Is escrow for taxes & insurance required??

[Andy Bondhus]

For all the lenders out there: can anyone tell me whether escrowing tax and insurance funds are REQUIRED for an FHA loan? We'd prefer not to escrow, but our lender is saying FHA requires it. I don't know what to believe because I've seen both where it says "yes they do require it" and "no FHA doesn't require it, but your lender might." If it's my lender who is requiring it, can I find a new lender? Do most lenders require escrow for FHA loans?