11/11/2026
Escrow Shortage vs Deficiency: Know the Difference
These two words show up on your escrow letter and they do not mean the same thing. A shortage means the account is lower than it should be. A deficiency means it went below zero. Your servicer reviews the account once a year, and if they can see it heading short they will raise your monthly payment to stop it going deficient. If you are already deficient, that same letter asks for more, because now they are also making up a negative balance.
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Recorded November 4, 2026. Market conditions and interest rates can change. This is general education, not a rate quote, an offer of credit or a commitment to lend. Not all applicants will qualify. Debbie Marcoux NMLS 237926. JMJ Financial Group NMLS 167867. Equal Housing Lender. For licensing information, go to: www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org