Safeguard Properties

Fannie Mae: Free Servicer Learning Series and Loss Mitigation Training

Posted on by Safeguard

Investor Update
May 17, 2017

Knowledge is power: Sign up for a Servicer Learning Series webinar

Please join us for a new webinar in the Servicer Learning Series, hosted by the Servicer Support Center. We’ll discuss recent Servicing Guide announcements, Flex Modification program highlights, SMDU™ user interface features, and how to use Fannie Mae Connect™ to advance Simplifying Servicing™ efforts. This webinar, scheduled for May 22 and June 7, is recommended for general servicing, collections, foreclosure, default prevention, investor reporting, audit, and compliance personnel. Register here to take advantage of this opportunity.

Looking for free loss mitigation training? Attend a live webinar

Did you know that Fannie Mae provides participating servicers with free loss mitigation training? Our Know Your Options™ Customer CARE (Connect, Assess, Resolve, and Execute) team will present two live webinars in June. Sign up to learn how to leverage your own servicer model to develop rapport and establish consultative customer relationships, communicate more effectively with borrowers about their options to avoid foreclosure, increase your workout percentage, and more. Learn more and register today.  

Duty to Serve Plan posted for comment

Fannie Mae’s proposed Underserved Markets Plan, required by the Federal Housing Finance Agency’s Duty to Serve rule, is available for public comment. The draft Plan addresses the needs of America’s most challenging housing markets and focuses on three key underserved areas: manufactured housing, affordable housing preservation, and rural housing. To learn more, visit our Duty to Serve page. FHFA is accepting public comments on our proposed Plan through July 10.  

Hawaii AAA Matrix clarification

A clarification to effective dates for a prior foreclosure allowable increase has been made to the Hawaii AAA Matrix. To view the updated matrix, visit the Excess Attorney Fee/Cost Guidelines page.  

Join us in San Antonio!

Stop by booth #67 at the Texas MBA’s 101st annual convention, May 21-23, to learn how Day 1 Certainty™ and Simplifying Servicing can help you improve your borrowers’ experience and reduce costs. Network with real estate finance industry leaders and top performers, and learn about the changes that are redefining the future of the mortgage industry.  

Join us at these upcoming events:

  • May 17-19 | NC Bankers American Mortgage Conference | Raleigh
  • May 21-23 | Texas MBA Annual Convention | San Antonio
  • June 6 | MBA’s Document Custody Workshop | McLean, VA

View all events.

You may also be interested in…

Andrew Bon Salle recaps thoughts shared earlier this month at MBA Secondary
Fannie Mae’s Single-Family Business chief shared some key updates at MBA’s National Secondary Market Conference & Expo. But mostly he was listening. Read more

Receive regular content updates by registering at The Home Story.

Recent Tweets

NEW: See the progress we’re making.
http://bit.ly/2pUwbCC

May 17
 
Incoming economic data suggests economy will rebound this quarter. Our newest Outlook:
http://bit.ly/2roum1i

May 16

Source: Fannie Mae

Fannie Mae: Flex Modification Training and More

Posted on by Safeguard

Investor Update
May 31, 2017

Questions about Flex Modification? Check out our new tutorial

Our new on-demand eLearning course, Fannie Mae Flex Modification, is now available. The course covers Flex Modification eligibility, terms, trial period plan, and how to complete a modification. It also describes the servicer’s responsibilities in implementing Flex Mod and retiring Standard and Streamlined Modifications, as well as impacts to the Disaster modifications. Visit the Single-Family Training page to access this course and other resources at your convenience. 

Duty to Serve webinars now available

Learn more about Fannie Mae’s proposed Underserved Markets Plan, developed in support of the Federal Housing Finance Agency’s Duty to Serve rule. Our housing experts will review the actions we’re proposing to help the manufactured housing, affordable housing preservation, and rural housing markets identified by Duty to Serve. We welcome your questions and will share how to submit formal comments on our plan. Sessions are available Tuesday, June 6, 10-11 a.m. ET or Thursday, June 8, 3-4 p.m. ET. Click on the links to attend the session or to add it to your calendar. No advance registration is required. Space is limited. To learn more about Duty to Serve, visit our Duty to Serve page.  

Knowledge is power: Sign up for a Servicer Learning Series webinar

Please join us for a new webinar in the Servicer Learning Series, hosted by the Servicer Support Center. We’ll discuss recent Servicing Guide announcements, Flex Modification program highlights, SMDU™ user interface features, and how to use Fannie Mae Connect™ to advance Simplifying Servicing™ efforts. This webinar, scheduled for June 7, is recommended for general servicing, collections, foreclosure, default prevention, investor reporting, audit, and compliance personnel. Register here to take advantage of this opportunity.

Looking for free loss mitigation training? Attend a live webinar

Did you know that Fannie Mae provides participating servicers with free loss mitigation training? Our Know Your Options™ Customer CARE (Connect, Assess, Resolve, and Execute) team will present two live webinars in June. Sign up to learn how to leverage your own servicer model to develop rapport and establish consultative customer relationships, communicate more effectively with borrowers about their options to avoid foreclosure, increase your workout percentage, and more. Learn more and register today.   

Washington AAA Matrix clarification

The Washington AAA matrix has been updated with a revised allowable fee for Judicial E-Note foreclosure effective for all files active and referred as of May 31, 2017, and after that date. To view the updated matrix, visit the Excess Attorney Fee/Cost Guidelines page.  
 

Join us at these upcoming events:

  • June 6 | MBA’s Document Custody Workshop | McLean, VA
  • June 6-7 | MBA of Alabama 33rd Annual Convention | Birmingham
  • June 13-16 | NAFCU 50th Annual Conference and Solutions Expo | Honolulu, HI

View all events.

You may also be interested in…

The cost of home is big but not easy for residents of New Orleans
Exhibit chronicles the housing struggle faced by residents of New Orleans — which has the second least affordable housing market in the country. Read more

Helping homeowners refinance and pay down student debt
Homeowners who have student debt or have cosigned for it can refinance their mortgages at a lower rate than what’s typically available. Read more

Receive regular content updates by registering at The Home Story.

Recent Tweets

When asked about tech innovation in mortgage industry, 40% of lenders said pace is too slow. What do you think?
http://bit.ly/2sjNfD1

May 30
 
We’re committed to helping homeowners avoid foreclosure.
http://bit.ly/2qj3ovK

May 26
 
Source: Fannie Mae

Fannie Mae: Duty to Serve Webinars and More

Posted on by Safeguard

Investor Update
May 24, 2017

Duty to Serve webinars now available

Learn more about Fannie Mae’s proposed Underserved Markets Plan, developed in support of the Federal Housing Finance Agency’s Duty to Serve rule. Our housing experts will review the actions we’re proposing to help the manufactured housing, affordable housing preservation, and rural housing markets identified by Duty to Serve. We welcome your questions and will share how to submit formal comments on our plan. Click on the links to register for a session and add it to your calendar: Tuesday, June 6, 10-11 a.m. ET or Thursday, June 8, 3-4 p.m. ET. To learn more about Duty to Serve, visit our Duty to Serve page.  

Knowledge is power: Sign up for a Servicer Learning Series webinar

Please join us for a new webinar in the Servicer Learning Series, hosted by the Servicer Support Center. We’ll discuss recent Servicing Guide announcements, Flex Modification program highlights, SMDU™ user interface features, and how to use Fannie Mae Connect™ to advance Simplifying Servicing™ efforts. This webinar, scheduled for June 7, is recommended for general servicing, collections, foreclosure, default prevention, investor reporting, audit, and compliance personnel. Register here to take advantage of this opportunity.

Looking for free loss mitigation training? Attend a live webinar

Did you know Fannie Mae provides participating servicers with free loss mitigation training? Our Know Your Options™ Customer CARE (Connect, Assess, Resolve, and Execute) team will present two live webinars in June. Sign up to learn how to leverage your own servicer model to develop rapport and establish consultative customer relationships, communicate more effectively with borrowers about their options to avoid foreclosure, increase your workout percentage, and more. Learn more and register today.  

Join us at these upcoming events:

  • June 6 | MBA’s Document Custody Workshop | McLean, VA
  • June 6-7 | MBA of Alabama 33rd Annual Convention | Birmingham
  • June 13-16 | NAFCU 50th Annual Conference and Solutions Expo | Honolulu, HI

View all events.

You may also be interested in…

Helping homeowners refinance and pay down student debt
Homeowners who have student debt or have cosigned for it can refinance their mortgages at a lower rate than what’s typically available. Read more

Andrew Bon Salle recaps thoughts shared earlier this month at MBA Secondary
Fannie Mae’s Single-Family Business chief shared some key updates at MBA’s National Secondary Market Conference & Expo. But mostly he was listening. Read more

Receive regular content updates by registering at The Home Story.

Recent Tweets

@GlobalCapNews has named us as a winner of four #securitization awards in #financial services for 2016!
http://bit.ly/2qVIToc

May 24
 
We should strengthen connection between #affordablehousing & health of ppl living there. -@hay_jeff_ #GoodBetterDUS:
http://bit.ly/2q8Tf4X

May 23

Source: Fannie Mae

Fannie Mae: Announcement SVC-2017-04: Servicing Guide Updates

Posted on by Safeguard

Investor Update
May 10, 2017

Announcement SVC-2017-04: Servicing Guide Updates

The Fannie Mae Servicing Guide has been updated to simplify servicing and make it easier to do business with us. These changes:

  • Align with Consumer Financial Protection Bureau rules that impact servicer communication responsibilities, borrower contact and workout attempts, and more.
  • Clarify escrow waiver evaluation requirements to promote objective and consistent evaluations using available standard servicing data.
  • Expand the eligibility for a mortgage loan modification incentive for a post-bankruptcy mortgage loan by addressing the time gap between reporting a bankruptcy-related delinquency status code and the beginning of the Trial Period Plan.
  • Improve our post-delivery servicing transfer approval process by changing Form 629, Request for Approval of Servicing or Subservicing Transfer, submission dates. This will allow a higher level of service from Fannie Mae.
  • Establish a collaborative review process between Fannie Mae and servicers before entering into agreements with a government insurer or guarantor. This reduces the risk of indemnification or other penalties related to reduced claim recoveries.
  • And more.

Read the Announcement for details.

For a summary of key updates in this Servicing Guide Announcement, view the video presented by Jenise Hight, Director of Servicing Policy.

Duty to Serve Plan posted for comment

This week, Fannie Mae’s proposed Underserved Markets Plan, required by the Federal Housing Finance Agency’s Duty to Serve rule, was published for public comment. The draft Plan addresses the needs of America’s most challenging housing markets and focuses on three key underserved areas: manufactured housing, affordable housing preservation, and rural housing. To learn more, visit our Duty to Serve page to find links to our press release, our video overview, and FHFA.gov, where you can access the draft Plan and submit feedback. FHFA is accepting public comments through July 10.  

Enhancements to SMDU coming this weekend

This weekend, Fannie Mae will implement enhancements to Servicing Management Default Underwriter™ (SMDU™), including support for the Fannie Mae Flex Modification, expanded Case Management functionality, and other updates. Please refer to the SMDU Version 7.3 Release Notes for more detailed information. As a reminder, to implement this release, SMDU will be unavailable to process transactions from 10 p.m. ET on Friday, May 12 until 3 p.m. ET on Saturday, May 13. If you have questions about this release, please contact your Fannie Mae Servicing Account Manager.

Impacts to HSSN and SMDU May 13-14

Due to the changes to investor reporting during the weekend of May 13, Fannie Mae recommends delaying case creation and closing from 6 p.m. ET, Saturday, May 13 to 8 a.m. ET, Sunday, May 14 to avoid exceptions as information between our systems may not be synchronized. This recommendation is intended for those who use SMDU Case Management functionality to create HomeSaver Solutions™ Network (HSSN) cases, as well as those creating cases directly on HSSN. Note that XML bulk file submissions for HSSN submitted during this timeframe will be held and processed on Monday, May 15. SMDU Auto Decision is not impacted; SMDU will remain available per the usual availability schedule.  

Updated Fannie Mae Standard Modification Interest Rate Adjustment Exhibit

This Exhibit provides the new Fannie Mae Standard Modification Interest Rate required for all Fannie Mae conventional mortgage loan modifications, excluding Fannie Mae HAMP Modifications. Click to view the Exhibit.

Looking for free loss mitigation training? Sign up for a live webinar.

Did you know that Fannie Mae provides participating servicers with free loss mitigation training? Our Know Your Options™ Customer CARE (Connect, Assess, Resolve, and Execute) team will present two live webinars in June. Sign up to learn how to leverage your own servicer model to develop rapport and establish consultative customer relationships, communicate more effectively with borrowers about their options to avoid foreclosure, increase your workout percentage, and more. Learn more and register today.  

Knowledge is power: Sign up for the new Servicer Learning Series webinar

Please join us for a new Servicer Learning Series webinar, hosted by the Servicer Support Center. We’ll discuss recent Servicing Guide Announcements, Flex Modification program highlights, SMDU User Interface features, and how to use Fannie Mae Connect to advance Simplifying Servicing™ efforts. This webinar, scheduled for May 22 and June 7, is recommended for general servicing, collections, foreclosure, default prevention, investor reporting, audit, and compliance personnel. Register here to take advantage of this opportunity.  

Building toward the future of housing. Read our 2016 Progress Report.

In 2016, we sought to deliver solutions that helped you meet your most important business challenges. We made it easier for you to do business with us. We empowered you to serve your borrowers faster and more simply, with initiatives like Day 1 Certainty™ and Simplifying Servicing. And, we partnered with fintech firms to help bring the digital mortgage closer to reality. Here are some highlights from the report:

  • $637 billion in mortgage finances across the country
  • 1.1 million home purchases
  • 1.4 million mortgage refinances
  • 724,000 units of affordable housing

We’re grateful for your business, and we’re working hard every day to earn it. Learn more in our 2016 Progress Report.  

We heard your feedback

Last year, we introduced two new formats for presenting our monthly Servicing Guide updates: a video and a recorded presentation, providing different mediums for you to learn about the rationale for policy changes included in our monthly Servicing Guide Announcement. Based on customer feedback, we’ve since expanded our monthly Announcements to include the rationale behind each of our policy changes and, as a result, will discontinue the monthly recorded presentation.  

Join us at these upcoming events:

  • May 15-16 | Ohio MBA Annual Convention | Columbus
  • May 22-23 | Texas MBS Annual Convention | San Antonio

View all events.

You may also be interested in…

State HFAs helping stabilize communities, driving loan volumes
Fannie Mae works with more than 40 state and local HFAs with annual loan volume in in the billions. Read more

Receive regular content updates by registering at The Home Story.

Recent Tweets

Consumers say their household income is significantly higher than it was a year ago. #HPSI:
http://bit.ly/2qZ2uAv

May 10
 
Our #DutytoServe plan is now available for review. We look forward to your input:
http://bit.ly/2q1A385

May 9
 
Source: Fannie Mae

Fannie, Freddie Cut Mortgage Modification Interest Rate for First Time in 2017

Posted on by Safeguard

Investor Update
May 15, 2017

After four months of leaving the benchmark interest rate for standard mortgage modifications at an 18-month high, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac recently announced that they are cutting the benchmark rate.

Back in January, Fannie and Freddie increased the standard mortgage modification benchmark rate from 3.875% to 4.25%. That level is the highest the benchmark rate has been since July 2015.

That increase also marked the first time that the benchmark rate rose above 4% since December 2015.

Now, Fannie and Freddie are cutting the benchmark rate slightly, but leaving it above 4%. The government-sponsored enterprises announced last week that they are cutting the benchmark rate to 4.125%.

The January hike marked the second straight month of an increase, after Fannie and Freddie dropped the benchmark rate throughout 2016, progressively decreasing it below 4%.

The increases also came after the GSEs dropped the standard mortgage modification benchmark interest rate to the lowest level ever, 3.5%, in August 2016.

Then, the GSEs increased the benchmark rate from 3.5% to 3.875% in December, before hiking it well above 4% in January.

And now, they’re cutting it back a bit.

The benchmark rate tracks with prevailing market rates, and the most recent data from Freddie Mac shows that interest rates have generally been the decline (with some slight modulation) over the last several months.

The standard modification program is “designed to help those borrowers who are ineligible for the Home Affordable Modification Program.”

According to the GSEs, the standard modification program is “designed to help those borrowers who are ineligible for the Home Affordable Modification Program.

Therefore, the new rate does not extend to HAMP borrowers.

The new 4.125% interest rate took effect on May 12, 2017.

Source: HousingWire

CFPB: We Are Seeking Comment on Our Plan for Assessing the Mortgage Servicing Rule

Posted on by Safeguard

Investor Update
May 4, 2017

Today, we’ve released our plan to assess the effectiveness of the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA) mortgage servicing rule. We are asking the public to comment on our plan, to suggest sources of data, and generally to provide other information that would help with the assessment.

Mortgage loan servicers are typically responsible for several activities relating to mortgage loans such as:

  • Processing loan payments
  • Responding to borrower inquiries
  • Keeping track of principal and interest paid
  • Managing escrow accounts
  • Reporting to investors
  • Pursuing collection and loss mitigation activities (including foreclosures and loan modifications) under certain circumstances

In January 2013, the CFPB issued the 2013 RESPA Servicing Final Rule. We amended the rule a few times before it took effect, and we refer to all of the requirements and related amendments that took effect on January 10, 2014, as the RESPA mortgage servicing rule. This rule gave borrowers new consumer protections related to mortgage loan servicing, many of which were aimed at helping consumers who were having trouble making their mortgage payments.

The RESPA mortgage servicing rule requires, among other things, that servicers provide disclosures to borrowers related to force-placed insurance, respond to errors asserted by borrowers in a timely manner, and follow certain procedures related to loss mitigation applications and communications with borrowers. For example, servicers generally must acknowledge written notices of error within five days and investigate and respond to the borrower in writing within 30 days. In general, the consumer protection purposes of RESPA include that servicers respond to borrower requests and complaints in a timely manner, maintain and provide accurate information, help borrowers avoid unwarranted or unnecessary costs and fees, and facilitate review for foreclosure avoidance options.

The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (Dodd-Frank Act) requires us to review some of our rules within five years after they take effect. These formal reviews are called assessments. We are conducting an assessment of the RESPA mortgage servicing rule, and we will issue a report of the assessment by January 2019. As required by law, the assessment will address the rule’s effectiveness in meeting the purposes and objectives of title X of the Dodd-Frank Act and the specific goals of the rule, using available evidence and data. We recently released our plan for the remittance rule assessment, as well.

We see conducting the assessment as an opportunity. Conducting the assessment will advance our knowledge of the benefits and costs of the key requirements of the RESPA mortgage servicing rule. The assessment will also provide the public with information on the mortgage servicing market, and help us to fulfill our commitment to be an evidence-based and effective agency.

We would like your help in improving the assessment. 

We invite consumers, consumer advocates, housing counselors, mortgage loan servicers, industry representatives, and other interested parties to comment on our assessment plan. Comments can suggest sources of data, offer other recommendations, and generally provide information that would help us understand the rule’s effectiveness or improve this important work.   

We are committed to well-tailored and effective regulations and have sought to carefully calibrate our efforts to ensure consistency with respect to consumer financial protections across the financial services marketplace.

Comments on the plan will be due 60 days after it is published in the Federal Register.

Learn more about your options and rights related to mortgage loans.

For more information on how to comply with the Bureau’s mortgage servicing rules, visit our implementation and guidance page.

Source: CFPB

Additional Resource:

DS News (CFPB Assesses Effectiveness of Mortgage Servicing Rule)

VALERI Servicer Newsflash

Posted on by Safeguard

Investor Update
April 17, 2017

IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Ohio Plywood Boarding Fees – On April 6, 2017, an announcement was made on the servicer calls that the VALERI Fee Cost Schedule was revised to reflect the new Ohio state law banning the use of plywood in securing abandoned structures. It has since been determined that plywood is only banned on vacant and abandoned properties in expedited foreclosures. The VALERI Fee Cost Schedule has been updated and is located at http://www.benefits.va.gov/HOMELOANS/servicers_valeri_rules.asp.

Circular 26-17-10 Department of Veterans Affairs Affordable Modification – The Circular was released on April 7, 2017, and provides guidance and instructions for modifying Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) guaranteed loans. The new Circular, which replaces previous guidance issued regarding the VA Home Affordable Modification Program (HAMP) is located at http://www.benefits.va.gov/homeloans/resources_circulars.asp.

DEVELOPMENT UPDATES
On Saturday, April 1, 2017, VALERI Manifest 17.1.BI was released. The following report enhancements were included:

CQ 12907 – Corrects the Adequacy of Servicing Acton Required report so that the column headers are visible when the report is exported to an Excel format.

CQ 11734 – Adds two new columns (Status and Status Date) to the Post Audit Selection report.

CQ 12419 –Adds the reason for the disallowed amount in the Claim Details Results report.

Source: VA

VA Circular 26-17-10: Department of Veterans Affairs Affordable Modification

Posted on by Safeguard

Investor Update
April 7, 2017

1. Purpose. This Circular provides guidance and instructions for modifying Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) guaranteed loans, which replaces previous guidance issued regarding the VA Home Affordable Modification Program (HAMP). VA-guaranteed loans should be considered for a VA Affordable Modification (VAAM) when traditional home retention options are not feasible.

2. Background. VA has a longstanding policy of encouraging servicers to work with Veteran borrowers to explore all reasonable options to help them retain their homes, or when that is not feasible, to mitigate losses by pursuing alternatives to foreclosure. In an effort to help homeowners avoid foreclosure, VA introduced the VA HAMP-Style Modification in accordance with the Making Home Affordable (MHA) program.

3. Guidance. A VAAM offers a new monthly mortgage payment (including principal, interest, property taxes, insurance, and condominium or homeowners’ association fees (PITIA)) no greater than 31 percent of the borrower’s monthly gross income. The VAAM must bear a fixed-interest rate. The rate must not exceed the most recent Freddie Mac Weekly Primary Mortgage Market Survey Rate for 30-year fixed rate conforming mortgages (US Average), rounded to the nearest one-eighth of one percent (0.125 percent), as of the date the modification agreement is approved, plus 50 basis points. In addition, the rate cannot be more than one percent higher than the existing interest rate on the loan, as of the last paid installment. The servicer must evaluate the loan for a VAAM prior to determining the loan is insoluble.

a. VA allows servicers to use a VAAM on any VA-guaranteed loan, subject to the requirements in 38 C.F.R. 36.4315, and preapproval must be obtained for any regulatory deviation. The VA guaranty amount on a VAAM will be calculated pursuant to 38 C.F.R. 36.4315(a)(13) which could impact the maximum guaranty amount on the modified loan.

4. Servicer Evaluates Loan for VA Affordable Modification. If the servicer is unable to contact the borrower to obtain financial information, or if the borrower declined to provide financial information, then evaluation for a VAAM style modification cannot be completed. If verified financial information indicates insufficient income to justify a traditional loss mitigation option, then the servicer will use the financial information obtained to evaluate the possibility of a VAAM. A VAAM will use a mortgage debt to income standard rather than VA’s traditional residual income method found in 38 C.F.R. 36.4340.

5. Determination of VA Affordable Modification Terms. Servicers will calculate the estimated new principal balance in accordance with 38 C.F.R. 36.4315(a)(10) with respect to allowable costs that may be included in the modified indebtedness.

a. Servicers may reduce the interest rate and extend the terms to achieve the target monthly

PITIA payment. If principal deferment is necessary to achieve the target monthlymortgage payment, it must be non-interest bearing and either paid, or refinanced by the maturity date. If none of these measures result in the target monthly PITIA payment, then servicers must pursue alternatives to foreclosure.

b. Standard VA servicer incentives apply.

6. Effective Date of VA Affordable Modification. The VAAM option must be implemented on or before October 1, 2017.

7. Rescission: This Circular is rescinded April 1, 2019.

By Direction of the Under Secretary for Benefits

Jeffrey F. London
Director, Loan Guaranty Service

Source: VA

USDA: REMINDER – TRAINING OPPORTUNITY – Loss Mitigation, Property Disposition and Loss Claim Training

Posted on by Safeguard

Investor Update
April 17, 2017

The USDA, Customer Service Center, located in St. Louis Missouri, is providing training sessions to assist all active, participating lenders with Loss Mitigation, Property Disposition and Loss Claim processing.
 
Lenders will be required to complete and remit the Training Registration Form in advance for any and/or all training opportunities. Seating will be limited. All training material will be provided on site. At a glance, below is a list of the training sessions being offered (Full Training Curriculum Schedule):
 
Loss Mitigation Sessions*                         
May 22-23, 2017                                           
August 14-15, 2017

Loss Claim/PDP Sessions*
May 24-26, 2017
August 16-18, 2017                                      
 
*All training session times will be offered during Central Daylight Time and there will be no registration fees or charges for the training session(s).
 
Training Facility Location: 
USDA/RD/Customer Service Center
4300 Goodfellow Blvd.
Building 105
St. Louis, MO 63120
 
Registration Contacts:        
william.wines@stl.usda.gov
coyita.mosley@stl.usda.gov
 
Facility Access
Travel expenses to and from the facility will be the Lender’s responsibility. Access to the facility is restricted without proper clearance (directions from front gate of training facility to designated parking area). Below, please finds a list of requirements/procedures that must be met to gain access to facility:
 
1. The person driving any vehicle on premises must be preregistered and designated as the driver and include a list of all passengers.
2. Each person that will attend the training must be preregistered.
3. Upon arrival, each person will be required to provide one of the following forms of Identification that must include your Picture: a) Valid Pass Port, b) Valid State Driver’s License, c) Valid State Issued ID or d) Valid Military ID.
4. Upon confirmation of attendance, parking assignment and site passes will be issued at the front gate.
5. All persons attending will need to arrive a minimum of 30 minutes prior to the session’s scheduled start time to allow sufficient time for site access.
 
General Travel Guidance
Travel to and from the facility is the responsibility of the Lender. Attendees should ensure that travel to and from the facility is planned to accommodate the start and conclusion of each training session. In addition, sufficient time should be allotted for air travel, depending upon the attendee’s destination. St. Louis offers ample Hotel accommodations near St. Louis Lambert Airport and Downtown St. Louis. Both areas are within approximately 15 minutes of the facility.

Help Resources

Policy Questions
Customer Service Center
Phone: 866-550-5887
Single Family Housing Guaranteed Loan Division
Phone: 202-720-1452
 
USDA ITS Service Desk Support Center
For e-Authentication assistance
Email: eAuthHelpDesk@ftc.usda.gov
Phone: 800-457-3642, option 1 (USDA e-Authentication Issues)
 
Rural Development Help Desk
For GUS system, outage or functionality assistance
Email: RD.HD@STL.USDA.GOV
Phone: 800-457-3642, option 2 (USDA Applications); then option 2 (Rural Development)

Source: USDA

Additional Resource:

USDA (original announcement)

MHA Supplemental Directive 17-01: Making Home Affordable Program – Non-Performing and Re-Performing Loan Sales of GSE HAMP Loans and Administrative Clarifications

Posted on by Safeguard

Investor Update
April 14, 2017

Today, April 14, 2017, Supplemental Directive 17-01:  Making Home Affordable Program – Non-Performing and Re-Performing Loan Sales of GSE HAMP Loans and Administrative Clarifications was issued, providing guidance to servicers regarding GSE HAMP Loans (as defined in the Handbook) sold as part of either a non-performing or re-performing loan sale (NPL Sale or RPL Sale, respectively) and the eligibility of such loans to receive financial incentives through the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP).

In addition, this Supplemental Directive (SD) provides administrative updates and clarifications to the Home Affordable Modification ProgramSM (HAMP®) and the Second Lien Modification ProgramSM (2MP). Servicers that are subject to the terms of a servicer participation agreement and related documents (SPA) must follow the guidance set forth in this Supplemental Directive.

These updates and clarifications cover the following topics:

  • Evaluation Upon Submission of an Initial Package
  • Streamline HAMP Affidavit
  • Financial Counseling – Solicitation of Borrowers
  • Base NPV Model
  • Principal Curtailments Following Modification

This SD amends and supersedes the notated portions of the Handbook and is effective immediately.

This SD does not apply to mortgage loans that are insured or guaranteed by the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department of Agriculture’s Rural Housing Service or the Federal Housing Administration and, except as stated therein, mortgage loans that are owned, securitized or guaranteed by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac.

Read SD 17-01 in its entirety for more information.

Source: MHA