Electronic funds transfer, specifically for real estate transactions occurring at the culmination of a property sale, necessitates a secure and precise transmission of funds. This process involves the buyer instructing their financial institution to move the agreed-upon sum directly to the escrow account managed by the title company or closing attorney. An example of this would be a homebuyer initiating a transfer of $500,000 from their personal bank account to the designated escrow account two days prior to the scheduled closing date.
Facilitating swift and verifiable transactions, this method minimizes the risks associated with traditional checks, such as delays in processing or the potential for fraud. Historically, physical checks were the primary means of transferring large sums, leading to logistical challenges and increased vulnerability. The advent of secure electronic transfers has significantly enhanced efficiency and security within the real estate industry, streamlining the closing process for all parties involved.