An escrow account for the payment of annual assessments on real estate is often established as part of a mortgage agreement. Lenders collect a portion of these assessments with each monthly mortgage payment. These funds accumulate in the escrow account, ensuring sufficient reserves to cover the assessments when they become due. For example, a lender might collect one-twelfth of the estimated annual assessment each month, ensuring full payment at the end of the year.
This system offers significant advantages for both borrowers and lenders. By incorporating these payments into the mortgage, borrowers avoid the burden of large, lump-sum payments, facilitating better budgeting and reducing the risk of delinquency. For lenders, it mitigates the risk of tax liens being placed on the property, protecting their investment. Historically, this practice arose as a way to protect lender interests and ensure timely payment of these crucial governmental revenues.