If you’re new to the homebuying process, you may be introduced to a plethora of new terms you’ll need to know. Escrow accounts are no doubt on the list.
Having an escrow account is often required by mortgage lenders, so getting a better understanding of what they are and how they work can help ease you into the process.
Escrow account basics
So, what exactly is an escrow account, and what is it used for? Escrow accounts are set up during the homebuying process and act as a neutral third party to hold important contracts, earnest money and other important information related to the home sell.
After the purchase of a home, your lender can use your escrow account to manage insurance premiums and property taxes and insurance.
Property tax payments
Every year when your tax office issues property tax bills, your lender uses money collected in your escrow account to pay off the taxes. If there isn’t enough money in your escrow account, they’ll reach out to you to make up the difference.
If the amount owed is less than what’s in your escrow account, your lender can credit you for the next tax year.
How do I know when escrow is required?
As standard practice, an escrow account is required if your home down payment is less than 20 percent of the total purchase price.
Some loan types such as FHA loans also require an escrow account. In some cases, you can cancel an existing escrow by providing proof of regular and on time home payments.
Escrow accounts may seem a bit confusing at first, so take your time as you learn more about them and consider speaking with an escrow officer for assistance if need be.
About the Author
Carolyn Andrews
Carolyn Andrews has over 30 years licensed Brokerage experience in both California and Colorado. Born in England, Carolyn moved to California in 1980, then relocated to Denver, Colorado in 1991. Carolyn has also received recognition for Top Sales at RE/MAX Alliance Aurora in 2007-2008 and is a member of the RE/MAX Hall of Fame & Chairman’s Club, as well as a recipient of the ReMax Lifetime Achievement Award. Carolyn has sold over 2000 homes personally in her career. Carolyn has been actively involved in many aspects of the Real Estate business including investment property, luxury homes, mountain resort property, skiin/ski out, REO/default management, loss mitigation, valuations, and disposition. She has been a speaker and panelist at several conferences and has been consulted on many occasions by various organizations in the REO/financial industries for her expertise and served on many boards. She has attended numerous ongoing classes to stay abreast of changes in the ever-evolving Real Estate industry. She is the prior State Director for Colorado for VAREP(Veterans Association of Real Estate Professionals). She is a member of 3 boards of Realtors including Metro Denver, Colorado Springs and Summit County mountain areas. She heads up The Andrews Group and is or has been an active member of NAR, CAR,REOMAC, CIPS, CRS, AREAA, NAPW, NAHREP, and is an original member of the ELITEReal Estate network. She was ranked #1 for most homes sold in Denver 2007 by Denver Board of Realtors, #2 for 2008, and #2 for 2009, #5 in 2010 and #4 in 2011 and has been consistently in the top 10 ever since. Carolyn Andrews has been a top rated Endorsed Local Provider for the Dave Ramsey Organization and also a Top Producing agent for 2018 for the Homelight Company.
