A&B Abstract: On December 20, 2023, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) issued Circular 26-23-27 (the “Circular”) to remind holders and servicers of VA-guaranteed loans about their obligation to process assumptions and how the VA will address non-compliance with its assumption requirements. The Circular became effective immediately upon issuance. The Circular Holders and servicers of […]
mortgage lending
Complying with the “Consider” Requirement Under the Revised Qualified Mortgage Rules
A&B Abstract: Purchasers of residential mortgage loans who are conducting audits of residential mortgages that they buy in the secondary market are struggling to determine what documentation satisfies the “consider” requirement of the revised qualified mortgage (QM) standards that became mandatory on October 1, 2022. In fact, originators of residential mortgage loans are not in […]
Correspondent Lending on the Rise: Increasing Gains Point to Increasing Risk
A&B Abstract: According to a recent edition of Inside Mortgage Finance, correspondent lending is the only lending channel that posted gains in Q3 2023. While it is always nice to see gains, it should also serve as a reminder to take a fresh look at your risk management program to ensure it is calibrated to […]
Majority of States Now Permit Remote Work for MLOs and Mortgage Company Employees
A&B Abstract: On June 9, Illinois became the latest state in a growing trend to authorize remote work for mortgage loan originators and mortgage company employees. This makes five states joining the list of jurisdictions legislatively permitting MLOs to work remotely since Montana enacted similar legislation in March, with more states expected during the 2024 […]
Affirmative Action in Lending: The Implications of the Harvard Decision on Financial Institutions
Early this summer, the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling in Students for Fair Admissions v. President and Fellow of Harvard College effectively ended race-conscious admission programs at colleges and universities across the country. Specifically, the Supreme Court held that decisions made “on the basis of race” do nothing more than further “stereotypes that treat individuals as the […]