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How a Mortgage Escrow Account Works
An escrow account can hold money during a home sale. Homeowners also use escrow to spread out property tax and insurance payments.
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Updated · 2 min read
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Holden Lewis Senior Writer/Spokesperson | Mortgages, homebuying
Holden Lewis is a mortgage reporter and spokesperson who joined NerdWallet in 2017. He previously wrote for Bankrate, where he wrote about mortgages and real estate during the housing boom and bust. He has written articles about mortgages since 2001, and enjoys explaining complex topics to regular people who don't buy houses every day. Holden has been president of the National Association of Real Estate Editors and has won numerous writing awards. He splits his time between Jupiter, Florida, and Fort Worth, where he is renovating the house where he spent his high school years so he can move back and be a Texan again.
Michelle Blackford spent 30 years working in the mortgage and banking industries, starting her career as a part-time bank teller and working her way up to becoming a mortgage loan processor and underwriter. She has worked with conventional and government-backed mortgages. Michelle currently works in quality assurance for Innovation Refunds, a company that provides tax assistance to small businesses.
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Mary Makarushka is a former editor on the Home/Mortgages team at NerdWallet. She was previously managing editor of Bloomberg Personal Finance and has also held editing positions at Entertainment Weekly, The New York Observer and Manhattan, inc. For the University of Wisconsin-Madison, she was in charge of health communication strategy for the campus throughout the H1N1 influenza pandemic.
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Kate Wood is a mortgages and student loans writer and spokesperson who joined NerdWallet in 2019. With an educational background in sociology, Kate feels strongly about issues like inequality in homeownership and higher education, and relishes any opportunity to demystify government programs. Prior to joining NerdWallet, she wrote about home remodeling, decor and maintenance for This Old House magazine.
Escrow is when a third party holds and then disburses funds on your behalf. It's typically used when buying a home, for money that will change hands at the closing. And it’s often used once you're a homeowner, when your mortgage servicer collects funds you can use to pay property taxes and insurance.
What does it mean to be 'in escrow'?
When you're buying a home, escrow refers to the period before the home sale is finalized. A home is said to be “in escrow” from the time the seller accepts your offer up until the sale is completed.
During escrow, a trusted, neutral party — usually a real estate title company, an attorney or an escrow agent — holds your earnest money deposit, the seller's deed and other paperwork until all conditions are satisfied at closing.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates coverage options, customer experience, customizability, cost and more.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates coverage options, customer experience, customizability, cost and more.
Min. credit score
620620
Min. down payment
3%NBKC offers conventional loans for as little as 3% down.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates coverage options, customer experience, customizability, cost and more.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates coverage options, customer experience, customizability, cost and more.
Min. credit score
500500
Min. down payment
3.5%New American Funding works with down payment assistance programs in 14 states, including California, Texas, Florida and Illinois.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates coverage options, customer experience, customizability, cost and more.
4.0
NerdWallet rating
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates coverage options, customer experience, customizability, cost and more.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates coverage options, customer experience, customizability, cost and more.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates coverage options, customer experience, customizability, cost and more.
Min. credit score
620620
Min. down payment
0%On VA loans, NBKC offers down payments as low as 0%.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates coverage options, customer experience, customizability, cost and more.
4.0
NerdWallet rating
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates coverage options, customer experience, customizability, cost and more.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates coverage options, customer experience, customizability, cost and more.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates coverage options, customer experience, customizability, cost and more.
Min. credit score
500500
Min. down payment
3.5%New American Funding works with down payment assistance programs in 14 states, including California, Texas, Florida and Illinois.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates coverage options, customer experience, customizability, cost and more.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates coverage options, customer experience, customizability, cost and more.
Min. credit score
620620
Min. down payment
3%NBKC offers conventional loans for as little as 3% down.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates coverage options, customer experience, customizability, cost and more.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates coverage options, customer experience, customizability, cost and more.
Min. credit score
580580
Min. down payment
3%Rocket Mortgage offers conventional mortgages with as little as 1% down.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates coverage options, customer experience, customizability, cost and more.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates coverage options, customer experience, customizability, cost and more.
Min. credit score
580580
Min. down payment
3%New American Funding works with down payment assistance programs in 14 states, including California, Texas, Florida and Illinois.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates coverage options, customer experience, customizability, cost and more.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates coverage options, customer experience, customizability, cost and more.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates coverage options, customer experience, customizability, cost and more.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates coverage options, customer experience, customizability, cost and more.
Min. credit score
580580
Min. down payment
N/ANew American Funding works with down payment assistance programs in 14 states, including California, Texas, Florida and Illinois.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates coverage options, customer experience, customizability, cost and more.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates coverage options, customer experience, customizability, cost and more.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates coverage options, customer experience, customizability, cost and more.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates coverage options, customer experience, customizability, cost and more.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates coverage options, customer experience, customizability, cost and more.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates coverage options, customer experience, customizability, cost and more.
Min. credit score
580580
Min. down payment
N/ANew American Funding works with down payment assistance programs in 14 states, including California, Texas, Florida and Illinois.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates coverage options, customer experience, customizability, cost and more.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates coverage options, customer experience, customizability, cost and more.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates coverage options, customer experience, customizability, cost and more.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates coverage options, customer experience, customizability, cost and more.
Min. credit score
620620
Min. down payment
3%NBKC offers conventional loans for as little as 3% down.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates coverage options, customer experience, customizability, cost and more.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates coverage options, customer experience, customizability, cost and more.
Min. credit score
500500
Min. down payment
3.5%New American Funding works with down payment assistance programs in 14 states, including California, Texas, Florida and Illinois.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates coverage options, customer experience, customizability, cost and more.
4.0
NerdWallet rating
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates coverage options, customer experience, customizability, cost and more.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates coverage options, customer experience, customizability, cost and more.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates coverage options, customer experience, customizability, cost and more.
Min. credit score
580580
Min. down payment
3.5%First-time home buyers may qualify for 3% down mortgages at Rocket.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates coverage options, customer experience, customizability, cost and more.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates coverage options, customer experience, customizability, cost and more.
Min. credit score
620620
Min. down payment
0%Veterans United offers VA loans for as little as 0% down.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates coverage options, customer experience, customizability, cost and more.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates coverage options, customer experience, customizability, cost and more.
Min. credit score
620620
Min. down payment
0%On VA loans, NBKC offers down payments as low as 0%.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates coverage options, customer experience, customizability, cost and more.
4.0
NerdWallet rating
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates coverage options, customer experience, customizability, cost and more.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates coverage options, customer experience, customizability, cost and more.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates coverage options, customer experience, customizability, cost and more.
Min. credit score
500500
Min. down payment
3.5%New American Funding works with down payment assistance programs in 14 states, including California, Texas, Florida and Illinois.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates coverage options, customer experience, customizability, cost and more.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates coverage options, customer experience, customizability, cost and more.
Min. credit score
620620
Min. down payment
1%Rocket Mortgage offers conventional mortgages with as little as 1% down.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates coverage options, customer experience, customizability, cost and more.
4.0
NerdWallet rating
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates coverage options, customer experience, customizability, cost and more.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates coverage options, customer experience, customizability, cost and more.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates coverage options, customer experience, customizability, cost and more.
Min. credit score
620620
Min. down payment
3%NBKC offers conventional loans for as little as 3% down.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates coverage options, customer experience, customizability, cost and more.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates coverage options, customer experience, customizability, cost and more.
Min. credit score
580580
Min. down payment
3%Rocket Mortgage offers conventional mortgages with as little as 1% down.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates coverage options, customer experience, customizability, cost and more.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates coverage options, customer experience, customizability, cost and more.
Min. credit score
580580
Min. down payment
3%New American Funding works with down payment assistance programs in 14 states, including California, Texas, Florida and Illinois.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates coverage options, customer experience, customizability, cost and more.
4.0
NerdWallet rating
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates coverage options, customer experience, customizability, cost and more.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates coverage options, customer experience, customizability, cost and more.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates coverage options, customer experience, customizability, cost and more.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates coverage options, customer experience, customizability, cost and more.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates coverage options, customer experience, customizability, cost and more.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates coverage options, customer experience, customizability, cost and more.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates coverage options, customer experience, customizability, cost and more.
Min. credit score
580580
Min. down payment
N/ANew American Funding works with down payment assistance programs in 14 states, including California, Texas, Florida and Illinois.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates coverage options, customer experience, customizability, cost and more.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates coverage options, customer experience, customizability, cost and more.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates coverage options, customer experience, customizability, cost and more.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates coverage options, customer experience, customizability, cost and more.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates coverage options, customer experience, customizability, cost and more.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates coverage options, customer experience, customizability, cost and more.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates coverage options, customer experience, customizability, cost and more.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates coverage options, customer experience, customizability, cost and more.
Min. credit score
580580
Min. down payment
N/ANew American Funding works with down payment assistance programs in 14 states, including California, Texas, Florida and Illinois.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates coverage options, customer experience, customizability, cost and more.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates coverage options, customer experience, customizability, cost and more.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates coverage options, customer experience, customizability, cost and more.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates coverage options, customer experience, customizability, cost and more.
Here's more information about the items that can be held in escrow while a sale is pending:
Earnest money. This is the deposit you paid to the seller to show that your offer is serious. It's applied toward the down payment at closing.
Deed to the property. The deed is the legal document that transfers ownership of the property. After the sale is completed, it's transferred from the seller's name to your name and recorded at the county courthouse.
Loan proceeds. The mortgage lender may hold onto this money until the closing is finalized. At that point, the money is distributed to the seller, and perhaps to a prior lienholder — for example, to pay off the balance the sellers owe on the home.
In the meantime, the lender processes your mortgage application and the title search takes place. You'll get a home inspection, secure homeowners insurance and prepare to move.
At the closing, you'll sign loan and property transfer documents. Once the paperwork has been wrapped up, money held in escrow is distributed to the parties involved in the sale.
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Who pays for escrow services?
Costs for escrow services are detailed, along with other fees, in the Loan Estimate and Closing Disclosure. Escrow fees are sometimes called settlement agent fees. Escrow charges can also be rolled into the title insurance provider's fee.
In some housing markets, buyer and seller split escrow fees. In other places, escrow fees might be paid solely by either the buyer or the seller. Regardless of local custom, you may negotiate who pays which fees.
An escrow account (also called an impound account) is used to cover your property taxes and homeowners insurance, spreading out the cost over your 12 monthly mortgage payments. If you have an escrow account, your monthly mortgage payment will be split three ways, with part going to the principal, part covering interest and part being put in escrow.
When your property taxes and homeowners insurance premiums are due, the funds to pay them come out of the escrow account. Depending on how your account is set up, your mortgage servicer may pay these bills directly or it may send you a check from the escrow account that you then use to make the payments.
Your escrow account keeps you from having to come up with the full amount for these bills when they're due. It also helps ensure that your taxes and insurance will be paid in full and on time.
Frequently asked questions
Is an escrow account necessary?
It depends on your loan. The Federal Housing Administration requires borrowers with FHA loans to have escrow accounts for the full term. Many other mortgage programs require escrow accounts to ensure that you have enough money to pay your property taxes and insurance, so you may not have a choice.
Is mortgage escrow a good idea?
A mortgage escrow account is a budgeting aid. If you'd struggle to make large and infrequent payments, such an account can be a source of support. Without one, your monthly mortgage payments would be lower, but you'd need to be able to pay potentially large bills (like property taxes) all at once.
What happens if you don't have escrow?
If you choose not to have an escrow account, it's vital that you budget for homeowners insurance and property taxes. Failure to pay property taxes could lead to a fine, a lien being placed on your home or even foreclosure. If you don't pay homeowners insurance, your lender may take out a policy on your behalf, which you'll then have to pay (and which will probably be much pricier than if you'd shopped for one yourself).
What is included in the escrow account?
An escrow account includes only your property taxes and homeowners insurance. It does not include other home-related insurance policies (like if you have an umbrella insurance policy). It also does not cover homeowners association fees or associated costs.
How long do I pay escrow on my mortgage?
Your escrow account will last for the life of your home loan. Even if you own your home outright, you may still want one because although you no longer have a mortgage, you'll continue to pay property taxes and insurance. If you'd prefer to keep these as monthly payments, you can set up an escrow account with an escrow company or a bank.
What percentage of my mortgage is escrow?
The percentage of your monthly mortgage payment that goes to escrow will vary depending on the cost of your mortgage, as well as the costs of your property taxes and insurance. And even that will change. If property taxes go up or you alter your insurance policy, the amount you pay to escrow will change.
Is an escrow account necessary?
It depends on your loan. The Federal Housing Administration requires borrowers with
to have escrow accounts for the full term. Many other mortgage programs require escrow accounts to ensure that you have enough money to pay your property taxes and insurance, so you may not have a choice.
Is mortgage escrow a good idea?
A mortgage escrow account is a budgeting aid. If you'd struggle to make large and infrequent payments, such an account can be a source of support. Without one, your monthly mortgage payments would be lower, but you'd need to be able to pay potentially large bills (like
If you choose not to have an escrow account, it's vital that you budget for homeowners insurance and property taxes. Failure to pay property taxes could lead to a fine, a lien being placed on your home or even foreclosure. If you don't pay
, your lender may take out a policy on your behalf, which you'll then have to pay (and which will probably be much pricier than if you'd shopped for one yourself).
What is included in the escrow account?
An escrow account includes only your property taxes and homeowners insurance. It does not include other home-related insurance policies (like if you have an
. Even if you own your home outright, you may still want one because although you no longer have a mortgage, you'll continue to pay property taxes and insurance. If you'd prefer to keep these as monthly payments, you can set up an escrow account with an escrow company or a bank.
that goes to escrow will vary depending on the cost of your mortgage, as well as the costs of your property taxes and insurance. And even that will change. If property taxes go up or you alter your insurance policy, the amount you pay to escrow will change.
Every year, the mortgage servicer estimates how much your annual tax and insurance bills will be in the next 12 months. These costs often vary from year to year, sometimes going down and often going up.
Your annual escrow statement will detail how much money the servicer collected from you and how much it paid to tax authorities and insurers. If you've overpaid escrow, you should get a refund.
On the other hand, if it turns out not enough was collected in your escrow account, you'll have to make up the shortfall. In either of those cases, your servicer will recalibrate your monthly payment for the year ahead to match the new estimate of your annual tax and insurance bills.
