Chapter 4 Flashcards
What is the URLA form 1003 used for?
It is the official application form for all residential loans, used to collect crucial information about the borrower for credit evaluation.
Chapter 4, p. 128
How can RMLOs accept loan applications?
Through face-to-face interviews, telephone, mail, or the Internet.
Chapter 4, p. 128
When must the borrower sign the Initial 1003 application?
At the time of completion, with exceptions for military personnel and incapacitated borrowers using a power of attorney.
Chapter 4, p. 128
What is the purpose of the Final 1003 application?
Prepared at loan closing, it verifies and finalizes the information provided in the Initial 1003.
Chapter 4, p. 129
What information is collected in Section 1 of the URLA?
Borrower’s personal information, income, and employment details.
Chapter 4, p. 129
What does Section 4 of the URLA focus on?
Loan and property information, including loan purpose and details about the property.
Chapter 4, p. 129
What is documented in Section 9 of the URLA?
Loan originator organization name and information about the loan originator.
Chapter 4, p. 129
What does the Uniform Residential Loan Application-Continuation Sheet do?
Provides additional space for completing the URLA when needed.
Chapter 4, p. 130
What is the Dodd-Frank Act’s suitability standard for loans?
Ensures borrowers are financially capable of handling loans and understand the risks and benefits.
Chapter 4, p. 131
What does ‘net tangible benefit’ mean in mortgage lending?
A consumer protection standard requiring that refinanced loans provide clear financial benefits to the borrower.
Chapter 4, p. 131
What are examples of liquid assets?
Cash, checking and savings accounts, money market accounts, mutual funds, and stocks.
Chapter 4, p. 132
What are examples of non-liquid assets?
Real estate, automobiles, furniture, and other tangible personal property.
Chapter 4, p. 132
What documentation can verify assets for mortgage approval?
Bank statements, investment portfolio statements, and retirement account statements.
Chapter 4, p. 133
What are financial reserves in mortgage lending?
Liquid or near-liquid assets available to borrowers after mortgage closing to cover housing expenses.
Chapter 4, p. 134
What is considered an unacceptable source of reserves?
Unsecured borrowed funds, IPCs, and cash proceeds from cash-out refinances.
Chapter 4, p. 135
What are liabilities in mortgage underwriting?
Obligations such as housing expenses, revolving accounts, installment loans, and child support payments.
Chapter 4, p. 135
What is excluded from liabilities for DTI calculations?
Taxes, retirement contributions, commuting costs, union dues, and voluntary deductions.
Chapter 4, p. 136
What employment history is required for mortgage approval?
A minimum two-year history for both wage earners and self-employed borrowers.
Chapter 4, p. 136
What is the purpose of IRS Form 4506-C?
Allows lenders to order tax transcripts electronically to verify borrower income.
Chapter 4, p. 137
How is variable income assessed?
Based on history of receipt, payment frequency, and income trending over 12-24 months.
Chapter 4, p. 138
What is required for self-employed borrower income verification?
Two years of personal and business tax returns with all schedules attached.
Chapter 4, p. 140
What is the role of nontaxable income in underwriting?
It can be grossed up by 25% if verified as nontaxable and likely to continue.
Chapter 4, p. 141
What is a tri-merged credit report?
A comprehensive credit report combining information from Equifax, TransUnion, and Experian.
Chapter 4, p. 141
What are the ‘Three Cs’ of mortgage underwriting?
Credit reputation, capacity, and collateral.
Chapter 4, p. 144
What is the standard front-end ratio for conventional loans?
28% of gross monthly income allocated to PITIA.
Chapter 4, p. 146
What is the standard back-end ratio for FHA loans?
43% of gross monthly income for PITIA and recurring debt.
Chapter 4, p. 147
What is PMI, and when is it required?
Private mortgage insurance is required when the LTV exceeds 80%.
Chapter 4, p. 149
What is a basis point?
One-hundredth of a percentage point, often used for interest rate discussions.
Chapter 4, p. 147
What is the cost approach in appraisals?
Determines property value based on replacement cost minus depreciation.
Chapter 4, p. 152
What does the principle of substitution in appraisal state?
A property’s value is no more than the cost of acquiring an equally desirable substitute.
Chapter 4, p. 153
What are the three approaches to property valuation?
Cost approach, sales comparison approach, and income approach.
Chapter 4, p. 153
What is external obsolescence in property appraisal?
Loss of property value due to external factors like changing traffic patterns or nearby industrial facilities.
Chapter 4, p. 153
What is Regulation Z’s Appraiser Independence Rule?
Ensures appraisers can provide independent property valuations without undue influence.
Chapter 4, p. 154
What is the role of an Appraisal Management Company (AMC)?
Acts as an intermediary between lenders and appraisers to ensure independence.
Chapter 4, p. 155
What does flood insurance cover in mortgage lending?
Protects properties in Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs) from flood-related damage.
Chapter 4, p. 156
What is the minimum flood insurance coverage required?
The lesser of 100% of the replacement cost or the maximum NFIP insurance available, typically $250,000 for residential properties.
Chapter 4, p. 156
What document determines if a property is in a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA)?
A Flood Certification or Standard Flood Hazard Determination form.
Chapter 4, p. 156
What is the maximum allowable DTI for conventional loans?
36%, though some loans may allow up to 45% with strong compensating factors.
Chapter 4, p. 147
What is the Housing Payment History in credit evaluation?
A review of borrower rent or mortgage payment history for the past 12 months.
Chapter 4, p. 141
What is the purpose of a gift letter in mortgage lending?
To verify that funds provided by a third party are a gift and not a loan requiring repayment.
Chapter 4, p. 137
What is the purpose of the Debt-to-Income (DTI) ratio?
To measure a borrower’s ability to manage monthly payments and debts.
Chapter 4, p. 135
What is the difference between gross and net income?
Gross income is before taxes and deductions, while net income is after taxes and deductions.
Chapter 4, p. 136
What is the role of overlays in mortgage underwriting?
Additional lender-specific requirements on top of existing guidelines from agencies like FHA or Fannie Mae.
Chapter 4, p. 133
What is the purpose of the sales comparison approach in appraisals?
It evaluates property value based on recent sales of similar properties in the area.
Chapter 4, p. 153
What is the residual income calculation in VA loans?
The amount left after all monthly expenses, including PITIA and debts, are deducted from gross income.
Chapter 4, p. 147
What is the purpose of the Loan Estimate (LE)?
To provide borrowers with an estimate of loan costs and terms at the start of the application process.
Chapter 4, p. 130
What are compensating factors in underwriting?
Positive elements like additional income or reserves that can offset higher DTIs or weaker credit scores.
Chapter 4, p. 138
What is the purpose of the income approach in property appraisal?
To determine value based on the income a property can generate, primarily used for investment properties.
Chapter 4, p. 153
What is the maximum IPC (Interested Party Contributions) allowed on conventional loans?
3% for loans with LTVs above 90%, 6% for LTVs between 75%-90%, and 9% for LTVs below 75%.
Chapter 4, p. 132