May
Escrow Accounts Explained
An escrow account plays a vital role when two parties enter into a contract. The Oxford English dictionary explains escrow as, “money, property, or a written bond, kept in the custody of a third party until a specified condition has been fulfilled.” In this sense, money, securities or even intellectual assets such as software or art can be placed in escrow. The third party who manages the account is called the escrow agent. This article offers and explanation of escrow money use as well as what happens to escrow account money.
Advantages of Escrow Accounts
The main advantage of an escrow account to a borrower is that insurance and taxes are paid when due without risk of default. This removes the need to budget for large amounts of money required for these payments.
Keeping money in escrow is a choice enjoyed by some borrowers. However, for those qualifying under special loan programs such as FHA loans, or where the loan to value ratio is 80 percent or lower, it is a requirement that money be kept in an escrow account for statutory payments. This ensures the proper payments will be made when due.
How is an Escrow Account Used?
Escrow instructions are usually formalized in writing. They are signed by the parties to the contract and define the verbal or written instructions the escrow agent will receive regarding the fulfillment of obligations between the two parties.
Escrow accounts are usually held by real estate agents and attorneys who receive money on behalf of others. For example, it may be a deposit toward the purchase of a home or money to pay for property taxes and home insurance. A trust account is operated in the name of the customer for this purpose. In a real estate transaction, the money deposited by the buyer will be placed in escrow until the seller complies with all conditions relating to the sale. The escrow money is not pooled with other funds of the lender or real estate agent. An escrow fee is charged for this service.
On each monthly loan payment made by a borrower, the mortgage lender or loan servicing agent keeps a record of the portion in the escrow account needed to pay property taxes and insurance. Escrow money is used to make these payments as they become due. Hence, the balance in an escrow account changes with time.
What happens if property taxes increase and the escrow money account does not have enough to make the payment? Most lenders will pay taxes on the due dates and ask the borrower to cover the difference. Alternately, they may increase the monthly loan payments for the next year to recover the overage. By law, the borrower is required to be provided with an annual statement providing an explanation of escrow money use and what happens to escrow account money.
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