Set up by mortgage lenders and banks, escrow accounts hold money for distribution for insurance and taxes. Lawyers and property managers who may hold funds for their clients and tenants also may set up escrow accounts. To view your escrow account balance, you can review statements, call the lender or bank or check your balances online. You should stay on top of your balance, as annual balance assessments may require you to make up for a shortage or pay you if there is an overage in your account.
Look at your monthly mortgage statements to see if the escrow balance is displayed. Not all mortgage lenders display this information on the monthly statement; however, if a recent payment was made from your escrow balance, this will show on your statement.
Review the annual statements sent by your mortgage company that analyzes your escrow account. Most lenders complete an annual assessment to ensure that your monthly escrow payment is sufficient to cover any taxes and insurance paid from your escrow account. Lenders usually require a cushion of extra dollars in case taxes and insurance suddenly increase.
Call your mortgage company to inquire about your escrow balance. After providing the representative with your loan or account number, she will pull up your account and give you the escrow account balance.
Review your escrow account balance on your loan servicer’s website. Most banks have their member’s information accessible online. You will have to register to obtain a secure login and password. After inputting this information into the website, you will be able to view your escrow balance.
Note the escrow balance on your monthly bank statements for escrow accounts set up by businesses, lawyers, property owners and other professionals. Many escrow accounts through banks, unrelated to mortgages, will send monthly statements summarizing escrow activity.
References
- U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development: FAQs About Escrow Accounts for Consumers
- Cornell Law School. "Escrow." Accessed March 15, 2020.
- Los Angeles County Consumer and Business Affairs. "Escrow." Accessed March 15, 2020.
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. "What Is an Escrow or Impound Account?" Accessed March 15, 2020.
- The People's Law Library of Maryland. "Rent Escrow: When the Landlord Fails to Make Repairs." Accessed March 15, 2020.
- California Department of Business Oversight. "Online Escrow Fraud Questions and Answers." Accessed March 15, 2020.
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. "Mortgages Key Terms." Accessed March 15, 2020.
- FindLaw. "Connecticut Security Deposit Laws." Accessed March 15, 2020.
Writer Bio
Francine Richards is a licensed multi-state insurance agent with years of human resources and insurance industry experience. Her work has appeared on Blue Cross Blue Shield websites and newsletters, the Houston Chronicle and The Nest. Richards holds a Bachelor of Arts in communications from the University of Maryland.