In Circular 26-23-03 the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced the elimination of the HUD/VA Addendum to Uniform Residential Loan Application (VA Form 26-1802a), as well as the Federal Collection Policy Notice (VA Form 26-0503). The VA advises in the Circular that it has consolidated those forms into VA Form 26-1820, which is used by lenders to report a loan to VA for guaranty upon closing.… Continue Reading
Richard J. Andreano, Jr.
CFSA files opposition to CFPB’s certiorari petition seeking review of Fifth Circuit ruling that CFPB’s funding is unconstitutional and also files cross-petition for certiorari
Posted in CFPB, Litigation and Court Decisions
Community Financial Services Association (CFSA) has filed its brief in opposition to the CFPB’s certiorari petition seeking review of the Fifth Circuit panel decision in Community Financial Services Association of America Ltd. v. CFPB. In that decision, the panel held the CFPB’s funding mechanism violates the Appropriations Clause of the U.S.… Continue Reading
HUD Issues Draft Reconsideration of Value Guidance with FHA Loans
By Richard J. Andreano, Jr. on
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) recently issued a draft Mortgagee Letter on reconsideration of value (ROV) policies in connection with appraisals for FHA insured mortgage loans. The draft Mortgagee Letter follows up on action plan items set forth in the Property Appraisal and Valuation Equity action plan jointly issued by HUD and other federal agencies in March 2022. … Continue Reading
CFPB proposes registry for supervised nonbanks using form contracts containing arbitration provisions, waivers, or other limits
The CFPB has issued a proposed rule to establish a system for the registration of nonbanks subject to CFPB supervision that use “certain terms or conditions that seek to waive consumer rights or other legal protections or limit the ability of consumers to enforce their rights.” Arbitration provisions are among the terms that would trigger registration. … Continue Reading
CFPB adds six new items to Fall 2022 rulemaking agenda, including overdraft fees, fees for insufficient funds, and credit card penalty fees
Posted in CFPB, Regulatory and Enforcement
The CFPB has published its Fall 2022 rulemaking agenda as part of the Fall 2022 Unified Agenda of Federal Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions. The agenda’s preamble indicates that “[t]he Bureau reasonably anticipates having the regulatory matters identified [in the agenda] under consideration during the period from December 1, 2022 to November 30, 2023.”… Continue Reading
CFPB Adjusts HMDA and HPML Asset Exemption Thresholds
By Richard J. Andreano, Jr. on
The CFPB recently issued a final rule increasing the asset exemption threshold under the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act (HMDA) and a final rule increasing the asset exemption threshold for the Truth in Lending Act (TILA) requirement to maintain an escrow account for a higher-priced mortgage loan (HPML).
Banks, savings associations and credit unions are not subject to HMDA for a calendar year if their assets as of December 31, of the prior calendar year did not exceed an asset threshold. … Continue Reading
CFPB annual CARD Act, HOEPA, QM adjustments do not include credit card penalty fees safe harbors
On December 23, the CFPB published a final rule in the Federal Register regarding various annual adjustments it is required to make under provisions of Regulation Z (TILA) that implement the CARD Act, HOEPA, and the ability to repay/qualified mortgage provisions of Dodd-Frank. The adjustments reflect changes in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) in effect on June 1, 2022 and will take effect January 1, 2023.… Continue Reading
CFPB Addresses Mortgage Financing Options In a Higher Rate Environment
By Richard J. Andreano, Jr. on
The CFPB recently addressed mortgage financing options in view of the current higher mortgage loan interest rate environment. The CFPB comments on adjustable rate mortgage (ARM) loans, temporary buydowns, home equity lines of credit (HELOCs) and home equity loans, loan assumptions, and alternative financing options. While the CFPB notes the availability and features of the different financing options, it also warns consumers of potential risks.… Continue Reading
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Announce LIBOR Replacement Indices
By Richard J. Andreano, Jr. on
Posted in Mortgages
Following the adoption by the Federal Reserve Board of a final rule under the Adjustable Interest Rate (LIBOR) Act, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have announced replacement indices for their legacy London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)-based loans and securities.
For single family mortgage loans and related mortgage-backed securities, as expected, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have selected the relevant tenor of the spread adjusted CME Term Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR). … Continue Reading
FHA issues Mortgagee Letter modifying conflict of interest and dual employment policies
In Mortgagee Letter 2022-22 dated December 15, 2022, the FHA announced updates to its Single Family Housing Policy Handbook (HUD Handbook 4000.1) that modifies its policies governing conflicts of interest and dual employment. The modifications both narrow the employees who are subject to the conflicts of interest policies, and subjects those employees to what appear to be more significant restrictions. … Continue Reading