of the price of the house entering escrow.

Real Estate Tips:

Talking about paying... Do you know what's 100% free? Our Agent Directory! Search away for a local real estate agent and good luck!

image of a real estate dictionary page

Have a question or comment?

We're here to help.

*** Your email address will remain confidential.
 

 

Popular Real Estate Terms

Law of the state establishing guidelines and requirements for constructing buildings. The standard may differ between the states. ...

Invests in rental property but does not manage that property. ...

People often bump into the question: "What is the statute of limitations?" So, let's shed light on the statute of limitation definition in simple words! A statute of limitations is like a ...

Giving one's approval to another, e.g., a fiduciary, to manage his or her finances. ...

Representation on a flat surface of any region that depicts the elevation of that region. ...

Financial statement with amounts or other information that are completely or partially assumed. The assumptions supporting the amounts are usually provided. The statement may be prepared in ...

People can use the term disclosure in ordinary day to day activities. The definition of disclosure is to expose yourself, to show the truth without omitting any important information. ...

Mortgage for an extended time period (e.g., 25 years) Type of real estate investment trust (REIT) that gives long-term mortgages to real estate developers and contractors on new or ...

An insect, such as a termite, that "eats into" the wood and destroys it. This can cause significant damage to the home. Most states have laws that require termite inspection and ...

Popular Real Estate Questions