RESPA Flashcards
WHAT DOES RESPA STAND FOR?
The Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act
WHAT REGULATION CREATED RESPA?
Regulation X
When does RESPA apply?
RESPA applies to any transaction involving a federally-related mortgage loan.
When must a lender notify an applicant of potential to transfer servicing rights of the loan?
Within 3 days after application is submitted
What disclosure document states potential to transfer servicing rights of a loan?
Loan Estimate
When must notice of transfer be provided to borrower by the transferring entity?
No less than 15 days before effective date of transfer
When must notice of transfer be provided to borrower by the receiving entity?
No less than 15 days after effective date of transfer
When must notice of transfer be provided if transferring and receiving entities provide joint notice?
No less than 15 days before effective date of transfer
Who must a borrower pay in the event of a servicing transfer?
Either entity for 60 days following the effective date of transfer, with no penalty (including credit report impacts or late charges)
What key information must be provided in a servicing transfer notice?
- Effective date of the transfer
- Contact information and a toll-free or collect number for both the transferring servicer and the new servicer which the borrower may use to submit inquiries
- The date on which the old servicer will cease accepting payments
- Any information regarding mortgage life or disability insurance
- A statement advising the borrower that the terms of their loan will not change
What is the purpose of Aggregate Escrow Analysis?
To ensure that the proper amount is being held in escrow or reserve accounts (i.e., accounts to hold funds on behalf of borrowers for the payment of taxes and insurance).
How much may a Servicer collect in Escrow?
Up to a 2 month cushion, with only one month in each payment, unless there is a shortage
How often must a Servicer analyze a borrower’s escrow account?
Every 12 months
What is the acceptable overage in an escrow account before requiring a refund to the borrower?
Anything over $50 must be refunded or credited towards the borrower’s next escrow payment
When must a borrower be refunded a surplus from their escrow account?
Within 30 days after the annual analysis date
What are a Servicer’s options when analysis proves Borrower has a shortage less than one month escrow?
- Do Nothing
- Require the borrower to repay the shortage within 30 days, or
- Require the borrower to repay the shortage in two or more equal monthly payments
What are a Servicer’s options when analysis proves Borrower has a shortage greater than or equal to one month escrow?
- Do Nothing
2. Allow the borrower to repay it over a minimum 12-month period
What are the three objectives of RESPA?
- Protect consumers from excessive settlement fees
- Limit the amount lenders can collect in escrow
- Establish disclosures to facilitate timely communications from Servicer to Borrower