Final answer:
Unilateral escrow instructions are given by one party to an escrow agent without the need for the other party's agreement and must be clear and not conflict with any mutual instructions.
Step-by-step explanation:
Escrow instructions given by one party at a time to the escrow agent are called unilateral escrow instructions. In a typical real estate transaction, both parties usually give mutual or bilateral escrow instructions, which are agreed upon and signed by both the buyer and the seller.
However, unilateral instructions occur when only one party gives specific instructions to the escrow agent without the need for the other party's agreement. Such instructions must be clear, and they can cover various aspects of the escrow process, like providing documentation or funds. It is essential that these instructions do not conflict with any mutual instructions or violate legal requirements.