To place funds with an agent or a bank until the time comes to transfer the title received from the seller and any money that has been received from the buyer is closed with the recording of the deeds, obtaining title insurance, and any other concurrent closing activities that have been concluded: There are often costs that must be escrowed for fees of services; including those performed by the lender, escrow agent, and the title company; depending on the amount of the mortgage loan and other aspects of the sale.

It is common in American real-estate law for all types of documents to be escrowed; that is, holding them with the understanding that they will not be released until certain actions have been accomplished or concluded.