วันอาทิตย์ที่ 18 มีนาคม พ.ศ. 2561

First Time Homebuyer Escrow Accounts Explained

Prior to acquiring a loan, homeowners are often required to fulfill the escrow account requisite. Generally, these types of accounts are known as reserve accounts or impound accounts. Escrow accounts are essentially arranged with the lender and consist of specific agreed upon loans like; monthly property taxes, PMI, homeowner's insurance, home owner's association fees, etc, which are paid along with monthly mortgage payment to the lender, every month.

In case of a minimum down payment, which may amount to 10% or less, an escrow amount is required by the lender. The purpose of an Escrow account is to safeguard the interest of the lender, by ascertaining prompt recovery of taxes and fees, connected with the loan. However, homeowners differ in their opinion concerning escrow account, while some consider it a convenience, others find it bothersome.

Homeowners, who consider escrow account a convenience, prefer paying a monthly check without fretting over yearly tax budgets and homeowner's insurance. Since, payments cannot be avoided one way or another, escrow accounts are favored by many, for hassle free monthly payments.

Escrow though highly favored by most homeowners has its weaknesses. The account necessitates prior funding, which means it requires a hefty amount of cash as a 'reserve,' together with monthly payments. Although the money 'reserve' essentially belongs to the account holder, it cannot be used. Therefore, if an individual deposits property tax for a year into his/her escrow account, that money is frozen with the lender despite the regular monthly payments. The money will only find its way back to the owner once the loan is paid off, but there is no saying how long that might take.

Another negative aspect is that the homeowner is dependent upon another for payment of his/her monthly bill. Although the institution holds the right for making payments on behalf of the individual, if a payment is delayed or missed altogether, the blame lies with the individual. Normally, if a payment is delayed or goes missing due to internal slip ups, the lender will take all responsibility. Nevertheless, in such scenarios, the homeowner feels the brunt regardless of his/her role.

When homeowners balk at the prospect of escrow, it is because no one wants to have money in a bank and lose out on interest. Escrow money reserve does not work in favor of homeowners. While lenders may offer potential homeowners minimal rates, much lesser than others, they do not pay any interest on the pre-funded escrow accounts.

How an individual sees his/her escrow account, depends greatly upon preferences and inclinations concerning money and its management. For those who find budgeting and saving for annual bills tiresome and difficult, this account serves as the perfect tool for keeping budgets and savings in check. It works like a forced saving plan, which helps one make payments on บ้าน มือสอง times, every month.

Individuals who have a knack for managing their money and keeping track of their payments and taxes, more often than not end up loathing the escrow process. In order to avoid the escrow requisite, potential homeowners are advised to take up their home equities to 20% or higher and assert a flawless payment record. Once this is done, homeowners must also request to edit out any PMI or Private Mortgage Insurance requirement.


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