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Hawaii regulator extends authorization for reduced office hours, temporary closures
On October 2, the Hawaii Division of Financial Institutions extended interim guidance allowing Hawaii-located financial institutions to reduce hours or close offices during Hawaii’s Covid-19 state of emergency (see here and here for previous coverage). Similar to previously issued guidance, financial institutions and escrow depositories are required to provide notice of closures or reductions in hours. While mortgage loan originators, mortgage servicers and money transmitters are not required to provide notice, the regulator requests a courtesy notification of any closure or reduction in hours. The guidance is extended “in accordance with the county emergency orders found on each county website.”
South Dakota extends work from home guidance
On September 1, South Dakota’s Division of Banking updated Memorandum 11-003 (previously covered here and here) to extend the time period in which licensed mortgage loan originators can work from home until December 31, 2021, so long as certain conditions relating to data and records security are met.
Kansas extends remote work guidance for certain licensees
On August 27, the Kansas Office of the State Bank Commissioner extended its remote work guidance, previously covered here and here, for mortgage companies, mortgage loan originators, supervised loan licensees, credit services organizations, money transmitters, and credit notification registrants. Licensed or registered individuals and entities are permitted to work from their residences or a company designated location, provided certain requirements are met, through December 31, 2020.
Freddie Mac updates Covid-19 FAQs
On July 29, Freddie Mac updated its Covid-19 frequently asked questions regarding mortgage origination, underwriting, and loan eligibility for sellers. The update addresses questions regarding, among other things, (i) obtaining 2019 tax returns; (ii) borrower creditworthiness; (iii) construction conversion and renovation mortgages; and (iv) appraisal reports. Previous InfoBytes coverage on FAQ updates is available here.
Fannie and Freddie issue Covid-19-related selling updates
On July 1, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac updated its Covid-19 frequently asked questions regarding the underwriting and loan eligibility for sellers. Fannie Mae’s FAQs (previously discussed here) were updated to address questions regarding documentation and calculations related to self-employed income and variable income, including where borrowers experienced gaps of employment due to Covid-19. Freddie Mac’s origination, underwriting, and eligibility FAQs were updated to address questions regarding, among other things, pre-closing verifications, fluctuating employment earnings, self-employed income, determining income eligibility with additional analysis and documentation, documentation requirements, and Covid-19 business assistance, including proceeds from Paycheck Protection Program loans.
Kansas extends remote work guidance for certain licensees
On June 11, the Kansas Office of the State Bank Commissioner extended its remote work guidance, previously covered here, for mortgage companies, mortgage loan originators, supervised loan licensees, credit services organizations, money transmitters, and credit notification registrants. Licensed or registered individuals and entities are permitted to work from their residences or a company designated location, provided certain requirements are met, through July 15, 2020.
South Carolina regulator updates guidance on working remotely and defers deadline for submitting the 2019 mortgage log
On May 28, the South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs issued updated interim guidance (previously discussed here) regarding working remotely from unlicensed locations and the deadline for submission of the 2019 mortgage log. The updated interim guidance provides that, until July 1, 2020, licensed mortgage loan originators are permitted to work from home, whether in South Carolina or another state, even if the home is not a licensed branch. The guidance also notes the deferral of filing deadline for the 2019 mortgage log required of mortgage broker companies until June 1, 2020.
Idaho Department of Finance extends work from home guidance for its licensees and registrants
On May 22, the Idaho Department of Finance extended temporary work from home guidance previously issued to Idaho mortgage brokers and lenders, mortgage loan originators, regulated lenders, title lenders, payday lenders, and collection agency licensees and registrants. The original guidance, previously covered here, permits employees to work from home where the residence is not a licensed branch. The guidance is extended through September 1, 2020.
Washington Department of Financial Institutions extends guidance regarding remote work for mortgage loan originators
On May 7, the Washington Department of Financial Institutions issued interim regulatory guidance to licensed mortgage loan originators and companies that sponsor them relating to temporary remote work. The guidance extends earlier interim guidance permitting mortgage loan originators to work from home, previously covered here, until July 10, 2020.
VA revises lender guidance for borrowers impacted by Covid-19
On April 27, the Department of Veterans Affairs revised Circular 26-20-10, Lending Guidance for Borrowers Affected by Covid-19. The revisions provide that the VA may delegate responsibility to an approved lender to close loans automatically, and that any loan closed under this authority is guaranteed from the date of loan closing. The circular otherwise provides guidance for VA home loan borrowers impacted by Covid-19 and creates temporary measures for loan originating, closing and guarantee. Among other measures, the circular provides that furloughs and other income curtailments as a result of Covid-19 should not be considered a break in employment for underwriting purposes. The circular is effective until July 1, 2023.