Does dept of real estate help to get refunds from escrow companies?

Question

I purchased a property last year and recently received tax bills for 2007's tax year. The escrow company has collected my portion and sellers portion which is nearly $4200, but has not paid it to the county. The amount including penalty is nearly $4700. I'm not getting return calls from escrow company. Do escrow companies in California do have bonds?

What is the fastest and easiest way beside small claims courts to get refund?

Answer 1

Real estate taxes are paid in arrears.  That is, in 2008, 2007 taxes are paid.  Have you contacted escrow company and provided them with copies of bills and inquired as to why they haven't been paid with the collected funds?  That's your first step.  Was this a title company, or who has the funds?

Answer 2

All dealings with the escrow company need to be in writing. Write a letter explaining the situation. Provide a copy of your hud-1 settlement statement and circle the property tax money you paid for the year 2007. Also provide a copy of the 2007 tax bill you received and mail all of this registered mail to the escrow company. Tell them you are preparing to take them to court if they do not refund the money or pay the outstanding tax bill in full.

Answer 3

Try this link:

http://www.bth.ca.gov/

That sounds like possibly a RESPA Violation or Fraud