Owning a home means having to pay homeowner's insurance and property taxes. It's one of the chief differences between renting and owning. When you buy a home, unless you choose otherwise, the bank typically opens an escrow account from which it pays property taxes and the insurance on the home. The bank deposits a portion of your monthly mortgage payment in the escrow account for this purpose. From time to time, however, insurance premiums and property tax assessments go up. You might want to add money to the escrow account to cover such increases.
Step 1
Contact the lender for payment information. You'll need the escrow account number, as well as a payment address. Your mortgage statement should also include this information.
Step 2
Mail or hand-deliver the payment to the lender. Include your account number on the check.
Step 3
Confirm by phone that the payment was received. Even banks make mistakes. Calling to confirm the money has been applied to your account can give you peace of mind.
References
Tips
- An escrow account is sometimes referred to as an impound account.
- If you have online access to your mortgage account, you may be able to make an online payment from your bank account to your escrow account.
Writer Bio
D. Laverne O'Neal, an Ivy League graduate, published her first article in 1997. A former theater, dance and music critic for such publications as the "Oakland Tribune" and Gannett Newspapers, she started her Web-writing career during the dot-com heyday. O'Neal also translates and edits French and Spanish. Her strongest interests are the performing arts, design, food, health, personal finance and personal growth.