Settlement agent
The person or company that runs closing. Depending on the state, this might be a title company, escrow officer, or a real estate attorney.
Every term like this one lights up in the step you're on.
Free to set up. No credit card.Part 1 of 4
Why a seller cares
The settlement agent is whoever runs your closing: a title company, an escrow officer, or an attorney, depending on the state. They are the neutral party your money and your deed go through.
Part 2 of 4
A simple example
Your contract names Northside Title as settlement agent. From here on the deposit, the payoff, the deed and your proceeds all pass through them.
| The state's custom | Who the settlement agent is |
|---|---|
| Title state | A title company and its closer |
| Escrow state | An escrow company or an escrow officer |
| Attorney state | A closing attorney |
Different name by state, same job: run the closing without taking a side.
Part 3 of 4
What people get wrong
That the settlement agent represents you. They are neutral by design, which is what lets both sides trust them with the money.
Part 4 of 4 · where to read next
Where it appears in the sale
What a definition is, and what it isn't
Keighbor is a software company, not a law firm, brokerage, or tax adviser. This is general information, not legal, tax, financial, or real estate advice about your sale. Your situation may differ. Before acting on a contract, disclosure, title, tax, or pricing question, ask an appropriately licensed professional in your state.
Written and researched by Keighbor Research · drawn from the reference glossary · how we research and check what we publish
One piece of your sale. Here is where all the pieces live.
In your room, this word explains itself where it appears.
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