What defines a death escrow?

A death escrow is defined by a situation where a third party holds the deed to a property until the death of the grantor, at which point the property is transferred to the designated grantee. This type of arrangement allows for a seamless transfer of property ownership upon the grantor's death without the need for probate proceedings, as the deed is already in escrow with the predetermined conditions for release.

The primary purpose of a death escrow is to ensure that the intent of the grantor is carried out efficiently and with minimal complications related to the transfer of ownership. In this relationship, the third party serves as a neutral party to safeguard the deed and ensure that it is transferred according to the grantor's wishes upon their passing.

The other options describe scenarios that do not accurately reflect the nature of a death escrow. For instance, having the grantor receive funds before death or signing over the deed to the grantee before passing does not fit the specific definition of a death escrow. Likewise, requiring an escrow to be reviewed after death does not align with the immediate transfer mechanism that a death escrow intends to provide.