2009 Dec 28th
HUD Makes Changes to RESPA / Regulation X. Hoboken Buyers Get More Information About Their Mortgage
Categories: For Buyers
New Regulation X changes alter the way settlement charges are disclosed to the borrower.
Changes announced by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to RESPA/Regulation X, effective with new first mortgage applications received on or after January 1, 2010, are intended to provide a better understanding of the settlement charges (commonly known as closing costs) associated with a loan transaction. They include the following:
- Good Faith Estimate (GFE) and HUD Settlement Statement (HUD-1) Forms Redesigned. The GFE and HUD-1 forms will standardize how fees are disclosed. This will make it easier for borrowers to compare offers between lenders. The GFE and HUD-1 will also be aligned to provide even greater transparency for borrowers when comparing settlement charges at closing.
- Settlement Service Provider List Required. Lenders will be required to provide the borrower with a Settlement Service Provider List that includes service provider names. This pertains to any service where a settlement service is required but the borrower can select a provider – for example: title, pest and septic inspections.
- New Restrictions Placed on Lenders. In an effort to improve the accuracy of the settlement charge information provided to borrowers, new restrictions will be placed on lenders regarding how and when fees disclosed on the GFE may change. Changes to settlement charges between the final GFE and HUD-1 will be limited based on three categories of “fee tolerance”. The guidelines for these tolerance categories are set forth on the new GFE form.
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