So I got my yearly "your mortgage is going up because we can't get the escrow right" statement from Bank of America. I hate them. I'd refi if I could, but don't have enough cash flow to make it worthwhile right this second...

But one thing I noticed.

We bought the house in June. The same month the first half of the year's taxes are due... so the balance goes from being around $2000 down to $450 in a single month. My head's not working but I am thinking if I change the time my homeowners comes due ($600 of that) I could probably lower my escrow payment (which is $256). Would this work to bring the monthly payment down?

No. In the end it will all even out, and if you are lucky your escrow will pay a high interest rate mandated by the state.

The first year is always a little tricky. So is when your taxes or insurance rates are rising. BofA didn't mess anything up, they use a computer program to determine your payment.

Also, your mortgage didn't increase. Just your escrow payment. Keep in mind, it's your money they are holding to pay your bills