The escrow holder insures that all terms and conditions of the seller's and buyer's agreement are met prior to the sale being finalized. This guide outlines the steps and suggestions to ensure a smooth escrow and settlement process.Your realtor will be a valuable resource. Your lender may require you to escrow monthly payments for homeowner's insurance, mortgage insurance, and property taxes. The money is in escrow; the buyer would have to release it in a cancellation. Minnesota Earnest Money is a conditional payment of money that a buyer customarily makes upon acceptance of an offer to purchase real property. The escrow or settlement agent oversees closing of the transaction. The seller signs the deed and closing affidavit. Escrow is a term that describes the neutral third-party handling of funds, documents, and tasks specific to the closing (or settlement, as it is also known). Who pays closing costs in a Minnesota real estate transaction, and how much are they?