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Which of the following best describes the term "escrow" in real estate?

  1. A legal agreement to hold funds or documents until certain conditions are met

  2. A measure of property value

  3. An evaluation of property condition

  4. A negotiation between buyer and seller

The correct answer is: A legal agreement to hold funds or documents until certain conditions are met

The term "escrow" in real estate is best described as a legal agreement to hold funds or documents until certain conditions are met. In the context of a real estate transaction, escrow serves as a neutral third party that manages the money and legal documents needed to complete the sale. This ensures that neither the buyer nor the seller has control over the funds or important documents until the agreed-upon terms of the transaction are fulfilled. Escrow protects both parties’ interests by ensuring that the transaction proceeds smoothly and that all conditions, such as inspections, financing, and title transfer, are satisfied before finalizing the sale. This system helps to mitigate the risks associated with real estate transactions, providing peace of mind to both buyers and sellers. The other options address related aspects of real estate but do not capture the essence of what escrow entails. For instance, assessing property value or condition are important in the buying process but do not involve the holding of funds or documents in a legal framework, and negotiation is part of the transactional process but does not involve the role of a neutral third party in the same manner that escrow does.