(NewsNation) — If you’re venturing into real estate or looking to close a mortgage, you might come across the term “in escrow” on your financial journey. Escrow can refer to multiple ...

You'll keep an earnest money deposit toward your down payment in an escrow account until you close. You'll likely also have an escrow account when you own the home to pay your taxes and insurance.

Meanwhile, it's common for escrow funds to be released to sellers at the close of a real estate transaction. So if there's a sale in progress but that money is gone, sellers risk being shorted ...