Realtors – Basics of the Integrated Mortgage Disclosures Rule

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WHAT

Changes to the Loan and Settlement Disclosure forms and processes are coming.

WHEN

The changes will be effective for transactions where a loan application is taken by a lender on or after August 1, 2015. WHY

Because the Dodd-Frank Act of 2010 mandates the combination of the Truth in Lending Act (TILA) loan disclosures with the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA) Good Faith Estimate and HUD-1 Settlement Statement disclosures.

HOW

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), an entity created by the Dodd-Frank Act, issued a new TILA final regulation that, among other things, created two new forms (each with many variations) and new 3 business day delivery requirements.

  • Loan Estimate – 3 business days after application
  • Closing Disclosure – 3 business days before consummation

WHO WILL ISSUE THE FORMS?

  • Loan Estimate – Lender or Mortgage Broker
  • Closing Disclosure – Lender or Settlement Agent (Escrow). Lender may delegate responsibility to the Settlement Agent (Escrow).

ENFORCEMENT

The CFPB can levy substantial penalties so lenders will be very cautious:

  • Up to $5,000 per day for any violation of a law, rule, or final order or condition imposed in writing by the Bureau;
  • Up to $25,000 per day for any person that recklessly engages in a violation of a Federal consumer financial law; and
  • Up to $1,000,000 per day for any person who knowingly violates a Federal consumer financial law.

IMPACT ON REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS

  • Closings may take longer because of 3 business day review periods.
  • You’ll be seeing different forms for most transactions.
  • Your contact information and license number must appear on the Closing Disclosure form. (see page 5 of the Closing Disclosure form)
  • Your clients may receive multiple Loan Estimates due to:
    • “Changed circumstances” – certain defined circumstances that cause the estimated charges to increase by more than the variance allowed under the Final Rule;
    • Multiple applications with different lenders; or
    • Multiple applications for different loan products with the same lender.
  • Your clients may receive multiple Closing Disclosures:
    • Some with a 3 day business day waiting period and some without; and
    • Some before closing and some after.

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AMD: 01/2015

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