MLO Exam Prep Flashcards
What does Reg V stand for?
What is it?
FCRA
The Fair Credit Reporting Act is a federal law that regulates how credit information is collected, used, and shared. It ensures the accuracy, privacy, and fairness of consumer credit reports.
What does Reg C stand for?
What is it?
HMDA
The Home Mortgage Disclosure Act requires financial institutions to report data on home loans they originate or purchase. The goal is to ensure transparency in lending practices and identify discriminatory patterns in mortgage lending.
What does Reg P stand for?
What is it?
GLBA
The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act is a federal law that protects consumers’ personal financial information held by financial institutions. It mandates privacy practices, including the disclosure of privacy policies and safeguards to protect sensitive data.
What does Reg X stand for?
What is it?
RESPA
The Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act is a federal law that ensures transparency in the home buying process by requiring disclosure of settlement costs. It aims to prevent abusive practices, such as kickbacks and fee-splitting, and ensures that consumers receive clear, upfront information about the costs of their mortgage transactions.
What does Reg B stand for?
What is it?
ECOA
The Equal Credit Opportunity Act is a federal law that prohibits discrimination in lending based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, age, or receipt of public assistance. It ensures that all consumers have equal access to credit and are treated fairly by lenders.
What does Reg Z stand for?
What is it?
TILA
The Truth in Lending Act is a federal law that requires lenders to disclose key loan terms and costs, including the annual percentage rate (APR), to borrowers. Its goal is to promote transparency and help consumers compare credit offers more easily.
What does Reg O stand for?
What is it?
MARS Rule
The Mortgage Assistance Relief Services Rule is a regulation that prohibits mortgage relief companies from charging upfront fees for loan modification services. It aims to protect consumers from fraudulent and deceptive practices in the mortgage assistance industry.
What does Reg N stand for?
What is it?
MAP Rule
The Mortgage Acts and Practices Rule prohibits deceptive advertising practices in the mortgage industry. It aims to prevent misleading claims about mortgage terms, rates, or costs that could mislead consumers or harm competition.
What does HOEPA stand for?
And what umbrella does it fall under?
What is it?
Home Ownership and Equity Protection Act is part of the Truth in Lending Act (TILA) and was enacted in 1994 to protect consumers from high-cost loans (not high-priced loans) in home equity and mortgage refinancing transactions. It applies to loans with interest rates or fees that exceed certain thresholds, aiming to prevent predatory lending practices.
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What are the VA Funding Fee Percentages (1st Time and 2nd Time)?
First Time VA Borrower: 2.15%
Second Time VA Borrower: 3.33%
What does TRID stand for?
And what umbrella does it fall under?
What is it?
Tilla Respa Integrated Disclosure Act
TILA (Reg Z)
What does PUD stand for?
What is it?
Planned Unit Development
Development with mix of residential, commercial, and/or recreational properties
What is the USDA Loan Guarantee Fee Percentage?
1%
What does CRV stand for?
What is it?
Certificate of Reasonable Value
A document issued a Department of Veteran’s Affairs (VA) appraiser or VA-approved appraiser regarding the value of a home. It serves as a basis for the ammount the VA will guarantee for a loan on that property; generally 25% of the CRV.
What does UFMIP stand for?
What is it?
Upfront Mortgage Insurance Premium
It is a 1.75% charge as part of FHA mortgage loan origination (paid during closing or financed).
This is separate from MIP, which is also required and paid monthly.
What does ALTA stand for?
What is it?
American Land Title Association
A national trade association representing the title insurance industry in the USA.
What are the Five Primary QM Components?
1) Loan term ≤ 30 years
2) ≤ 3% in Points and Fees
3) No negative loan ammoritzation
4) Fixed interest rate or ARM with high end interest rate used (won’t increase, will only decrease)
5) ≤ 43% debt to gross income.
What does FHLMC stand for?
Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac)
What does FNMA stand for?
Federal Natioanl Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae)
What does SOFR stand for?
Secured Overnight Financing Rate
What does NMLS stand for?
Nationwide Multistate Licensing System and Registry
Whatd does URAR stand for?
What is it?
Uniform Residential Appraisal Report
It is the standard form used by appraisers to report the results of a residential property appraisal.
What does PTR stand for?
What is it?
Preliminary Title Report
This report is issued by a title company during the loan estimate to provide rough details about the property’s title status.
It outlines any issues, such as liens, encumbrances, or claims, that could affect the transfer of ownership.
A deeper dive is done for a Final Title Report during **underwritting **if the loan is moved forward with.
Borrowers who are business owners must be marked as self-employed on the 1003 and provide additional tax returns if they own what percentage of a business?
On the 1003 loan application, borrowers who own 25% or more of a business are considered self-employed and must provide additional documentation, such as the **last two years **of IRS Form 1040, Schedule C, and/or business tax returns, to assess financial stability.
Is Hazard Insurance required on all Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac loans?
Yes
When obtaining hazard insurance, the lender requires a clause to protect them from loss.
What is this called?
A mortgagee clause is a provision in a hazard insurance policy that ensures the lender receives the insurance payout directly if the property is damaged, protecting the lender’s interest in the property.
Who pays for Title Insurance?
In a real estate transaction, the borrower pays for the lender’s title insurance, which protects the lender against title issues like liens or ownership disputes.
What does TIP stand for?
What is it?
Total Interest Percentage
A percentage showing the total interest paid over the life of the loan relative to the loan amount, calculated by dividing total interest by the loan amount.
What does CRV stand for?
What is it?
**Certificate of Reasonable Value **
A document issued by the VA that confirms the appraised value of a property for a VA loan. It ensures the property meets VA standards and that the loan amount is in line with the appraised value
What does HPML stand for?
What regulation oversees it?
Higher-Priced Mortgage Loan
Defined under Section 35 of the Truth in Lending Act (TILA), Higher-Priced Mortgage Loans (HPMLs) have First Lien interest rates 1.5% above the average prime offer rate (APOR).
If the borrower owns the land and the house, they hold title in what fashion?
Fee Simple
If the borrower owns both the land and the house, they hold title in fee simple, the most complete form of property ownership, granting full rights to use, sell, or transfer the property, subject to legal restrictions like zoning and taxes.
What does NOV stand for?
What is it?
Notice of Value
It is the modern term for the VA CRV.
What does APOR stand for?
What is it?
Average Prime Offer Rate
The Average Prime Offer Rate (APOR) is the interest rate offered to borrowers with the best credit profiles, used to determine if a loan is a Higher-Priced Mortgage Loan (HPML).
Published weekly by the FFIEC, it reflects the average rate on prime loans.
LO Comp stands for what?
What Federal Law covers it?
Loan Originator Compensation
This refers to federal regulations under the Dodd-Frank Act that govern loan originator (LO) compensation. The rules prevent LOs from being paid based on loan terms (like interest rates or fees) to avoid steering borrowers into higher-cost loans, protecting consumers from unfair lending practices.
What does COE stand for?
What is it?
Certificate of Eligibility
A document issued by the VA to verify a veteran’s eligibility for a VA loan. It confirms the borrower qualifies based on their service record, and ensures the government will guarantee about 25% of the loan, up to the VA’s limit.
What does HOEPA stand for?
What regulation oversees it?
Home Ownership and Equity Protection Act
Section 32 and Section 35 of the Truth in Lending Act (TILA) address high-cost loans, aiming to protect consumers from predatory lending practices.
How long must an MLO wait to reapply for a license after revocation?
(Assuming they are eligible to)
At least 5 years per the SAFE act
What does CSBS stand for?
What is it?
Conference of State Bank Supervisors
The CSBS is a national organization representing state banking regulators, supporting their efforts to ensure the safety and soundness of state-chartered financial institutions, including banks and mortgage companies.
What does AARMR stand for?
What is it?
American Association of Residential Mortgage Regulators
AARMR represents state regulators overseeing residential mortgage lending and servicing, promoting uniformity and fairness in state mortgage regulations and providing guidance to ensure consistent enforcement.
What is the difference between a Rule and a Statue
A statute is a law enacted by a legislative body, while a rule is a regulation created by a regulatory agency to interpret and implement the statute.
CE Instructors can receive CE credit at a rate of how many hours per hour taught?
2:1; for example, if an instructor taught 8 hours of coursework, they would receive 16 hours of CE
What is the difference between a mortgage banker and a mortgage broker?
A mortgage banker funds and closes their own loans with their own funds. A mortgage broker negogiates loans and closes with funds from other entit(ies).
A cease and desist order from a regulatory authority is effective when?
When the licensee is served papers
What is the differerence between a Real Estate Broker and a Mortgage Broker?
A Real Estate broker negotiates the buying/selling of a home. A mortgage broker negotiates the financing of the home purchase.
Who insures FHA loans?
Department of Housing and Urban Development, and it insures FHA loans.
The FHA is a department within HUD. It provides mortgage insurance on loans made by approved lenders to borrowers with low to moderate incomes
What is an AUS?
Automated Underwriting System
Software used by lenders to evaluate a borrower’s mortgage application.
It automatically assesses financial data like credit score, income, and debt-to-income ratio to determine loan eligibility. The system generates a decision—approve, refer, or deny—based on preset criteria, making the underwriting process faster and more consistent.
What is the violation of Chunking?
Chunking is the practice of making numerous small loans to a borrower to generate fees (rather than one larger loan), often with little regard for the borrower’s ability to repay.
What is the violation of Redlining?
Redlining is illegal practice of denying loans or offering less favorable terms based on the geographic location of a borrower, typically targeting minority or economically disadvantaged neighborhoods.
What is the violation of Churning?
Churning is the practice of repeatedly refinancing loans for the purpose of generating fees, often without providing a clear benefit to the borrower.
What is the violation of Reverse Redlining?
Reverse Redlining is the illegal practice of targeting minority or low-income borrowers in specific neighborhoods with higher interest rates or unfavorable loan terms based on their race or economic status.
Which law prohibits discrimination based upon disability?
The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in housing based on several protected characteristics, including disability.
This law ensures that individuals with disabilities have equal access to housing and are not discriminated against in the housing process, whether renting or buying a home.
What is Occupancy Fraud?
Occupancy fraud occurs when a borrower misrepresents the intended use of a property to obtain more favorable loan terms.
In Logan’s case, he plans to buy an investment property but falsely claims it will be his primary residence in order to secure better terms (such as lower interest rates or down payment requirements). This is a classic example of occupancy fraud.
What are the four classes protected by Reg. B?
(1) Sex
(2) Religion
(3) National Origin
(4) Age
(not disability)
Under ECOA, the lender is required to provide the borrower a reason for denial after how long?
30 Days
What federal law created the idea of a Qualified Mortgage?
One of Dodd-Frank’s (2008) key provisions was the creation of the Qualified Mortgage (QM) rule.
The Dodd-Frank Act instructed the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) to define the criteria for what constitutes a qualified mortgage.
A qualified mortgage is designed to ensure that lenders offer loans that are more likely to be affordable for borrowers.
What is a Straw Buyer?
A straw buyer is an individual who acts as a proxy for another person, usually to commit fraud in a real estate or loan transaction.
The straw buyer typically applies for and obtains a mortgage or purchase loan under false pretenses, often because the actual buyer (the person who intends to live in or benefit from the property) cannot qualify for the loan due to poor credit or other financial reasons.
What is the Cost Approach of Appraisal?
Takes the cost of rebuilding the property, plus the cost of the land the property is on and subtracts any depreciation to determine a value of the property
What are the Three Appraisal Methods?
Sales Comparison approach, Income approach, Cost approach
What is the difference between FHA and USDA Mortgage Insurance?
Both are paid partially upfront (1.7% for FHA and 1% for USDA), then through follow-up payments.
The payments for FHA mortgages are monthly as a variable rate while USDA are annually as .35% of the outstanding loan balance.
What is Residual Income?
Residual income is the amount of money left over after a borrower has paid all of their monthly obligations, including their mortgage payment, taxes, insurance, credit card bills, and other living expenses.
It also includes additional sources of income such as child support, Social Security, and investment income. These sources contribute to the borrower’s overall financial capacity and are factored in when calculating residual income.
What is the Red Flags Rule and what law is it part of?
The Red Flags Rule is part of the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act (FACTA), which was enacted in 2003 as an amendment to the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).
The Red Flags Rule requires financial institutions and creditors to implement written programs designed to detect, prevent, and mitigate identity theft.
For MLO Prelicensing Eduction, what are the four areas covered and how many hours cover each area?
(1) Federal Law - 3 Hours
(2) Ethics - 3 Hours
(3) Non-traditional Mortgage Products - 2 Hours
(4) Elective Education - 12 Hours
What is the Ability to Repay Rule and under what law does it fall?
The Ability to Repay (ATR) Rule falls under TILA (Truth in Lending Act), as part of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act.
The ATR rule requires lenders to ensure that a borrower has the ability to repay the loan before issuing a mortgage.
This ensures the loan is not “predatory” and that the borrower will not face undue financial hardship.
Can a licensed mortgage loan originator work for more than one company simultaneously?
No
Which rule prohibits loan originators from being paid based on the terms of a loan?
The Loan Originator Compensation Rule (found in Regulation Z, which is part of the Truth in Lending Act - TILA) prohibits mortgage loan originators (MLOs) from being paid based on the terms of a loan, such as the interest rate or the size of the loan. This rule was implemented to prevent steering borrowers into loans that are not in their best interest in order to increase the loan originator’s compensation.
What is a Non-Conforming Loan?
A loan that doesn’t follow Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac guidelines
What is the Home Loan Toolkit, when must it be given to a borrower, what regulation dictates its distribution?
The Home Loan Toolkit is a disclosure required by RESPA within three business days or less of initial Loan Application.
It provides key information about the home buying process and is intended to help consumers understand their mortgage options and the costs involved.
What is the purpose of RESPA?
RESPA (Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act) is the law that promotes informed shopping by requiring the disclosure of settlement services to the borrower. It ensures that consumers receive accurate and clear information about the costs and fees involved in the real estate settlement process.
What type of a loan is IRRRL?
An IRRRL stands for Interest Rate Reduction Refinancing Loan, and it is a type of VA refinance loan designed to help veterans and active military service members reduce their existing mortgage interest rate.
It is often referred to as a VA Streamline Refinance because it has a simpler, faster approval process compared to a traditional refinance.
What disclosure must be sent three days after application, and indicates to the borrower whether or not their loan may be sold or transferred?
The Mortgage Servicing Disclosure is a required document under RESPA (Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act) that must be provided to borrowers within 3 business days of the loan application. It informs the borrower whether the lender intends to service the loan or transfer the servicing to another company
What law allows for e-signatures as long as the borrower gives permission?
The Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act (E-Sign Act).
It is a Federal Law that gives legal recognition to electronic signatures and records, ensuring that they are as valid and enforceable as traditional paper-based signatures.
What type of loan products does TRID not govern?
Reverse Mortgages and HELOCs
What regulatory letter is TRID?
It doesn’t have one! It just means the combilation of TILA (Z) and RESPA (X)
What are the three pillars of the FTC Red Flags Rule?
(1) Require the implementation of a written plan to detect and prevent indentity theft.
(2) Protect sensitive personal data.
(3) Create specific disposal policies.
Which section of the 1003 ULA collects demographic inofrmation? And what federal law is that for?
Section 8 of the Uniform Residential Loan Application (1003), also called the Demographic Information Addendum, is where a borrower’s demographic information (such as race, ethnicity, and sex) is collected.
This data is required for HMDA (Home Mortgage Disclosure Act) reporting purposes.
What is the difference between ECOA and HDMA?
HDMA (Home Mortgage Disclosure Act) collects information to ensure fair lending practices and ensure that ECOA isn’t violated
What is FCRA and what does it do?
The FCRA (Fair Credit Reporting Act) is the federal law that governs the use of credit reports and ensures the **accuracy, fairness, and privacy **of the information contained in consumer credit reports.
What item does HDMA not require the loan originator to collect?
Maritial Status
What does HDMA (home mortgage disclosure act) require MLOs to collect from loan applicants?
(1) Race
(2) Ethnicity
(3) Sex
(4) Age
What is blockbusting?
Blockbusting is an illegal and unethical practice in real estate where individuals or companies (often real estate agents or developers) induce homeowners to sell their property at a lower price by creating fear or panic about the neighborhood’s racial, ethnic, or economic composition changing. The fear is often based on the false idea that a specific group of people moving into the area (e.g., a racial or ethnic group) will lower property values.
What are the three rules outlined with the Gramm Leach Bliley Act?
(1) Safeguards Rule: Requires financial institutions to implement security programs to protect consumer information from threats or unauthorized access.
(2) Opt-Out Rule: Gives consumers the right to opt out of having their personal financial information shared with non-affiliated third parties.
(3) Pretexting Rule: Prohibits the practice of pretexting (obtaining private information under false pretenses), such as when someone impersonates a customer to access their information.
What are the maximum seller concension values for FHA loans?
6% if LTV is < 90%
3% if LTC is >90%
Does an Act of God against a property (earthquake, fire, etc) require re-disclosure under TRID?
No
How dong does a Chapter 7 bankruptcy stay on a credit report?
10 Years
What is HPA? What is it’s signifigance?
The Homeowners Protection Act (HPA), also known as the PMI Cancellation Act, was enacted in 1998. It allows borrowers to request the cancellation of Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) when their loan-to-value (LTV) ratio reaches 80%.
Under this law, borrowers have the right to ask their lender to cancel PMI once the LTV reaches 80% based on the original property value or the current market value, as long as they are current on their mortgage payments. Additionally, the law also requires lenders to automatically cancel PMI when the LTV reaches 78% (for most loans) without the borrower needing to request it.
How is mortgage insurance handled for different loan types?
Conventional loans have PMI.
FHA loans, VA loans, and USDA loans have different rules regarding mortgage insurance.
FHA loans: FHA mortgage insurance (MIP) is paid upfront and then monthly and remains for the life of the loan unless the borrower refinances.
VA loans: There is no PMI, but the borrower may need to pay a funding fee.
USDA loans: There is an upfront and annual guarantee fee, but not PMI.
How many years of employment is required to be disclosed on the 1003 ULA?
2 Years
What are the three triggers for additional HOEPA protections?
Home Ownership Equity Protection Act kicks in if any on of the three applies:
APR Test: APR Over 8.5%
Points and Fees Test: Points and Fees collectively over 5%
Prepayment Penalty: A prepayment penalty exists
What is the cash transcation threshold where a transaction must be reported?
What entity mandates it?
$10,000
BSA/AML
(Bank Secrecy Act/ Anti Money Laundering)
What is the maximum PITI payment ratio for a Conventional Mortgage?
28%
Section 35 of TILA governs what type of loan?
What are the details behind that type of loan?
Section 35 of TILA governs higher-priced loans (HPLs). These are loans that have an APR (Annual Percentage Rate) that exceeds a certain threshold, which is set by regulation.
Higher-priced loans are defined as loans where the APR exceeds the average prime offer rate (APOR) by a certain percentage (1.5% for first liens, 3.5% for subordinate liens).
A requirement for additional appraisal protections.
Restrictions on prepayment penalties (they cannot last longer than 3 years and can’t exceed 2%/1%/.5% of the original loan balance for each of the first three years).
What are Higher Cost loans?
What section of TILA do they fall under?
These loans are defined under HOEPA (Home Ownership and Equity Protection Act), which is an amendment to TILA as Section 32
A loan is considered high-cost if it exceeds certain thresholds for:
APR (it must exceed the APOR by 6.5% for first liens or 8.5% for second liens).
Points and fees (they must exceed 5% of the loan amount or a set dollar amount).
Prepayment penalties that are excessive or last too long.
High-cost loans are subject to much stricter regulations, including:
A mandatory 3-day right of rescission after closing.
A ban on balloon payments for certain loans.
Limits on fees, prepayment penalties, and other practices that might be considered predatory.
What law required identification be provided on a mortgage transcation?
The USA Patriot Act requires lenders and other financial institutions to verify the identity of individuals involved in mortgage transactions as part of Know Your Customer (KYC) regulations. This is aimed at preventing money laundering, terrorist financing, and other financial crimes. Specifically, it mandates that lenders:
Verify the identity of any borrower or customer (including individuals and businesses) before conducting business with them.
Collect identifying information such as name, address, date of birth, and taxpayer identification number.
RESPA requires servicers to issue an initial escrow account statement within how many days of closing?
45 calendar days of closing
A Section 203K loan is another word for what?
An FHA loan for the purchase and rehab of a property
What is the MAX percentage limit on total DTI ratio for a General Qualified Mortgage?
43%
What is the Total Debt Ratio?
Total Debt Ratio = ( All Debt Expenses (monthly) ) / ( Borrower’s Gross (monthly) Income )
What is the Housing Ratio?
Housing Ratio = ( All Housing Expenses (monthly) ) / ( Borrower’s Gross (monthly) Income )
What are the Maximum Points and Fees allowable on a Qualified Mortgage?
3%
What are the Maximum fee change percentages allowable under TRID for Loan Origination and 3rd Party Services?
0% and 10% respectively