83_FR_42782 83 FR 42618 - Single Family Housing Guaranteed Loan Program

83 FR 42618 - Single Family Housing Guaranteed Loan Program

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Rural Housing Service

Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 164 (August 23, 2018)

Page Range42618-42622
FR Document2018-18089

The Rural Housing Service (RHS or Agency) proposes to make several changes to the single-family housing guaranteed loan program (SFHGLP) regulations to streamline the loss claim process for lenders who have acquired title to property through voluntary liquidation or foreclosure; clarify that lenders must comply with applicable laws, including those within the purview of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau; and better align loss mitigation policies with those in the mortgage industry.

Federal Register, Volume 83 Issue 164 (Thursday, August 23, 2018)
[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 164 (Thursday, August 23, 2018)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 42618-42622]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2018-18089]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Rural Housing Service

7 CFR Part 3555

RIN 0575-AD09


Single Family Housing Guaranteed Loan Program

AGENCY: Rural Housing Service, USDA.

ACTION: Proposed rule.

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SUMMARY: The Rural Housing Service (RHS or Agency) proposes to make 
several changes to the single-family housing guaranteed loan program 
(SFHGLP) regulations to streamline the loss claim process for lenders 
who have acquired title to property through voluntary liquidation or 
foreclosure; clarify that lenders must comply with applicable laws, 
including those within the purview of the Consumer Financial Protection 
Bureau; and better align loss mitigation policies with those in the 
mortgage industry.

DATES: Written or email comments on the proposed rule must be received 
on or before October 22, 2018 to be assured for consideration.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments on this proposed rule by any one of 
the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov. 
Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
     Mail: Submit written comments via the U.S. Postal Service 
to the Branch Chief, Regulations and Paperwork Management Branch, U.S. 
Department of Agriculture, STOP 0742, 1400 Independence Ave. SW, 
Washington, DC 20250-0742.
     Hand Delivery/Courier: Submit written comments via Federal 
Express mail, or other courier service requiring a street address to 
the Branch Chief, Regulations and Paperwork Management Branch, U.S. 
Department of Agriculture, 1400 Independence Ave. SW, Washington, DC 
20250.
    All written comments will be available for public inspection during 
regular work hours at the 1400 Independence Ave. SW, address listed 
above.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kate Jensen, Finance and Loan Analyst, 
Single Family Housing Guaranteed Loan Division, STOP 0784, Room 2250, 
USDA Rural Development, South Agriculture Building, 1400 Independence 
Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0784, telephone: (503) 894-2382, email 
is [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Executive Order 12866, Classification

    This proposed rule has been determined to be non-significant and, 
therefore was not reviewed by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) 
under Executive Order 12866.

Executive Order 12988, Civil Justice Reform

    This proposed rule has been reviewed under Executive Order 12988, 
Civil Justice Reform. Except where specified, all State and local laws 
and regulations that are in direct conflict with this rule will be 
preempted. Federal funds carry Federal requirements. No person is 
required to apply for funding under SFHGLP, but if they do apply and 
are selected for funding, they must comply with the requirements 
applicable to the Federal program funds. This proposed rule is not 
retroactive. It will not affect agreements entered prior to the 
effective date of the rule. Before any judicial action may be brought 
regarding the provisions of this rule, the administrative appeal 
provisions of 7 CFR part 11 must be exhausted.

Unfunded Mandates Reform Act

    Title II of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (UMRA), Public 
Law 104-4, establishes requirements for Federal agencies to assess the 
effect of their regulatory actions on State, local, and tribal 
governments and the private sector. Under section 202 of the UMRA, the 
Agency generally must prepare a written statement, including a cost-
benefit analysis, for proposed and final rules with ``Federal 
mandates'' that may result in expenditures to State, local, or tribal 
governments, in the aggregate, or to the private sector, of $100 
million, or more, in any one year. When such a statement is needed for 
a rule, section 205 of the UMRA generally requires the Agency to 
identify and consider a reasonable number of regulatory alternatives 
and adopt the least costly, most cost-effective, or least burdensome 
alternative that achieves the objectives of the rule.
    This proposed rule contains no Federal mandates (under the 
regulatory provisions of Title II of the UMRA) for State, local, and 
tribal governments or the private sector. Therefore, this rule is not 
subject to the requirements of sections 202 and 205 of the UMRA.

Environmental Impact Statement

    This document has been reviewed in accordance with 7 CFR part 1970, 
subpart G, ``Environmental Program.'' It is the determination of the 
Agency that this action does not constitute a major Federal action 
significantly affecting the quality of the human environment, and, in 
accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, Public 
Law 91-190, neither an Environmental Assessment nor an Environmental 
Impact Statement is required.

Executive Order 13132, Federalism

    The policies contained in this rule do not have any substantial 
direct effect on States, on the relationship between the national 
government and States, or on the distribution of power and 
responsibilities among the various levels of government. Nor does this 
rule impose substantial direct compliance costs on State and local 
governments. Therefore, consultation with the States is not required.

Regulatory Flexibility Act

    In compliance with the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et 
seq.) the undersigned has determined and certified by signature of this 
document that this rule change will not have a significant impact on a 
substantial number of small entities. This rule does not impose any 
significant new

[[Page 42619]]

requirements on Agency applicants and borrowers, and the regulatory 
changes affect only Agency determination of program benefits for 
guarantees of loans made to individuals.

Executive Order 13175, Consultation and Coordination With Indian Tribal 
Governments

    Executive Order 13175 imposes requirements on RHS in the 
development of regulatory policies that have Tribal implications or 
preempt tribal laws. RHS has determined that the proposed rule does not 
have a substantial direct effect on one or more Indian Tribe(s) or on 
either the relationship or the distribution of powers and 
responsibilities between the Federal Government and Indian Tribes. 
Thus, this proposed rule is not subject to the requirements of 
Executive Order 13175. If a tribe determines that this rule has 
implications of which RHS is not aware and would like to engage with 
RHS on this rule, please contact USDA's Native American Coordinator at 
(720) 544-2911 or [email protected].

Executive Order 12372, Intergovernmental Consultation

    These loans are subject to the provisions of Executive Order 12372, 
which require intergovernmental consultation with State and local 
officials. RHS conducts intergovernmental consultations for each SFHGLP 
in accordance with 2 CFR part 415, subpart C.

Programs Affected

    The program affected by this regulation is listed in the Catalog of 
Federal Domestic Assistance under Number 10.410, Very Low to Moderate 
Income Housing Loans (Section 502 Rural Housing Loans).

Paperwork Reduction Act

    The information collection and record keeping requirements 
contained in this regulation have been approved by OMB in accordance 
with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35). The 
assigned OMB control number is 0575-0179.

E-Government Act Compliance

    The Agency is committed to complying with the E-Government Act, to 
promote the use of the internet and other information technologies to 
provide increased opportunities for citizen access to Government 
information and services, and for other purposes.

Non-Discrimination Policy

    In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of 
Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its 
Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or 
administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on 
race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including 
gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital 
status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance 
program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil 
rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA 
(not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing 
deadlines vary by program or incident.
    Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of 
communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, 
audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible 
Agency or USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or 
contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. 
Additionally, program information may be made available in languages 
other than English.
    To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA 
Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html and at any USDA office or 
write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the 
information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint 
form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA 
by:
    (1) Mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant 
Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 
20250-9410;
    (2) Fax: (202) 690-7442; or
    (3) Email: [email protected].
    USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

Background Information

    Driven by tight credit markets in which lenders are reluctant to 
make mortgage loans without insurance or guarantees from the federal 
government, SFHGLP has grown significantly in recent fiscal years (FY); 
from $33 million in loans in 1991 to $19.2 billion in FY 2017. The 
total portfolio of the SFHGLP consists of over one million loans 
serviced by over 1,000 lenders. The expansion of the program has led 
the Agency to look for ways in which current policies and procedures 
can be revised to streamline the program, align the Agency with 
industry practices, and balance Agency resources with program demand. 
In order to help achieve these objectives, this rule proposes various 
changes to the loss claim process and loss mitigation loan servicing.

I. Loss Claims

    When a borrower stops making loan payments and goes into default, 
lenders are required to contact the borrower at prescribed intervals to 
offer various loss mitigation options to continue with the loan, come 
to an agreement to self-liquidate, or transfer the property to the 
lender through a deed-in-lieu. If these loss mitigation activities are 
unsuccessful, the lender will proceed to foreclosure where the property 
is sold to a third party or acquired into the lender's real estate 
owned (REO) portfolio. After sale of the property at the foreclosure 
sale or from the lender's REO, those proceeds are applied to the 
account. If that amount cannot satisfy the account, the lender submits 
a loss claim to the Agency using a web-based automated system or in a 
paper format. Upon payment of the loss claim payment to the lender, the 
Agency has satisfied its obligation to the lender under the loan 
guarantee.
    When a lender acquires title to a property (i.e., REO), the Agency 
requires an REO property disposition plan from the lender explaining 
how, among other things, the lender will maintain and market the 
property during the permissible marketing period. The lender must 
obtain Agency concurrence for any significant changes to the plan.
    Currently, the Agency provides two opportunities for the lender to 
file a loss claim on REO property: When the property sells during the 
permissible marketing period, or after the permissible marketing period 
(typically 9 or 12 months) if the REO property does not sell.
    If the property has sold during the permissible marketing period, 
the loss claim is paid based on the actual property sales price 
combined with the actual property liquidation, property preservation, 
and disposition costs. If the property remains unsold after the 
permissible marketing period, the loss claim is based upon a 
liquidation value real estate appraisal and preservation and 
disposition costs consistent with the most currently published U.S. 
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Management and Acquisition Factor 
(VA Net Value Factor) found at https://www.benefits.va.gov/HOMELOANS/servicers_valeri.asp. When a lender receives a loss claim payment on 
unsold

[[Page 42620]]

REO, they are responsible to report the future sale of the property and 
pay future recovery if the sales price is greater than the liquidation 
value real estate appraisal amount. The proceeds are distributed so 
that the total loss to the Agency is equivalent to the loss that would 
have been incurred had the recovered amount been included in the 
initial loss calculation.
    The Agency proposes changes to the loss claim payment process when 
a lender acquires title by way of a deed-in-lieu or foreclosure sale. 
Under the proposed framework, lenders who acquire title must order a 
market value appraisal for the REO property within 15 days of acquiring 
title to the property. The loss claim request must be submitted to the 
Agency within 45 days upon receipt of the appraisal. The Agency will 
employ a loss claim model that takes into consideration various 
factors, including the market value appraisal, as well as property 
preservation and disposition costs based on the VA Management and 
Acquisition Factor costs consistent with the most currently published 
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Management and Acquisition 
Factor (VA Net Value Factor) found at https://www.benefits.va.gov/HOMELOANS/servicers_valeri.asp to determine the loss claim amount. 
Because loss claims will be paid after acquisition and prior to 
marketing the REO, this will eliminate the need for REO property 
disposition plans, different loss claim calculations based on whether 
the property has sold or remains in the lender's REO portfolio, and 
claim adjustments based on future recovery. To reflect this more 
streamlined approach to loss claim processing that should deliver loss 
claim payments to lenders in a timelier fashion, the Agency will limit 
the lender to 60 days of additional interest during the loss claim 
period.
    The Agency also proposes to revise 7 CFR 3555.354, which allows 
lenders to submit a loss claim electronically or in paper format. The 
change will require all lenders to utilize a web-based system to submit 
loss claims to reduce paperwork burden to both lenders and the Agency.
    The Agency proposes to revise the definition of the settlement date 
to add the settlement date for deed-in-lieu actions. The Agency will 
define the settlement date of the deed-in-lieu as the date title is 
recorded. The current version of the regulation is silent on this 
issue.
    These proposed changes were recommended by a Lean Six Sigma task 
force that consisted of Agency staff and lenders. Lean Six Sigma is a 
methodology used to improve performance and streamline processes by 
defining, measuring, analyzing, improving, and controlling problems or 
issues. The Lean Six Sigma task force was established to develop 
solutions on improving the loss claim process, while also making the 
SFGHLP cost-effective and efficient. Benefits of the proposed loss 
claim process to the lender include: A faster claim resolution by 
elimination of the 9- and 12 month marketing periods; a simplified 
claim submission due to elimination of requirement to submit invoices, 
system notes, financial history, listing agreement, Closing Disclosure 
and other information applicable to the marketing period; elimination 
of the property disposition plan; and efficient disposition of REO 
properties due to the elimination of agency approval required for 
offers, repair bids or valuations. Benefits to the Agency include: A 
reduction of REO claim processing time to 1.5-4 hours per claim from 3-
6 hours per claim resulting in an annual savings of 26,728 staff hours 
or $927,000 in annual labor costs; elimination of property disposition 
plans resulting in a savings of 14,492 hours or $503,000 in annual 
labor costs; reduction of improper payment risk by eliminating 
consideration of actual expenditure activity within the marketing 
period; simplification and streamlining of compliance reviews by 
eliminating all post-foreclosure activity on REO claims; reduction of 
interest paid by 30 days per REO claim resulting in annual interest 
savings of $3.7 million (based on FY 2014 REO claim payments). The 
proposed change will not impact borrowers.

II. General Lender Requirement

    The Agency is proposing to amend 7 CFR 3555.51(b)(1) to clarify 
that in addition to complying with Agency laws and guidance, lenders 
must comply with other applicable federal, state and local laws, 
including those that fall under the purview of the Consumer Financial 
Protection Bureau, such as the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act 
and the Truth in Lending Act.

III. Loss Mitigation

    In November of 2015, the Department of Treasury hosted a summit 
attended by federal agencies, mortgage lenders, consumer groups, 
investors, and mortgage service providers to discuss the future of loss 
mitigation pending the expiration of the Home Affordable Modification 
Program (HAMP) in December 2016. An important take-away from the summit 
was HAMP data showing payment reduction was key to a borrower's loss 
mitigation success. Borrowers facing financial hardship are unable to 
retain their home if the modified payment remains equal or exceeds 
their current promissory note installment.
    The proposed changes regarding loss mitigation procedures, 
described below, would continue the Agency's efforts to improve the 
effectiveness of loss mitigation by emphasizing payment reduction as 
the key component to any relief provided to the borrower while offering 
lenders and borrowers consistent loss mitigation policies that align 
with industry standard.
    The proposed changes will offer borrowers faster and greater 
payment relief early in the loss mitigation process. Historically, 
borrowers who receive less than 10 percent payment reduction have re-
defaulted at a rate greater than 60 percent. When at least a 10 percent 
payment reduction is achieved, the re-default rate is reduced by half. 
These changes would increase homeownership success and decrease 
foreclosures. The Agency expects a corresponding reduction in lender-
owned property resulting in greater community stability, as well as 
decreasing the expenses associated with foreclosure and property 
disposition.

A. Agency Concurrence on Servicing Plans and Voluntary Liquidation

    Currently, lenders must obtain Agency concurrence for a formal 
servicing plan or voluntary liquidation prior to implementation with 
the borrower. The Agency may grant lenders a waiver for concurrence.
    The Agency proposes to amend the regulation to eliminate the 
requirement for Agency concurrence on formal servicing plans and 
voluntary liquidation. The proposed change would streamline the 
servicing plan and voluntary liquidation process for lenders and 
borrowers. Lenders would still report to the Agency any servicing plans 
and voluntary liquidation options that have been adopted, but Agency 
concurrence will not be necessary beforehand. While Agency concurrence 
for these actions will not be necessary, lenders will still be 
accountable for servicing plans and voluntary liquidation actions. The 
Agency will set performance benchmarks, monitor lender performance, and 
implement any necessary corrective action plans. Performance benchmarks 
will include rates for delinquency, foreclosure, and loss claim.
    Lender performance regarding loss mitigation servicing plans and 
voluntary liquidation will be captured by the

[[Page 42621]]

Agency's existing quality control (QC) process that incorporates a set 
of questions and findings for a sample of files submitted by the lender 
during a specific time. Findings are recorded and reported back to the 
lender along with any suggestions for improvement.
    In addition, the Agency already reviews lenders on a regular basis 
for compliance with Agency requirements, and will reflect lenders' 
implementation of loss mitigation servicing plans and voluntary 
liquidation. Lender compliance reviews focus on the lender's adherence 
to Agency requirements and continuing eligibility for the program based 
on the results of individual file reviews. Lenders are provided a 
report of any findings and given an opportunity to correct issues.
    Lenders that are determined to be out of compliance through Agency 
QC or compliance reviews will be counseled, offered training, and given 
the opportunity to improve. Lenders that show little or no progress 
could be subject to enhanced oversight during the loss claim process.
    The Agency believes that eliminating the need for Agency 
concurrence for these actions will reduce the number of approval steps 
within the process and provide assistance to borrowers more quickly and 
balance Agency resources against demands. In addition, the change will 
align Agency policy with other loan guarantee programs that do not 
require a case-by-case review and rely on regular QC, lender compliance 
reviews, and data to determine lender performance and compliance with 
regulations.
    To conform with the above changes, the Agency proposes to eliminate 
references to mandatory Agency concurrence from 3555.302 regarding 
protective advances and 3555.305 regarding voluntary liquidation.

B. Trial Plan (Traditional Servicing Loan Modification)

    Pursuant to 7 CFR 3555.303(b)(3)(v) borrowers may not be required 
to complete a trial plan in order to be eligible for a traditional 
servicing loan modification. The Agency proposes to amend this 
requirement and provide flexibility to lenders to determine whether a 
trial period is warranted for a traditional servicing loan 
modification.

C. Mortgage Recovery Advance

    Lenders may use special servicing options to bring a borrower's 
mortgage payment to an income ratio as close as possible to 31 percent. 
If the borrower cannot reach the targeted payment with an extended term 
loan modification of interest rate and loan term under 3555.304(c), the 
lender may utilize a Mortgage Recovery Advance (MRA) under 3555.304(d).
    The Agency proposes to amend the language to standardize many of 
the requirements of special servicing options to increase the 
opportunity and effectiveness of lender assistance to borrowers facing 
an involuntary inability to pay their mortgage.
    The Agency proposes to allow a ``stand-alone'' MRA when a borrower 
faced a hardship but is now able to continue making payments under the 
promissory note rate and terms but cannot cure the delinquency with 
personal funds. Currently, the regulation does not provide a solution 
for this scenario. The Agency has received feedback from stakeholders 
that a stand-alone MRA in certain circumstances would be an effective 
tool to facilitate borrower's long-term repayment ability. The proposed 
stand-alone MRA would be permitted when the borrower's mortgage payment 
to income ratio is less than 31 percent. For other borrowers, the 
existing requirement to use special servicing options in the order they 
appear in 3555.304 would remain.
    The regulation is currently silent on how the servicer should treat 
the capitalization of the delinquency when using special servicing 
options. In comparison, traditional servicing options direct the lender 
through specific steps to capitalize all or a portion of the arrearage 
(PITI). Capitalization may also include foreclosure fees and costs, tax 
and insurance advances, past due Agency annual fees imposed by the 
lender, but not late charges or lender fees. Allowing the lender to 
capitalize the delinquency and these other amounts creates a clearer 
path to borrower success.
    The Agency proposes to remove the maximum limit of 12 months PITI 
when calculating the MRA maximum amount and the requirement that the 
lender reduce the maximum MRA by the sum of the arrearages advanced to 
cure the default and any foreclosure costs incurred to that point. The 
servicing industry uses a standard ``waterfall'' method where the first 
step is to capitalize the delinquency, defined as PITI, annual fees, 
legal fees, and foreclosure costs. The lender then considers changes to 
the interest rate and term extension. By focusing on the limit of 30 
percent of the unpaid principal balance, the changes would simplify the 
MRA calculation and increase the chances of the borrower becoming and 
remaining current. In addition, removal of the 12-month maximum PITI 
will bring the Agency in line with other federal programs and industry 
standards.

List of Subjects in 7 CFR Part 3555

    Home improvement, Loan Programs--Housing and community development, 
Mortgage insurance, Mortgages, Rural areas.

    Therefore, chapter XXXV, title 7 of the Code of Federal Regulations 
is proposed to be amended as follows:

PART 3555--GUARANTEED RURAL HOUSING PROGRAM

0
1. The authority citation for part 3555 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  5 U.S.C. 301; 42 U.S.C. 1471 et seq.

0
2. Amend Sec.  3555.10 in the definition of Settlement date by revising 
the introductory text and adding paragraph (5) to read as follows:


Sec.  3555.10  Definitions and abbreviations.

* * * * *
    Settlement date. The settlement date, for the purpose of loss 
calculation, is:
* * * * *
    (5) The date title is acquired upon recordation of a deed-in-lieu 
of foreclosure, with prior approval of the lender.
* * * * *
0
3. Amend Sec.  3555.51 (b)(1) by adding a new sentence after the first 
sentence to read as follows:


Sec.  3555.51  Lender eligibility.

* * * * *
    (b) * * *
    (1) * * * Lenders must also comply with all other applicable 
federal, state and local laws, rules and requirements, including those 
under the purview of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, such as 
the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act and the Truth in Lending Act. 
* * *
* * * * *
0
4. Amend Sec.  3555.301 by revising paragraph (h) to read as follows:


Sec.  3555.301  General servicing techniques.

* * * * *
    (h) Formal servicing plan. The lender must report to the Agency 
utilizing a web-based automated system a formal servicing plan when a 
borrower's account is 90 days or more delinquent and a method other 
than foreclosure is recommend to solve the delinquency.
0
5. Amend Sec.  3555.302 by revising paragraph (b) to read as follows:


Sec.  3555.302  Protective advances.

* * * * *

[[Page 42622]]

    (b) Advances for costs other than taxes and insurance. Protective 
advances for costs other than taxes and insurance, such as emergency 
repairs, can be made only if the borrower cannot, or will not, obtain 
an additional loan or reimbursement from an insurer or the borrower has 
abandoned the property. The lender must determine that any repairs 
funded by protective advances are cost effective. Repairs funded by 
protective advances must be planned, performed and inspected in 
accordance with Sec.  3555.202 and as further described by the Agency. 
The lender must obtain prior Agency concurrence before issuing 
protective advances under this paragraph only for protective advances 
of a significant amount as specified by the Agency.
0
6. Amend Sec.  3555.303 by revising paragraph (b)(3)(v) to read as 
follows:


Sec.  3555.303  Traditional servicing options.

* * * * *
    (b) * * *
    (3) * * *
    (v) Lenders may require that borrowers complete a trial payment 
plan prior to making scheduled payments amended by the traditional loan 
servicing loan modification.
* * * * *
0
7. Amend Sec.  3555.304 by removing and reserving paragraph (a)(2), 
revising paragraph (a)(4), revising paragraphs (c)(1)and (2), and 
revising paragraphs (d)(2) and (3) to read as follows:


Sec.  3555.304  Special servicing options.

    (a) * * *
    (2) [Reserved]
* * * * *
    (4) If the borrower currently has a mortgage payment to income 
ratio lower than 31 percent, special servicing options can be utilized 
to cure the delinquency without modifying the note. Otherwise, special 
servicing options shall be used in the order established in this 
section to bring the borrower's mortgage payment to income ratio as 
close as possible to, but not less than, 31 percent.
* * * * *
    (c) * * *
    (1) Loan modifications may capitalize all or a portion of the 
arrearage (PITI) and/or reamortization of the balance due. 
Capitalization may also include foreclosure fees and costs, tax and 
insurance advances, past due annual fees imposed by the lender, but not 
late charges or lender fees.
    (2) Loan modifications must be a fixed interest rate and cannot 
exceed the current market interest rate at the time of modification. 
When reducing the interest rate, the maximum rate is subject to 
paragraph (c)(3) of this section.
    (d) * * *
    (2) The maximum amount of a mortgage recovery advance is 30 percent 
of the unpaid principal balance as of the date of default. The Agency 
may change the maximum amount of mortgage recovery advance by 
publication in the Federal Register.
    (3) If the borrower's total monthly mortgage payment is less than 
31 percent of gross monthly income prior to an extended term loan 
modification, the mortgage recovery advance can be used as a stand-
alone option to cure the borrower's delinquency without changing the 
terms of the note.
* * * * *
0
8. Amend Sec.  3555.305 by revising the introductory text to read as 
follows:


Sec.  3555.305  Voluntary liquidation.

    The lender must have exhausted the servicing options outlined in 
Sec. Sec.  3555.302 through 3555.304 to cure the delinquency before 
considering voluntary liquidation. The methods of voluntary liquidation 
of the security property outlined in this section may be used to 
protect the interests of the Government.
* * * * *
0
9. Amend Sec.  3555.306 by revising paragraph (f) to read as follows:


Sec.  3555.306  Liquidation.

* * * * *
    (f) Lender acquisition of title. If at liquidation, the title to 
the property is conveyed to the lender, the lender will order a market 
value appraisal within 15 days of acquiring title. The appraisal must 
be completed by an appraiser to be used to pay the loss claim using a 
calculated value as provided by a model. The lender must submit the 
appraisal with a loss claim request in accordance with subpart H.
* * * * *
0
10. Amend Sec.  3555.352 by revising paragraphs (c) and (e) to read as 
follows:


Sec.  3555.352  Loss covered by the guarantee.

* * * * *
    (c) Additional interest. Additional interest on the unsatisfied 
principal accrued from the settlement date to the date the claim is 
paid, but not more than 60 days from the settlement date;
* * * * *
    (e) Liquidation costs. Reasonable and customary liquidation costs, 
such as attorney fees, market value appraisals, and foreclosure costs. 
Annual fees advanced by the lender to the Agency are ineligible for 
reimbursement when calculating the loss claim payment.
0
11. Amend Sec.  3555.353 by revising paragraphs (a) introductory text 
and (b) to read as follows:


Sec.  3555.353  Net recovery value.

* * * * *
    (a) For a property that has been sold. When a loss claim is filed 
on a property that was sold to a third party at the foreclosure sale or 
through an approved pre-foreclosure sale, net recovery value is 
calculated as follows:
* * * * *
    (b) For a property that has been acquired. When a loss claim is 
filed on a property acquired by the lender through a foreclosure sale 
or deed-in-lieu of foreclosure, net recovery value is based on an 
estimated sales price calculated using the market value, holding and 
disposition costs calculated using an acquisition and management factor 
published by the VA, and other factors as determined by the Agency. The 
lender must order the appraisal within 15 days of acquiring title to 
the property, and submit the appraisal with any loss claim request in 
accordance with subpart H of this part.
0
12. Amend Sec.  3555.354 by revising the introductory text and 
paragraph (b) to read as follows:


Sec.  3555.354  Loss claim procedures.

    All lenders must use a web-based automated system designated by the 
Agency to submit all loss claim requests.
* * * * *
    (b) REO. When the lender acquires title to the property, the lender 
must order a market value appraisal within 15 days of acquiring title. 
The lender must submit a complete loss claim package that includes the 
completed market value appraisal within 45 calendar days of receiving 
the appraisal. Loss claims submitted beyond this period of time, or 
submitted without an appraisal may be rejected or reduced by Rural 
Development. The Agency will apply an acquisition and management resale 
factor to estimate holding and disposition costs, based on the most 
current VA Management and Acquisition Factor found at https://www.benefits.va.gov/HOMELOANS/servicers_valeri.asp.
* * * * *


Sec.  3555.356  [Removed]

0
13. Remove Sec.  3555.356.

    Dated: July 27, 2018.
Joel C. Baxley,
Administrator, Rural Housing Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-18089 Filed 8-22-18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-XV-P



                                                 42618                 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 164 / Thursday, August 23, 2018 / Proposed Rules

                                                 when the requirements of paragraphs                     ADDRESSES:   You may submit comments                  Unfunded Mandates Reform Act
                                                 (b)(i) and (ii) are satisfied and any                   on this proposed rule by any one of the                  Title II of the Unfunded Mandates
                                                 commercial interest is not the primary                  following methods:                                    Reform Act of 1995 (UMRA), Public
                                                 interest furthered by the request. OMB                     • Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://              Law 104–4, establishes requirements for
                                                 ordinarily will presume that when a                     www.regulations.gov. Follow the                       Federal agencies to assess the effect of
                                                 news media requester has satisfied                      instructions for submitting comments.                 their regulatory actions on State, local,
                                                 factors (i) and (ii) above, the request is                 • Mail: Submit written comments via                and tribal governments and the private
                                                 not primarily in the commercial interest                the U.S. Postal Service to the Branch                 sector. Under section 202 of the UMRA,
                                                 of the requester. Disclosure to data                    Chief, Regulations and Paperwork                      the Agency generally must prepare a
                                                 brokers or others who merely compile                    Management Branch, U.S. Department                    written statement, including a cost-
                                                 and market government information for                   of Agriculture, STOP 0742, 1400                       benefit analysis, for proposed and final
                                                 direct economic return will not be                      Independence Ave. SW, Washington,                     rules with ‘‘Federal mandates’’ that may
                                                 presumed to primarily serve the public                  DC 20250–0742.                                        result in expenditures to State, local, or
                                                 interest.                                                                                                     tribal governments, in the aggregate, or
                                                    (c) Timing of requests for fee waivers.                 • Hand Delivery/Courier: Submit
                                                                                                         written comments via Federal Express                  to the private sector, of $100 million, or
                                                 Requests for a waiver or reduction of                                                                         more, in any one year. When such a
                                                 fees should be made when the request                    mail, or other courier service requiring
                                                                                                         a street address to the Branch Chief,                 statement is needed for a rule, section
                                                 is first submitted to OMB and should                                                                          205 of the UMRA generally requires the
                                                 address the criteria referenced above. A                Regulations and Paperwork
                                                                                                         Management Branch, U.S. Department                    Agency to identify and consider a
                                                 requester may submit a fee waiver                                                                             reasonable number of regulatory
                                                 request at a later time so long as the                  of Agriculture, 1400 Independence Ave.
                                                                                                                                                               alternatives and adopt the least costly,
                                                 underlying record request is pending or                 SW, Washington, DC 20250.
                                                                                                                                                               most cost-effective, or least burdensome
                                                 on administrative appeal. When a                           All written comments will be                       alternative that achieves the objectives
                                                 requester who has committed to pay                      available for public inspection during                of the rule.
                                                 fees subsequently asks for a waiver of                  regular work hours at the 1400                           This proposed rule contains no
                                                 those fees and that waiver is denied, the               Independence Ave. SW, address listed                  Federal mandates (under the regulatory
                                                 requester shall be required to pay any                  above.                                                provisions of Title II of the UMRA) for
                                                 costs incurred up to the date the fee                   FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:  Kate                State, local, and tribal governments or
                                                 waiver request was received.                            Jensen, Finance and Loan Analyst,                     the private sector. Therefore, this rule is
                                                   Dated: August 17, 2018.                               Single Family Housing Guaranteed Loan                 not subject to the requirements of
                                                 Mark R. Paoletta,                                       Division, STOP 0784, Room 2250,                       sections 202 and 205 of the UMRA.
                                                 General Counsel and Chief FOIA Officer.                 USDA Rural Development, South                         Environmental Impact Statement
                                                 [FR Doc. 2018–18061 Filed 8–22–18; 8:45 am]             Agriculture Building, 1400                               This document has been reviewed in
                                                 BILLING CODE 3110–01–P
                                                                                                         Independence Avenue SW, Washington,                   accordance with 7 CFR part 1970,
                                                                                                         DC 20250–0784, telephone: (503) 894–                  subpart G, ‘‘Environmental Program.’’ It
                                                                                                         2382, email is Kate.Jensen@                           is the determination of the Agency that
                                                                                                         wdc.usda.gov.                                         this action does not constitute a major
                                                 DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
                                                                                                         SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:                            Federal action significantly affecting the
                                                 Rural Housing Service                                                                                         quality of the human environment, and,
                                                                                                         Executive Order 12866, Classification                 in accordance with the National
                                                 7 CFR Part 3555                                           This proposed rule has been                         Environmental Policy Act of 1969,
                                                                                                         determined to be non-significant and,                 Public Law 91–190, neither an
                                                 RIN 0575–AD09
                                                                                                         therefore was not reviewed by the Office              Environmental Assessment nor an
                                                                                                                                                               Environmental Impact Statement is
                                                 Single Family Housing Guaranteed                        of Management and Budget (OMB)
                                                                                                                                                               required.
                                                 Loan Program                                            under Executive Order 12866.
                                                                                                                                                               Executive Order 13132, Federalism
                                                                                                         Executive Order 12988, Civil Justice
                                                 AGENCY:  Rural Housing Service, USDA.                                                                            The policies contained in this rule do
                                                                                                         Reform
                                                 ACTION: Proposed rule.                                                                                        not have any substantial direct effect on
                                                                                                            This proposed rule has been reviewed               States, on the relationship between the
                                                 SUMMARY:   The Rural Housing Service                    under Executive Order 12988, Civil                    national government and States, or on
                                                 (RHS or Agency) proposes to make                        Justice Reform. Except where specified,               the distribution of power and
                                                 several changes to the single-family                    all State and local laws and regulations              responsibilities among the various
                                                 housing guaranteed loan program                         that are in direct conflict with this rule            levels of government. Nor does this rule
                                                 (SFHGLP) regulations to streamline the                  will be preempted. Federal funds carry                impose substantial direct compliance
                                                 loss claim process for lenders who have                 Federal requirements. No person is                    costs on State and local governments.
                                                 acquired title to property through                      required to apply for funding under                   Therefore, consultation with the States
                                                 voluntary liquidation or foreclosure;                   SFHGLP, but if they do apply and are                  is not required.
                                                 clarify that lenders must comply with                   selected for funding, they must comply
                                                 applicable laws, including those within                 with the requirements applicable to the               Regulatory Flexibility Act
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                                                 the purview of the Consumer Financial                   Federal program funds. This proposed                    In compliance with the Regulatory
                                                 Protection Bureau; and better align loss                rule is not retroactive. It will not affect           Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.) the
                                                 mitigation policies with those in the                   agreements entered prior to the effective             undersigned has determined and
                                                 mortgage industry.                                      date of the rule. Before any judicial                 certified by signature of this document
                                                 DATES: Written or email comments on                     action may be brought regarding the                   that this rule change will not have a
                                                 the proposed rule must be received on                   provisions of this rule, the                          significant impact on a substantial
                                                 or before October 22, 2018 to be assured                administrative appeal provisions of 7                 number of small entities. This rule does
                                                 for consideration.                                      CFR part 11 must be exhausted.                        not impose any significant new


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                                                                       Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 164 / Thursday, August 23, 2018 / Proposed Rules                                           42619

                                                 requirements on Agency applicants and                   Non-Discrimination Policy                             current policies and procedures can be
                                                 borrowers, and the regulatory changes                      In accordance with Federal civil                   revised to streamline the program, align
                                                 affect only Agency determination of                     rights law and U.S. Department of                     the Agency with industry practices, and
                                                 program benefits for guarantees of loans                Agriculture (USDA) civil rights                       balance Agency resources with program
                                                 made to individuals.                                    regulations and policies, the USDA, its               demand. In order to help achieve these
                                                                                                         Agencies, offices, and employees, and                 objectives, this rule proposes various
                                                 Executive Order 13175, Consultation                                                                           changes to the loss claim process and
                                                 and Coordination With Indian Tribal                     institutions participating in or
                                                                                                                                                               loss mitigation loan servicing.
                                                 Governments                                             administering USDA programs are
                                                                                                         prohibited from discriminating based on               I. Loss Claims
                                                    Executive Order 13175 imposes                        race, color, national origin, religion, sex,             When a borrower stops making loan
                                                 requirements on RHS in the                              gender identity (including gender                     payments and goes into default, lenders
                                                 development of regulatory policies that                 expression), sexual orientation,                      are required to contact the borrower at
                                                 have Tribal implications or preempt                     disability, age, marital status, family/              prescribed intervals to offer various loss
                                                 tribal laws. RHS has determined that the                parental status, income derived from a                mitigation options to continue with the
                                                 proposed rule does not have a                           public assistance program, political                  loan, come to an agreement to self-
                                                 substantial direct effect on one or more                beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior         liquidate, or transfer the property to the
                                                 Indian Tribe(s) or on either the                        civil rights activity, in any program or              lender through a deed-in-lieu. If these
                                                 relationship or the distribution of                     activity conducted or funded by USDA                  loss mitigation activities are
                                                 powers and responsibilities between the                 (not all bases apply to all programs).                unsuccessful, the lender will proceed to
                                                 Federal Government and Indian Tribes.                   Remedies and complaint filing                         foreclosure where the property is sold to
                                                 Thus, this proposed rule is not subject                 deadlines vary by program or incident.                a third party or acquired into the
                                                 to the requirements of Executive Order                     Persons with disabilities who require              lender’s real estate owned (REO)
                                                 13175. If a tribe determines that this                  alternative means of communication for                portfolio. After sale of the property at
                                                 rule has implications of which RHS is                   program information (e.g., Braille, large             the foreclosure sale or from the lender’s
                                                 not aware and would like to engage with                 print, audiotape, American Sign                       REO, those proceeds are applied to the
                                                 RHS on this rule, please contact USDA’s                 Language, etc.) should contact the                    account. If that amount cannot satisfy
                                                 Native American Coordinator at (720)                    responsible Agency or USDA’s TARGET                   the account, the lender submits a loss
                                                 544–2911 or AIAN@wdc.usda.gov.                          Center at (202) 720–2600 (voice and                   claim to the Agency using a web-based
                                                                                                         TTY) or contact USDA through the                      automated system or in a paper format.
                                                 Executive Order 12372,                                  Federal Relay Service at (800) 877–8339.              Upon payment of the loss claim
                                                 Intergovernmental Consultation                          Additionally, program information may                 payment to the lender, the Agency has
                                                                                                         be made available in languages other                  satisfied its obligation to the lender
                                                   These loans are subject to the                        than English.                                         under the loan guarantee.
                                                 provisions of Executive Order 12372,                       To file a program discrimination                      When a lender acquires title to a
                                                 which require intergovernmental                         complaint, complete the USDA Program                  property (i.e., REO), the Agency requires
                                                 consultation with State and local                       Discrimination Complaint Form, AD–                    an REO property disposition plan from
                                                 officials. RHS conducts                                 3027, found online at http://                         the lender explaining how, among other
                                                 intergovernmental consultations for                     www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_                   things, the lender will maintain and
                                                 each SFHGLP in accordance with 2 CFR                    cust.html and at any USDA office or                   market the property during the
                                                 part 415, subpart C.                                    write a letter addressed to USDA and                  permissible marketing period. The
                                                 Programs Affected                                       provide in the letter all of the                      lender must obtain Agency concurrence
                                                                                                         information requested in the form. To                 for any significant changes to the plan.
                                                   The program affected by this                          request a copy of the complaint form,                    Currently, the Agency provides two
                                                 regulation is listed in the Catalog of                  call (866) 632–9992. Submit your                      opportunities for the lender to file a loss
                                                 Federal Domestic Assistance under                       completed form or letter to USDA by:                  claim on REO property: When the
                                                 Number 10.410, Very Low to Moderate                        (1) Mail: U.S. Department of                       property sells during the permissible
                                                 Income Housing Loans (Section 502                       Agriculture, Office of the Assistant                  marketing period, or after the
                                                 Rural Housing Loans).                                   Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400                      permissible marketing period (typically
                                                                                                         Independence Avenue SW, Washington,                   9 or 12 months) if the REO property
                                                 Paperwork Reduction Act                                 DC 20250–9410;                                        does not sell.
                                                                                                            (2) Fax: (202) 690–7442; or                           If the property has sold during the
                                                   The information collection and record                                                                       permissible marketing period, the loss
                                                                                                            (3) Email: program.intake@usda.gov.
                                                 keeping requirements contained in this                                                                        claim is paid based on the actual
                                                                                                            USDA is an equal opportunity
                                                 regulation have been approved by OMB                                                                          property sales price combined with the
                                                                                                         provider, employer, and lender.
                                                 in accordance with the Paperwork                                                                              actual property liquidation, property
                                                 Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C.                        Background Information                                preservation, and disposition costs. If
                                                 Chapter 35). The assigned OMB control                     Driven by tight credit markets in                   the property remains unsold after the
                                                 number is 0575–0179.                                    which lenders are reluctant to make                   permissible marketing period, the loss
                                                 E-Government Act Compliance                             mortgage loans without insurance or                   claim is based upon a liquidation value
                                                                                                         guarantees from the federal government,               real estate appraisal and preservation
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                                                    The Agency is committed to                           SFHGLP has grown significantly in                     and disposition costs consistent with
                                                 complying with the E-Government Act,                    recent fiscal years (FY); from $33                    the most currently published U.S.
                                                 to promote the use of the internet and                  million in loans in 1991 to $19.2 billion             Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
                                                 other information technologies to                       in FY 2017. The total portfolio of the                Management and Acquisition Factor
                                                 provide increased opportunities for                     SFHGLP consists of over one million                   (VA Net Value Factor) found at https://
                                                 citizen access to Government                            loans serviced by over 1,000 lenders.                 www.benefits.va.gov/HOMELOANS/
                                                 information and services, and for other                 The expansion of the program has led                  servicers_valeri.asp. When a lender
                                                 purposes.                                               the Agency to look for ways in which                  receives a loss claim payment on unsold


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                                                 42620                 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 164 / Thursday, August 23, 2018 / Proposed Rules

                                                 REO, they are responsible to report the                 methodology used to improve                           showing payment reduction was key to
                                                 future sale of the property and pay                     performance and streamline processes                  a borrower’s loss mitigation success.
                                                 future recovery if the sales price is                   by defining, measuring, analyzing,                    Borrowers facing financial hardship are
                                                 greater than the liquidation value real                 improving, and controlling problems or                unable to retain their home if the
                                                 estate appraisal amount. The proceeds                   issues. The Lean Six Sigma task force                 modified payment remains equal or
                                                 are distributed so that the total loss to               was established to develop solutions on               exceeds their current promissory note
                                                 the Agency is equivalent to the loss that               improving the loss claim process, while               installment.
                                                 would have been incurred had the                        also making the SFGHLP cost-effective                    The proposed changes regarding loss
                                                 recovered amount been included in the                   and efficient. Benefits of the proposed               mitigation procedures, described below,
                                                 initial loss calculation.                               loss claim process to the lender include:             would continue the Agency’s efforts to
                                                    The Agency proposes changes to the                   A faster claim resolution by elimination              improve the effectiveness of loss
                                                 loss claim payment process when a                       of the 9- and 12 month marketing                      mitigation by emphasizing payment
                                                 lender acquires title by way of a deed-                 periods; a simplified claim submission                reduction as the key component to any
                                                 in-lieu or foreclosure sale. Under the                  due to elimination of requirement to                  relief provided to the borrower while
                                                 proposed framework, lenders who                         submit invoices, system notes, financial              offering lenders and borrowers
                                                 acquire title must order a market value                 history, listing agreement, Closing                   consistent loss mitigation policies that
                                                 appraisal for the REO property within                   Disclosure and other information                      align with industry standard.
                                                 15 days of acquiring title to the                       applicable to the marketing period;                      The proposed changes will offer
                                                 property. The loss claim request must be                elimination of the property disposition               borrowers faster and greater payment
                                                 submitted to the Agency within 45 days                  plan; and efficient disposition of REO                relief early in the loss mitigation
                                                 upon receipt of the appraisal. The                      properties due to the elimination of                  process. Historically, borrowers who
                                                 Agency will employ a loss claim model                   agency approval required for offers,                  receive less than 10 percent payment
                                                 that takes into consideration various                   repair bids or valuations. Benefits to the            reduction have re-defaulted at a rate
                                                 factors, including the market value                     Agency include: A reduction of REO                    greater than 60 percent. When at least a
                                                 appraisal, as well as property                          claim processing time to 1.5–4 hours per              10 percent payment reduction is
                                                 preservation and disposition costs based                claim from 3–6 hours per claim                        achieved, the re-default rate is reduced
                                                 on the VA Management and Acquisition                    resulting in an annual savings of 26,728              by half. These changes would increase
                                                 Factor costs consistent with the most                   staff hours or $927,000 in annual labor               homeownership success and decrease
                                                 currently published U.S. Department of                  costs; elimination of property                        foreclosures. The Agency expects a
                                                 Veterans Affairs (VA) Management and                    disposition plans resulting in a savings              corresponding reduction in lender-
                                                 Acquisition Factor (VA Net Value                        of 14,492 hours or $503,000 in annual                 owned property resulting in greater
                                                 Factor) found at https://www.benefits.                  labor costs; reduction of improper                    community stability, as well as
                                                 va.gov/HOMELOANS/servicers_                             payment risk by eliminating                           decreasing the expenses associated with
                                                 valeri.asp to determine the loss claim                  consideration of actual expenditure                   foreclosure and property disposition.
                                                 amount. Because loss claims will be                     activity within the marketing period;                 A. Agency Concurrence on Servicing
                                                 paid after acquisition and prior to                     simplification and streamlining of                    Plans and Voluntary Liquidation
                                                 marketing the REO, this will eliminate                  compliance reviews by eliminating all
                                                 the need for REO property disposition                   post-foreclosure activity on REO claims;                 Currently, lenders must obtain
                                                 plans, different loss claim calculations                reduction of interest paid by 30 days per             Agency concurrence for a formal
                                                 based on whether the property has sold                  REO claim resulting in annual interest                servicing plan or voluntary liquidation
                                                 or remains in the lender’s REO portfolio,               savings of $3.7 million (based on FY                  prior to implementation with the
                                                 and claim adjustments based on future                   2014 REO claim payments). The                         borrower. The Agency may grant
                                                 recovery. To reflect this more                          proposed change will not impact                       lenders a waiver for concurrence.
                                                 streamlined approach to loss claim                      borrowers.                                               The Agency proposes to amend the
                                                 processing that should deliver loss                                                                           regulation to eliminate the requirement
                                                 claim payments to lenders in a timelier                 II. General Lender Requirement                        for Agency concurrence on formal
                                                 fashion, the Agency will limit the lender                  The Agency is proposing to amend 7                 servicing plans and voluntary
                                                 to 60 days of additional interest during                CFR 3555.51(b)(1) to clarify that in                  liquidation. The proposed change
                                                 the loss claim period.                                  addition to complying with Agency                     would streamline the servicing plan and
                                                    The Agency also proposes to revise 7                 laws and guidance, lenders must                       voluntary liquidation process for
                                                 CFR 3555.354, which allows lenders to                   comply with other applicable federal,                 lenders and borrowers. Lenders would
                                                 submit a loss claim electronically or in                state and local laws, including those                 still report to the Agency any servicing
                                                 paper format. The change will require                   that fall under the purview of the                    plans and voluntary liquidation options
                                                 all lenders to utilize a web-based system               Consumer Financial Protection Bureau,                 that have been adopted, but Agency
                                                 to submit loss claims to reduce                         such as the Real Estate Settlement                    concurrence will not be necessary
                                                 paperwork burden to both lenders and                    Procedures Act and the Truth in                       beforehand. While Agency concurrence
                                                 the Agency.                                             Lending Act.                                          for these actions will not be necessary,
                                                    The Agency proposes to revise the                                                                          lenders will still be accountable for
                                                 definition of the settlement date to add                III. Loss Mitigation                                  servicing plans and voluntary
                                                 the settlement date for deed-in-lieu                       In November of 2015, the Department                liquidation actions. The Agency will set
                                                 actions. The Agency will define the                     of Treasury hosted a summit attended                  performance benchmarks, monitor
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                                                 settlement date of the deed-in-lieu as                  by federal agencies, mortgage lenders,                lender performance, and implement any
                                                 the date title is recorded. The current                 consumer groups, investors, and                       necessary corrective action plans.
                                                 version of the regulation is silent on this             mortgage service providers to discuss                 Performance benchmarks will include
                                                 issue.                                                  the future of loss mitigation pending the             rates for delinquency, foreclosure, and
                                                    These proposed changes were                          expiration of the Home Affordable                     loss claim.
                                                 recommended by a Lean Six Sigma task                    Modification Program (HAMP) in                           Lender performance regarding loss
                                                 force that consisted of Agency staff and                December 2016. An important take-                     mitigation servicing plans and voluntary
                                                 lenders. Lean Six Sigma is a                            away from the summit was HAMP data                    liquidation will be captured by the


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                                                                       Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 164 / Thursday, August 23, 2018 / Proposed Rules                                             42621

                                                 Agency’s existing quality control (QC)                  interest rate and loan term under                     maximum PITI will bring the Agency in
                                                 process that incorporates a set of                      3555.304(c), the lender may utilize a                 line with other federal programs and
                                                 questions and findings for a sample of                  Mortgage Recovery Advance (MRA)                       industry standards.
                                                 files submitted by the lender during a                  under 3555.304(d).
                                                                                                            The Agency proposes to amend the                   List of Subjects in 7 CFR Part 3555
                                                 specific time. Findings are recorded and
                                                 reported back to the lender along with                  language to standardize many of the                     Home improvement, Loan Programs—
                                                 any suggestions for improvement.                        requirements of special servicing                     Housing and community development,
                                                    In addition, the Agency already                      options to increase the opportunity and               Mortgage insurance, Mortgages, Rural
                                                 reviews lenders on a regular basis for                  effectiveness of lender assistance to                 areas.
                                                 compliance with Agency requirements,                    borrowers facing an involuntary                         Therefore, chapter XXXV, title 7 of
                                                 and will reflect lenders’ implementation                inability to pay their mortgage.                      the Code of Federal Regulations is
                                                 of loss mitigation servicing plans and                     The Agency proposes to allow a                     proposed to be amended as follows:
                                                 voluntary liquidation. Lender                           ‘‘stand-alone’’ MRA when a borrower
                                                 compliance reviews focus on the                         faced a hardship but is now able to                   PART 3555—GUARANTEED RURAL
                                                 lender’s adherence to Agency                            continue making payments under the                    HOUSING PROGRAM
                                                 requirements and continuing eligibility                 promissory note rate and terms but
                                                 for the program based on the results of                 cannot cure the delinquency with                      ■ 1. The authority citation for part 3555
                                                 individual file reviews. Lenders are                    personal funds. Currently, the                        continues to read as follows:
                                                 provided a report of any findings and                   regulation does not provide a solution                  Authority: 5 U.S.C. 301; 42 U.S.C. 1471 et
                                                 given an opportunity to correct issues.                 for this scenario. The Agency has                     seq.
                                                    Lenders that are determined to be out                received feedback from stakeholders
                                                 of compliance through Agency QC or                      that a stand-alone MRA in certain                     ■ 2. Amend § 3555.10 in the definition
                                                 compliance reviews will be counseled,                   circumstances would be an effective                   of Settlement date by revising the
                                                 offered training, and given the                         tool to facilitate borrower’s long-term               introductory text and adding paragraph
                                                 opportunity to improve. Lenders that                    repayment ability. The proposed stand-                (5) to read as follows:
                                                 show little or no progress could be                     alone MRA would be permitted when                     § 3555.10    Definitions and abbreviations.
                                                 subject to enhanced oversight during the                the borrower’s mortgage payment to
                                                                                                         income ratio is less than 31 percent. For             *     *     *     *     *
                                                 loss claim process.                                                                                             Settlement date. The settlement date,
                                                    The Agency believes that eliminating                 other borrowers, the existing
                                                                                                         requirement to use special servicing                  for the purpose of loss calculation, is:
                                                 the need for Agency concurrence for
                                                 these actions will reduce the number of                 options in the order they appear in                   *     *     *     *     *
                                                 approval steps within the process and                   3555.304 would remain.                                  (5) The date title is acquired upon
                                                 provide assistance to borrowers more                       The regulation is currently silent on              recordation of a deed-in-lieu of
                                                 quickly and balance Agency resources                    how the servicer should treat the                     foreclosure, with prior approval of the
                                                 against demands. In addition, the                       capitalization of the delinquency when                lender.
                                                 change will align Agency policy with                    using special servicing options. In                   *     *     *     *     *
                                                 other loan guarantee programs that do                   comparison, traditional servicing                     ■ 3. Amend § 3555.51 (b)(1) by adding
                                                 not require a case-by-case review and                   options direct the lender through                     a new sentence after the first sentence
                                                 rely on regular QC, lender compliance                   specific steps to capitalize all or a                 to read as follows:
                                                 reviews, and data to determine lender                   portion of the arrearage (PITI).
                                                                                                         Capitalization may also include                       § 3555.51    Lender eligibility.
                                                 performance and compliance with
                                                 regulations.                                            foreclosure fees and costs, tax and                   *     *     *    *     *
                                                    To conform with the above changes,                   insurance advances, past due Agency                     (b) * * *
                                                 the Agency proposes to eliminate                        annual fees imposed by the lender, but                  (1) * * * Lenders must also comply
                                                 references to mandatory Agency                          not late charges or lender fees. Allowing             with all other applicable federal, state
                                                 concurrence from 3555.302 regarding                     the lender to capitalize the delinquency              and local laws, rules and requirements,
                                                 protective advances and 3555.305                        and these other amounts creates a                     including those under the purview of
                                                 regarding voluntary liquidation.                        clearer path to borrower success.                     the Consumer Financial Protection
                                                                                                            The Agency proposes to remove the                  Bureau, such as the Real Estate
                                                 B. Trial Plan (Traditional Servicing                    maximum limit of 12 months PITI when                  Settlement Procedures Act and the
                                                 Loan Modification)                                      calculating the MRA maximum amount                    Truth in Lending Act. * * *
                                                    Pursuant to 7 CFR 3555.303(b)(3)(v)                  and the requirement that the lender                   *     *     *    *     *
                                                 borrowers may not be required to                        reduce the maximum MRA by the sum                     ■ 4. Amend § 3555.301 by revising
                                                 complete a trial plan in order to be                    of the arrearages advanced to cure the                paragraph (h) to read as follows:
                                                 eligible for a traditional servicing loan               default and any foreclosure costs
                                                 modification. The Agency proposes to                    incurred to that point. The servicing                 § 3555.301    General servicing techniques.
                                                 amend this requirement and provide                      industry uses a standard ‘‘waterfall’’                *     *    *     *     *
                                                 flexibility to lenders to determine                     method where the first step is to                       (h) Formal servicing plan. The lender
                                                 whether a trial period is warranted for                 capitalize the delinquency, defined as                must report to the Agency utilizing a
                                                 a traditional servicing loan                            PITI, annual fees, legal fees, and                    web-based automated system a formal
                                                 modification.                                           foreclosure costs. The lender then                    servicing plan when a borrower’s
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                                                                                                         considers changes to the interest rate                account is 90 days or more delinquent
                                                 C. Mortgage Recovery Advance                            and term extension. By focusing on the                and a method other than foreclosure is
                                                   Lenders may use special servicing                     limit of 30 percent of the unpaid                     recommend to solve the delinquency.
                                                 options to bring a borrower’s mortgage                  principal balance, the changes would                  ■ 5. Amend § 3555.302 by revising
                                                 payment to an income ratio as close as                  simplify the MRA calculation and                      paragraph (b) to read as follows:
                                                 possible to 31 percent. If the borrower                 increase the chances of the borrower
                                                 cannot reach the targeted payment with                  becoming and remaining current. In                    § 3555.302    Protective advances.
                                                 an extended term loan modification of                   addition, removal of the 12-month                     *        *   *      *      *


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                                                 42622                   Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 164 / Thursday, August 23, 2018 / Proposed Rules

                                                   (b) Advances for costs other than                       interest rate, the maximum rate is                    ■ 11. Amend § 3555.353 by revising
                                                 taxes and insurance. Protective                           subject to paragraph (c)(3) of this                   paragraphs (a) introductory text and (b)
                                                 advances for costs other than taxes and                   section.                                              to read as follows:
                                                 insurance, such as emergency repairs,                       (d) * * *
                                                 can be made only if the borrower                            (2) The maximum amount of a                         § 3555.353   Net recovery value.
                                                 cannot, or will not, obtain an additional                 mortgage recovery advance is 30 percent               *      *     *    *     *
                                                 loan or reimbursement from an insurer                     of the unpaid principal balance as of the                (a) For a property that has been sold.
                                                 or the borrower has abandoned the                         date of default. The Agency may change                When a loss claim is filed on a property
                                                 property. The lender must determine                       the maximum amount of mortgage                        that was sold to a third party at the
                                                 that any repairs funded by protective                     recovery advance by publication in the                foreclosure sale or through an approved
                                                 advances are cost effective. Repairs                      Federal Register.                                     pre-foreclosure sale, net recovery value
                                                 funded by protective advances must be                       (3) If the borrower’s total monthly                 is calculated as follows:
                                                 planned, performed and inspected in                       mortgage payment is less than 31                      *      *     *    *     *
                                                 accordance with § 3555.202 and as                         percent of gross monthly income prior                    (b) For a property that has been
                                                 further described by the Agency. The                      to an extended term loan modification,                acquired. When a loss claim is filed on
                                                 lender must obtain prior Agency                           the mortgage recovery advance can be                  a property acquired by the lender
                                                 concurrence before issuing protective                     used as a stand-alone option to cure the              through a foreclosure sale or deed-in-
                                                 advances under this paragraph only for                    borrower’s delinquency without                        lieu of foreclosure, net recovery value is
                                                 protective advances of a significant                      changing the terms of the note.                       based on an estimated sales price
                                                 amount as specified by the Agency.                        *     *      *     *   *                              calculated using the market value,
                                                 ■ 6. Amend § 3555.303 by revising                         ■ 8. Amend § 3555.305 by revising the                 holding and disposition costs calculated
                                                 paragraph (b)(3)(v) to read as follows:                   introductory text to read as follows:                 using an acquisition and management
                                                 § 3555.303       Traditional servicing options.           § 3555.305    Voluntary liquidation.                  factor published by the VA, and other
                                                                                                             The lender must have exhausted the                  factors as determined by the Agency.
                                                 *      *    *     *     *                                                                                       The lender must order the appraisal
                                                    (b) * * *                                              servicing options outlined in
                                                                                                           §§ 3555.302 through 3555.304 to cure                  within 15 days of acquiring title to the
                                                    (3) * * *                                                                                                    property, and submit the appraisal with
                                                    (v) Lenders may require that                           the delinquency before considering
                                                                                                           voluntary liquidation. The methods of                 any loss claim request in accordance
                                                 borrowers complete a trial payment plan                                                                         with subpart H of this part.
                                                 prior to making scheduled payments                        voluntary liquidation of the security
                                                                                                           property outlined in this section may be              ■ 12. Amend § 3555.354 by revising the
                                                 amended by the traditional loan
                                                                                                           used to protect the interests of the                  introductory text and paragraph (b) to
                                                 servicing loan modification.
                                                                                                           Government.                                           read as follows:
                                                 *      *    *     *     *
                                                 ■ 7. Amend § 3555.304 by removing and                     *     *    *      *    *                              § 3555.354   Loss claim procedures.
                                                                                                           ■ 9. Amend § 3555.306 by revising
                                                 reserving paragraph (a)(2), revising                                                                               All lenders must use a web-based
                                                 paragraph (a)(4), revising paragraphs                     paragraph (f) to read as follows:
                                                                                                                                                                 automated system designated by the
                                                 (c)(1)and (2), and revising paragraphs                    § 3555.306    Liquidation.                            Agency to submit all loss claim
                                                 (d)(2) and (3) to read as follows:                        *      *    *     *      *                            requests.
                                                 § 3555.304       Special servicing options.                  (f) Lender acquisition of title. If at             *      *     *    *      *
                                                                                                           liquidation, the title to the property is                (b) REO. When the lender acquires
                                                    (a) * * *
                                                                                                           conveyed to the lender, the lender will               title to the property, the lender must
                                                    (2) [Reserved]
                                                                                                           order a market value appraisal within 15              order a market value appraisal within 15
                                                 *      *      *    *    *                                 days of acquiring title. The appraisal                days of acquiring title. The lender must
                                                    (4) If the borrower currently has a                    must be completed by an appraiser to be               submit a complete loss claim package
                                                 mortgage payment to income ratio lower                    used to pay the loss claim using a                    that includes the completed market
                                                 than 31 percent, special servicing                        calculated value as provided by a                     value appraisal within 45 calendar days
                                                 options can be utilized to cure the                       model. The lender must submit the                     of receiving the appraisal. Loss claims
                                                 delinquency without modifying the                         appraisal with a loss claim request in                submitted beyond this period of time, or
                                                 note. Otherwise, special servicing                        accordance with subpart H.                            submitted without an appraisal may be
                                                 options shall be used in the order                                                                              rejected or reduced by Rural
                                                                                                           *      *    *     *      *
                                                 established in this section to bring the                  ■ 10. Amend § 3555.352 by revising                    Development. The Agency will apply an
                                                 borrower’s mortgage payment to income                     paragraphs (c) and (e) to read as follows:            acquisition and management resale
                                                 ratio as close as possible to, but not less                                                                     factor to estimate holding and
                                                 than, 31 percent.                                         § 3555.352    Loss covered by the guarantee.
                                                                                                                                                                 disposition costs, based on the most
                                                 *      *      *    *    *                                 *      *    *     *     *                             current VA Management and
                                                    (c) * * *                                                 (c) Additional interest. Additional                Acquisition Factor found at https://
                                                    (1) Loan modifications may capitalize                  interest on the unsatisfied principal                 www.benefits.va.gov/HOMELOANS/
                                                 all or a portion of the arrearage (PITI)                  accrued from the settlement date to the               servicers_valeri.asp.
                                                 and/or reamortization of the balance                      date the claim is paid, but not more than
                                                                                                                                                                 *      *     *    *      *
                                                 due. Capitalization may also include                      60 days from the settlement date;
daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with PROPOSALS




                                                 foreclosure fees and costs, tax and                       *      *    *     *     *                             § 3555.356   [Removed]
                                                 insurance advances, past due annual                          (e) Liquidation costs. Reasonable and              ■   13. Remove § 3555.356.
                                                 fees imposed by the lender, but not late                  customary liquidation costs, such as
                                                 charges or lender fees.                                   attorney fees, market value appraisals,                 Dated: July 27, 2018.
                                                    (2) Loan modifications must be a fixed                 and foreclosure costs. Annual fees                    Joel C. Baxley,
                                                 interest rate and cannot exceed the                       advanced by the lender to the Agency                  Administrator, Rural Housing Service.
                                                 current market interest rate at the time                  are ineligible for reimbursement when                 [FR Doc. 2018–18089 Filed 8–22–18; 8:45 am]
                                                 of modification. When reducing the                        calculating the loss claim payment.                   BILLING CODE 3410–XV–P




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Document Created: 2018-08-23 00:33:11
Document Modified: 2018-08-23 00:33:11
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionProposed Rules
ActionProposed rule.
DatesWritten or email comments on the proposed rule must be received on or before October 22, 2018 to be assured for consideration.
ContactKate Jensen, Finance and Loan Analyst, Single Family Housing Guaranteed Loan Division, STOP 0784, Room 2250, USDA Rural Development, South Agriculture Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0784, telephone: (503) 894-2382, email is [email protected]
FR Citation83 FR 42618 
RIN Number0575-AD09
CFR AssociatedHome Improvement; Loan Programs-Housing and Community Development; Mortgage Insurance; Mortgages and Rural Areas

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