Expenditures made in advance of their due date during the home-buying process are common. These typically encompass homeowners insurance premiums, property taxes, and mortgage interest paid upfront. For example, a lender may require the borrower to pay for a year of homeowners insurance at closing. Similarly, a portion of the year’s property taxes might be collected in advance to establish an escrow account.
These advance payments are vital in securing mortgage approval and ensuring continuous coverage and tax compliance. Historically, the practice of collecting these funds upfront has evolved to protect both the lender and the borrower, mitigating risks associated with property damage, tax delinquency, and loan default. Furthermore, these payments facilitate smoother financial management for homeowners by spreading the costs over the loan term.