Choose what you need help with
Open the guide that matches what happened. An unresolved servicing problem can need prompt attention. A complaint is not proof of misconduct. USMI does not accept or resolve the complaint.Source [2]Source [3]Source [4]
My mortgage payment went up
Published guide for comparing what changed on a higher mortgage bill.
I have an escrow shortage
Understand what changed in an escrow analysis, which records to compare, and where official help is listed.
My servicer is not responding
Learn what records to keep, how a written information or error request differs from a phone call, and where official help is listed.
I was denied after preapproval
Understand what a preapproval letter does and does not promise, then review the notice the lender sent.
I want to check a lender
Look up a published institution profile.
I need first-time buyer help
Published first-time buyer guide from budget through closing.
I want to compare lenders
Compare public facts and the lender's own disclosures. USMI does not rank lenders.
I want to file a complaint
Where an official mortgage complaint can be filed. USMI does not resolve disputes.
Key terms
Published USMI glossary entries used in this guide.
Escrow account
On this site, an escrow account is the mortgage account used to collect and pay property taxes and insurance—not every real-estate use of the word “escrow.”
Escrow shortage
An escrow balance that is below the target balance at the time of escrow analysis.
Mortgage servicer
The company that runs an existing mortgage day to day—statements, payments, and often escrow. It may not be the original lender.
Sources
These official documents support the statements in this guide. Citation numbers in the article match the entries below. Each document appears once, even when it supports more than one statement.
Find a housing counselor
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
Consumer-usable HUD-approved counselor search.
View official sourceIf I can’t pay my mortgage loan, what are my options?
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
Call servicer.
View official sourceSubmit a complaint about a financial product or service
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
Mortgages accepted.
View official sourceWhat should I do if I’m having problems with my escrow or impound account?
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
Escrow/impound definition.
View official source
About this guide
These USMI pages explain this site’s limits and methods. They are not independent government sources.
What U.S. Mortgage Index is not
U.S. Mortgage Index
Platform identity and educational-boundary policy.
Open this USMI page