Real estate · Reinvent NY glossary
In US real estate, escrow refers to a neutral third party (escrow agent, title company, or attorney) that holds funds and documents during a transaction until all conditions are satisfied. When a buyer makes an offer, they deposit 'earnest money' (typically 10% of the purchase price in NYC) into an escrow account. The escrow agent releases funds only when both parties have fulfilled their contractual obligations. In New York, real estate attorneys typically manage the escrow process, while in many other states, title companies serve this function.
The four states international buyers ask about most: New York up 5.2% on the year, California at a 4.22% yield, and what Texas and Florida really cost.
Indiana, Missouri and Ohio in 2026: state gains of 3-3.5% on the year with yields of 5.75-6.61%, and the secondary cities quietly outperforming the metros.
Baltimore in 2026: a $192,669 typical value, $1,799 rents and an 11.2% gross yield — the highest on the Northeast corridor, and what the price is telling you.
Ohio in 2026: a $251,502 state median up 3.5% on the year, with Cleveland at a 14.13% gross yield and Columbus at 6.96% — and what separates the two.
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