The CFPB recently issued its long-awaited proposed rule amending the mortgage servicing rules under Regulation X, with a focus on streamlining and expanding the loss mitigation procedures and foreclosure protections. The amendments have been touted as a means to streamline the loss mitigation process, with a nod to the laudable approach taken by industry during the COVID-19 pandemic.… Continue Reading

Buyer-Broker Commissions

In connection with its guaranteed home loan program, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) recently adopted a temporary local variance allowing veterans to pay the commission of the real estate broker or agent assisting them (a “buyer-broker”). VA also recently urged servicers to implement a targeted foreclosure moratorium through year end, which would extend, with modifications, a previously announced moratorium.… Continue Reading

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) made significant changes to its loss mitigation program this month, launching its awaited Veterans Affairs Servicing Purchase Program, and implementing a 40-year loan modification term. Details of those developments are provided below.

                Extension to 40-Year Loan Modification Term

On April 17, 2024, the VA issued Circular 26-24-8, which extends the available term of its loan modification option.… Continue Reading

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) recently issued Circular 26-23-10, Change 1, Circular 26-24-5 and an Exhibit to address fees that may be imposed in connection with the assumption of a VA-guaranteed home loan.

The VA advises in the Circulars that the holder or servicer of a VA-guaranteed home loan with automatic authority may charge an assumption processing fee not to exceed $300.… Continue Reading

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) recently announced a Payment Supplement loss mitigation program for Federal Housing Administration (FHA) insured Title 2 mortgage loans, the details of which are set forth in Mortgagee Letter 2024-02. Mortgage servicers may begin implementing the Payment Supplement on May 1, 2024, but must implement the solution for all eligible borrowers by January 1, 2025.… Continue Reading

On April 12, North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum signed into law House Bill 1068, which creates a new statutory licensing scheme in North Dakota covering residential mortgage loan servicing activities.  This follows on the heels of the enactment last month of North Dakota Senate Bill 2090, which overhauled North Dakota’s licensing requirements related to residential mortgage lending. … Continue Reading

The U.S. Supreme Court has invited the Solicitor General to file briefs expressing the views of the United States in two cases involving the question whether state laws requiring the payment of interest on mortgage escrow accounts are preempted for national banks and federal savings associations.  The Supreme Court is considering whether to grant the petitions for certiorari filed in the two cases.… Continue Reading

The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals recently issued an Order vacating a nearly $8 million judgment won by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) in its lawsuit against Nationwide Biweekly Administration, Inc. (Nationwide), an Ohio mortgage services company.  The Ninth Circuit remanded the case to the district court for further analysis based on recent rulings related to the constitutionality of the CFPB.… Continue Reading