Credit Union Regulatory Alert  

Published by Howard & Howard Attorneys PLLC

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Thank you for taking the time to read this Howard & Howard Credit Union Regulatory Alert. We aim to provide our credit union clients and friends with information to help you understand and interpret the ever-changing regulatory environment.

 

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Timing Requirements for New 

Loan Estimate and Closing Disclosure


On November 20, 2013, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau finalized new regulations to combine the mortgage disclosures required by the Truth in Lending Act and the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act. Beginning with applications received on or after August 1, 2015, lenders will need to use the new Loan Estimate and Closing Disclosure. 

 

Timing for Loan Estimate

The Loan Estimate must be provided to consumers within three business days after the lender (or mortgage broker) receives an application. Additionally, the Loan Estimate must be delivered or placed in the mail no later than the seventh business day before consummation. 

 

If an application was denied or withdrawn within three business days, lenders are not required to deliver a Loan Estimate.

 

Importantly, the new definitions of "application" and "business day" play a key role in this timing requirement. For a detailed look at those new definitions, see our previous Regulatory Alert

 

Timing for Closing Disclosure

The Closing Disclosure must be received by consumers at least three business days prior to consummation. If the Closing Disclosure is delivered in person, it is considered received by the consumer at that time. However, if the Closing Disclosure is provided by any other delivery method the consumer is "considered to have received" the disclosure three business days after it is delivered or placed in the mail. 

 

This timing requirement could result in the Closing Disclosure being provided six business days prior to consummation. For example, if the lender (or settlement agent) placed the Closing Disclosure in the mail on Thursday, the consumer would be "considered to have received" the disclosures on Monday and consummation could occur on the upcoming Thursday (assuming all days are "business days"). 

 

Lenders can rely on evidence indicating the consumer received the Closing Disclosure earlier and should establish methods to document a consumer's receipt.

 

Conclusion

The new Loan Estimate and Closing Disclosure will require lenders to evaluate and review their current procedures to ensure they are ready to comply with the new timing requirements.
 
The new definition of "application" could move up the timing of the Loan Estimate earlier in the lending process. Similarly, the Closing Disclosure must be received by consumers at least three business days prior to consummation putting additional strain on the closing process. 
 
While the disclosures themselves will be a massive implementation project, the new timing requirements will trigger numerous procedural changes for lenders.
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In This Issue
Credit Union Legal Support
Timing Requirements for New Loan Estimate and Closing Disclosure
About Howard & Howard



    



Attorney Spotlight
  

 concentrates his practice in the area of financial regulations. His intimate knowledge of the operational issues facing credit unions provides the perfect platform to recommend best practices to reduce compliance, strategic and reputation risks.
  
Attorney Spotlight
  

  is a Member of Howard & Howard Attorneys PLLC and concentrates his practice in credit union mergers and acquisitions, loan documentation review and strategic planning.
  


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This Advisory is intended for informational purposes only, and is not offered as legal advice.  Please call a qualified attorney for counsel related to your particular situation.