On January 29, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) proposed several changes to its mortgage rules to facilitate lending in rural and underserved areas. The proposed rule would increase the number of financial institutions able to offer certain types of mortgages in rural and underserved areas. The proposed rule will be open for public comment until March 30, 2015. Release. Proposed Rule.
mortgage rules
New CFPB Mortgage Resources
On January 7, the CFPB released additional resources for consumers in anticipation of the January 10 effective date for its mortgage rules, including sample letters and mortgage tips. CFPB Release. CFPB Guide.
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 Release. CFPB Proposed Rule. CFPB Regulatory Implementation Page.