U.S. Congress - Text of H.R.1852 as Referred in Senate Expanding American Homeownership Act of 2007
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Donate NowH.R.1852 - Expanding American Homeownership Act of 2007
To modernize and update the National Housing Act and enable the Federal Housing Administration to use risk-based pricing to more effectively reach underserved borrowers, and for other purposes.
| Version | Word Count | Changes From Previous Version | Percent Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Introduced in House | 7,444 | n/a | n/a |
| Reported in House | 12,779 | 125 | 50% |
| Engrossed in House | 13,919 | 145 | 24% |
| Referred in Senate | 13,841 | 5 Show Changes Hide Changes | 0% |
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HR 1852 EHRFSCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
September 19, 2007
Received; read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban AffairsCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
To modernize and update the National Housing Act and enable the Federal Housing Administration to use risk-based pricing to more effectively reach underserved borrowers, and for other purposes.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE AND TABLE OF CONTENTS.
(a) Short Title- This Act may be cited as the `Expanding American Homeownership Act of 2007'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(b) Table of Contents- The table of contents for this Act is as follows:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Sec. 1. Short title and table of contents.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Sec. 2. Findings and purposes.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Sec. 3. Maximum principal loan obligation.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Sec. 4. Extension of mortgage term.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Sec. 5. Downpayment simplification.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Sec. 6. Mortgage insurance premiums for zero- and lower-downpayment borrowers.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Sec. 7. Mortgage insurance premiums for standard and higher-risk borrowers.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Sec. 8. Risk-based mortgage insurance premiums.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Sec. 9. Payment incentives.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Sec. 10. Borrower protections for higher risk mortgages.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Sec. 11. Refinancing mortgages.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Sec. 12. Annual reports on new programs and loss mitigation.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Sec. 13. Insurance for single family homes with licensed child care facilities.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Sec. 14. Rehabilitation loans.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Sec. 15. Discretionary action.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Sec. 16. Insurance of condominiums and manufactured housing.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Sec. 17. Mutual Mortgage Insurance Fund.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Sec. 18. Hawaiian home lands and Indian reservations.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Sec. 19. Conforming and technical amendments.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Sec. 20. Home equity conversion mortgages.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Sec. 21. Participation of mortgage brokers and correspondent lenders.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Sec. 22. Conforming loan limit in disaster areas.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Sec. 23. Failure to pay amounts from escrow accounts for single family mortgages.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Sec. 24. Acceptable identification for FHA mortgagors.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Sec. 25. Pilot program for automated process for borrowers without sufficient credit history.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Sec. 26. Sense of Congress regarding technology for financial systems.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Sec. 27. Multifamily housing mortgage limits in high cost areas.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Sec. 28. Discount sales of multifamily properties.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Sec. 29. Clarification of disposition of certain properties.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Sec. 30. Noncompetitive sales by HUD to states and localities.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Sec. 31. Use of FHA savings for costs of mortgage insurance, housing counseling, FHA technologies, procedures, and processes, and for affordable housing grant fund, and study.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Sec. 32. Limitation on mortgage insurance premium increases.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Sec. 33. Civil money penalties for improperly influencing appraisals.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Sec. 34. Mortgage insurance premium refunds.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Sec. 35. Savings provision.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Sec. 36. Implementation.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
SEC. 2. FINDINGS AND PURPOSES.
(a) Findings- The Congress finds that--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) one of the primary missions of the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) single family mortgage insurance program is to reach borrowers who are underserved, or not served, by the existing conventional mortgage marketplace;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) the FHA program has a long history of innovation, which includes pioneering the 30-year self-amortizing mortgage and a safe-to-seniors reverse mortgage product, both of which were once thought too risky to private lenders;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(3) the FHA single family mortgage insurance program traditionally has been a major provider of mortgage insurance for home purchases;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(4) the FHA mortgage insurance premium structure, as well as FHA's product offerings, should be revised to reflect FHA's enhanced ability to determine risk at the loan level and to allow FHA to better respond to changes in the mortgage market;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(5) during past recessions, including the oil-patch downturns in the mid-1980s, FHA remained a viable credit enhancer and was therefore instrumental in preventing a more catastrophic collapse in housing markets and a greater loss of homeowner equity; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(6) as housing price appreciation slows and interest rates rise, many homeowners and prospective homebuyers will need the less-expensive, safer financing alternative that FHA mortgage insurance provides.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(b) Purposes- The purposes of this Act are--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) to provide flexibility to FHA to allow for the insurance of housing loans for low- and moderate-income homebuyers during all economic cycles in the mortgage market;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) to modernize the FHA single family mortgage insurance program by making it more reflective of enhancements to loan-level risk assessments and changes to the mortgage market; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(3) to adjust the loan limits for the single family mortgage insurance program to reflect rising house prices and the increased costs associated with new construction.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
SEC. 3. MAXIMUM PRINCIPAL LOAN OBLIGATION.
Section 203(b)(2) of the National Housing Act (
`(A) not to exceed the lesser of--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(i) in the case of a 1-family residence, 125 percent of the median 1-family house price in the area, as determined by the Secretary; and in the case of a 2-, 3-, or 4-family residence, the percentage of such median price that bears the same ratio to such median price as the dollar amount limitation in effect for 2007 under section 305(a)(2) of the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Act (
) for a 2-, 3-, or 4-family residence, respectively, bears to the dollar amount limitation in effect for 2007 under such section for a 1-family residence; orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink 12 U.S.C. 1454(a)(2) `(ii) 175 percent of the dollar amount limitation in effect for 2007 under such section 305(a)(2) for a residence of the applicable size (without regard to any authority to increase such limitations with respect to properties located in Alaska, Guam, Hawaii, or the Virgin Islands), except that each such maximum dollar amount shall be adjusted effective January 1 of each year beginning with 2008, by adding to or subtracting from each such amount (as it may have been previously adjusted) a percentage thereof equal to the percentage increase or decrease, during the most recently completed 12-month or 4-quarter period ending before the time of determining such annual adjustment, in an housing price index developed or selected by the Secretary for purposes of adjustments under this clause;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
except that the dollar amount limitation in effect under this subparagraph for any size residence for any area may not be less than the greater of: (I) the dollar amount limitation in effect under this section for the area on October 21, 1998; or (II) 65 percent of the dollar amount limitation in effect for 2007 under such section 305(a)(2) for a residence of the applicable size, as such limitation is adjusted by any subsequent percentage adjustments determined under clause (ii) of this subparagraph; and except that, if the Secretary determines that market conditions warrant such an increase, the Secretary may, for such period as the Secretary considers appropriate, increase the maximum dollar amount limitation determined pursuant to the preceding provisions of this subparagraph with respect to any particular size or sizes of residences, or with respect to residences located in any particular area or areas, to an amount that does not exceed the maximum dollar amount then otherwise in effect pursuant to the preceding provisions of this subparagraph for such size residence, or for such area (if applicable), by not more than $100,000; and'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
SEC. 4. EXTENSION OF MORTGAGE TERM.
Paragraph (3) of section 203(b) of the National Housing Act (
(1) by striking `thirty-five years' and inserting `forty years'; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) by striking `(or thirty years if such mortgage is not approved for insurance prior to construction)'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
SEC. 5. DOWNPAYMENT SIMPLIFICATION.
Section 203(b) of the National Housing Act (
(1) in paragraph (2)--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(A) by striking subparagraph (B) and inserting the following new subparagraph:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(B) not to exceed an amount equal to the sum of--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(i) the amount of the mortgage premium paid at the time the mortgage is insured; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(ii)(I) except as provided in subclause (II), 97.75 percent of the appraised value of the property; orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(II) in the case only of a mortgage described in subsection (c)(3), the appraised value of the property, plus any initial service charges, appraisal, inspection, and other fees in connection with the mortgage as approved by the Secretary.';CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(B) in the matter after and below subparagraph (B), by striking the second sentence (relating to a definition of `average closing cost') and all that follows through `title 38, United States Code.'; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(C) by striking the last undesignated paragraph (relating to counseling with respect to the responsibilities and financial management involved in homeownership); andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) in paragraph (9)--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(A) by striking the paragraph designation and all that follows through `Provided further, That for' and inserting the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(9) Except in the case of a mortgage described in subsection (c)(3), be executed by a mortgagor who shall have paid on account of the property, in cash or its equivalent, at least 3 percent of the Secretary's estimate of the cost of acquisition (excluding the mortgage insurance premium paid at the time the mortgage is insured). For'; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(B) by inserting after the period at the end the following: `For purposes of this paragraph, the Secretary shall consider as cash or its equivalent any amounts gifted by a family member (as such term is defined in section 201), the mortgagor's employer or labor union, or a qualified homeownership assistance entity, but only if there is no obligation on the part of the mortgagor to repay the gift: For purposes of the preceding sentence, the term `qualified homeownership assistance entity' means any governmental agency or charity that has a program to provide homeownership assistance to low- and moderate-income families or first-time home buyers, or any private nonprofit organization that has such a program and evidences sufficient fiscal soundness to protect the fiscal integrity of the Mutual Mortgage Insurance Fund by maintaining a minimum net worth of $4,000,000 of acceptable assets.'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
SEC. 6. MORTGAGE INSURANCE PREMIUMS FOR ZERO- AND LOWER-DOWNPAYMENT BORROWERS.
Section 203(c) of the National Housing Act (
`(3) Zero- and Lower-Downpayment Borrowers-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(A) APPLICABILITY- This paragraph shall apply to any mortgage that--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(i) is secured by a 1- to 4-family dwelling that will be occupied by the mortgagor as his or her principal residence;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(ii)(I) is an obligation of the Mutual Mortgage Insurance Fund or of the General Insurance Fund pursuant to subsection (v) of this section; orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(II) is insured under subsection (k) of this section or section 234(c);CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(iii)(I) is executed by a mortgagor who has not had any present ownership interest in a principal residence, and whose spouse has not had any such interest, during 12-month period ending upon purchase of the residence with the mortgage to which this paragraph applies, except that this subclause shall be considered a program to assist first-time homebuyers for purposes of section 956 of the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act (
); orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink 42 U.S.C. 12713 `(II)(aa) is made to pay or prepay, and fully extinguish, the outstanding obligations under an existing mortgage or mortgages on the same property; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(bb) involves a principal obligation not exceeding the amount necessary to fully pay or prepay such outstanding obligations under the existing mortgage or mortgages, plus any charges and fees involved in such transaction and any charges and fees in connection with the payment or prepayment of such outstanding obligations.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(iv)(I) involves a principal obligation that does not comply with subclause (I) of subsection (b)(2)(B)(ii) (relating to loan-to-value ratio); orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(II) is executed by a mortgagor who has not paid on account of the property, in cash or its equivalent, at least 3 percent of the Secretary's estimate of the cost of acquisition (excluding the mortgage insurance premium paid at the time the mortgage is insured).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(B) UP-FRONT PREMIUMS- The amount of any single premium payment collected at the time of insurance may not exceed 3.0 percent of the amount of the original insured principal obligation of the mortgage.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(C) ANNUAL PREMIUMS- Except as provided in subparagraph (D), the amount of any annual premium payment collected may not exceed 0.75 percent of the remaining insured principal obligation of the mortgage.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(D) ANNUAL REDETERMINATION OF PREMIUM RATE- The Secretary shall redetermine the rates of premiums not less than once every 12 months.'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
SEC. 7. MORTGAGE INSURANCE PREMIUMS FOR STANDARD AND HIGHER-RISK BORROWERS.
Paragraph (2) of section 203(c) of the National Housing Act (
(1) by striking the matter that precedes subparagraph (A) and inserting the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(2) Standard-Risk Mortgages- In the case of any mortgage that is secured by a 1- to 4-family dwelling, is an obligation of the Mutual Mortgage Insurance Fund or of the General Insurance Fund pursuant to subsection (v) of this section or is insured under subsection (k) of this section or section 234(c), for which the mortgagor has paid on account of the property, in cash or its equivalent, at least 3 percent of the Secretary's estimate of the cost of acquisition (excluding the mortgage insurance premium paid at the time the mortgage is insured), and that involves a principal obligation that complies with subclause (I) of subsection (b)(2)(B)(ii), the following requirements shall apply:'; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(C) HIGHER-RISK BORROWERS- The Secretary shall establish underwriting standards that provide for insurance under this section of mortgages described in the matter in this paragraph preceding subparagraph (A) for which the mortgagor has a credit score equivalent to a FICO score of less than 560, and may insure, and make commitments to insure, such mortgages. Such underwriting standards shall include establishing and collecting premium payments that comply with the requirements of this paragraph, except that notwithstanding subparagraph (A), the single premium payment collected at the time of insurance may be established in an amount that does not exceed 3.0 percent of the amount of the original insured principal obligation of the mortgage.'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
SEC. 8. RISK-BASED MORTGAGE INSURANCE PREMIUMS.
Section 203(c) of the National Housing Act (
`(4) Flexible Risk-Based Premiums- In the case of a mortgage referred to in paragraph (2)(C) or (3)(A) for which the loan application is received by the mortgagee on or after October 1, 2007:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(A) IN GENERAL- The Secretary may establish a mortgage insurance premium structure involving a single premium payment collected prior to the insurance of the mortgage or annual payments (which may be collected on a periodic basis), or both, subject to the requirements of subparagraph (B) and paragraph (5). Under such structure, the rate of premiums for such a mortgage may vary according to the credit risk associated with the mortgage and the rate of any annual premium for such a mortgage may vary during the mortgage term as long as the basis for determining the variable rate is established before the execution of the mortgage. The Secretary may change a premium structure established under this subclause but only to the extent that such change is not applied to any mortgage already executed.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(B) ESTABLISHMENT AND ALTERATION OF PREMIUM STRUCTURE- A premium structure shall be established or changed under subparagraph (A) only by providing notice to mortgagees and to the Congress, at least 30 days before the premium structure is established or changed.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(C) ANNUAL REPORT REGARDING PREMIUMS- The Secretary shall submit a report to the Congress annually setting forth the rate structures and rates established and altered pursuant to this paragraph during the preceding 12-month period and describing how such rates were determined.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(5) Considerations for Premium Structure- When establishing premiums for mortgages referred to in paragraph (2)(C), establishing premiums pursuant to paragraph (3), establishing a premium structure under paragraph (4), and when changing such a premium structure, the Secretary shall consider the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(A) The effect of the proposed premiums or structure on the Secretary's ability to meet the operational goals of the Mutual Mortgage Insurance Fund as provided in section 202(a).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(B) Underwriting variables.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(C) The extent to which new pricing under the proposed premiums or structure has potential for acceptance in the private market.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(D) The administrative capability of the Secretary to administer the proposed premiums or structure.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(E) The effect of the proposed premiums or structure on the Secretary's ability to maintain the availability of mortgage credit and provide stability to mortgage markets.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(6) Authority To Base Premium Prices on Product Risk-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(A) AUTHORITY- In establishing premium rates under paragraphs (2), (3), and (4), the Secretary may provide for variations in such rates according to the credit risk associated with the type of mortgage product that is being insured under this title, which may include providing that premium rates differ between fixed-rate mortgages and adjustable-rate mortgages insured pursuant to section 251, between mortgages insured pursuant to section 203(b) and mortgages for condominiums insured pursuant to section 234, and between such other products as the Secretary considers appropriate.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(B) LIMITATION- Subparagraph (A) may not be construed to authorize the Secretary to establish, for any mortgage product, any mortgage insurance premium rate that does not comply with the requirements and limitations under paragraphs (2) through (5).'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
SEC. 9. PAYMENT INCENTIVES.
Section 203(c) of the National Housing Act (
`(7) Payment Incentives-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(A) AUTHORITY- With respect to mortgages referred to in paragraph (2)(C) or (3):CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(i) DISCRETIONARY 3-YEAR PAYMENT INCENTIVE- The Secretary may provide, in the discretion of the Secretary, that the payment incentive under subparagraph (B) shall apply upon the expiration of the 3-year period beginning upon the time of insurance of such a mortgage.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(ii) MANDATORY 5-YEAR PAYMENT INCENTIVE- The Secretary shall provide that the payment incentive under subparagraph (B) applies upon the expiration of the 5-year period beginning upon the time of insurance of such a mortgage.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(B) PAYMENT INCENTIVE- In the case of any mortgage to which the payment incentive under this subparagraph applies, if, during the period referred to in clause (i) or (ii) of subparagraph (A), as applicable, all mortgage insurance premiums for such mortgage have been paid on a timely basis, upon the expiration of such period the Secretary shall--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(i) reduce the amount of the annual premium payments otherwise due thereafter under such mortgage--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(I) in the case of a mortgage referred to in paragraph (3), to an amount that does not exceed the amount of the maximum annual premium allowable under paragraph (2)(B); andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(II) in the case of a mortgage referred to in paragraph (2)(C), to an amount that does not exceed the amount of the annual premium payable at the time of insurance of the mortgage on a mortgage of the same product type having the same terms, but for which the mortgagor has a credit score equivalent to a FICO score of 560 or more; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(ii) in the case only of a mortgage referred to in paragraph (2)(C), refund to the mortgagor, upon payment in full of the obligation of the mortgage, any amount by which the single premium payment for such mortgage collected at the time of insurance exceeded the amount of the single premium payment chargeable under paragraph (2)(A) at the time of insurance for a mortgage of the same product type having the same terms, but for which the mortgagor has a credit score equivalent to a FICO score of 560 or more.'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
SEC. 10. BORROWER PROTECTIONS FOR HIGHER RISK MORTGAGES.
Section 203(b) of the National Housing Act (
`(10) BORROWER PROTECTIONS FOR CERTAIN MORTGAGES- Except as otherwise specifically provided in this paragraph, in the case of any mortgage referred to in paragraph (2)(C) or (3) of subsection (c), the following requirements shall apply:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(A) DISCLOSURES-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(i) REQUIRED DISCLOSURES- In addition to any disclosures that are otherwise required by law or by the Secretary for single family mortgages, the mortgagee shall disclose to the mortgagor the following information:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(I) AT APPLICATION- At the time of application for the loan involved in the mortgage, a list of counseling agencies, approved by the Secretary, in the area of the applicant.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(II) AT EXECUTION- At the time of entering into the mortgage--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(aa) the terms of the mandatory 5-year payment incentive required under subsection (c)(7)(A)(ii); andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(bb) a statement that the mortgagor has a right under contract to loss mitigation.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(III) OTHER INFORMATION- Any other additional information that the Secretary determines is appropriate to ensure that the mortgagor has received timely and accurate information about the program under paragraph (2)(C) or (3) of subsection (c), as applicable.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(ii) PENALTIES FOR FAILURE TO PROVIDE REQUIRED DISCLOSURES- The Secretary may establish and impose appropriate penalties for failure of a mortgagee to provide any disclosure required under clause (i).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(iii) NO PRIVATE RIGHT OF ACTION- This subparagraph shall not create any private right of action on behalf of the mortgagor.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(B) COUNSELING-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(i) REQUIREMENT- The Secretary shall require that the mortgagor shall have received counseling that complies with the requirements of this subparagraph.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(ii) TERMS OF COUNSELING- Counseling under this subparagraph shall be provided--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(I) prior to closing for the loan involved in the mortgage;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(II) by a third party (other than the mortgagee) who is approved by the Secretary, with respect to the responsibilities and financial management involved in homeownership;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(III) on an individual basis to the mortgagor by a representative of the approved third-party counseling entity; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(IV) in person, to the maximum extent possible.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(iii) TOPICS- In the case only of a mortgage referred to in subsection (c)(3), counseling under this subparagraph shall include providing to, and discussing with, the mortgagor--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(I) information regarding homeownership options other than a mortgage that is subject to this paragraph, other zero- or low-downpayment mortgage options that are or may become available to the mortgagor, the financial implications of entering into a mortgage (including a mortgage subject to this paragraph), and any other information that the Secretary may require;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(II) a written disclosure that sets forth the amount and the percentage by which a property with a mortgage that is subject to this paragraph must appreciate for the mortgagor to recover the principal amount of the mortgage, the costs financed under the mortgage, and the estimated costs involved in selling the property, if the mortgagor were to sell the property on each of the second, fifth, and tenth anniversaries of the mortgage; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(III) a written disclosure, as the Secretary shall require, that specifies the effective cost to a mortgagor of borrowing the amount by which the maximum amount that could be borrowed under a mortgage that is referred to in subsection (c)(3) exceeds the maximum amount that could be borrowed under a mortgage insured under this subsection that is not a mortgage referred to in such subsection, based on average closing costs with respect to such amount, as determined by the Secretary; such cost shall be expressed as an annual interest rate over the first 5 years of a mortgage; the disclosure required under this subclause may be provided in conjunction with the notice required under subsection (f).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(iv) 2- AND 3-FAMILY RESIDENCES- In the case of a mortgage involving a 2- or 3-family residence, counseling under this subparagraph shall include (in addition to the information required under clause (iii)) information regarding real estate property management.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(C) NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE PREVENTION COUNSELING AVAILABILITY-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(i) WRITTEN AGREEMENT- To be eligible for insurance under this subsection, the mortgagee shall provide the mortgagor, at the time of the execution of the mortgage, a written agreement which shall be signed by the mortgagor and under which the mortgagee shall provide notice described in clause (ii) to a housing counseling entity that has agreed to provide the notice and counseling required under clause (iii) and is approved by the Secretary.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(ii) NOTICE TO COUNSELING AGENCY- The notice described in this clause, with respect to a mortgage, is notice, provided at the earliest time practicable after the mortgagor becomes 60 days delinquent with respect to any payment due under the mortgage, that the mortgagor is so delinquent and of how to contact the mortgagor. Such notice may only be provided once with respect to each delinquency period for a mortgage.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(iii) NOTICE TO MORTGAGOR- Upon notice from a mortgagee that a mortgagor is 60 days delinquent with respect to payments due under the mortgage, the housing counseling entity shall at the earliest time practicable notify the mortgagor of such delinquency, that the entity makes available foreclosure prevention counseling that may assist the mortgagor in resolving the delinquency, and of how to contact the entity to arrange for such counseling.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(iv) ABILITY TO CURE- Failure to provide the written agreement required under clause (i) may be corrected by sending such agreement to the mortgagor not later than the earliest time practicable after the mortgagor first becomes 60 days delinquent with respect to payments due under the mortgage. Insurance provided under this subsection may not be terminated and penalties for such failure may not be prospectively or retroactively imposed if such failure is corrected in accordance with this clause.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(v) PENALTIES FOR FAILURE TO PROVIDE AGREEMENT- The Secretary may establish and impose appropriate penalties for failure of a mortgagee to provide the written agreement required under clause (i).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(vi) LIMITATION ON LIABILITY OF MORTGAGEE- A mortgagee shall not incur any liability or penalties for any failure of a housing counseling entity to provide notice under clause (iii).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(vii) NO PRIVATE RIGHT OF ACTION- This subparagraph shall not create any private right of action on behalf of the mortgagor.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(viii) DELINQUENCY PERIOD- For purposes of this subparagraph, the term `delinquency period' means, with respect to a mortgage, a period that begins upon the mortgagor becoming delinquent with respect to payments due under the mortgage and ends upon the first subsequent occurrence of such payments under the mortgage becoming current or the property subject to the mortgage being foreclosed or otherwise disposed of.'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
SEC. 11. REFINANCING MORTGAGES.
Section 203 of the National Housing Act (
`(l) Refinancing Mortgages-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(1) ESTABLISHMENT OF UNDERWRITING STANDARDS- The Secretary shall establish underwriting standards that provide for insurance under this title of mortgage loans, and take actions to facilitate the availability of mortgage loans insured under this title, for qualified borrowers that are made for the purpose of paying or prepaying outstanding obligations under existing mortgages for borrowers that--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(A) have existing mortgages with adverse terms or rates, orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(B) do not have access to mortgages at reasonable rates and terms for such refinancings due to adverse market conditions.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(2) INSURANCE OF MORTGAGES TO BORROWERS IN DEFAULT OR AT RISK OF DEFAULT- In facilitating insurance for such mortgages, the Secretary may insure mortgages to borrowers who are, currently in default or at imminent risk of being in default, but only if such loans meet reasonable underwriting standards established by the Secretary.'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
SEC. 12. ANNUAL REPORTS ON NEW PROGRAMS AND LOSS MITIGATION.
Section 540(b)(2) of the National Housing Act (
`(C) The rates of default and foreclosure for the applicable collection period for mortgages insured pursuant to the programs for mortgage insurance under paragraphs (2)(C) and (3) of section 203(c).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(D) Actions taken by the Secretary during the applicable collection period with respect to loss mitigation on mortgages insured pursuant to section 203.'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
SEC. 13. INSURANCE FOR SINGLE FAMILY HOMES WITH LICENSED CHILD CARE FACILITIES.
(a) Definition of Child Care Facility- Section 201 of the National Housing Act (
`(g) The term `child care facility' means a facility that--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(A) has as its purpose the care of children who are less than 12 years of age; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(B) is licensed or regulated by the State in which it is located (or, if there is no State law providing for such licensing and regulation by the State, by the municipality or other political subdivision in which the facility is located).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Such term does not include facilities for school-age children primarily for use during normal school hours.'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(b) Increase in Maximum Mortgage Amount Limitation- Paragraph (2) of section 203(b) of the National Housing Act (
`Notwithstanding any other provision of this paragraph, the amount that may be insured under this section may be increased by up to 25 percent if such increase is necessary to account for the increased cost of the residence due to an increased need of space in the residence for locating and operating a child care facility (as such term is defined in section 201) within the residence, but only if a valid license or certificate of compliance with regulations described in section 201(g)(2) has been issued for such facility as of the date of the execution of the mortgage, and only if such increase in the amount insured is proportional to the amount of space of such residence that will be used for such facility.'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
SEC. 14. REHABILITATION LOANS.
Subsection (k) of section 203 of the National Housing Act (
(1) in paragraph (1), by striking `on' and all that follows through `1978'; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) in paragraph (5)--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(A) by striking `General Insurance Fund' the first place it appears and inserting `Mutual Mortgage Insurance Fund'; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(B) in the second sentence, by striking the comma and all that follows through `General Insurance Fund'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
SEC. 15. DISCRETIONARY ACTION.
The National Housing Act is amended--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) in subsection (e) of section 202 (
(A) in paragraph (3)(B), by striking `section 202(e) of the National Housing Act' and inserting `this subsection'; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(B) by redesignating such subsection as subsection (f);CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) by striking paragraph (4) of section 203(s) (
`(4) the Secretary of Agriculture;'; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(3) by transferring subsection (s) of section 203 (as amended by paragraph (2) of this section) to section 202, inserting such subsection after subsection (d) of section 202, and redesignating such subsection as subsection (e).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
SEC. 16. INSURANCE OF CONDOMINIUMS AND MANUFACTURED HOUSING.
(a) In General- Section 234 of the National Housing Act (
(1) in subsection (c)--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(A) in the first sentence--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(i) by striking `and' before `(2)'; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(ii) by inserting before the period at the end the following: `, and (3) the project has a blanket mortgage insured by the Secretary under subsection (d)'; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(B) in clause (B) of the third sentence, by striking `thirty-five years' and inserting `forty years'; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) in subsection (g), by striking `, except that' and all that follows and inserting a period.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(b) Definition of Mortgage- Section 201(a) of the National Housing Act (
(1) before ` a first mortgage' insert `(A)';CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) by striking `or on a leasehold (1)' and inserting `(B) a first mortgage on a leasehold on real estate (i)';CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(3) by striking `or (2)' and inserting `, or (ii)'; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(4) by inserting before the semicolon the following: `, or (C) a first mortgage given to secure the unpaid purchase price of a fee interest in, or long-term leasehold interest in, real estate consisting of a one-family unit in a multifamily project, including a project in which the dwelling units are attached, or are manufactured housing units, semi-detached, or detached, and an undivided interest in the common areas and facilities which serve the project'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(c) Definition of Real Estate- Section 201 of the National Housing Act (
`(h) The term `real estate' means land and all natural resources and structures permanently affixed to the land, including residential buildings and stationary manufactured housing. The Secretary may not require, for treatment of any land or other property as real estate for purposes of this title, that such land or property be treated as real estate for purposes of State taxation.'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
SEC. 17. MUTUAL MORTGAGE INSURANCE FUND.
(a) In General- Subsection (a) of section 202 of the National Housing Act (
`(a) Mutual Mortgage Insurance Fund-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(1) ESTABLISHMENT- Subject to the provisions of the Federal Credit Reform Act of 1990, there is hereby created a Mutual Mortgage Insurance Fund (in this title referred to as the `Fund'), which shall be used by the Secretary to carry out the provisions of this title with respect to mortgages insured under section 203. The Secretary may enter into commitments to guarantee, and may guarantee, such insured mortgages.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(2) LIMIT ON LOAN GUARANTEES- The authority of the Secretary to enter into commitments to guarantee such insured mortgages shall be effective for any fiscal year only to the extent that the aggregate original principal loan amount under such mortgages, any part of which is guaranteed, does not exceed the amount specified in appropriations Acts for such fiscal year.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(3) FIDUCIARY RESPONSIBILITY- The Secretary has a responsibility to ensure that the Mutual Mortgage Insurance Fund remains financially sound.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(4) ANNUAL INDEPENDENT ACTUARIAL STUDY- The Secretary shall provide for an independent actuarial study of the Fund to be conducted annually, which shall analyze the financial position of the Fund. The Secretary shall submit a report annually to the Congress describing the results of such study and assessing the financial status of the Fund. The report shall recommend adjustments to underwriting standards, program participation, or premiums, if necessary, to ensure that the Fund remains financially sound.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(5) QUARTERLY REPORTS- During each fiscal year, the Secretary shall submit a report to the Congress for each quarter, which shall specify for mortgages that are obligations of the Fund--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(A) the cumulative volume of loan guarantee commitments that have been made during such fiscal year through the end of the quarter for which the report is submitted;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(B) the types of loans insured, categorized by risk;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(C) any significant changes between actual and projected claim and prepayment activity;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(D) projected versus actual loss rates; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(E) updated projections of the annual subsidy rates to ensure that increases in risk to the Fund are identified and mitigated by adjustments to underwriting standards, program participation, or premiums, and the financial soundness of the Fund is maintained.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
The first quarterly report under this paragraph shall be submitted on the last day of the first quarter of fiscal year 2008, or upon the expiration of the 90-day period beginning on the date of the enactment of the Expanding American Homeownership Act of 2007, whichever is later.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(6) ADJUSTMENT OF PREMIUMS- If, pursuant to the independent actuarial study of the Fund required under paragraph (5), the Secretary determines that the Fund is not meeting the operational goals established under paragraph (8) or there is a substantial probability that the Fund will not maintain its established target subsidy rate, the Secretary may either make programmatic adjustments under section 203 as necessary to reduce the risk to the Fund, or make appropriate premium adjustments.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(7) OPERATIONAL GOALS- The operational goals for the Fund are--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(A) to charge borrowers under loans that are obligations of the Fund an appropriate premium for the risk that such loans pose to the Fund;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(B) to minimize the default risk to the Fund and to homeowners;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(C) to curtail the impact of adverse selection on the Fund; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(D) to meet the housing needs of the borrowers that the single family mortgage insurance program under this title is designed to serve.'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(b) Obligations of Fund- The National Housing Act is amended as follows:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) HOMEOWNERSHIP VOUCHER PROGRAM MORTGAGES- In section 203(v) (
(A) by striking `Notwithstanding section 202 of this title, the' and inserting `The'; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(B) by striking `General Insurance Fund' the first place such term appears and all that follows and inserting `Mutual Mortgage Insurance Fund.'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) HOME EQUITY CONVERSION MORTGAGES- Section 255(i)(2)(A) of the National Housing Act (
(c) Conforming Amendments- The National Housing Act is amended--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) in section 205 (
(2) in section 519(e) (
SEC. 18. HAWAIIAN HOME LANDS AND INDIAN RESERVATIONS.
(a) Hawaiian Home Lands- Section 247(c) of the National Housing Act (
(1) by striking `General Insurance Fund established in section 519' and inserting `Mutual Mortgage Insurance Fund'; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) in the second sentence, by striking `(1) all references' and all that follows through `and (2)'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(b) Indian Reservations- Section 248(f) of the National Housing Act (
(1) by striking `General Insurance Fund' the first place it appears and all that follows through `519' and inserting `Mutual Mortgage Insurance Fund'; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) in the second sentence, by striking `(1) all references' and all that follows through `and (2)'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
SEC. 19. CONFORMING AND TECHNICAL AMENDMENTS.
(a) Repeals- The following provisions of the National Housing Act are repealed:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) Subsection (i) of section 203 (
(2) Subsection (o) of section 203 (
(3) Subsection (p) of section 203 (
(4) Subsection (q) of section 203 (
(5) Section 222 (
(6) Section 237 (
(7) Section 245 (
(b) Definition of Area- Section 203(u)(2)(A) of the National Housing Act (
(c) Definition of State- Section 201(d) of the National Housing Act (
SEC. 20. HOME EQUITY CONVERSION MORTGAGES.
(a) In General- Section 255 of the National Housing Act (
(1) in subsection (b)(2), insert `real estate,' after `mortgagor',';CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) in subsection (b)(4), by striking subparagraph (B) and inserting the following new subparagraph:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(B) under a lease that has a term that ends no earlier than the minimum number of years, as specified by the Secretary, beyond the actuarial life expectancy of the mortgagor or comortgagor, whichever is the later date.'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(3) in subsection (g)--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(A) by striking the first sentence; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(B) by striking `established under section 203(b)(2)' and all that follows through `located' and inserting `limitation established under section 305(a)(2) of the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Act for a 1-family residence';CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(4) in subsection (i)(1)(C), by striking `limitations' and inserting `limitation'; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(5) by adding at the end the following new subsection:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(o) Authority To Insure Home Purchase Mortgage-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(1) IN GENERAL- Notwithstanding any other provision in this section, the Secretary may insure, upon application by a mortgagee, a home equity conversion mortgage upon such terms and conditions as the Secretary may prescribe, when the primary purpose of the home equity conversion mortgage is to enable an elderly mortgagor to purchase a 1- to 4-family dwelling in which the mortgagor will occupy or occupies one of the units.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(2) LIMITATION ON PRINCIPAL OBLIGATION- A home equity conversion mortgage insured pursuant to paragraph (1) shall involve a principal obligation that does not exceed the dollar amount limitation determined under section 305(a)(2) of the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Act for a residence of the applicable size.'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(b) Mortgages for Cooperatives- Subsection (b) of section 255 of the National Housing Act (
(1) in paragraph (4)--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(A) by inserting `a first or subordinate mortgage or lien' before `on all stock';CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(B) by inserting `unit' after `dwelling'; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(C) by inserting `a first mortgage or first lien' before `on a leasehold'; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) in paragraph (5), by inserting `a first or subordinate lien on' before `all stock'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(c) Limitation on Origination Fees- Section 255 of the National Housing Act (
(1) by redesignating subsections (k), (l), and (m) as subsections (l), (m), and (n), respectively; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) by inserting after subsection (j) the following new subsection:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(k) Limitation on Origination Fees- The Secretary shall establish limits on the origination fee that may be charged to a mortgagor under a mortgage insured under this section, which limitations shall--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(1) equal to 1.5 percent of the maximum claim amount of the mortgage, except that the Secretary may adjust the limitation under this paragraph on the basis of an analysis of: (A) costs to mortgagors; and (B) the impact on the reverse mortgage market;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(2) be subject to a minimum allowable amount;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(3) provide that the origination fee may be fully financed with the mortgage;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(4) include any fees paid to correspondent mortgagees approved by the Secretary or to mortgage brokers; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(5) apply beginning upon the date that the maximum dollar amount limitation on the benefits of insurance under this section is first increased pursuant to the amendments made by section 19(a)(2) of the Expanding American Homeownership Act of 2007.'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(d) Study Regarding Mortgage Insurance Premiums- The Secretary of Housing and Urban Development shall conduct a study regarding mortgage insurance premiums charged under the program under section 255 of the National Housing Act (
SEC. 21. PARTICIPATION OF MORTGAGE BROKERS AND CORRESPONDENT LENDERS.
(a) In General-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) DEFINITIONS-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(A) IN GENERAL- Section 201 of the National Housing Act (
(i) by striking `As used in section 203 of this title--' and inserting `As used in this title and for purposes of participation in insurance programs under this title, except as specifically provided otherwise, the following definitions shall apply:';CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(ii) by striking subsection (b) and inserting the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(2) The term `mortgagee' means any of the following entities, and its successors and assigns, to the extent such entity is approved by the Secretary:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(A) QUALIFICATION BY AUDIT AND NET WORTH- A lender who--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(i) closes a mortgage in its name and underwrites the mortgage, services the mortgage, or both underwrites and services the mortgage;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(ii) submits to the Secretary such financial audits performed in accordance with the standards for financial audits of the Government Auditing Standards issued by the Comptroller General of the United States;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(iii) meet the minimum net worth requirement that the Secretary shall establish;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(iv) is licensed, under the laws of the State in which the property that is subject to the mortgage is located, to act as a lender in such State; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(v) complies with such other requirements as the Secretary may establish.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(B) QUALIFICATION OF CORRESPONDENT LENDERS BY SURETY BOND- Except as provided in subparagraph (D), a correspondent lender who--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(i) closes a mortgage in its name, but does not underwrite and does not service the mortgage;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(ii) is licensed, under the laws of the State in which the property that is subject to the mortgage is located, to act as a correspondent lender in such State;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(iii) posts a surety bond, in lieu of any requirement to provide audited financial statements or meet a minimum net worth requirement, that--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(I) is in a form satisfactory to the Secretary;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(II) is in an aggregate amount, to be determined by the Secretary based on the aggregate principal amount of single-family mortgages insured under this title that are placed in a calendar year, which shall not be less than $50,000 or more than $100,000, as such amount is adjusted annually by the Secretary (as determined by the Secretary) by the change for such year in the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers published monthly by the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the Department of Labor;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(III) guarantees payment of any liability of the correspondent lender arising from its participation in the program, up to the penal sum of the surety bond; without regard to the number of years the bond remains in effect, the number of claims or claimants, and the number of premiums paid, in no event shall the aggregate liability of the surety exceed the penal sum of the bond; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(IV) may be cancelled by the surety as to future liability by giving 30 days notice in writing to the Secretary, except that any such cancellation shall not alter the liability of the surety for actions of the correspondent lender prior to the effective date of the cancellation; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(iv) complies with such other requirements as the Secretary may establish, except that the Secretary shall not require any minimum net worth or certified financial statements.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(C) QUALIFICATION OF BROKERS BY SURETY BOND- Except as provided in subparagraph (D), a mortgage broker who--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(i) closes the mortgage in the name of the lender, and does not underwrite and does not service the mortgage;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(ii) is licensed, under the laws of the State in which the property that is subject to the mortgage is located, to act as a mortgage broker in such State;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(iii) posts a surety bond in accordance with the requirements of subparagraph (B)(ii); andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(iv) complies with such other requirements as the Secretary may establish, except that the Secretary shall not require any minimum net worth or certified financial statements.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(D) CONDITIONS FOR CONTINUED APPLICABILITY- (i) Subparagraphs (B) and (C) shall continue to apply after the expiration of the 5-year period beginning on the date of the enactment of the Expanding American Homeownership Act of 2007 only if, after the expiration of the 4-year period beginning upon such date of enactment and taking into consideration the report submitted in accordance with section 19(b) of such Act, the Secretary--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(I) makes a determination that such subparagraphs provide protection to mortgage insurance funds for mortgages insured under this title that are comparable to the protection provided by the requirements for mortgagees under this title as in effect immediately before the enactment of such Act; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(II) publishes in the Federal Register a notice of such determination and an order extending the applicability of such subparagraphs.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(ii) If, taking into consideration such report, the Secretary makes a determination after the expiration of such 4-year period that subparagraphs (B) and (C) do not provide protection as referred to in clause (i) of this subparagraph, the Secretary may, by order published in the Federal Register, provide for the participation, after the expiration of the 5-year period referred to in clause (i), of correspondent lenders and mortgage brokers as mortgagees in the insurance programs under this title in accordance with subparagraphs (B) and (C) as modified by the Secretary as the Secretary considers appropriate to provide such protection.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(E) ADDITIONAL MORTGAGE BROKER REQUIREMENTS-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(i) In addition to the requirements under subparagraphs (A) and (C) and to duties imposed under other statutes or common law, to be eligible as a mortgagee under this section, a broker shall--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(I) safeguard and account for any money handled for the borrower;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(II) follow reasonable and lawful instructions from the borrower; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(III) act with reasonable skill, care, and diligence.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(ii) For purposes of this subparagraph, a loan correspondent shall be considered to be a mortgage broker.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(iii) The duties and standards of care created in this subparagraph shall not be waived or modified.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(iv) Any broker found by the Secretary to have violated the requirements of this subparagraph may not originate mortgage loans insured under this title.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(3) The term `mortgagor' includes the original borrower under a mortgage and the successors and assigns of the original borrower.'; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(iii) by redesignating subsections (a), (c), (d), (e), (f), (g), and (h) as paragraphs (1), (4), (5), (6), (7), (8), and (9), respectively, and indenting such paragraphs two ems so as to align the left margins of such paragraphs with the left margins of paragraphs (2) and (3) (as added by clause (ii) of this subparagraph).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(B) MORTGAGEE REVIEW- Section 202(c)(7) of the National Housing Act (
(i) in subparagraph (A), by inserting `, as defined in section 201,' after `mortgagee';CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(ii) by striking subparagraph (B); andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(iii) by redesignating subparagraphs (C) and (D) as subparagraphs (B) and (C), respectively.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(C) MULTIFAMILY RENTAL HOUSING INSURANCE- Section 207(a)(2) of the National Housing Act (
(D) WAR HOUSING INSURANCE- Section 601(b) of the National Housing Act (
(E) ARMED SERVICES HOUSING MORTGAGE INSURANCE- Section 801(b) of the National Housing Act (
(F) GROUP PRACTICE FACILITIES MORTGAGE INSURANCE- Section 1106(8) of the National Housing Act (
(2) ELIGIBILITY FOR INSURANCE-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(A) TITLE I- Paragraph (1) of section 8(b) of the National Housing Act (
(i) by striking `, and be held by,'; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(ii) by striking `as responsible and able to service the mortgage properly'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(B) SINGLE FAMILY HOUSING MORTGAGE INSURANCE- Paragraph (1) of section 203(b) of the National Housing Act (
(i) by striking `, and be held by,'; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(ii) by striking `as responsible and able to service the mortgage properly'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(C) SECTION 221 MORTGAGE INSURANCE- Paragraph (1) of section 221(d) of the National Housing Act (
(i) by striking `and be held by'; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(ii) by striking `as responsible and able to service the mortgage properly'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(D) HOME EQUITY CONVERSION MORTGAGE INSURANCE- Paragraph (1) of section 255(d) of the National Housing Act (
(E) WAR HOUSING MORTGAGE INSURANCE- Paragraph (1) of section 603(b) of the National Housing Act (
(i) by striking `, and be held by,'; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(ii) by striking `as responsible and able to service the mortgage properly'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(F) WAR HOUSING MORTGAGE INSURANCE FOR LARGE-SCALE HOUSING PROJECTS- Paragraph (1) of section 611(b) of the National Housing Act (
(i) by striking `and be held by'; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(ii) by striking `as responsible and able to service the mortgage properly'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(G) GROUP PRACTICE FACILITY MORTGAGE INSURANCE- Section 1101(b)(2) of the National Housing Act (
(i) by striking `and held by'; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(ii) by striking `as responsible and able to service the mortgage properly'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(H) NATIONAL DEFENSE HOUSING INSURANCE- Paragraph (1) of section 903(b) of the National Housing Act (
(i) by striking `, and be held by,'; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(ii) by striking `as responsible and able to service the mortgage properly'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(I) CONTINGENT REPEAL- Unless there is published in the Federal Register, before the expiration of the 5-year period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act, an order under clause (i) or (ii) of section 201(2)(D) of the National Housing Act (
(b) GAO Study and Report-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) STUDY- The Comptroller General of the United States shall conduct a study, upon the expiration of the 42-month period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act, regarding the effect of the amendments made by subsection (a), which shall analyze and determine--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(A) the extent to which such amendments have resulted in increased participation, by mortgage brokers and correspondent lenders, in the mortgage insurance programs under the National Housing Act, as measured by the number and amounts of such insured mortgages, disaggregated by the States in which the properties subject to such mortgages are located;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(B) with respect to mortgages insured under such Act, a comparison in the numbers and rate of defaults, foreclosures, and mortgage insurance claims on such mortgages originated by mortgage brokers and correspondent lenders authorized to participate in the programs under such Act pursuant to the amendments made by subsection (a) to such numbers and rates on such mortgages originated by lenders who would be authorized to participate in such programs notwithstanding such amendments;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(C) any impact of such amendments on the costs to the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development of administering the mortgage insurance programs under such title; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(D) the extent and effectiveness of the supervision and enforcement, by the Secretary, of the additional authority provided under the amendments made by subsection (a).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) REPORT- Not later than the expiration of 4-year period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall submit a report to the Congress and the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development setting forth the results and conclusions of the study conducted pursuant to paragraph (1).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
SEC. 22. CONFORMING LOAN LIMIT IN DISASTER AREAS.
Section 203(h) of the National Housing Act (
(1) by inserting after `property' the following: `plus any initial service charges, appraisal, inspection and other fees in connection with the mortgage as approved by the Secretary,';CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) by striking the second sentence (as added by chapter 7 of the Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act of 1994 (
(3) by adding at the end the following new sentence: `In any case in which the single family residence to be insured under this subsection is within a jurisdiction in which the President has declared a major disaster to have occurred, the Secretary is authorized, for a temporary period not to exceed 36 months from the date of such Presidential declaration, to enter into agreements to insure a mortgage which involves a principal obligation of up to 100 percent of the dollar limitation determined under section 305(a)(2) of the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Act for a single family residence, and not in excess of 100 percent of the appraised value of the property plus any initial service charges, appraisal, inspection and other fees in connection with the mortgage as approved by the Secretary.'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
SEC. 23. FAILURE TO PAY AMOUNTS FROM ESCROW ACCOUNTS FOR SINGLE FAMILY MORTGAGES.
(a) Penalties- Section 536 of the National Housing Act (
(1) in subsection (a)(1), by inserting `servicers (including escrow account servicers),' after `appraisers,';CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) in subsection (b)(1)--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(A) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by inserting `or other participant referred to in subsection (a),' after `lender,'; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(B) by inserting at the end the following new subparagraphs:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(K) In the case of a mortgage for a 1- to 4-family residence insured under title II that requires the mortgagor to make payments to the mortgagee or other servicer of the mortgage for deposit into an escrow account for the purpose of assuring payment of taxes, insurance premiums, and other charges with respect to the property, failure on the part of the servicer to make any such payment from the escrow account by the deadline to avoid a penalty with respect to such payment provided for in the mortgage, unless the servicer was not provided notice of such deadline.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(L) In the case of any failure to make any payment as described in subparagraph (K), submitting any information to a consumer reporting agency (as such term is defined in section 603(f) of the Fair Credit Reporting Act (
)) regarding such failure that is adverse to the credit rating or interest of the mortgagor.'; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink 15 U.S.C. 1681a(f)
(3) in subsection (c)(3), by adding at the end the following: `In the case of any failure to make a payment described in subsection (b)(1)(K) for which the servicer fails to reimburse the mortgagor (A) before the expiration of the 60-day period beginning on the deadline to avoid a penalty with respect to such payment, in the sum of the amount not paid from the escrow account by such deadline and the amount of any penalties accruing to the mortgagor that are attributable to such failure, or (B) in the amount of any attorneys fees incurred by the mortgagor and attributable to such failure, the Secretary shall increase the amount of the penalty under subsection (a) for any such failure to reimburse, unless the Secretary determines there are mitigating circumstances.'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(b) Prohibition on Submission of Information by HUD- Title II of the National Housing Act (
`SEC. 257. PROHIBITION REGARDING FAILURE ON PART OF SERVICER TO MAKE ESCROW PAYMENTS.
`In the case of any failure to make any payment as described in section 536(b)(1)(K), the Secretary may not submit any information to a consumer reporting agency (as such term is defined in section 603(f) of the Fair Credit Reporting Act (
)) regarding such failure that is adverse to the credit rating or interest of the mortgagor.'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink 15 U.S.C. 1681a(f)
SEC. 24. ACCEPTABLE IDENTIFICATION FOR FHA MORTGAGORS.
(a) In General- Title II of the National Housing Act is amended by inserting after section 209 (
`SEC. 210. FORMS OF ACCEPTABLE IDENTIFICATION.
`The Secretary may not insure a mortgage under any provision of this title unless the mortgagor under the mortgage provides personal identification in one of the following forms:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(1) SOCIAL SECURITY CARD WITH PHOTO IDENTIFICATION CARD OR REAL ID ACT IDENTIFICATION-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(A) A social security card accompanied by a photo identification card issued by the Federal Government or a State Government; orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(B) A driver's license or identification card issued by a State in the case of a State that is in compliance with title II of the REAL ID Act of 2005 (title II of division B of
; Public Law 109-13 note).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink 49 U.S.C. 30301 `(2) PASSPORT- A passport issued by the United States or a foreign government.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(3) USCIS PHOTO IDENTIFICATION CARD- A photo identification card issued by the Secretary of Homeland Security (acting through the Director of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services).'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(b) Effective Date- The requirements of section 210 of the National Housing Act (as added by subsection (a) of this section) shall take effect 6 months after the date of the enactment of this Act.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
SEC. 25. PILOT PROGRAM FOR AUTOMATED PROCESS FOR BORROWERS WITHOUT SUFFICIENT CREDIT HISTORY.
(a) Establishment- Title II of the National Housing Act (
`SEC. 258. PILOT PROGRAM FOR AUTOMATED PROCESS FOR BORROWERS WITHOUT SUFFICIENT CREDIT HISTORY.
`(a) Establishment- The Secretary shall carry out a pilot program to establish, and make available to mortgagees, an automated process for providing alternative credit rating information for mortgagors and prospective mortgagors under mortgages on 1- to 4-family residences to be insured under this title who have insufficient credit histories for determining their creditworthiness. Such alternative credit rating information may include rent, utilities, and insurance payment histories, and such other information as the Secretary considers appropriate.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(b) Scope- The Secretary may carry out the pilot program under this section on a limited basis or scope, and may consider limiting the program--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(1) to first-time homebuyers; orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(2) metropolitan statistical areas significantly impacted by subprime lending.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(c) Limitation- In any fiscal year, the aggregate number of mortgages insured pursuant to the automated process established under this section may not exceed 5 percent of the aggregate number of mortgages for 1- to 4-family residences insured by the Secretary under this title during the preceding fiscal year.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(d) Sunset- After the expiration of the 5-year period beginning on the date of the enactment of the Expanding American Homeownership Act of 2007, the Secretary may not enter into any new commitment to insure any mortgage, or newly insure any mortgage, pursuant to the automated process established under this section.'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(b) GAO Report- Not later than the expiration of the 4-year period beginning on the date that the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development first insures any mortgage pursuant to the automated process established under pilot program under section 258 of the National Housing Act (as added by the amendment made by subsection (a) of this section), the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to the Congress a report identifying the number of additional mortgagors served using such automated process and the impact of such process and the insurance of mortgages pursuant to such process on the safety and soundness of the insurance funds under the National Housing Act of which such mortgages are obligations.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
SEC. 26. SENSE OF CONGRESS REGARDING TECHNOLOGY FOR FINANCIAL SYSTEMS.
(a) Congressional Findings- The Congress finds the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) The Government Accountability Office has cited the FHA single family housing mortgage insurance program as a `high-risk' program, with a primary reason being non-integrated and out-dated financial management systems.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) The `Audit of the Federal Housing Administration's Financial Statements for Fiscal Years 2004 and 2003', conducted by the Inspector General of the Department of Housing and Urban Development reported as a material weakness that `HUD/FHA's automated data processing [ADP] system environment must be enhanced to more effectively support FHA's business and budget processes'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(3) Existing technology systems for the FHA program have not been updated to meet the latest standards of the Mortgage Industry Standards Maintenance Organization and have numerous deficiencies that lenders have outlined.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(4) Improvements to technology used in the FHA program will--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(A) allow the FHA program to improve the management of the FHA portfolio, garner greater efficiencies in its operations, and lower costs across the program;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(B) result in efficiencies and lower costs for lenders participating in the program, allowing them to better use the FHA products in extending homeownership opportunities to higher credit risk or lower-income families, in a sound manner.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(5) The Mutual Mortgage Insurance Fund operates without cost to the taxpayers and generates revenues for the Federal Government.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(b) Sense of Congress- It is the sense of the Congress that--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development should use a portion of the funds received from premiums paid for FHA single family housing mortgage insurance that are in excess of the amounts paid out in claims to substantially increase the funding for technology used in such FHA program;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) the goal of this investment should be to bring the technology used in such FHA program to the level and sophistication of the technology used in the conventional mortgage lending market, or to exceed such level; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(3) the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development should report to the Congress not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act regarding the progress the Department is making toward such goal and if progress is not sufficient, the resources needed to make greater progress.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
SEC. 27. MULTIFAMILY HOUSING MORTGAGE LIMITS IN HIGH COST AREAS.
The National Housing Act is amended--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) in sections 207(c)(3), 213(b)(2)(B)(i), 221(d)(3)(ii)(II), 221(d)(4)(ii)(II), 231(c)(2)(B), and 234(e)(3)(B) (
(A) by striking `140 percent' each place such term appears and inserting `170 percent'; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(B) by striking `170 percent in high cost areas' each place such term appears and inserting `215 percent in high cost areas'; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) in section 220(d)(3)(B)(iii)(III) (
SEC. 28. DISCOUNT SALES OF MULTIFAMILY PROPERTIES.
There is authorized to be appropriated, for discount sales of multifamily real properties under section 207(l) or 246 of the National Housing Act (
SEC. 29. CLARIFICATION OF DISPOSITION OF CERTAIN PROPERTIES.
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, subtitle A of title II of the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 (
(1) the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development has received, before the date of the enactment of such Act, written expressions of interest in purchasing the property from both a city government and the housing commission of such city;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) after such receipt, the Secretary acquires title to the property at a foreclosure sale; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(3) such city government and housing commission have resolved a previous disagreement with respect to the disposition of the property.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
SEC. 30. NONCOMPETITIVE SALES BY HUD TO STATES AND LOCALITIES.
Subtitle A of title II of the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 (
`SEC. 2004. NONCOMPETITIVE SALES IN FISCAL YEAR 2011.
`Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary may not sell any multifamily real property through any discount sale during fiscal year 2011 under the provisions of law referred to in section 2002(a) or any multifamily loan through any discount loan sale during such fiscal year under the provisions referred to in section 2002(b), unless the property or loan is sold for an amount that is equal to or greater than 60 percent of the property market value or loan market value, respectively.'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
SEC. 31. USE OF FHA SAVINGS FOR COSTS OF MORTGAGE INSURANCE, HOUSING COUNSELING, FHA TECHNOLOGIES, PROCEDURES, AND PROCESSES, AND FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING GRANT FUND, AND STUDY.
(a) In General- Subject to subsection (c), there is authorized to be appropriated for each fiscal year an amount equal to the net increase for such fiscal year in, except as provided in subsection (b), the negative credit subsidy for the mortgage insurance programs under title II of the National Housing Act resulting from this Act and the amendments made by this Act, for the following purposes in the following amounts:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) SINGLE FAMILY HOUSING MORTGAGE INSURANCE- For each fiscal year, for costs (as such term is defined in section 502 of the Federal Credit Reform Act of 1990 (
(2) HOUSING COUNSELING- For each of fiscal years 2008 through 2012, the amount needed to increase funding, for the housing counseling program under section 106 of the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968 (
(3) MORTGAGE INSURANCE TECHNOLOGY, PROCEDURES, PROCESSES, PROGRAM PERFORMANCE, AND SALARIES- For each of fiscal years 2008 through 2012, $25,000,000 for increasing funding for the purpose of improving technology, procedures, processes, and program performance, and salaries in connection with the mortgage insurance programs under title II of the National Housing Act.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(4) AFFORDABLE HOUSING FUND- For each fiscal year, for an affordable housing fund available for use only for grants to provide affordable rental housing and affordable homeownership opportunities for low-income families, the amount remaining under this section after amounts are made available for such fiscal year in accordance with paragraphs (1), (2), and (3).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(b) Exclusion of Earnings From the Single Family Mortgage Insurance Program- With respect to a fiscal year, the negative credit subsidy determined under subsection (a) shall not include the negative credit subsidy cost for such fiscal year, if any, for mortgage insurance provided pursuant to section 203(b) of the National Housing Act.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(c) Certification- Subsection (a) shall not be effective for a fiscal year unless the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development has, by rule making in accordance with
(d) Study and Report- The Secretary of Housing and Urban Development shall conduct a study to obtain recommendations from participants in the private residential mortgage lending business and the secondary market for such mortgages on how best to update and upgrade procedures, processes, and technologies for the mortgage insurance programs under title II of the National Housing Act so that the policies and procedures for originating, insuring, and servicing of such mortgages conform with those customarily used by secondary market purchasers of residential mortgage loans. Not later than the expiration of the 12-month period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit a report to the Congress describing the progress made and to be made toward updating and upgrading such procedures, processes, and technology, and providing appropriate staffing for such mortgage insurance programs.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
SEC. 32. LIMITATION ON MORTGAGE INSURANCE PREMIUM INCREASES.
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, including any provision of this Act and any amendment made by this Act--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) the premiums charged for mortgage insurance under any program under the National Housing Act may not be increased above the premium amounts in effect under such program on October 1, 2006, unless the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development determines that, absent such increase, insurance of additional mortgages under such program would, under the Federal Credit Reform Act of 1990, require the appropriation of new budget authority to cover the costs (as such term is defined in section 502 of the Federal Credit Reform Act of 1990 (
(2) a premium increase pursuant to paragraph (1) may be made only by rule making in accordance with the procedures under
SEC. 33. CIVIL MONEY PENALTIES FOR IMPROPERLY INFLUENCING APPRAISALS.
Paragraph (2) of section 536(b) of the National Housing Act (
(1) in subparagraph (B), by striking `or' at the end;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) in subparagraph (C), by striking the period at the end and inserting `; or'; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(3) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
`(D) in the case of an insured mortgage under title II for a 1- to 4-family residence, compensating, instructing, inducing, coercing, or intimidating any person who conducts an appraisal of the property in connection with such mortgage, or attempting to compensate, instruct, induce, coerce, or intimidate such a person, for the purpose of causing the appraised value assigned to the property under the appraisal to be based on any other factor other than the independent judgment of such person exercised in accordance with applicable professional standards.'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
SEC. 34. MORTGAGE INSURANCE PREMIUM REFUNDS.
(a) Authority- The Secretary of Housing and Urban Development shall, to the extent that amounts are made available pursuant to subsection (c), provide refunds of unearned premium charges paid, at the time of insurance, for mortgage insurance under title II of the National Housing Act (
(b) Eligible Mortgages- A mortgage described in this section is a mortgage on a one- to four-family dwelling that--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) was insured under title II of the National Housing Act (
(2) is otherwise eligible, under the last sentence of subparagraph (A) of section 203(c)(2) of such Act (
(A) was closed before December 8, 2004; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(B) was endorsed on or after such date.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(c) Authorization of Appropriations- There is authorized to be appropriated for each fiscal year such sums as may be necessary to provide refunds of unearned mortgage insurance premiums pursuant to this section.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
SEC. 35. SAVINGS PROVISION.
Any mortgage insured under title II of the National Housing Act before the date of enactment of this title shall continue to be governed by the laws, regulations, orders, and terms and conditions to which it was subject on the day before the date of the enactment of this Act.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
SEC. 36. IMPLEMENTATION.
Except as provided in section 23(b), the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development shall by notice establish any additional requirements that may be necessary to immediately carry out the provisions of this Act. The notice shall take effect upon issuance.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Passed the House of Representatives September 18, 2007.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Attest:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Clerk.
Clerk.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
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