Seeking Legal Help – Owner-Financed Seller Raised Escrow Without Notice in Texas

[Marija Petrovic]

I purchased a single-family home in Dickinson, TX in 2022 through owner financing. Everything was documented and closed properly — with a clear amortization schedule, seller financing addendum, and escrow for taxes and insurance.

I’ve made every payment on time and in full for nearly 2 years.

Now suddenly, the loan servicer increased my monthly payment by $282. When I asked for a reason, they said they don’t know and told me to contact the original lender.

The lender responded claiming:

• Escrow was underfunded for the past few years;
• They “did me a favor” by not raising it earlier;
• And now they're asking REI to calculate how much I owe them retroactively for 2022, 2023, and 2024.

My understanding:

This appears to be a violation of the seller financing agreement, as well as Texas escrow servicing laws and possibly even RESPA. I’m concerned about their attempt to back-charge me thousands in “underpaid” escrow despite no prior disclosure.

I’m looking for:

• A Texas-based real estate attorney familiar with seller financing and escrow compliance;
• Or insight from investors/lenders who’ve handled this type of dispute before.

If you've worked with someone reliable or been through something similar, I would truly appreciate your help.

Thank you