InfoBytes Blog
Filter
Subscribe to our InfoBytes Blog weekly newsletter and other publications for news affecting the financial services industry.
Fannie Mae Updates Selling Guide with Underwriting Information on Borrower Credit Freezes
On December 19, Fannie Mae announced updates to its Selling Guide, including guidance related to underwriting a loan for borrowers who have frozen their credit files at one or more of the three national credit repositories. The Selling Guide now states that a credit report is acceptable for manual underwriting or “Desktop Underwriter” when a borrower’s credit information is frozen at only one of the credit repositories as long as credit data is available from two repositories, a credit score is obtained from at least one of those two repositories, and the lender requested a three in-file merged report. If the borrower’s credit file is frozen at two or more of the credit repositories, the loan will not be eligible for either form of underwriting. Other notable updates to the Selling Guide include, (i) adding requirements on premium pricing to the mortgage eligibility policy; (ii) relief from the enforcement of selling representations and warranties for mortgages that are subject to a disaster-related forbearance plan, where the disaster impacting the loan occurred on or after August 25, 2017 and other requirements are met; (iii) additional details about minimum requirements for internal audit and management controls for all seller/servicers; and (iv) consolidation in the Selling Guide of individual mortgage loan file records retention provisions from the Servicing Guide (as previously covered by InfoBytes here).
Freddie Mac Issues New Guidance on Borrowers Qualifying Income
On December 14, Freddie Mac issued Guide Bulletin 2017-28, providing updates and reminders to sellers regarding income used for qualifying borrowers and other matters. The bulletin expands the options for sellers when qualifying a borrower with income that starts after the date of the mortgage note, including increasing the allowable gap from 60 days to 90 days between the note date and the commencement of income, allowing for a “no-cash-out” refinance as a potential transaction type, and permitting fully approved future salary increases from a current employer as income. It also relaxes certain requirements in the event the income commences prior to the delivery date. In addressing other topics, the bulletin allows for relief from the enforcement of selling representations and warranties for mortgages that are subject to a disaster-related forbearance plan. The relief extends through the later of the applicable payment history period end date or the date the mortgage transitions out of the disaster-related forbearance plan and is brought current. Among other issues, the updates and reminders cover the eligibility of Land Trust Mortgages and “Texas Equity Mortgages” for sale to Freddie Mac, and incorporation of the new 2018 FHFA base conforming and super conforming loan limits (previously covered by InfoBytes here).
Financial Regulators Issue Joint Supervisory Guidance for Disaster Areas; VA Announces Wildfire Relief
On December 15, the FDIC, Fed, OCC, and NCUA issued Interagency Supervisory Examiner Guidance for Institutions Affect by a Major Disaster (Guidance). The Guidance provides information on assessing the financial condition of institutions affected by a “major disaster with individual assistance” as declared by the President. The Guidance also encourages institutions affected by such disasters to discuss relevant issues with their examiners and notes that the supervisory agencies will consider extending report filing deadlines and rescheduling exams. Additionally, the Guidance states that examiners should consider factors related to the disaster, such as asset losses and staffing issues, when assessing capital adequacy and management capability requirements. And when considering the supervisory response to an institution that receives a lower component or composite rating, the Guidance provides that examiners should recognize the extent to which any weaknesses are related to the major disaster.
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), on December 12, announced additional special relief following the California wildfires in Circular 26-17-42. The Circular encourages VA loan holders to extend forbearance to borrowers affected by the wildfires and VA loan servicers to continue solicitation of the VA Disaster Loan Modification program (as previously covered by InfoBytes here). Additionally, for affected borrowers and loans, the Circular suggests that loan holders follow the 90-day foreclosure moratorium and that servicers consider waiving late charges and suspending credit reporting. The Circular is effective until January 1, 2019.
Find continuing InfoBytes coverage on Disaster Relief here.
Fannie and Freddie Introduce Extended Modifications for Disaster Relief
On November 2, at the direction of the Federal Housing and Finance Authority (FHFA), Fannie Mae introduced in Lender Letter LL-2017-09 (Letter) a temporary forbearance mortgage loan modification (Extend Mod) for servicers with mortgage loans affected by the recent disasters. The Letter covers the requirements for an Extend Mod, including outlining loan eligibility criteria. Among other requirements, the loan must (i) be located in a FEMA-Declared Disaster Area; (ii) be less than 31 days delinquent when the disaster occurred and complete the forbearance plan while between 31 days delinquent and 360 days delinquent; (iii) not be delinquent after being previously modified with an Extend Mod from the same disaster; (iv) not be insured or guaranteed by a federal government agency; and (v) not be subject to a recourse or indemnification arrangement, another workout option, or a current repayment plan that is performing. The Letter also provides information on disbursing hazard loss draft proceeds, reimbursement for property inspections, and payment records for borrower-initiated termination of mortgage insurance.
Under the same FHFA direction and in coordination with Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac issued Guide Bulletin 2017-25 announcing the servicing requirements for the Freddie Mac Extend Modification for Disaster Relief. Both Fannie and Freddie note the deadline for implementing the Extend Mod is February 1, 2018.
Find more InfoBytes disaster relief coverage here.
Freddie Mac Announces Guide Bulletin 2017-23 Concerning Debt Payment-to-Income Calculations and Appraisals
On October 18, Freddie Mac announced the issuance of Guide Bulletin 2017-23 (Bulletin), which changes selling requirements related to, among other things, student loan monthly debt payment-to-income (DTI) ratio calculations and appraisals. Specifically, for student loans in repayment, sellers must use the greater of the following in calculating DTI ratios, as listed on a borrower’s credit report: (i) the monthly payment amount, or (ii) 0.5 percent of the original loan balance or outstanding balance (one percent for loans in deferment or forbearance). The revisions also remove the requirement that a seller must “obtain documentation if a monthly payment amount is not reported on the credit report.” Further, the Bulletin stipulates certain DTI ratio exclusions, which include specific contingent liabilities.
Revisions to appraisal requirements include: (i) no longer requiring a “new appraisal when the settlement date is more than 120 days after the note date,” and (ii) accepting appraisal updates “performed by an unlicensed or trainee (or similar classification) appraiser if a supervisory appraiser signs the appraisal update.” While the revisions are applicable for mortgages with settlement dates on or after January 18, 2018, Freddie Mac also permits immediate implementation.Federal Agencies Offer Consumer Relief Measures Following Recent Natural Disasters
On October 13, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) released two circulars (here and here) describing measures mortgagees may employ to provide relief to VA home loan borrowers affected by recent California wildfires and Hurricane Nate. Referencing the VA’s guidance on natural disasters, the VA’s recommendations include: (i) extending forbearance to distressed borrowers; (ii) establishing a 90-day moratorium on initiating foreclosures on affected loans; (iii) waiving late charges; (iv) suspending credit bureau reporting with the understanding that servicers will not be penalized by the VA; and (v) extending “special forbearance” to National Guard members who report for active duty to assist recovery efforts.
Separately, on October 17, the Federal Reserve Board, FDIC, National Credit Union Administration, and OCC released a joint notice under the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement Act that temporarily eases appraisal requirements for real estate-related financial transactions in areas impacted by recent hurricane disasters. The four agencies will allow appraisal exceptions, provided that financial institutions determine, and obtain documentation related to, the following: (i) the property involved is located in a major disaster area; (ii) there exists a binding commitment to fund the transaction within 36 months of the date the area was declared a major disaster; and (iii) “the value of the real property supports the institution’s decision to enter into the transaction.” The expiration date for exceptions in each area covered by the notice is three years after the date the President declared the area to be a major disaster area.
As previously discussed in InfoBytes, several federal agencies have announced regulatory relief for victims of recent natural disasters.
Federal Agencies Offer Regulatory Relief for Hurricane Victims
Federal agencies continue to announce regulatory relief for financial institutions aiding consumers affected by recent hurricane disasters. InfoBytes coverage on previous disaster relief measures can be accessed here, here, and here.
Freddie Mac. On September 25, Freddie Mac issued Bulletin 2017-21 (Bulletin) to extend certain temporary selling and servicing requirements meant to provide flexibility and relief for mortgages and borrowers in areas impacted by all hurricanes occurring on or after August 25 through the 2017 hurricane season. In particular, Freddie Mac will reimburse sellers for property inspections completed prior to the sale or securitization of mortgages secured by properties in disaster areas caused by a 2017 hurricane. Freddie Mac is also requiring servicers to suspend foreclosure sales and eviction activities on property located in eligible disaster areas affected by Hurricane Maria. However, the Bulletin provides that a servicer can proceed with a foreclosure sale if it can confirm that (i) inspection was completed on a mortgaged property “identified as vacant or abandoned prior to Hurricane Maria,” and (ii) the property sustained no “insurable damage.” The Bulletin also reminds servicers to report all mortgages affected by an eligible disaster that are 31 or more days delinquent to Freddie Mac.
Veterans Affairs (VA). On September 27, the VA issued Circular 26-17-28 to outline measures that it encourages mortgagees to utilize to provide relief to veterans affected by Hurricane Maria. Specific recommendations include: (i) extending forbearance to distressed borrowers; (ii) establishing a 90-day moratorium on initiating foreclosures on affected loans; (iii) waiving late charges; (iv) suspending credit bureau reporting with the understanding that servicers will not be penalized by the VA; and (v) extending “special forbearance” to National Guard members who report for active duty to assist recovery efforts.
FDIC. On September 27, the FDIC released a financial institution letter to provide additional guidance for depository institutions assisting affected consumers. As previously covered in Infobytes, the FDIC released guidance for Hurricane Harvey disaster relief, and issued a joint press release in conjunction with the Federal Reserve Board, Conference of State Bank Supervisors, and the OCC as a response to those affected by Hurricane Irma. The newest release, FIL-46-2017, announced regulatory relief for financial institutions affected by Hurricane Maria, and steps to facilitate recovery in affected areas, which include: (i) “extending repayment terms, restructuring existing loans, or easing terms for new loans,” and (i) “encourage[ing] depository institutions to use non-documentary verification methods permitted by the Customer Identification Program requirement of the Bank Secrecy Act for affected customers who cannot provide standard identification documents.” Further, banks that support disaster recovery efforts, the FDIC noted, may receive favorable Community Reinvestment Act consideration.
SEC. On September 28, the SEC issued an order providing regulatory relief to companies and individuals with federal securities law obligations who have been affected by recent natural disasters. The order provides conditional exemptions to certain securities laws requirements for specified periods of time. The Commission additionally adopted “interim final temporary rules” applicable to Regulation Crowdfunding and Regulation A filing deadline extensions.
Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). On October 3, FinCEN issued a notice to financial institutions that file Bank Secrecy Act reports to encourage communication with FinCEN and their functional regulator regarding any expected filing delays caused by recent hurricanes.
CFPB, Federal and State Banking Agencies Issue Guidance for Financial Institutions on Providing Disaster Relief to Consumers
As previously reported in InfoBytes, several federal banking agencies have already issued guidance and resources for national banks and federal savings associations aiding consumers affected by recent disasters. On September 1, the CFPB issued a statement for CFPB-supervised entities on ways to provide assistance to consumers who may be at financial risk. The list includes:
- offering penalty-free forbearance or repayment periods with disclosed terms;
- limiting or waiving fees and charges, including overdraft fees, ATM fees, or late fees;
- restructuring or refinancing existing debt, including extending repayment terms;
- easing documentation or credit-extension requirements;
- increasing capacity for customer service hotlines, particularly those that serve consumers in languages other than English; and
- increasing ATM daily cash withdrawal limits.
The statement further suggests that supervised entities should utilize existing regulatory flexibility if doing so would benefit affected consumers. Included are examples from Regulations B, X, and Z. Additionally, the Bureau stated it will “consider the circumstances that supervised entities may face following a major disaster and will be sensitive to good faith efforts to assist consumers.”
The CFPB separately published a blog post for consumers containing a financial toolkit that includes links to disaster relief organizations, ways to secure financial needs, and information on forbearance options, insurance settlements, and contractor evaluations. The CFPB also issued a warning to consumers of the increased risk of scams and fraud.
In related news, on September 6, the Federal Reserve Board, Conference of State Bank Supervisors, FDIC, and OCC issued a joint press release for financial institutions that may be impacted by Hurricane Irma. The agencies encouraged constructive cooperation with borrowers, noting that “prudent efforts to adjust or alter terms on existing loans in affected areas should not be subject to examiner criticism.” Guidance was also issued on matters concerning Community Reinvestment Act considerations, investments, regulatory reporting requirements, publishing requirements, and temporary banking facilities.
GOP Leaders Formally Request that Obama Administration Not Finalize Rules and Regulations in its Final Days
On November 15, GOP leaders sent a letter to “Secretaries, Administrators, Directors and Commissioners” within the Obama Administration caution[ing] [each] against finalizing pending rules or regulations in the administration’s last days.” The letter explains that by “refraining from acting with undue haste, . . . it [is] less likely that unintended consequences will harm consumers and businesses.” In addition, “such forbearance is necessary to afford the recently elected administration and Congress the opportunity to review and give direction concerning pending rulemakings.”
GAO Report Addresses Borrower Difficulty with Federal Direct Loan Program
On June 15, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) released a report titled “Federal Student Loans: Education Could Improve Direct Loan Program Customer Service and Oversight.” As part of its study into the Department of Education’s (Education) oversight of the Direct Loan program, GAO reviewed, among other things, Education contracts, monitoring plans, policies, procedures, and guidance related to servicers as well as servicer websites, a sample of communications sent to the borrower, the summary results from Education's 2014 and 2015 customer satisfaction surveys of borrowers, and Education’s quarterly and annual servicer performance reports and annual servicer reviews from fiscal years 2010-2015. In addition, GAO interviewed, among others, CFPB and Education officials, servicers responsible for serving more than 95% of Direct Loan borrowers, and a sampling of 24 Direct Loan borrowers – selected at random from Education data – who were in either (i) repayment; (ii) delinquency (less than 270 days); or (iii) deferment of forbearance. The report highlights borrowers’ limited telephone access to their assigned loan servicers to manage their loans as a key area of concern, noting particular limitations for borrowers on the West Coast assigned to a servicer on the East Coast. The results of Education’s 2014 and 2015 borrower satisfaction surveys revealed similar findings. GAO attributed consumers’ lack of access to servicers to Education’s failure to implement a minimum standard for servicer call center hours: “Education’s lack of a minimum standard for servicer call center hours, and the limited hours currently provided, impede borrowers’ access to customer service that is responsive to their needs and puts them a greater risk of delinquency and default.” The report further notes that Education lacks a systematic approach for capturing borrower complaints, including those received through servicers, and that its performance metrics and compensation structure for servicers, which is based on borrowers’ loan status, “can sometimes hinder Education’s strategic goals of providing superior customer service and ensuring program integrity.”
Based on its findings, GAO recommends that Education (i) establish a minimum standard for servicer call center hours to allow for improved access to servicers; (ii) ensure its complaint tracking systems sufficiently capture comprehensive and comparable information from servicers regarding the nature and status of borrower complaints; and (iii) analyze and modify its performance metrics and compensation. Generally, Education agreed with GAO’s findings and recommendations, but suggested that its current performance metrics reflect compliance; GAO maintains that they do not.