CFPB Proposed Modifications to Mortgage Rules

On June 24, the CFPB issued proposed clarifications and revisions to its January 2013 mortgage rules with respect to ability-to-repay and qualified mortgages.  Among other items, the proposed rule would: (i) outline procedures for obtaining follow-up information on loss-mitigation activities; (ii) facilitate servicers’ offerings of short-term forbearance plans; (iii) facilitate lending in rural or underserved areas; (iv) make clarifications regarding the financing of credit insurance premiums; (v) clarify the definition of a loan originator; (vi) clarify the points and fees thresholds for manufactured housing employees; and (vii) revise the effective dates for the “Loan Originator rule” and the ban on financing of credit insurance to January 1, 2014 (instead of January 10, 2014).  Comments on the proposed rules must be submitted by July 22.  CFPB ReleaseCFPB Proposed RuleCFPB Regulatory Implementation Page.