{"ok":true,"canonical_url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/escrow-agents","api_url":"https://dealroom.so/api/public/glossary/escrow-agents","data_freshness":{"sba_records_through":"2026-05-31","fdic_records_through":"2026-03-31","dealroom_last_updated":"2026-06-15","timezone":"America/Chicago"},"source_summary":["Public SBA 7(a) loan records","FDIC institution data","DealRoom lender and franchise enrichment"],"term":{"slug":"escrow-agents","term":"Escrow agents","group":"People and paperwork","definition":"A neutral third party who holds funds and documents related to the transaction until all conditions of the deal are met. They ensure a fair and secure transfer for both buyer and seller.","what_it_means":"In an SBA 7(a) acquisition, the escrow agent might hold your equity injection, the lender's loan proceeds, and the seller note funds. They disburse these funds only when all closing conditions, including lien filings and title transfers, are satisfied. Verify their reputation and experience with business acquisitions.","url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/escrow-agents","official_sources":[],"related":[{"slug":"escrow-holdback","term":"Escrow / holdback","url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/escrow-holdback"},{"slug":"closing-documents","term":"Closing documents","url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/closing-documents"},{"slug":"legal-fees","term":"Legal fees","url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/legal-fees"},{"slug":"equity-injection","term":"Equity injection","url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/equity-injection"}],"related_questions":[]},"caveats":["Definitions represent DealRoom's plain-English interpretation for buyers; verify regulatory terms against the official SBA and eCFR sources listed.","Not legal, tax, or financial advice, and not an SBA eligibility determination."],"citation":{"label":"DealRoom.so Glossary — Escrow agents","url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/escrow-agents","source_type":"DealRoom Data"}}