SOUTH SHORE MORTGAGE
FAIR LENDING
Introduction:
South Shore
Mortgage has a management system that allows for an automated; streamline
process of handling mortgage applications. Our marketing approach consists of a
telemarketing basis. We utilize an
automated dialing system to generate interested customers. Areas and telephone numbers are randomly
selected in the states that we are licensed.
Large amounts of these numbers need to be loaded into our computer
system for proper dialing. Our system is
non-biased in the fact that fifteen thousand households need to be called for
effective contact. Our production is a consistent 1-1.5% return on the
dialing. This is impartial and a
successful way of insuring a fair lending approach to our marketing.
When an
application is taken on a prospective client, the only requirement is an
upfront appraisal fee. All applications
are turned in, downloaded and submitted through one of two automated systems,
Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac. This allows
for a third party review solely based on underwriting guidelines from
Government endorsed agencies. Our
Company has created a computer program to pre-qualify prospective applicants
with the same guidelines as Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. This allows for a 95% success rate in
application approvals.
Procedures:
It has been
accepted and agreed that South Shore Mortgage will conduct and carry out
procedures and policies in accordance with NYS Executive Law 296-a. The following will remain in effect and implemented
with our general business policies for providing an effective Fair Lending
Plan.
1.
All mortgage applications are to be
submitted in a timely manner. No
applicant will be required to submit any application fee prior to being
formally underwritten. The only fee to be collected at time of application is
for the appraisal. No applicant will be
denied the right to an opportunity for an approval. All monies not utilized in the processing
procedure will be refunded.
2.
All applications are to be submitted
through Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac’s
Automated underwriting
system. The use of a tri-merge credit
report will be utilized in this evaluation to determine purchase ability for
the secondary market. South Shore Mortgage
will incur the expense of obtaining the in file credit and findings from one of
the agencies. All processing and
underwriting staff will strictly follow the findings outlined by the automated
decision. No underwriter is to require
any additional documentation not outlined in the findings.
3.
In the event that the application was
taken verbally, a Good Faith estimate
Along with the Truth in lending
requirements of New York State will be mailed to the applicant with the
Companies opening letter requirements for documentation.
4.
In the event an applicant is rejected,
the application is immediately turned
over to the company fallout
manager. The responsibility of this
manager is to discuss the client’s options and explain the problems associated
with the rejection. This manager is an
employee and is not compensated or motivated by commission. This manager will determine if the company
can underwrite and place the applicant in a program that is affordable and
complies with Executive Law 296-a.
5.
On a weekly basis all departments generate
reports. The opening
Department is required to
submit to upper management a detailed report of all originations. This report needs to be completed and
presented for review. Management will
conduct quality control measures to insure proper standards are used in
underwriting a file for approval.
6.
Files marked as rejected will be reviewed
by General Management and the
The Fallout Manager. Applications that cannot be approved are to
be closed out and a rejection letter outlining the reasons for denial to be
forwarded to the applicant. A dialogue
on the outcome and handling of all files are to be archived within the
processing software file.
7.
When complaints are received on rejected
files, General Management is to
Reverse the process to review
the determination on the file. The
archived file is to be retrieved and reviewed by the Fallout Manager and The
General Manager collectively. A written
response of the complaint will be sent to the applicant.
Conclusion:
It is
generally adopted that this policy will remain in effect. The procedures will be preformed on a weekly
basis to not only institute proper business practice but to insure a Fair
Lending Plan.