RESPA REFORM

RESPA REFORM

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What is RESPA Reform?RESPA Reform was enacted by the U.S. Department

of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The final rule was published on 11/17/08 with the goal of providing consumers greater protection surrounding the terms, fees and settlement charges of their mortgage loan.

The new RESPA rules apply to loan applications taken as of 1/1/10.

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Principles of RESPA Reform

Primary Goals include: • Helping the customer shop for the best loan• Shopping Leads to Greater Competition and

Lower Prices• Key final terms of the loan disclosed to the

borrowers at closing• Preserve a competitive market for all settlement

service providers

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Important Changes

• New Good Faith Estimate Disclosure• Timing of upfront fee collection• Changed Circumstances Concept• New Tolerance and redisclosure requirements• Greater emphasis on communication between the

broker and the lender at time of application through closing

• New HUD-1 Settlement Disclosure

Good Faith Estimate

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New Definition - ApplicationStearns Lending considers an application complete for

RESPA, GFE purposes when the originator (mortgage broker or lender) has the following:– Borrower’s name– Borrower’s monthly income– Borrower’s social security number– Property Address– Estimated value of the property– Loan Amount

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At ApplicationThe GFE must be given to the borrower within 3

business days of receipt of these 6 pieces of information.

The broker is responsible for preparation of the Good Faith Estimate and any redisclosure until the complete loan file is submitted to Stearns Lending for underwriting and approval.

If a transaction involves more than one mortgage loan, a separate GFE for each loan is given to the applicant.

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Intent to ProceedRESPA states the borrower must express their intent to proceed

prior to:

• Collection of any upfront fees other than a credit report fee, and

• Verification of any information provided by the applicant

The new Good Faith does not have signature lines. The borrower does not sign the GFE, they can initial receipt of the GFE by their name on the first page but this is not required.

There can be no other attachments to the GFE, no other document in the file is to be named GFE.

Certification of Intent to Proceed

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Good Faith Estimate (GFE)• The new GFE is designed to create more transparency regarding key

loan terms, fees and charges to encourage the borrower to shop and compare terms offered by different lenders.

• The originator is responsible for providing accurate figures of the true costs of the loan at application, avoiding surprises at settlement.

• The new GFE includes all charges typically paid by a borrower regardless of who is paying the charges (borrower, seller, lender) on an individual transaction.

• For applications taken beginning 1/1/10 or only the standardized GFE form defined by RESPA may be used. If a loan has an application date prior to 1/1/10, we can use the previous GFE and the settlement agent will use the old HUD-1.

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Good Faith Estimate (GFE)• Loan Originators, (mortgage brokers and lenders)

are bound to the settlement charges and terms listed on the GFE initially provided to the borrower, subject to certain tolerances.

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PreApprovals

If there is no subject property, the transaction is not considered an application for RESPA purposes.

A GFE cannot be issued.

Verification and/or processing of the loan request cannot begin until the borrower selects a property, receives the GFE and expresses intent to continue with the loan.

GFE – Getting it Right

Dates,Fees,Details

What you need to know

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GFE – Page 1The first page of the GFE acts as an

overview of the loan transaction. A snapshot of the terms of the loan for which the borrower applied.

• Included on the first page:– loan originator contact information, – important dates, – summary of loan terms – total of estimated settlement charges.

This page is designed to make shopping for a loan easier for the consumer.

Our job as a lender is to review the broker’s GFE for accuracy and completion. In Wholesale at submission our TIL package will no longer include the GFE.

After submission if we are preparing the GFE due to changed circumstances, our system will complete the form based on our data entry.

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GFE – Getting it Right, Page 1 Contact Information

In the first section you must fill in the name, business address, phone number and email address of the loan originator completing the GFE.

• Broker contact information is shown until the time the processed loan file is submitted for approval, then Stearns contact information will be entered

In the second column the borrowers’ names, property address and the date the GFE is prepared is entered.

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GFE – Getting it Right, Page 1Important Dates

The important dates section notifies applicants of the timeframe the terms quoted at application are available to them.

When a loan is locked the GFE is reissued because this section updates to give the borrowers accurate information.

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GFE - Getting it Right, Page 1-Important Dates

Line 1. Enter the date through which the quoted interest rate will be available. You may enter a date and time, or if the rate is floating enter N/A. If the loan is locked the lock expiration date is shown here.

Line 2. RESPA requires all other settlement charges quoted at time of application to be binding for a minimum of 10 business days. Do not count Saturday and Sunday if you are not open for business on those days. If the rate is locked, the lock expiration date is shown here. Enter that date here.

Line 3. Enter the term of the rate lock here. If the loan is floating enter N/A. This field will be updated at the time the loan is locked and a new GFE reissued.

Line 4. This field represents the number of days prior to settlement that the rate must be locked. The minimum number of days for Stearns Lending is 14. If the loan program requires a greater number of days, enter that here.

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GFE –Page , Summary of your loan

This section of the GFE highlights critical terms of the loan to the consumer.Line 1. The loan amount applied forLine 2. The term of the loan in yearsLine 3. The interest rate shown on the note at closing. If the loan is a 3-2-1 buydown

the interest rate on the note not the buydown rate is quoted. For an ARM loan, the initial interest rate is quoted.

Line 4. The initial monthly payment amount of principal, interest and mortgage insurance. If the loan program has other than monthly payments, total the amount of payments made in a year and divide by 12. That number goes here.

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GFE Page 1Summary of your loan

This section of the GFE highlights critical terms of the loan to the consumer.Line 5. If the interest rate can rise, check Yes and enter the maximum interest rate over the life of the loan and the number of

months before the first interest rate change. If a fixed rate loan check No. Line 6. If a loan has negative amortization, check the box Yes and enter in the maximum amount the principal can rise. We do not

offer negatively amortizing loans at this time. Check the box No. Line 7. If a fixed rate loan check No. If an ARM, enter the month of the first increase and the maximum associated payment

amount. The maximum payment over the life of the loan is also shown.Line 8. Check Yes or No to show whether there is a prepayment penalty. If yes, state the maximum amount of the prepayment

penalty, assume payoff on day 1. Interest paid through the end of the month on an FHA loan at the time of payoff is not considered a prepayment penalty.

Line 9. Check Yes if the loan has a balloon payment and enter the amount and number of years until the balloon is due, otherwise check No.

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GFE – Getting it Right, Page 1Escrow Account Information

It is important for a consumer to know if their loan payment includes impounds for taxes and insurance. This box tells the consumer to ask their loan officer for information regarding impounds. The payment quoted in this section is only principal, interest and mortgage insurance. Check the box No or Yes depending on the situation. If the loan includes an impound account, information regarding impounds is on page 2 of the GFE.

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GFE – Getting it Right, Page 1Summary of Settlement Charges

The total charges shown in boxes A and B are detailed on page 2 of the GFE. This section gives the borrower the total amount of estimated settlement charges from both origination and other settlement charges.

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GFE Page 2• Page 2 displays loan fees as subtotals

by service provided to the consumer, another tool for shopping for the best loan.

• The fees quoted at time of application on page 2 are compared to the charges at closing on the HUD-1 to insure none have increased at closing more than is allowed by the regulation.

• The lender is bound to the fees quoted at application. In a wholesale transaction, the lender is not able to ‘unbind’ the agreement between the broker and the applicant.

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GFE Page 2,Your Adjusted Origination Charges

Block 1. Our origination chargeThe dollar amount shown in this block represents all compensation paid to the

broker and lender. This total is not dependent on who is paying the compensation. For example lender paid compensation to the broker as well as seller paid fees benefiting the broker or lender are included in the total.

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Enter the total of the following fees in block 1:

YSP, or Lender to Broker Compensation Broker FeeOrigination Fee Processing FeeAdministration Fee Application FeeUnderwriting Fee Courier FeeMessenger Fee Wire FeeSSN/Tax Return Verification Fee Lock FeeEmployment Verification Fee Extended Lock FeeMERS Registration Fee Doc Prep FeeCommitment Fee

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Block 2: Your credit or charge (points), for the specific interest rate chosenBlock 2 represents the fees paid or credit given to the borrower for the interest rate.

This box reflects the net impact of any discount, YSP or other loan level price adjustment.

Important to note: boxes 2 and 3 cannot be checked at the same time. The fee or credit shown is the ‘net’ impact of all charges related to the interest rate chosen.

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Check one of three boxes• Box 1 – wholesale, do not check. • Box 2 – if there is a credit for the interest rate, check the box, enter the dollar amount of the credit and the

interest rate, carry the dollar amount of the credit as a negative number into the column.• Box 3 - if there is a charge for the interest rate, (discount points and loan level price adjustments) check the

box, enter the dollar amount of the charge and the interest rate, carry the dollar amount as a positive number into the column.

Again, the net charge or credit is reflected – do not choose both a credit and a charge. The amount from block 1 is added to the amount in block 2 and the total shown in box A.

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GFE Page 2, Your Adjusted Origination Charges

Impact of a Lock: Once the loan is locked, the interest rate dependent charges

only are updated. These are the net charges/credits shown in block 2.

Origination Fees as disclosed in block 1 are not allowed to increase. These fees represent the charges involved in processing a loan and do not include rate dependent fees.

It is important to take care when quoting the origination charges at application as these fees cannot change unless an appropriate changed circumstance exists and is documented and approved by Stearns Lending.

We will address changed circumstances later in the presentation.

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GFE Page 2,Your Adjusted Origination ChargesExample 1:• Loan Amount: $200,000• Interest Rate: 5.00%• Broker Price: 101.00 (1% YSP)• Broker Fees: origination $4,000.00, processing $500.00• Stearns Fees: $750.00 administration • Credit for Interest rate to borrower: 1.00% (1% YSP)

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Example 2:• Loan Amount: $200,000• Interest Rate: 4.50%• Broker Price: 98.00 (2 discount points)• Broker Fees: origination $2,000.00, processing $500.00• Stearns Fees: $750.00 administration • Charge for Interest rate to borrower: 2.00% (2 discount points)

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GFE Page 2,Your Adjusted Origination ChargesExample 3:• Loan Amount: $200,000• Interest Rate: 4.75%• Broker Price: 100 – par – no discount or YSP• Broker Fees: origination $2,500.00, processing $500.00• Stearns Fees: $750.00 administration • Charge for Interest rate to borrower: 0.00%

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GFE Page 2,Your Adjusted Origination ChargesImpact of Float to Rate Lock on Example 1• Loan Amount: $200,000• Interest Rate: was 5.00% with 1 YSP now to get 5% the borrower must pay

1 discount • Broker Price: 101.00 became 99.00 a swing of 2 points• Broker Fees: origination $4,000.00, processing $500.00• Stearns Fees: $750.00 administration • Credit for Interest rate towards closing costs for borrower: 1.00% (1%

YSP) became charge for interest rate of 1.00%

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What happens now? The cost of the loan increased $4,000.00 (2 points) based on market changes. RESPA tells us the origination charge is not based on the interest rate but represents compensation

to the broker and lender for originating and processing the loan. Before the rate lock, the broker was receiving $2,000 compensation from the lender, now to

continue to earn the $5250 origination fee originally quoted, this compensation needs to be paid by the borrower.

What do I do? Contact the broker – If the broker is holding his origination charge constant then the burden of

payment has shifted from Stearns to the borrower. This will create additional prepaid finance charges to the borrower and may trigger a new Truth in Lending disclosure due to APR increases above tolerance. If the broker wants to reduce his origination fees then include that reduction in the redisclosure.

A point to remember once a fee is reduced, it can’t be raised again unless there is a qualifying changed circumstance. You may need to remind your broker of this if he chooses to lower his origination charge in this example.

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GFE Page 2,Your Adjusted Origination ChargesImpact of Float to Rate Lock, improving market Example 3• Loan Amount: $200,000• Interest Rate: 4.75 was the par rate, now when paying 4.75% the borrower

earns 1% YSP as a credit for that interest rate• Broker Price: 100 – par – no discount or YSP, now 101• Broker Fees: origination $2,500.00, processing $500.00• Stearns Fees: $750.00 administration • Charge for Interest rate to borrower: 0.00%, becomes credit of 1%

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What happens now? The cost of the loan decreased $2,000.00 based on market

changes. RESPA tells us the origination charge is not based on the

interest rate but represents compensation to the broker and lender for originating and processing the loan. Therefore broker and lender origination charges do not change.

Since the market improved and costs for the interest rate selected decreased, the borrower receives a credit towards their closing costs.

The borrower continues to pay their portion of broker and lender compensation.

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GFE Page 2,Your Adjusted Origination ChargesExample 4:• Loan Amount: $200,000• Interest Rate: 6.00%• Broker Price: 102.5• Broker Fees: origination $2,000.00, processing $500.00• Stearns Fees: $750.00 administration • Credit for Interest rate to borrower: 2.50%

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What happens now?

The Adjusted Origination Charges in box A are allowed to be a negative number. In this case the credit for the interest rate was larger than the origination charges. This credit will be carried down to offset the other settlement services in box B on the bottom of page 2.

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GFE Page 2, Your charges for All Other Settlement Services

This section lists each third party settlement provider selected by the originator other than title. The description of the service, not the provider name, and the charge for each must be included. The total of all these fees is entered in the right hand column. Examples include: credit report, appraisal, appraisal review, flood certification, property tax services, FHA upfront MIP and VA funding fee.

These fees are limited to a 10% increase at close unless there is a changed circumstance.

Brokers and Loan Officers need to create working relationships with their vendors to get accurate estimates at the time of application.

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GFE – Getting it Right, Page 2Your charges for All Other Settlement Services

All fees related to closing go in box 4 and is shown as a total. The fees are not itemized individually. Included in this box are fees such as title search, examination and endorsements, lender’s title insurance fee, delivery fee, settlement or escrow fee, sub escrow fee, notary fee, messenger fee, email fee, and attorney’s fees for documents needed at close (not loan documents). Any fee relating to the settlement, escrow or title services except for owners title insurance goes here.

Again, it is important for the Broker and Loan Officer to create close working relationships with the title companies in the borrower’s neighborhood so these fees are as accurate as possible.

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In a purchase transaction the fee for owner’s title insurance and any endorsements, independent of who is paying for them, is entered here.

In a refinance, enter NA.

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Any required third party services that the borrower can shop for is listed here. Describe the service, (for example, pest inspection, survey) and list each estimated charge. The total goes in the right hand column.

For services disclosed in boxes 4, 5 and 6, if borrowers are permitted to shop for a third party settlement services they must be given a separate written list of settlement service providers at the time of the GFE. This list contains the names of providers the estimates were based on. This list is prepared on a separate piece of paper provided along with the GFE.

The broker is responsible for preparation of this list and submission at the time of application.

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Box 7 – enter any state and local recording fees for the loan and any required title documents. Communication with the settlement agent prior to preparation of the GFE is important so the estimate is accurate.

Box 8 – Transfer Taxes represents the sum of all state and local government fees that will be charged at settlement based on the loan application. This fee must be exact and there is zero tolerance for charging more than is initially quoted per RESPA. Communication with the settlement agent is important for accuracy.

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Box 9 represents the estimate of the deposit that will be required for the borrowers’ initial impound account at closing. The estimate includes deposits for

Property taxes Hazard Insurance

Flood Insurance Mortgage Insurance

Any other impounds.

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The estimated per diem interest collected at closing is shown in box 10.

In box 11, list the type of Hazard Insurance and the estimated amount, carry the total to the right hand column. Insurance includes, hazard, fire, flood, earthquake etc.

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Tolerance

10% Tolerance:The total of charges in blocks

3,4,5,6 and 7 can increase up to 10% if the service provider is identified by the loan originator.

There is no tolerance limitation if the borrower selects their own service provider in blocks 4,5 and 6.

Transfer Taxes, block 8, has zero tolerance, the fee cannot increase at settlement.

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GFE Page 3

The third page of the GFE has minimal data entry by the originator and it’s primary purpose is to be a tool for the borrower when shopping and comparing loan offers from different lenders.

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GFE – Getting it Right, Page 3This part of the GFE is informational for the consumer. It tells the consumer

which fees can and cannot change and the associated tolerance.If at closing there is a change greater than the tolerances allowed, the lender is

responsible for the correction and that correction is shown on the HUD-1. Communication with brokers and settlement agents prior to documents being

released is the key to success.

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GFE – Getting it Right, Page 3

The consumer can use the tradeoff table to compare loan offers from the same lender. We will be programming the first column.

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GFE – Getting it Right, Page 3

The shopping chart is a useful tool for the consumer to use to compare offers from all lenders during the 10 business day period described earlier. When a borrower chooses the loan program and lender they will be required to document their intent to proceed with the loan before any additional fees or information, (verification of the application) can be collected.

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GFE – Getting it RightSettlement Servicers Providers List

Anytime the borrower is allowed to shop for or choose a service provider, the Settlement Service Providers List must be given along with the GFE showing providers that are available to provide the services described.

Key Points:• The Settlement Service Providers List is given to the applicant with each

Good Faith Estimate• The list must include at least one provider for each required service along with

contact information• The providers given must offer their services in the borrower’s neighborhood.• The applicant is not required to select from the list provided.• The borrower must notify the loan originator of his choice of service providers

for each service within 10 business days of the application date.• If the borrower chooses a provider on the Settlement Service Providers List

the fee at closing is limited to a 10% increase. If the borrower chooses their own provider then the fee is not limited.

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Settlement Service Providers Form Sample

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HUD BookletHud also published a new booklet to be sent to applicants

with the Good Faith Estimate.

The revised booklet provides the borrower expanded information about shopping for a mortgage and understanding the home purchase process. The format and contents of the new Good Faith Estimate are included in the description of the process and are required to be used with any mortgage loan application taken on or after January 1, 2010.

The HUD Booklet can be found at www.hud.gov/respa.

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TILA and RESPA• TILA differences

– TILA requires itemization of individual fees– Seller paid fees are not included in the APR– The YSP is not included as a prepaid finance charge for APR

purposes– No duplication of fees by broker and lender– Individual Fees still used in High Cost calculations– The Initial Disclosure package does not include the GFE. It is

delivered separately by the broker. – Timing – wait periods – RESPA fees are ‘binding’ for 10 days.

Borrower intent to proceed prior to verification of information or collection of fee other than credit report fee. MDIA – 3 day mailing period for TIL documents prior to ordering appraisal, 7 days for settlement.

Changed Circumstances

When do I reissue a new GFE? When can a fee quoted on the initial GFE

change?

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Changed Circumstances

Changed circumstances include:• Acts of God, Disaster, Emergency

– a federal disaster declared by the president (fire, flood, tornado, earthquake, hurricane)

• Inaccurate information used in good faith to provide the GFE– Loan amount, credit quality, property value, income

• New information obtained that was not relied on in providing the GFE– Property type (SFR – Units), Occupancy Change, FICO, underwriting

conditions require additional services• Locking the Loan

– Loan locks after GFE issued, Lock period expires• Other info particular to the borrower or transaction,

– boundary disputes, flood insurance, environmental problems, unique property characteristics not know to originator

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Changed CircumstancesChanged circumstances do not include:• Lender non acceptance of mortgage broker issued GFE• GFE issued with no property information and the property

information is provided later in the process, (Preapproval)• GFE issued by the mortgage broker for one lender, which

is later submitted to a different lender • Market fluctuations on a locked loan• Changes that should have been known at the time the GFE

was provided, for example requirement of two appraisals for loan program/amount requested.

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Changed CircumstancesChanged circumstances may include the following. Each will be considered on a case by

case basis to determine the impact of the change to the costs incurred for settlement. Each decision will be documented on the Respa Changed Circumstance Detail form

• Borrower does not proceed to closing quickly• GSE, FHA, Mortgage insurance program changes• Regulatory changes• Property address deemed to be incorrect• Parties added or removed from title• Property use changes• Signing documents using a POA• Vendor for a settlement service goes out of business• AVM problem, Appraisal Review• Investor Rejection of appraisal requiring new appraisal• Borrower changes from standard to extended coverage owners title policy

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Changed CircumstancesBorrower Requested Changes

Borrower requested changes• Changes to the loan application originated by the borrower

can be cause to create a new revised GFE, changing only those sections of the GFE related to the borrower’s choice.

Examples include:• Changed loan program, i.e. from ARM to fixed• Rate lock• Borrower chooses another property• Borrower requests different loan amount

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Changed Circumstances – Rate Lock

When the borrower locks their interest rate, only the interest rate related charges may change, for example:– Charge or credit for interest rate chosen (box 2 on page 2 of the

GFE)– Per Diem Interest– Charges related to the loan terms

All other charges must remain the same.

For additional information about changed circumstances and their fee impact please refer to the changed circumstance chart.

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Changed Circumstances - TimingA new GFE must be provided to the borrower

disclosing the costs affected by the changed circumstance within 3 days of discovery of the changed circumstance.

The broker must reissue the GFE within 3 days of discovery if the loan has not yet been submitted to Stearns. If submitted, the broker must notify the account manager and/or compliance specialist immediately upon identification of the changed circumstance so a new GFE/TIL (if needed) can be prepared by Stearns. The underwriter may be the first person notified as well.

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Changed Circumstances DocumentationIn order to prepare a revised accurate GFE, the originator must complete

the RESPA Changed Circumstance Detail Form.This form includes:

– The date of the change– The date of the redisclosure– Details regarding the change– Fee changes associated with the change

The changed circumstance documentation is reviewed by the Compliance Specialist who will approve or decline the request. If approved the Compliance Specialist will prepare the revised GFE and TIL disclosures, if needed. If the loan is already approved, the underwriter will review and approve or decline the request before forwarding to the set up person for redisclosure.

The form will be kept in the loan file along with the appropriate GFE.You will have a choice on DocuPrep to indicate if you are requesting only

a GFE or a GFE/TIL package.

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Request for Revised GFE

If the loan has been submitted for underwriting, and a changed circumstance occurs, the broker will complete the Request for Revised GFE form detailing the reason for the change. This form will be reviewed by the Underwriter and/or the Compliance Specialist prior to a new GFE being prepared by Stearns.

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Broker Fee Sheet

HUD-1 Getting it Right

Dates,Fees,Details

What you need to know

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HUD-1 Settlement StatementThe new HUD-1 has been revised with line items that correspond to the new

GFE. Fees are not listed individually but represent those in the ‘boxes’ on the GFE.

The purpose is to allow borrowers to easily compare their final loan terms and closing costs with those listed on their GFE.

A third page added to the HUD-1 lists the fees quoted on the GFE and shows a side by side comparison of those fees at closing. Three tolerance categories are disclosed – zero tolerance, 10% tolerance and no tolerance limitations.

Fees exceeding tolerance must be cured and the credit shown on the first page of the HUD-1.

RESPA allows for a 30 day cure period. The last page has a summary of loan terms. The new HUD-1 is used in partnership with applicants receiving the new GFE. If

an application is taken prior to 1/1/10, the previous version of the HUD is used, otherwise the new version is used.

We are still requiring the borrowers and sellers execute a signature page attached to the HUD-1.

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HUD-1 Example

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HUD-1 Example

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HUD-1 Page - 1Any cure to bring a fee

into tolerance will be shown in the 200 section as a lender credit on page 1 of the HUD-1. Fees exceeding tolerance are not reduced on page 2, but shown as their actual charge.

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HUD-1 Real Estate Broker Fees

Commissions earned by Real Estate Agents are now shown in dollars instead of a percentage.

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HUD-1 Items Payable in Connection with Loan

Previously each fee was itemized separately on individual HUD lines, now the HUD-1 is designed to display fees in line with the new GFE – subtotaled by category. Note the references to the GFE so the borrower can easily refer to their copy of the GFE.

The adjusted origination charge is shown in the fee column as paid by borrower, following from Box A of the GFE page 2.

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HUD-1 Paid in advance to Lender and Reserves to Lender

These sections of the HUD-1 carry through from the GFE boxes noted. The impound section (1002 – 1007) are listed on the inside column with only the aggregate shown in the outside column.

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HUD-1 Title Charges

Title services is the total of any charge for a service involved in obtaining title insurance.

Important note, the title insurance premium split between the title agent and the underwriter is disclosed on lines 1107 and 1108.

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HUD-1 Recording and Transfer Charges

Government Recording charges are detailed on the inside column and then the aggregate shown in the outside columns.

Line 1203 Transfer Taxes has zero tolerance. If different than the amount shown on the GFE, contact the broker to explain credit needed from broker.

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HUD-1 Additional Settlement Charges

This section details the services the borrower shops for. The details again on the inside column with the aggregate charges in the outside columns.

Since the borrower chose these service providers, the fees are not limited or considered in the tolerance provisions of RESPA.

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HUD-1 Page 3 ZERO TOLERANCE

Charges That Cannot Increase

This section compares the information shown on the GFE to the final settlement charges. These fees cannot increase at closing. Any fee which has increased at closing must be resolved by a credit on page one of the HUD-1. This chart is not corrected, only the credit is shown to bring the fee back into tolerance. The funder is required to review this page of the HUD prior to releasing funds. Any credit needed is to be taken from broker fees and a correct HUD issued prior to release. If the final HUD is sent after closing, the post funding audit department will process the credit in partnership with the settlement agent within 30 days of close.

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HUD-1 Page 3 10% TOLERANCE

Charges with an allowable increase of 10%

These fees and charges are allowed to increase 10% in total. The tolerance is not measured on an individual basis but an aggregate basis. If the total has increased at closing greater than 10%, that difference must be resolved by a credit on page one of the HUD-1. This chart is not corrected, only the credit is shown to bring the total back into the 10% tolerance. The funder is required to review this page of the HUD prior to releasing funds. Any credit needed is to be taken from broker fees and a correct HUD issued prior to release. If the final HUD is sent after closing, the post funding audit department will process the credit in partnership with the settlement agent within 30 days of close.

Note: if the total amount of fees exceed the initial quote by 14%, the 4% over the tolerance is the amount credited.

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HUD-1 Page 3 Charges that can change

These charges are for those services chosen by the borrower or represent fees associated with the closing date, for example, prepaid interest and the initial deposit for the impound account.

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HUD-1 Page 3 Loan Terms Summary

The loan terms information is completed by the settlement agent from information included in the closing document package. Borrowers may use this section to compare terms quoted on their GFE to the final documents.

The funder and post funding auditors are responsible for reviewing this information for accuracy and coordinating with the settlement agent as described above for correction.

HUD-1

Every HUD-1 must be reviewed within 30 days of closing. Any fees found out of tolerance must be refunded to the

customer and an updated HUD-1 prepared by the settlement agent.

The Stearns post closing auditor will audit the final HUD-1 against the HUD-1 provided to the funder and the GFE.

The auditor is responsible for ordering a check and working with the settlement agent to reissue a new HUD-1within 30 days of close.

The auditor will also notify the broker of the need for reimbursement if the error made is determined to have originated from the broker’s office.

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Lock Expiration and RESPA

Lock ExpirationIf the lock expires, the lock cannot be extended or

renegotiated until all prior to doc conditions are approved. To extend the lock keeping the same interest rate offered to

the borrower, the broker may be required to take the increased cost out of his compensation.

Or, a changed circumstance will exist due to the lock expiration and the broker submits the request for new GFE due to lock expiration, a new GFE/TIL is prepared and the appropriate waiting time begins again.

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Submission Stages and RESPAModifications/Changed Circumstances• If during the underwriting process a changed circumstance is identified which was not

initially disclosed in the loan submission, it may be necessary to prepare a new Good Faith Estimate along with a TIL document reflecting the change in terms associated with the new information.

• Once the loan file is submitted to Stearns for underwriting, we will prepare the updated GFE and document the changed circumstance form. The Compliance Specialist, Account Manger or Underwriter will contact the broker for preparation of the Changed Circumstance Form and confirmation of fees that are changing. Stearns will make every attempt to contact the broker within the 3 day window, if unable to reach the broker or we do not receive the information, Stearns will proceed with preparation of the GFE based on the best available information to us. At this point in the loan process, only Stearns will issue an amended GFE, the broker cannot issue the updated GFE.

• Changed circumstances may also be identified after approval but during review of prior to document conditions. Again, the Compliance Specialist, Underwriter, Account Manger and Document Preparation Specialist will work together to prepare the revised GFE/TIL if needed and document the file of the changed circumstance while working with the broker as above.

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Submission Stages and RESPABorrower Requested ChangesWhen a borrower requests a change, for example, from an ARM to a fixed rate

loan, the GFE and TIL documents need to be redrawn. The following are submitted by the broker to the Compliance Specialist so the

loan can be modified and the appropriate disclosures prepared:• Submission Form• Stearns Broker RESPA Fee Sheet• Acceptable Changed Circumstance Form• Documentation to support the request• Amended GFE within 3 days of borrower request• An acceptable Broker Prepared GFE within 3 days of borrower request• Amended TIL documents, (if not being prepared by Stearns)• An acceptable Broker Prepared Settlement Service Providers Worksheet• Broker Certification of Borrower Intent to Proceed

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Submission Stages and RESPAClosing Documents• The document request form, and any supporting documents, is completed and sent to

Stearns by the broker. • Document Prep will use the estimated HUD from settlement to prepare the documents • The funder or document preparation specialist will compare the latest version of the GFE

to the HUD-1 page 3 and determine if any fees and charges exceed tolerances at the time documents are prepared.

• The document preparation specialist or funder will work with the broker to adjust the broker’s origination fees enabling the charges to return to tolerance. It is the broker’s responsibility to quote fees correctly at application to minimize changes and credits at closing.

Funding• The funder will review and compare the HUD-1 prepared by the settlement agent to the

HUD-1 and GFE prepared with loan documents. Any discrepancies must be resolved prior to distribution of funds.

• The funder will work with both the broker and the settlement agent to resolve any issues.

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Compliance SpecialistWe are creating a new position in each Wholesale Branch, a Compliance

Specialist who’s primary focus is RESPA compliance. The Compliance Specialist is the primary resource for RESPA related

questions from the broker community and the staff in the branch. The Compliance Specialist will review the GFE, Settlement Service

Provider List and RESPA Fee Sheet auditing for acceptability on each submission.

The specialist is responsible for contacting the broker to resolve any questions or issues regarding the GFE, TIL and the RESPA Fee Sheet.

The Compliance Specialist will contact the broker and work out a solution if fees/charges appear to be under disclosed or if Stearns fees are missing from the GFE.

A changed circumstance and the related fee documentation will be reviewed by the Compliance Specialist.

Compliance SpecialistIf you are locking after taking an application, the Compliance Specialist

will review your registration package and your GFE for accuracy and timing requirements prior to preparation of the TIL disclosure package. Then your rate lock will be issued.

If you are floating your interest rate and the GFE shows a locked interest rate, we will call you for clarification. Stearns will require you to lock your loan at market rates for the interest rate quoted to proceed with us. If you show a rate lock on the GFE, then the lender is bound to the GFE as well. If we cannot support the interest rate and terms quoted as locked on your GFE, we will return the registration package to you.

If your lock expires, please contact the lock desk right away so we can work together to determine the best solution for all.

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Compliance Specialist - ResourcesFor information regarding completion of the Good Faith Estimate, please refer to the

previous slides in this presentation. Thank you. If you have additional questions, please email your branch RESPA help desk

Modesto, CA [email protected] Jose, CA [email protected] Ana, CA [email protected] Rosa, CA [email protected], IL [email protected] Vegas, NV [email protected], NJ [email protected], OR [email protected], UT [email protected]

We are here to help you!

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Additional ResourcesEstimating your Appraisal FeeOn our wholesale website, there is a link to the

appraisal request system. Please enter the property information requested and

a quote will be returned to you. Typically a quote can be given the same day.

If for unique properties, additional information may be required prior to a quote being given, you will be asked for any additional information at the time of the fee estimate request.

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Additional ResourcesBroker RESPA Fee SheetThe fee sheet is created so that individual fees listed

subtotal into the various fee categories shown on the GFE.

This should make your audit of the initial GFE as well as preparation of any redisclosures easier and more accurate.

A copy of this form individualized by branch is posted on our website, www.stearnswholesale.com.

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Additional ResourcesChanged Circumstance Chart

Stearns has created a chart which lists possible situations where a GFE may need to be reissued. The chart lists the type of situation as well as the fee categories that may be affected.

This chart is posted on our wholesale website www.stearnswholesale.com.