Homeowners do not have to worry about coming up with several large, lump sum payments, each with different due dates, throughout the year. Unexpected increases are taken care of. It is the responsibility of the lender to allow for possible increases in tax or insurance premiums. Lenders typically cover shortages when tax or insurance payments increase. It is very common for lenders to pay taxes and insurance premiums when they are due even though all the money for these bills has not yet been collected from the homeowner.
Mortgages have lower rates and down payments because of escrows.
Escrows protect the interest of investors of home mortgage loans by making them more attractive and secure as investments. Local governments save money. Escrow accounts also benefit local governments by providing a more efficient, less expensive means of tax collection. Citi Mortgage Banc Corp.