Comment for 1026.38 - Content of Disclosures for Certain Mortgage Transactions (Closing Disclosure)
Content of disclosures
1. Disclosures not applicable. Where a disclosure is not applicable to a particular transaction, form H-25 of appendix H to this part may not be modified to state “not applicable” or “N/A.” The portion of the form pertaining to the inapplicable disclosure may be left blank unless otherwise provided by § 1026.38. For example, the disclosure required by § 1026.38(r) of the consumer's or seller's real estate broker may be left blank for a transaction that does not involve real estate brokers, such as a refinance or home equity loan. As provided in § 1026.38(m) and (n), however, the adjustable payment and adjustable interest rate tables required by those paragraphs may be included only if those disclosures are applicable to the transaction and otherwise must be excluded.
2. Format. See § 1026.38(t) and its commentary for guidance on the proper format to be used in making the disclosures, as well as required and permissible modifications.
3. Good faith requirement. The disclosures required by § 1026.38 are required to reflect the actual terms of the legal obligation between the parties, and the actual costs associated with the settlement of the transaction. Creditors and settlement agents may estimate disclosures as provided pursuant to § 1026.19(f)(1)(i) when the actual term or cost is unknown at the time the disclosures are made. See §§ 1026.17(c)(2) and 1026.19(f)(1)(i) and comments 17(c)(2)(i)-1 and -2, and 19(f)(1)(i)-2.
4. Reductions in principal balance. A principal reduction that occurs immediately or very soon after closing must be disclosed in the summaries of transactions table on the standard Closing Disclosure pursuant to § 1026.38(j)(1)(v) or in the payoffs and payments table on the alternative Closing Disclosure pursuant to § 1026.38(t)(5)(vii)(B). The disclosure of a principal reduction under § 1026.38(j)(1)(v) or (t)(5)(vii)(B) includes the following elements: (1) The amount of the principal reduction; (2) the phrase “principal reduction” or a similar phrase; (3) for a principal reduction disclosure under § 1026.38(t)(5)(vii)(B) only, the name of the payee; (4) if applicable to the transaction, the phrase “Paid Outside of Closing” or “P.O.C.” and the name of the party making the payment; and (5) if the principal reduction is used to satisfy the requirements of § 1026.19(f)(2)(v), a statement that the principal reduction is being provided to offset charges that exceed the legal limits, using any language that meets the clear and conspicuous standard under § 1026.38(t)(1)(i). If a creditor is required to disclose the name of the party making the payment or that the principal reduction is being provided to offset charges that exceed the legal limits, and there is insufficient space under the § 1026.38(j)(1)(v) or (t)(5)(vii)(B) disclosure for these elements of the principal reduction disclosure, the creditor may omit these elements from the § 1026.38(j)(1)(v) or (t)(5)(vii)(B) disclosure. If the creditor omits these elements from the § 1026.38(j)(1)(v) or (t)(5)(vii)(B) disclosure, the creditor must provide a complete principal reduction disclosure under an appropriate heading on an additional page, in accordance with § 1026.38(j) and (t)(5)(ix), as applicable, with a reference to the abbreviated principal reduction disclosure under § 1026.38(j)(1)(v) or (t)(5)(vii)(B).
i. Principal reduction not paid with closing funds. A principal reduction is disclosed in the summaries of transactions table under § 1026.38(j)(1)(v) and marked with the phrase “Paid Outside of Closing” or the abbreviation “P.O.C.” pursuant to § 1026.38(j)(4)(i), or in the payoffs and payments table under § 1026.38(t)(5)(vii)(B) marked with the phrase “Paid Outside of Closing” or the abbreviation “P.O.C.,” if it is not paid from closing funds. For a principal reduction disclosed under § 1026.38(j)(1)(v) that is not paid from closing funds, the amount of the principal reduction is not included in computing the summaries of transactions totals under § 1026.38(j) or the cash to close disclosures under § 1026.38(i). For a principal reduction disclosed under § 1026.38(t)(5)(vii)(B) that is not paid from closing funds, the amount of the principal reduction is not included in computing the total payoffs and payments amount disclosed under § 1026.38(t)(5)(vii)(B) or the cash to close amount disclosed under § 1026.38(e)(5)(ii). For example, a creditor providing a $500 principal reduction to satisfy the refund requirements of § 1026.19(f)(2)(v) discloses the principal reduction under § 1026.38(j)(1)(v) by providing in Section K of the summaries of transactions table a statement such as “$500.00 Principal Reduction for exceeding legal limits P.O.C. Lender,” and not including the amount of the principal reduction in the summaries of transactions totals under § 1026.38(j) or the calculating cash to close disclosures under § 1026.38(i). Alternatively, if there is insufficient space under § 1026.38(j)(1)(v) for a creditor to disclose the name of the party making the payment or a statement that the principal reduction is being provided to offset charges that exceed the legal limits, a creditor may disclose a statement such as “$500.00 Principal Reduction P.O.C.” under § 1026.38(j)(1)(v) and a statement on an additional page such as “$500.00 Principal Reduction for exceeding legal limits P.O.C. Lender. See Section K on page 3.”
ii. Principal reduction paid with closing funds. A principal reduction is disclosed in the summaries of transactions table under § 1026.38(j)(1)(v) or in the payoffs and payments table under § 1026.38(t)(5)(vii)(B) without the phrase “Paid Outside of Closing” or the abbreviation “P.O.C.” if it is paid from closing funds. The amount of a principal reduction that is paid with closing funds is included in the applicable calculations required under § 1026.38. For example, in a refinance transaction using the alternative tables on the Closing Disclosure, a creditor discloses a $1,000 principal reduction to reduce the cash provided to the consumer by providing in the payoffs and payments table under § 1026.38(t)(5)(vii)(B) a statement such as “Principal Reduction to Consumer” under the column heading “TO” and “$1,000.00” under the column heading “AMOUNT,” and by including such amount in the total payoffs and payments amount under § 1026.38(t)(5)(vii)(B) and in the cash to close amount under § 1026.38(e)(5)(ii). In this example, the creditor must disclose the following elements under § 1026.38(t)(5)(vii)(B): The amount of the principal reduction, the phrase “principal reduction” or a similar phrase, and the name of the payee. The creditor should not include in the disclosure the phrase “Paid Outside of Closing” or “P.O.C.” and the name of the party making the payment, or a statement that the principal reduction is being provided to offset charges that exceed the legal limits, because those principal reduction disclosure elements are not applicable to the transaction in this particular example. The creditor may not use an addendum for the principal reduction disclosure in this example.
38(a) General information.
38(a)(3) Closing information.
38(a)(3)(i) Date issued.
1. Applicable date. For general guidance on identifying the date issued for the Closing Disclosure, see the commentary to § 1026.37(a)(4).
38(a)(3)(iii) Disbursement date.
1. Simultaneous subordinate financing disbursement date. The disbursement date on the simultaneous subordinate financing Closing Disclosure is the date some or all of the subordinate financing loan amount disclosed under § 1026.38(b) is expected to be paid to the consumer or a third party other than a settlement agent.
38(a)(3)(iv) Settlement agent.
1. Entity name. Section 1026.38(a)(3)(iv) requires the name of the entity that employs the settlement agent. The name of the individual conducting the closing is not required.
38(a)(3)(v) File number.
1. Alpha-numeric characters. The file number required by § 1026.38(a)(3)(v) may contain any alpha-numeric characters and need not be limited to numbers.
38(a)(3)(vi) Property.
1. Alternative property. For guidance on disclosing the location of a property for which an address is unavailable, see the commentary to § 1026.37(a)(6). Where personal property also secures the credit transaction, a description of that property may be disclosed, at the creditor's option, pursuant to § 1026.38(a)(3)(vi). If the form does not provide enough space to disclose a description of personal property under § 1026.38(a)(3)(vi), at the creditor's option an additional page may be used and appended to the end of the form provided that the creditor complies with the requirements of § 1026.38(t)(3).
2. Multiple properties. Where more than one property secures the credit transaction, § 1026.38(a)(3)(vi) requires disclosure of all property addresses. If the addresses of all properties securing the transaction do not fit in the space allocated on the Closing Disclosure, an additional page with the addresses of all such properties may be appended to the end of the form.
38(a)(3)(vii) Sale price.
1. No seller. In transactions where there is no seller, such as in a refinancing, § 1026.38(a)(3)(vii)(B) requires the creditor to disclose the appraised value of the property. To comply with this requirement, the creditor discloses the value determined by the appraisal or valuation used to determine approval of the credit transaction. If the creditor has not obtained an appraisal, the creditor may disclose the estimated value of the property. Where an estimate is disclosed, rather than an appraisal, the label for the disclosure is changed to “Estimated Prop. Value.” The creditor may use the estimate provided by the consumer at application but, if it has performed its own estimate of the property value for purposes of approving the credit transaction by the time the disclosure is provided to the consumer, the creditor must disclose the estimate it used for purposes of approving the credit transaction. For transactions involving construction where there is no seller, the creditor must disclose the value of the property that is used to determine the approval of the credit transaction, including improvements to be made on the property if those improvements are used in determining the approval of the credit transaction.
2. Personal property. For guidance on how to disclose the sale price of a transaction that includes personal property under § 1026.38(a)(3)(vii), see comment 37(a)(7)-2.
38(a)(4) Transaction information.
1. Multiple borrowers and sellers. The name and address of each consumer and seller in the transaction must be provided under the heading “Transaction Information.” If the form does not provide enough space to include the required information for each consumer and seller, an additional page may be used and appended to the end of the form provided that the creditor complies with the requirements of § 1026.38(t)(3). For additional guidance on disclosing multiple borrowers, see comment 37(a)(5)-1.
2. No seller transactions or simultaneous subordinate financing transactions. In transactions where there is no seller, such as in a refinancing or home equity loan, or for simultaneous subordinate financing purchase transactions if the first-lien Closing Disclosure will record the entirety of the seller's transaction, the disclosure under § 1026.38(a)(4)(ii) may be left blank. See also § 1026.38(t)(5)(vii)(A).
3. Multiple creditors. See comment 37(a)(3)-1 regarding identification requirements for multiple creditors.
4. Consumers. Section 1026.38(a)(4)(i) requires disclosure of the consumer's name and mailing address, labeled “Borrower.” For purposes of § 1026.38(a)(4)(i), the term “consumer” is limited to persons to whom the credit is offered or extended. For guidance on how to disclose multiple consumers, see comment 38(a)(4)-1.
38(a)(5) Loan information.
1. General. See commentary to § 1026.37(a)(8) through (12) for guidance on the general requirements and definitions applicable to § 1026.38(a)(5)(i) through (v).
38(a)(5)(v) Loan identification number.
1. Same identification number as Loan Estimate. The loan identification number disclosed pursuant to § 1026.38(a)(5)(v) must be one that enables the creditor, consumer, and other parties to identify the transaction as the same transaction disclosed on the Loan Estimate. The loan identification number may contain any alpha-numeric characters. If a creditor uses the same loan identification number on several revised Loan Estimates to the consumer, but adds after such number a hyphen and a number to denote the number of revised Loan Estimates in sequence, the creditor must disclose the loan identification number before such hyphen on the Closing Disclosure to identify the transaction as the same for which the initial and revised Loan Estimates were provided.
38(b) Loan terms.
1. Guidance. See the commentary to § 1026.37(b) for guidance on the content of the disclosures required by § 1026.38(b).
38(c) Projected payments.
1. In general. For guidance on the disclosure of the projected payments table, see § 1026.37(c) and its commentary.
38(c)(1) Projected payments or range of payments.
1. Escrow account analysis. The amount of estimated escrow payments disclosed on the Closing Disclosure is accurate if it differs from the estimated escrow payment disclosed on the Loan Estimate because of the escrow account analysis described in Regulation X, 12 CFR 1024.17.
38(d) Costs at closing.
38(d)(2) Alternative table for transactions without a seller or for simultaneous subordinate financing.
1. Required use. The disclosure of the alternative cash to close table in § 1026.38(d)(2) may only be provided by a creditor in a transaction without a seller or for a simultaneous subordinate financing transaction. In a purchase transaction, the alternative disclosure may be used for the simultaneous subordinate financing Closing Disclosure only if the first-lien Closing Disclosure records the entirety of the seller's transaction. The use of this alternative table for transactions without a seller or for simultaneous subordinate financing transactions is required if the Loan Estimate provided to the consumer disclosed the optional alternative table under § 1026.37(d)(2) and must be used in conjunction with the use of the alternative calculating cash to close disclosure under § 1026.38(e). See comments 38(j)-3 and 38(k)(2)(vii)-1 for disclosure requirements applicable to the first-lien transaction when the alternative disclosures are used for a simultaneous subordinate financing transaction and a seller contributes to the costs of the subordinate financing. See also comments 38(t)(5)(vii)(B)-1 and -2 for the requirement to disclose the seller's contributions, if any, toward the subordinate financing in the payoffs and payments table on the simultaneous subordinate financing Closing Disclosure.
2. Method of indication. The indication of whether the cash is either due from or payable to the consumer is made by the use of check boxes as shown in form H-25(J) of appendix H to this part. Forms H-25(E) and H-25(G) of appendix H to this part contain examples of the use of these checkboxes.
38(e) Alternative calculating cash to close table for transactions without a seller or for simultaneous subordinate financing.
1. Required use. The disclosure of the table in § 1026.38(e) may only be provided by a creditor in a transaction without a seller or for a simultaneous subordinate financing transaction. In a purchase transaction, the alternative disclosure may be used for the simultaneous subordinate financing Closing Disclosure only if the first-lien Closing Disclosure records the entirety of the seller's transaction. The use of this alternative calculating cash to close table for transactions without a seller or for simultaneous subordinate financing is required for transactions in which the Loan Estimate provided to the consumer disclosed the optional alternative table under § 1026.37(h)(2), and must be used in conjunction with the alternative disclosure under § 1026.38(d)(2).
2. More prominent disclosures. Section 1026.38(e)(1)(iii), (2)(iii), (3)(iii), and (4)(iii) requires that statements are given as to whether the “Final” amount disclosed under each subparagraph (ii) of § 1026.38(e)(1) through (e)(4) is different than or equal to, and in some cases whether the amount is greater than or less than, the corresponding “Loan Estimate” amount disclosed under each subparagraph (i) of § 1026.38(e)(1) through (e)(4). These statements are more prominent than the other disclosures under § 1026.38(e). The statement of whether the estimated and final amounts are different, stated as a “Yes” or “No” in capital letters and in boldface, under the subheading “Did this change?,” as shown on forms H-25(E) and H-25(G) of appendix H to this part, complies with the requirement to state whether the amounts are different more prominently. Such statement of “No” satisfies the requirement to state that the estimated and final amounts are equal, and these sections do not provide for any narrative text to be included with such statement. The prominence requirement also requires that, in the event an increase or decrease in costs has occurred, certain words within the narrative text to be included under the subheading “Did this change?” for a “Yes” answer are displayed more prominently than other disclosures. For example, under § 1026.38(e)(2)(iii)(A), this more prominent statement could take the form of the phrases “Total Loan Costs (D)” and “Total Other Costs (I)” being shown in boldface, as shown on forms H-25(E) and H-25(G) of appendix H to this part. See comment 38(e)-4 for further guidance regarding the prominence of such statements.
3. Statements of differences. The dollar amounts disclosed under § 1026.38 generally are shown to two decimal places unless otherwise required. See comment 38(t)(4)-1. Any amount in the “Final” column of the alternative calculating cash to close table under § 1026.38(e) is shown to two decimal places unless otherwise required. Pursuant to § 1026.38(t)(4)(i)(C), however, any amount in the “Loan Estimate” column of the alternative calculating cash to close table under § 1026.38(e) is rounded to the nearest dollar amount to match the corresponding estimated amount disclosed on the Loan Estimate's calculating cash to close table under § 1026.37(h). For purposes of § 1026.38(e)(1)(iii), (2)(iii), and (4)(iii), each statement of a change between the amounts disclosed on the Loan Estimate and the Closing Disclosure is based on the actual, non-rounded estimate that would have been disclosed on the Loan Estimate under § 1026.37(h) if it had been shown to two decimal places rather than a whole dollar amount. For example, if the amounts in the “Loan Estimate” column of the total closing costs row disclosed under § 1026.38(e)(2)(i) is $12,500, but the non-rounded estimate of total closing costs is $12,500.35, and the “Final” column of the total closing costs row disclosed under § 1026.38(e)(2)(ii) is $12,500.35, then, even though the table would appear to show a $0.35 increase in total closing costs, no statement of such increase is given under § 1026.38(e)(2)(iii).
4. Statements that the consumer should see details. The provisions of § 1026.38(e)(2)(iii)(A) and (e)(4)(iii)(A) each require a statement that the consumer should see certain details of the closing costs disclosed under § 1026.38(f), (g), or (t). Forms H-25(E) and H-25(G) of appendix H to this part contain examples of these statements. For example, § 1026.38(e)(4)(iii)(A) requires a statement that the consumer should see the details disclosed pursuant to § 1026.38(t)(5)(vii)(B), and, as shown on forms H-25(E) and H-25(G) of appendix H to this part, the statement, “See Payoffs and Payments,” in which the words “Payoffs and Payments” are in boldface, complies with this provision.
5. Statement of increase or decrease. Section 1026.38(e)(1)(iii)(A) requires a statement of whether the loan amount increased or decreased. A creditor complies with this requirement by disclosing, “This amount increased” or “This amount decreased” with the words “increase” and “decrease” in boldface font.
6. Estimated amounts. The amounts disclosed on the alternative calculating cash to close table under the subheading “Loan Estimate” under § 1026.38(e)(1)(i), (2)(i), (4)(i), and (5)(i) are the amounts disclosed on the most recent Loan Estimate provided to the consumer under § 1026.19(e).
38(e)(1) Loan amount.
Paragraph 38(e)(1)(iii)(A).
1. Statements of increases or decreases. Section 1026.38(e)(1)(iii)(A) requires a statement of whether the amount increased or decreased from the estimated amount. The statement, “This amount increased,” in which the word “increased” is in boldface font and is replaced with the word “decreased” as applicable, complies with this requirement.
38(e)(2) Total closing costs.
Paragraph 38(e)(2)(i).
1. Reference to disclosure of total closing costs. Under § 1026.38(e)(2)(i), the amount disclosed is labeled “Total Closing Costs,” and such label is accompanied by a reference to the disclosure of “Total Closing Costs” under § 1026.38(h)(1). This reference may take the form, for example, of a cross-reference in parenthesis to the row on the table disclosed under § 1026.38(h) that includes the itemized amount for “Total Closing Costs,” as shown on form H-25 of appendix H to this part.
Paragraph 38(e)(2)(iii)(A).
1. Statements and references regarding the total loan costs and total other costs. Under § 1026.38(e)(2)(iii)(A), the statements under the subheading “Did this change?” that the consumer should see the total loan costs and total other costs subtotals disclosed on the Closing Disclosure under § 1026.38(f)(4) and (g)(5) are made only if and to the extent the difference in the “Total Closing Costs” is attributable to differences in itemized charges that are included in either or both of such subtotals.
i. For example, if an increase in the “Total Closing Costs” is attributable only to an increase in the appraisal fee (which is an itemized charge on the Closing Disclosure under the subheading “Services Borrower Did Not Shop For,” itself under the heading “Loan Costs”), then a statement is given under the subheading “Did this change?” that the consumer should see the total loan costs subtotal disclosed on the Closing Disclosure under § 1026.38(f)(4). If the increase in “Total Closing Costs” is attributable only to an increase in recording fees (which is an itemized charge on the Closing Disclosure under the subheading “Taxes and Other Government Fees,” itself under the heading “Other Costs”), then a statement is given under the subheading “Did this change?” that the consumer should see the total other costs subtotal disclosed on the Closing Disclosure under § 1026.38(g)(5). If, however, the increase is attributable in part to an increase in the appraisal fee and in part to an increase in the recording fee, then a statement is given under the subheading “Did this change?” that the consumer should see the total loan costs and total other costs subtotals disclosed on the Closing Disclosure under § 1026.38(f)(4) and (g)(5).
ii. For guidance regarding the requirement that this statement be accompanied by a reference to the disclosures of the total loan costs and total other costs under § 1026.38(f)(4) and (g)(5), see comment 38(e)(2)(i)-1. For an example of such reference, see form H-25 of appendix H to this part.
2. Disclosure of excess amounts above limitations on increases in closing costs.
i. Because certain closing costs, individually, are generally subject to the limitations on increases in closing costs under § 1026.19(e)(3)(i) (e.g., fees paid to the creditor, transfer taxes, fees paid to an affiliate of the creditor), while other closing costs are collectively subject to the limitations on increases in closing costs under § 1026.19(e)(3)(ii) (e.g., recording fees, fees paid to an unaffiliated third party identified by the creditor if the creditor permitted the consumer to shop for the service provider), § 1026.38(e)(2)(iii)(A) requires the creditor or closing agent to calculate subtotals for each type of excess amount, and then add such subtotals together to yield the dollar amount to be disclosed in the table. See commentary to § 1026.19(e)(3) for additional guidance on calculating excess amounts above the limitations on increases in closing costs under § 1026.19(e)(3).
ii. Under § 1026.38(e)(2)(iii)(A), calculation of the excess amounts above the limitations on increases in closing costs takes into account that the itemized, estimated closing costs disclosed on the Loan Estimate will not result in charges to the consumer if the service is not actually provided at or before consummation. For example, if the Loan Estimate included under “Services You Cannot Shop For” a $30 charge for a “title courier fee,” but the title company elects to hand-deliver the title documents package to the creditor at no charge, the $30 fee is not factored into the calculation of the “Total Closing Costs” that are subject to the limitations on increases in closing costs. However, if the title courier fee was assessed, but at only $15, the charge is factored into the calculation because the third party service was actually provided, albeit at a lower amount than estimated. For an example, see form H-25 of appendix H to this part.
iii. Under § 1026.38(e)(2)(iii)(A), calculation of the excess amounts above the limitations on increases in closing costs takes into account that certain itemized charges listed on the Loan Estimate under the subheading “Services You Can Shop For” may be subject to different limitations depending on the circumstances. Although § 1026.19(e)(3)(iii) provides exceptions to the general rule, such a charge would generally be subject to the limitations under § 1026.19(e)(3)(i) if the consumer decided to use a provider affiliated with the creditor. However, the same charge would instead be subject to the limitations under § 1026.19(e)(3)(ii) if the consumer selected a third party service provider unaffiliated with but identified by the creditor, and the creditor permitted the consumer to shop for the service provider. See commentary to § 1026.19(e)(3) for additional guidance on calculating excess amounts above the limitations on increases in closing costs under § 1026.19(e)(3).
3. Statements regarding excess amount and any credit to the consumer. Section 1026.38(e)(2)(iii)(A) requires a statement that an increase in closing costs exceeds legal limits by the dollar amount of the excess and a statement directing the consumer to the disclosure of lender credits under § 1026.38(h)(3) or a principal reduction under § 1026.38(t)(5)(vii)(B), if provided under § 1026.19(f)(2)(v). See form H-25(F) in appendix H to this part for examples of such statements under § 1026.38(h)(3). See also comments 38-4 and 38(h)(3)-2.
38(e)(3) Closing costs paid before closing.
Paragraph 38(e)(3)(i).
1. Estimate of closing costs paid before closing. Under § 1026.38(e)(3)(i), the “Loan Estimate” amount for “Closing Costs Subtotal Paid Before Closing” is always shown as “$0,” because an estimate of such amount is not disclosed on the Loan Estimate.
Paragraph 38(e)(3)(iii)(B).
1. Equal amount. Under § 1026.38(e)(3)(iii)(B), the creditor gives a statement that the “Final” amount disclosed under § 1026.38(e)(3)(ii) is equal to the “Loan Estimate” amount disclosed under § 1026.38(e)(3)(i), only if the “Final” amount is $0, because the “Loan Estimate” amount is always disclosed as $0 under § 1026.38(e)(3)(i). See comment 38(e)(3)(i)-1.
38(f) Closing cost details; loan costs.
1. Lender-paid charges and specific lender credits. Charges that are designated as paid by others under § 1026.38(f) and (g), below, may include the letter “L” in parentheses, i.e. “(L),” to the left of the amount in the column to designate those charges paid by the creditor pursuant to the legal obligation between the creditor and consumer.
2. Construction loan inspection and handling fees. Construction loan inspection and handling fees are loan costs associated with the transaction for purposes of § 1026.38(f). For information on how to disclose inspection and handling fees for the staged disbursement of construction loan proceeds if the amount or number of such fees or when they will be collected is not known at or before consummation, see comments 37(f)-3, 37(f)(6)-3, and app. D-7.vii. See § 1026.17(e) and its commentary concerning the effect of subsequent events that cause inaccuracies in disclosures.
38(f)(1) Origination charges.
1. Guidance in other comments. For a description of origination charges and discount points, see comments 37(f)(1)-1, -2, and -3.
2. Loan originator compensation. All compensation paid to a loan originator, as defined by § 1026.36(a)(1), that is a third-party associated with the transaction, regardless of the party that pays the compensation, must be disclosed pursuant to § 1026.38(f)(1). Compensation from the consumer to a third-party loan originator is designated as borrower-paid at or before closing, as applicable, on the Closing Disclosure. Compensation from the creditor to a third-party loan originator is designated as paid by others on the Closing Disclosure. Compensation to a third-party loan originator from both the consumer and the creditor in the transaction is prohibited under § 1026.36(d)(2).
3. Calculating compensation to a loan originator from the creditor. The amount disclosed as paid from the creditor to a third-party loan originator under § 1026.38(f)(1) is the dollar value of salaries, commissions, and any financial or similar compensation provided to a third-party loan originator by the creditor that are considered to be points and fees under § 1026.32(b)(1)(ii). For additional guidance and examples on the calculation of compensation paid to the third-party loan originator from the creditor, see comments 32(b)(1)(ii)-1, --2, -3, and -4.
38(f)(2) Services borrower did not shop for.
1. Guidance in other comments. For examples of services, costs, and their descriptions disclosed under § 1026.38(f)(2), see comments 37(f)(2)-1, -2, -3, and -4.
38(f)(3) Services borrower did shop for.
1. Provider on written list. Items that were disclosed pursuant to § 1026.37(f)(3) cannot be disclosed under § 1026.38(f)(3) when the consumer selected a provider contained on the written list provided under § 1026.19(e)(1)(vi)(C). Instead, such costs are disclosed pursuant to § 1026.38(f)(2).
38(f)(5) Subtotal of loan costs.
1. Charges subtotaled. The only charges that are loan costs that are subtotaled pursuant to § 1026.38(f)(5) are those costs designated borrower-paid at or before closing. Charges which are loan costs designated seller-paid at or before closing, or paid by others, are not subtotaled pursuant to § 1026.38(f)(5). The subtotal of charges that are seller-paid at or before closing or paid by others is disclosed under § 1026.38(h)(2).
38(g) Closing costs details; other costs.
38(g)(1) Taxes and other government fees.
1. Guidance. For additional guidance on taxes and other government fees, see comments 37(g)(1)-1, -2, -3, and -4.
2. Transfer taxes - itemization. The creditor may itemize the transfer taxes paid on as many lines as necessary pursuant to § 1026.38(g)(1) in order to disclose all of the transfer taxes paid as part of the transaction. The taxes should be allocated in the applicable columns as borrower-paid at or before closing, seller-paid at or before closing, or paid by others, as provided by State or local law, the terms of the legal obligation, or the real estate purchase contract.
3. Recording fees. i. Fees for recording deeds and security instruments. Section 1026.38(g)(1)(i)(A) requires, on the first line under the subheading “Taxes and Other Government Fees” and before the columns described in § 1026.38(g), disclosure of the total fees expected to be paid to State and local governments for recording deeds and, separately, the total fees expected to be paid to State and local governments for recording security instruments. On a line labeled “Recording Fees,” form H-25 of appendix H to this part illustrates such disclosures with the additional labels “Deed” and “Mortgage,” respectively.
ii. Total of all recording fees. Section 1026.38(g)(1)(i)(B) requires, on the first line under the subheading “Taxes and Other Government Fees” and in the applicable column described in § 1026.38(g), disclosure of the total amounts paid for recording fees, including but not limited to the amounts subject to § 1026.38(g)(1)(i)(A). The total amount disclosed under § 1026.38(g)(1)(i)(B) also includes recording fees expected to be paid to State and local governments for recording any other instrument or document to preserve marketable title or to perfect the creditor's security interest in the property. See comments 37(g)(1)-1, -2, and -3 for discussions of the difference between transfer taxes and recording fees.
38(g)(2) Prepaids.
1. Guidance. For additional guidance on prepaids, see comments 37(g)(2)-1 and -2.
2. Negative prepaid interest. The prepaid interest amount is disclosed as a negative number if the calculation of prepaid interest results in a negative number.
3. No prepaid interest. If interest is not collected for any period between closing and the date from which interest will be collected with the first monthly payment, then $0.00 is disclosed under § 1026.38(g)(2).
4. Interest rate for prepaid interest. The dollar amounts disclosed pursuant to § 1026.38(g)(2) must be based on the interest rate disclosed under § 1026.38(b), as required by § 1026.37(b)(2).
5. Property taxes. For a description of items that constitute property taxes, see comment 43(b)(8)-2.
38(g)(3) Initial escrow payment at closing.
1. Initial escrow account itemization. The creditor must state the amount that it will require the consumer to place into a reserve or escrow account at consummation to be applied to recurring charges for property taxes, homeowner's and similar insurance, mortgage insurance, homeowner's association dues, condominium dues, and other periodic charges. Each periodic charge to be included in the escrow or reserve account must be itemized under the “Initial Escrow Payment at Closing” subheading, with a relevant label, monthly payment amount, and number of months collected at closing.
2. Aggregate accounting. The method used to determine the aggregate adjustment for the purposes of establishing the escrow account is described in 12 CFR 1024.17(d)(2). Examples of this calculation methodology can be found in appendix E to 12 CFR part 1024. The aggregate adjustment, as illustrated by form H-25 of appendix H to this part, is disclosed as the last listed item in the amounts disclosed under § 1026.38(g)(3).
3. Escrowed tax payments for different timeframes. Payments for property taxes that are paid at different time periods can be itemized separately when done in accordance with 12 CFR 1024.17. For example, a general property tax covering a fiscal year from January 1 to December 31 can be listed as a property tax under § 1026.38(g)(3) and a separate property tax to fund schools that cover a fiscal year from November 1 to October 31 can be added as a separate itemized amount under § 1026.38(g)(3).
4. Property taxes. For a description of items that constitute property taxes, see comment 43(b)(8)-2.
5. Definition of escrow account. For a description of the amounts included in the initial escrow account disclosure under § 1026.38(g)(3), see the definition of “escrow account” in 12 CFR 1024.17(b).
38(g)(4) Other.
1. Costs disclosed. The costs disclosed under § 1026.38(g)(4) include all real estate brokerage fees, homeowner's or condominium association charges paid at consummation, home warranties, inspection fees, and other fees that are part of the real estate closing but not required by the creditor or not disclosed elsewhere under § 1026.38.
2. Owner's title insurance premium. In a jurisdiction where simultaneous issuance title insurance rates are permitted, any owner's title insurance premium disclosed under § 1026.38(g)(4) is calculated by using the full owner's title insurance premium, adding any simultaneous issuance premium for issuance of lender's coverage, and then deducting the full premium for lender's coverage disclosed under § 1026.38(f)(2) or (f)(3). Section 1026.38(g)(4)(i) requires that the disclosure of the cost of the premium for an owner's title insurance policy include “Title - ” at the beginning of the label. In addition, § 1026.38(g)(4)(ii) requires that the disclosure of the cost of the premium for an owner's title insurance policy include the parenthetical “(optional)” at the end of the label when designated borrower-paid at or before closing.
3. Guidance. For additional guidance on the use of the term “(optional)” under § 1026.38(g)(4)(ii), see comment 37(g)(4)-3.
4. Real estate commissions. The amount of real estate commissions pursuant to § 1026.38(g)(4) must be the total amount paid to any real estate brokerage as a commission, regardless of the identity of the party holding any earnest money deposit. Additional charges made by real estate brokerages or agents to the seller or consumer are itemized separately as additional items for services rendered, with a description of the service and an identification of the person ultimately receiving the payment.
38(g)(6) Subtotal of costs.
1. Costs subtotaled. The only costs that are subtotaled pursuant to § 1026.38(g)(6) are those costs that are designated borrower-paid at or before closing. Costs that are designated seller-paid at or before closing, or paid by others, are not subtotaled pursuant to § 1026.38(g)(6). The subtotal of charges that are designated seller-paid at or before closing or paid by others is disclosed under § 1026.38(h)(2).
38(h) Closing cost totals.
Paragraph 38(h)(2).
1. Charges paid by seller and by others subtotaled. All loan costs and other costs that are designated seller-paid at or before closing, or paid by others, are also totaled under § 1026.38(h)(2).
Paragraph 38(h)(3).
1. General lender credits. When the consumer receives a generalized credit from the creditor for closing costs, the amount of the credit must be disclosed under § 1026.38(h)(3). However, if such credit is attributable to a specific loan cost or other cost listed in the Closing Cost Details tables, pursuant to § 1026.38(f) or (g), that amount should be reflected in the Paid by Others column in the Closing Cost Details tables under § 1026.38(f) or (g). For a description of lender credits from the creditor, see comment 17(c)(1)-19. For a discussion of general lender credits and lender credits for specific charges, see comment 19(e)(3)(i)-5.
2. Credits for excess charges. Credits from the creditor to offset an amount charged in excess of the limitations described in § 1026.19(e)(3) are disclosed pursuant to § 1026.38(h)(3), along with a statement that such amount was paid to offset an excess charge, with funds other than closing funds. If an excess charge to the consumer is discovered after consummation and a refund provided, the corrected disclosure must be provided to the consumer under § 1026.19(f)(2)(v). For an example, see form H-25(F) of appendix H to this part.
Paragraph 38(h)(4).
1. Consistent terminology and order of charges. On the Closing Disclosure the creditor must label the corresponding services and costs disclosed under § 1026.38(f) and (g) using terminology that describes each item, as applicable, and must use terminology or the prescribed label, as applicable, that is consistent with that used on the Loan Estimate to identify each corresponding item. In addition, § 1026.38(h)(4) requires the creditor to list the items disclosed under each subcategory of charges in a consistent order. If costs move between subheadings under § 1026.38(f)(2) and (f)(3), listing the costs in alphabetical order in each subheading category is considered to be in compliance with § 1026.38(h)(4). See comment 37(f)(5)-1 for guidance regarding the requirement to use terminology that describes the items to be disclosed.
38(i) Calculating cash to close.
1. More prominent disclosures. Section 1026.38(i)(1)(iii), (2)(iii), (3)(iii), (4)(iii), (5)(iii), (6)(iii), (7)(iii), and (8)(iii) requires that statements are given as to whether the “Final” amount disclosed under each subparagraph (ii) of § 1026.38(i)(1) through (i)(8) is different or equal to, and in some cases whether the amount is greater than or less than, the corresponding “Loan Estimate” amount disclosed under each subparagraph (i) of § 1026.38(i)(1) through (i)(8). These statements are more prominent than the other disclosures under § 1026.38(i). The statement of whether the estimated and final amounts are different, stated as a “Yes” or “No” in capital letters and in boldface font, under the subheading “Did this change?,” as shown on form H-25 of appendix H to this part, complies with the requirement to state whether the amounts are different more prominently. Such statement of “No” satisfies the requirement to state that the estimated and final amounts are equal, and these sections do not provide for any narrative text to be included with such statement. The prominence requirement also requires that, in the event an increase or decrease in costs has occurred, certain words within the narrative text to be included under the subheading “Did this change?” for a “Yes” answer are displayed more prominently than other disclosures. For example, under § 1026.38(i)(1)(iii)(A), this more prominent statement could take the form of the phrases “Total Loan Costs” and “Total Other Costs” being shown in boldface, as shown on form H-25 of appendix H to this part. See comments 38(i)-3 and -4 for further guidance regarding the prominence of such statements.
2. Statements of differences. The dollar amounts disclosed under § 1026.38 generally are shown to two decimal places unless otherwise required. See comment 38(t)(4)-1. Any amount in the “Final” column of the calculating cash to close table under § 1026.38(i) is shown to two decimal places unless otherwise required. Under § 1026.38(t)(4)(i)(C), however, any amount in the “Loan Estimate” column of the calculating cash to close table under § 1026.38(i) is rounded to the nearest dollar amount to match the corresponding estimated amount disclosed on the Loan Estimate's calculating cash to close table under § 1026.37(h). For purposes of § 1026.38(i)(1)(iii), (3)(iii), (4)(iii), (5)(iii), (6)(iii), (7)(iii), and (8)(iii), each statement of a change between the amounts disclosed on the Loan Estimate and the Closing Disclosure is based on the actual, non-rounded estimate that would have been disclosed on the Loan Estimate under § 1026.37(h) if it had been shown to two decimal places rather than a whole dollar amount. For example, if the amount in the “Loan Estimate” column of the total closing costs row disclosed under § 1026.38(i)(1)(i) is $12,500, but the non-rounded estimate of total closing costs is $12,500.35, and the amount in the “Final” column of the total closing costs row disclosed under § 1026.38(i)(1)(ii) is $12,500.35, then, even though the table would appear to show a $0.35 increase in total closing costs, no statement of such increase is given under § 1026.38(i)(1)(iii).
3. Statements that the consumer should see details. The provisions of § 1026.38(i)(4)(iii)(A), (5)(iii)(A), (7)(iii)(A), and (8)(iii)(A) each require a statement that the consumer should see certain details of the closing costs disclosed under § 1026.38(j). Form H-25 of appendix H to this part contains some examples of these statements. For example, § 1026.38(i)(5)(iii)(A) requires a statement that the consumer should see the details disclosed under § 1026.38(j)(2)(ii). The following statement, which is similar to that shown on form H-25(B) of appendix H to this part for § 1026.38(i)(7)(iii)(A), “See Deposit in Section L,” in which the words “Section L” are in boldface font, complies with this provision. In addition, for example, the statement “See details in Sections K and L,” in which the words “Sections K and L” are in boldface font, complies with the requirement under § 1026.38(i)(8)(iii)(A). See form H-25(B) of appendix H to this part for an example of the statement required by § 1026.38(i)(8)(iii)(A). See also comment 38(i)(7)(iii)(A)-1 for additional examples that comply with the requirements under § 1026.38(i)(7)(iii)(A).
4. Statements of increases or decreases. The provisions of § 1026.38(i)(4)(iii)(A), (i)(5)(iii)(A), and (i)(6)(iii)(A) each require a statement of whether the amount increased or decreased from the estimated amount. For the statement required by § 1026.38(i)(6)(iii)(A), the statement “This amount increased,” in which the word “increased” is in boldface and is replaced with the word “decreased” as applicable, complies with this requirement. For the statements required by § 1026.38(i)(4)(iii)(A) and (i)(5)(iii)(A), the statement, “You increased this payment,” in which the word “increased” is in boldface and is replaced with the word “decreased” as applicable, complies with these requirements.
5. Estimated amounts. The amounts disclosed in the “Loan Estimate” column of the calculating cash to close table under § 1026.38(i)(1)(i), (3)(i), (4)(i), (5)(i), (6)(i), (7)(i), (8)(i), and (9)(i) are the amounts disclosed on the most recent Loan Estimate provided to the consumer.
38(i)(1) Total closing costs.
Paragraph 38(i)(1)(iii)(A).
1. Statements and references regarding the total loan costs and total other costs. Under § 1026.38(i)(1)(iii)(A), the statements under the subheading “Did this change?” that the consumer should see the total loan costs and total other costs subtotals disclosed on the Closing Disclosure under § 1026.38(f)(4) and (g)(5) is made only if and to the extent the difference in the “Total Closing Costs” is attributable to differences in itemized charges that are included in either or both of such subtotals.
i. For example, if an increase in the “Total Closing Costs” is attributable only to an increase in the appraisal fee (which is an itemized charge on the Closing Disclosure under the subheading “Services Borrower Did Not Shop For,” itself under the heading “Loan Costs”), then a statement is given under the subheading “Did this change?” that the consumer should see the total loan costs subtotal disclosed on the Closing Disclosure under § 1026.38(f)(4). If the increase in “Total Closing Costs” is attributable only to an increase in recording fees (which is an itemized charge on the Closing Disclosure under the subheading “Taxes and Other Government Fees,” itself under the heading “Other Costs”), then a statement is given under the subheading “Did this change?” that the consumer should see the total other costs subtotal disclosed on the Closing Disclosure under § 1026.38(g)(5). If, however, the increase is attributable in part to an increase in the appraisal fee and in part to an increase in the recording fee, then a statement is given under the subheading “Did this change?” that the consumer should see the total loan costs and total other costs subtotals disclosed on the Closing Disclosure under § 1026.38(f)(4) and (g)(5).
ii. For guidance regarding the requirement that this statement be accompanied by a reference to the disclosures of the total loan costs and total other costs under § 1026.38(f)(4) and (g)(5), see comment 38(i)-1. For an example of such reference, see form H-25 of appendix H to this part.
2. Disclosure of excess amounts above limitations on increases in closing costs.
i. Because certain closing costs, individually, are generally subject to the limitations on increases in closing costs under § 1026.19(e)(3)(i) (e.g., fees paid to the creditor, transfer taxes, fees paid to an affiliate of the creditor), while other closing costs are collectively subject to the limitations on increases in closing costs under § 1026.19(e)(3)(ii) (e.g., recording fees, fees paid to an unaffiliated third party identified by the creditor if the creditor permitted the consumer to shop for the service provider), § 1026.38(i)(1)(iii)(A) requires the creditor or closing agent to calculate subtotals for each type of excess amount, and then add such subtotals together to yield the dollar amount to be disclosed in the table. See commentary to § 1026.19(e)(3) for additional guidance on calculating excess amounts above the limitations on increases in closing costs under § 1026.19(e)(3).
ii. Under § 1026.38(i)(1)(iii)(A), calculation of the excess amounts above the limitations on increases in closing costs takes into account that the itemized, estimated closing costs disclosed on the Loan Estimate will not result in charges to the consumer if the service is not actually provided at or before consummation. For example, if the Loan Estimate included under “Services You Cannot Shop For” a $30 charge for a “title courier fee,” but the title company elects to hand-deliver the title documents package to the creditor at no charge, the $30 fee is not factored into the calculation of the “Total Closing Costs” that are subject to the limitations on increases in closing costs. However, if the title courier fee was assessed, but at only $15, the charge is factored into the calculation because the third-party service was actually provided, albeit at a lower amount than estimated.
iii. Under § 1026.38(i)(1)(iii)(A), calculation of the excess amounts above the limitations on increases in closing costs takes into account that certain itemized charges listed on the Loan Estimate under the subheading “Services You Can Shop For” may be subject to different limitations depending on the circumstances. Although § 1026.19(e)(3)(iii) provides exceptions to the general rule, such a charge would generally be subject to the limitations under § 1026.19(e)(3)(i) if the consumer decided to use a provider affiliated with the creditor. However, the same charge would instead be subject to the limitations under § 1026.19(e)(3)(ii) if the consumer selected a third-party service provider unaffiliated with but identified by the creditor, and the creditor permitted the consumer to shop for the service provider. See commentary to § 1026.19(e)(3) for additional guidance on calculating excess amounts above the limitations on increases in closing costs under § 1026.19(e)(3).
3. Statements regarding excess amount and any credit to the consumer. Section 1026.38(i)(1)(iii)(A)(3) requires statements that an increase in closing costs exceeds legal limits by the dollar amount of the excess and a statement directing the consumer to the disclosure of lender credits under § 1026.38(h)(3), or a principal reduction under § 1026.38(j)(1)(v), if either is provided under § 1026.19(f)(2)(v). See form H-25(F) of appendix H to this part for examples of such statements under § 1026.38(h)(3). See also comments 38-4 and 38(h)(3)-2.
38(i)(2) Closing costs paid before closing.
Paragraph 38(i)(2)(i).
1. Estimate of closing costs paid before closing. Under § 1026.38(i)(2)(i), the “Loan Estimate” amount for “Closing Costs Paid Before Closing” is always shown as “$0,” because an estimate of such amount is not disclosed on the Loan Estimate.
Paragraph 38(i)(2)(iii)(B).
1. Equal amount. Under § 1026.38(i)(2)(iii)(B), the creditor or closing agent will give a statement that the “Final” amount disclosed under § 1026.38(i)(2)(ii) is equal to the “Loan Estimate” amount disclosed under § 1026.38(i)(2)(i), only if the “Final” amount is $0, because the “Loan Estimate” amount is always disclosed as $0 pursuant to § 1026.38(i)(2)(i). See comment 38(i)(2)(i)-1.
38(i)(3) Closing costs financed.
1. Calculation of amount.
i. Generally. The amount of closing costs financed disclosed under § 1026.38(i)(3) is determined by subtracting the total amount of payments to third parties not otherwise disclosed under § 1026.38(f) and (g) from the loan amount disclosed under § 1026.38(b). The total amount of payments to third parties includes the sale price of the property disclosed under § 1026.38(j)(1)(ii). Other examples of payments to third parties not otherwise disclosed under § 1026.38(f) and (g) include the amount of construction costs for transactions that involve improvements to be made on the property, and payoffs of secured or unsecured debt. If the result of the calculation is zero or negative, the amount of $0 is disclosed under § 1026.38(i)(3). If the result of the calculation is positive, that amount is disclosed as a negative number under § 1026.38(i)(3), but only to the extent that the absolute value of the amount disclosed under § 1026.38(i)(3) does not exceed the total amount of closing costs disclosed under § 1026.38(h)(1).
ii. Simultaneous subordinate financing. For simultaneous subordinate financing transactions, no sale price will be disclosed under § 1026.38(j)(1)(ii), and therefore no sale price will be included in the closing costs financed calculation as a payment to third parties. The total amount of payments to third parties only includes payments occurring in the simultaneous subordinate financing transaction other than payments toward the sale price.
2. Loan amount. The loan amount disclosed under § 1026.38(b), a component of the closing costs financed calculation, is the total amount the consumer will borrow, as reflected by the face amount of the note.
38(i)(4) Down payment/funds from borrower.
Paragraph 38(i)(4)(ii)(A).
1. Down payment and funds from borrower calculation. Under § 1026.38(i)(4)(ii)(A)(1), the down payment and funds from borrower amount is calculated as the difference between the sale price of the property disclosed under § 1026.38(a)(3)(vii)(A) and the sum of the loan amount disclosed under § 1026.38(b) and any amount of existing loans assumed or taken subject to that is disclosed under § 1026.38(j)(2)(iv), except as required by § 1026.38(i)(4)(ii)(A)(2). The calculation is independent of any loan program or investor requirements. The “Final” amount disclosed for “Down Payment/Funds from Borrower” reflects any change, following delivery of the Loan Estimate, in the amount of down payment and other funds required of the consumer. This change might result, for example, from an increase in the purchase price of the property.
2. Funds for borrower. Section 1026.38(i)(4)(ii)(A)(2) requires that, in a purchase transaction as defined in § 1026.37(a)(9)(i) that is a simultaneous subordinate financing transaction or that involves improvements to be made on the property, or when the sum of the loan amount disclosed under § 1026.38(b) and any amount of existing loans assumed or taken subject to that is disclosed under § 1026.38(j)(2)(iv) exceeds the sale price disclosed under § 1026.38(a)(3)(vii)(A), the amount of funds from the consumer is determined in accordance with § 1026.38(i)(6)(iv). Pursuant to § 1026.38(i)(6)(iv), the “Final” amount of “Down Payment/Funds from Borrower” to be disclosed under § 1026.38(i)(4)(ii)(A)(2) is determined by subtracting the sum of the loan amount and any amount of existing loans assumed or taken subject to that is disclosed under § 1026.38(j)(2)(iv) (excluding any closing costs financed disclosed under § 1026.38(i)(3)(ii)) from the total amount of all existing debt being satisfied in the transaction disclosed under § 1026.38(j)(1)(ii), (iii), and (v). The amount of “Down Payment/Funds from Borrower” under the subheading “Final” is disclosed either as a positive number or $0, depending on the result of the calculation. When the result of the calculation is positive, that amount is disclosed under § 1026.38(i)(4)(ii)(A)(2) as “Down Payment/Funds from Borrower,” and $0 is disclosed under § 1026.38(i)(6)(ii) as “Funds for Borrower.” When the result of the calculation is negative, that amount is disclosed under § 1026.38(i)(6)(ii) as “Funds for Borrower,” and $0 is disclosed under § 1026.38(i)(4)(ii)(A)(2) as “Down Payment/Funds from Borrower.” When the result is $0, $0 is disclosed as “Down Payment/Funds from Borrower” and “Funds for Borrower” under § 1026.38(i)(4)(ii)(A)(2) and (6)(ii), respectively. An increase in the amount of “Down Payment/Funds from Borrower” under the subheading “Final” relative to the corresponding amount under the subheading “Loan Estimate” might result, for example, from a decrease in the loan amount or an increase in the amount of existing debt being satisfied in the transaction. For additional discussion of the determination of the “Down Payment/Funds from Borrower” amount, see comment 38(i)(6)(ii)-1.
Paragraph 38(i)(4)(ii)(B).
1. Funds for borrower. Section 1026.38(i)(4)(ii)(B) requires that, in all transactions not subject to § 1026.38(i)(4)(ii)(A), the “Final” amount disclosed for “Down Payment/Funds from Borrower” is the amount determined in accordance with § 1026.38(i)(6)(iv). Pursuant to § 1026.38(i)(6)(iv), the “Final” amount of “Down Payment/Funds from Borrower” to be disclosed under § 1026.38(i)(4)(ii)(B) is determined by subtracting the sum of the loan amount disclosed under § 1026.38(b) and any amount of existing loans assumed or taken subject to that is disclosed under § 1026.38(j)(2)(iv) (excluding any closing costs financed disclosed under § 1026.38(i)(3)(ii)) from the total amount of all existing debt being satisfied in the transaction disclosed under § 1026.38(j)(1)(ii), (iii), and (v). The “Final” amount of “Down Payment/Funds from Borrower” is disclosed either as a positive number or $0, depending on the result of the calculation. When the result of the calculation is positive, that amount is disclosed under § 1026.38(i)(4)(ii)(B) as “Down Payment/Funds from Borrower,” and $0 is disclosed under § 1026.38(i)(6)(ii) as “Funds for Borrower.” When the result of the calculation is negative, that amount is disclosed under § 1026.38(i)(6)(ii) as “Funds for Borrower,” and $0 is disclosed under § 1026.38(i)(4)(ii)(B) as “Down Payment/Funds from Borrower.” When the result is $0, $0 is disclosed as “Down Payment/Funds from Borrower” and “Funds for Borrower” under § 1026.38(i)(4)(ii)(B) and (6)(ii), respectively. An increase in the “Final” amount of “Down Payment/Funds from Borrower” relative to the corresponding “Loan Estimate” amount might result, for example, from a decrease in the loan amount or an increase in the amount of existing debt being satisfied in the transaction. For additional discussion of the determination of the “Down Payment/Funds from Borrower” amount, see comment 38(i)(6)(ii)-1.
Paragraph 38(i)(4)(iii)(A).
1. Statement of differences. Section 1026.38(i)(4)(iii)(A) requires, as applicable, a statement that the consumer has increased or decreased this payment, along with a statement that the consumer should see the details disclosed under § 1026.38(j)(1) or (j)(2), as applicable. The applicable disclosure to be referenced corresponds to the label on the Closing Disclosure under which the information accounting for the increase in the “Down Payment/Funds from Borrower” amount is disclosed. For example, in a transaction that is a purchase as defined in § 1026.37(a)(9)(i), if the purchase price of the property has increased and therefore caused the “Down Payment/Funds from Borrower” amount to increase, the statement, “You increased this payment. See details in Section K,” with the words “increased” and “Section K” in boldface, complies with this requirement. In a purchase or refinancing transaction, in the event the amount of the credit extended by the creditor has decreased and therefore caused the “Down Payment/Funds from Borrower” amount to increase, the statement can read, for example, “You increased this payment. See details in Section L,” with the same in boldface.
38(i)(5) Deposit.
1. When no deposit. Section 1026.38(i)(5) requires the disclosure in the calculating cash to close table of the deposit required to be disclosed under § 1026.37(h)(1)(iv) and under § 1026.38(j)(2)(ii), under the subheadings “Loan Estimate” and “Final,” respectively. Under § 1026.37(h)(1)(iv), for all transactions other than a purchase transaction as defined in § 1026.37(a)(9)(i), the amount required to be disclosed is $0. In a purchase transaction in which no deposit is paid in connection with the transaction, under §§ 1026.37(h)(1)(iv) and 1026.38(i)(5)(i) and (ii) the amount required to be disclosed is $0.
38(i)(6) Funds for borrower.
Paragraph 38(i)(6)(ii).
1. Final funds for borrower. Section 1026.38(i)(6)(ii) provides that the “Final” amount for “Funds for Borrower” is determined in accordance with § 1026.38(i)(6)(iv). Under § 1026.38(i)(6)(iv), the “Final” amount of “Funds for Borrower” to be disclosed under § 1026.38(i)(6)(ii) is determined by subtracting the sum of the loan amount disclosed under § 1026.38(b) and any amount of existing loans assumed or taken subject to that is disclosed under § 1026.38(j)(2)(iv) (excluding any closing costs financed disclosed under § 1026.38(i)(3)(ii)) from the total amount of all existing debt being satisfied in the transaction disclosed under § 1026.38(j)(1)(ii), (iii), and (v). The amount is disclosed under § 1026.38(i)(6)(ii) either as a negative number or as $0, depending on the result of the calculation. The “Final” amount of “Funds for Borrower” disclosed under § 1026.38(i)(6)(ii) is an amount to be disbursed to the consumer or a designee of the consumer at consummation, if any.
2. No funds for borrower. When the down payment and funds from the borrower is determined in accordance with § 1026.38(i)(4)(ii)(A)(1), the amount disclosed under § 1026.38(i)(6)(ii) as “Funds for Borrower” is $0.
38(i)(7) Seller credits.
Paragraph 38(i)(7)(ii).
1. Final seller credits. Under § 1026.38(i)(7)(ii), the “Final” amount of “Seller Credits” reflects any change, following the delivery of the Loan Estimate, in the amount of funds given by the seller to the consumer for generalized (i.e., lump sum) credits for closing costs or for allowances for items purchased separately (e.g., if the seller is a builder). Seller credits are distinguished from payments by the seller for items attributable to periods of time prior to consummation, which are among the “Adjustments and Other Credits” separately disclosed pursuant to § 1026.38(i)(8). For additional guidance regarding seller credits, see comments 38(j)(2)(v)-1 and -2.
Paragraph 38(i)(7)(iii)(A).
1. Statement that the consumer should see details. Under § 1026.38(i)(7)(iii)(A), if the amount disclosed under § 1026.38(i)(7)(ii) in the “Final” column is not equal to the amount disclosed under § 1026.38(i)(7)(i) in the “Loan Estimate” column (unless the difference is due to rounding), the creditor must disclose a statement that the consumer should see the details disclosed either: (1) Under § 1026.38(j)(2)(v) in the summaries of transactions table and the seller-paid column of the closing cost details table under § 1026.38(f) or (g); or (2) if the difference is attributable only to general seller credits disclosed under § 1026.38(j)(2)(v), or only to specific seller credits disclosed in the seller-paid column of the closing cost details table under § 1026.38(f) or (g), under only the applicable provision. If, for example, a decrease in the seller credits disclosed under § 1026.38(i)(7)(ii) is attributable only to a decrease in general (i.e., lump sum) seller credits, then a statement is given under the subheading “Did this change?” in the calculating cash to close table that the consumer should see the details disclosed under § 1026.38(j)(2)(v) in the summaries of transactions table and the seller-paid column of § 1026.38(f) or (g), or that the consumer should see the details disclosed under § 1026.38(j)(2)(v) in the summaries of transactions table. Form H-25(B) in appendix H to this part demonstrates this disclosure where the decrease in seller credits is attributable only to a decrease in general seller credits and the creditor choses only to reference the applicable provision; form H-25(B)'s statement “See Seller Credits in Section L,” in which the words “Section L” are in boldface font, complies with this requirement. Where the decrease in the seller credits disclosed under § 1026.38(i)(7)(ii) is attributable to specific and general seller credits, or the creditor does not elect to reference only the applicable provision, then a statement is given under the subheading “Did this change?” that the consumer should see both the details disclosed under § 1026.38(j)(2)(v) in the summaries of transactions table and the seller-paid column of the closing cost details table under § 1026.38(f) or (g). For example, the statement “See Seller-Paid column on page 2 and Seller Credits in Section L,” in which the words “Seller-Paid” and “Section L” are in boldface font, complies with this requirement.
38(i)(8) Adjustments and other credits.
Paragraph 38(i)(8)(ii).
1. Adjustments and other credits. Under § 1026.38(i)(8)(ii), the “Final” amount for “Adjustments and Other Credits” would include, for example, prorations of taxes or homeowner's association fees, utilities used but not paid for by the seller, rent collected in advance by the seller from a tenant for a period extending beyond the consummation, and interest on loan assumptions. This category also includes generalized credits toward closing costs given by parties other than the seller. For additional guidance regarding adjustments and other credits, see commentary to §§ 1026.37(h)(1)(vii) and 1026.38(j)(2)(vi) and (xi). If the calculation required by § 1026.38(i)(8)(ii) yields a negative number, the creditor or closing agent discloses the amount as a negative number.
38(i)(9) Cash to close.
Paragraph 38(i)(9)(ii).
1. Final cash to close amount. The “Final” amount of “Cash to Close” disclosed under § 1026.38(i)(9)(ii) is the same as the amount disclosed on the Closing Disclosure as “Cash to Close” under § 1026.38(j)(3)(iii). If the calculation required by § 1026.38(i)(9)(ii) yields a negative number, the creditor or closing agent discloses the amount as a negative number.
2. More prominent disclosure. Section 1026.38(i)(9)(ii) requires that the disclosure of the “Final” amount of “Cash to Close” be more prominent than the other disclosures under § 1026.38(i). Such more prominent disclosure can take the form, for example, of boldface font, as shown on form H-25 of appendix H to this part.
38(j) Summary of borrower's transaction.
1. In general. It is permissible to have two separate Closing Disclosures in a transaction: one that reflects the consumer's costs and credits only, which is provided to the consumer, and one that reflects the seller's costs and credits only, which is provided to the seller. See § 1026.38(t)(5)(v) and (vi). Some State laws may prohibit provision of information about the consumer to the seller and about the seller to the consumer.
2. Addenda. Additional pages may be attached to the Closing Disclosure to add lines, as necessary, to accommodate the complete listing of all items required to be shown on the Closing Disclosure under § 1026.38(j) and (k), and for the purpose of including customary recitals and information used locally in real estate closings (for example, breakdown of payoff figures, a breakdown of the consumer's total monthly mortgage payments, an accounting of debits received and check disbursements, a statement stating receipt of funds, applicable special stipulations between consumer and seller, and the date funds are transferred). See § 1026.38(t)(5)(ix). A reference such as “See attached page for additional information” should be placed in the applicable section of the Closing Disclosure.
3. Identical amounts. The amounts disclosed under the following provisions of § 1026.38(j) are the same as the amounts disclosed under the corresponding provisions of § 1026.38(k): § 1026.38(j)(1)(ii) and (k)(1)(ii); § 1026.38(j)(1)(iii) and (k)(1)(iii); if the amount disclosed under § 1026.38(j)(1)(v) is attributable to contractual adjustments between the consumer and seller, § 1026.38(j)(1)(v) and (k)(1)(iv); § 1026.38(j)(1)(vii) and (k)(1)(vi); § 1026.38(j)(1)(viii) and (k)(1)(vii); § 1026.38(j)(1)(ix) and (k)(1)(viii); § 1026.38(j)(1)(x) and (k)(1)(ix); § 1026.38(j)(2)(iv) and (k)(2)(iv); unless seller contributions toward simultaneous subordinate financing are disclosed under § 1026.38(t)(5)(vii)(B) on the simultaneous subordinate financing Closing Disclosure and § 1026.38(k)(2)(vii) on the first-lien Closing Disclosure, § 1026.38(j)(2)(v) and (k)(2)(vii); § 1026.38(j)(2)(viii) and (k)(2)(x); § 1026.38(j)(2)(ix) and (k)(2)(xi); § 1026.38(j)(2)(x) and (k)(2)(xii); and § 1026.38(j)(2)(xi) and (k)(2)(xiii).
38(j)(1) Itemization of amounts due from borrower.
Paragraph 38(j)(1)(ii).
1. Contract sales price and personal property. Section 1026.38(j)(1)(ii) requires disclosure of the contract sales price of the property being sold, excluding the price of any tangible personal property if the consumer and seller have agreed to a separate price for such items. On the simultaneous subordinate financing Closing Disclosure, no contract sales price is disclosed under § 1026.38(j)(1)(ii). Personal property is defined by State law, but could include such items as carpets, drapes, and appliances. Manufactured homes are not considered personal property under § 1026.38(j)(1)(ii).
Paragraph 38(j)(1)(v).
1. Contractual adjustments. Section 1026.38(j)(1)(v) requires disclosure of amounts not otherwise disclosed under § 1026.38(j) that are owed to the seller but payable to the consumer after the real estate closing. For example, the following items must be disclosed and listed under the heading “Adjustments” under § 1026.38(j), to the extent applicable:
i. The balance in the seller's reserve account held in connection with an existing loan, if assigned to the consumer in a loan assumption transaction;
ii. Any rent that the consumer will collect after the real estate closing for a period of time prior to the real estate closing; and
iii. The treatment of any tenant security deposit.
2. Other consumer charges. The amounts disclosed under § 1026.38(j)(1)(v) which are for charges owed by the consumer at the real estate closing not otherwise disclosed under § 1026.38(f), (g), and (j) will not have a corresponding credit in the summary of the seller's transaction under § 1026.38(k)(1)(iv). For example, the amounts paid to any holders of existing liens on the property in a refinance transaction, construction costs in connection with the transaction that the consumer will be obligated to pay, payoff of other secured or unsecured debt, any outstanding real estate property taxes, and principal reductions are disclosed under § 1026.38(j)(1)(v) without a corresponding credit in the summary of the seller's transaction under § 1026.38(k)(1)(iv). See comment 38-4 for an explanation of how to disclose a principal reduction under § 1026.38(j)(1)(v).
3. Simultaneous subordinate financing Closing Disclosure. On the simultaneous subordinate financing Closing Disclosure, the proceeds of the subordinate financing applied to the first-lien transaction may be included in the summaries of transactions table under § 1026.38(j)(1)(v). See also comments 37(h)(1)(v)-2 and 37(h)(1)(vii)-6 for an explanation of how to disclose on the Loan Estimate amounts that will be disclosed on the Closing Disclosure under § 1026.38(j)(1)(v).
Paragraph 38(j)(1)(x).
1. Additional adjustments. Examples of items for which adjustments may be made include taxes, other than those disclosed pursuant to § 1026.38(j)(1)(vii) and (viii), paid in advance for an entire year or other period, when the real estate closing occurs prior to the expiration of the year or other period for which they were paid. Additional examples of items for which adjustments may be made include:
i. Flood and hazard insurance premiums, if the consumer is being substituted as an insured under the same policy;
ii. Mortgage insurance in loan assumptions;
iii. Planned unit development or condominium association assessments paid in advance;
iv. Fuel or other supplies on hand, purchased by the seller, which the consumer will use when the consumer takes possession of the property; and
v. Ground rent paid in advance.
38(j)(2) Itemization of amounts already paid by or on behalf of borrower.
Paragraph 38(j)(2)(ii).
1. Deposit. All amounts paid into a trust account by the consumer pursuant to the contract of sale for real estate, any addenda thereto, or any other agreement between the consumer and seller must be disclosed under § 1026.38(j)(2)(ii). If there is no deposit paid in a transaction, that amount is left blank on the Closing Disclosure.
2. Reduction of deposit when deposit used to pay for closing charges prior to closing. If the consumer's deposit has been applied toward a charge for a closing cost, the amount applied should not be included in the amount disclosed pursuant to § 1026.38(j)(2)(ii), but instead should be shown on the appropriate line for the closing cost in the Closing Cost Detail tables pursuant to § 1026.38(f) or (g), designated borrower-paid before closing.
Paragraph 38(j)(2)(iii).
1. First user loan. For purposes of § 1026.38(j), a first user loan is a loan to finance construction of a new structure or purchase of a new manufactured home that is known at the time of consummation to be real property under State law, where the structure was constructed for sale or the manufactured home was purchased for purposes of resale and the loan is used as or converted to a loan to finance purchase by the first user. For other loans subject to § 1026.19(f) that finance construction of a new structure or purchase of a manufactured home that is known at the time of consummation to be real property under State law, the sales price of the land and the construction cost or purchase price of the manufactured home should be disclosed separately and the amount of the loan in the current transaction must be disclosed. The remainder of the Closing Disclosure should be completed taking into account adjustments and charges related to the temporary financing and permanent financing that are known at the time of consummation.
Paragraph 38(j)(2)(iv).
1. Assumption of existing loan obligation of seller by consumer. The outstanding amount of any loans that the consumer is assuming, or subject to which the consumer is taking title to the property must be disclosed under § 1026.38(j)(2)(iv). When more than one loan is being assumed, the total amount of all outstanding loans being assumed should be disclosed under § 1026.38(j)(2)(iv).
Paragraph 38(j)(2)(v).
1. General seller credits. When the consumer receives a generalized credit from the seller for closing costs or where the seller (typically a builder) is making an allowance to the consumer for items to purchase separately, the amount of the credit must be disclosed. However, if the seller credit is attributable to a specific loan cost or other cost listed in the Closing Cost Details tables, pursuant to § 1026.38(f) or (g), that amount should be reflected in the seller-paid column in the Closing Cost Details tables under § 1026.38(f) or (g).
2. Other seller credits. Any other obligations of the seller to be paid directly to the consumer, such as for issues identified at a walk-through of the property prior to closing, are disclosed under § 1026.38(j)(2)(v).
Paragraph 38(j)(2)(vi).
1. Credits from any party other than the seller or creditor. Section 1026.38(j)(2)(vi) requires disclosure of a description and the amount of items paid by or on behalf of the consumer and not disclosed elsewhere under § 1026.38(j)(2). For example, credits a consumer receives from a real estate agent or other third party, other than a seller or creditor, are disclosed pursuant to § 1026.38(j)(2)(vi). However, if the credit is attributable to a specific closing cost listed in the Closing Cost Details tables under § 1026.38(f) or (g), that amount should be reflected in the paid by others column on the Closing Cost Details tables and not in the disclosure required under § 1026.38(j)(2)(vi). Similarly, if a real estate agent rebates a portion of the agent's commission to the consumer, the rebate should be listed as a credit along with a description of the rebate, which must include the name of the party giving the credit.
2. Subordinate financing proceeds on first-lien Closing Disclosure. Any financing arrangements or other new loans not otherwise disclosed under § 1026.38(j)(2)(iii) or (iv) must be disclosed under § 1026.38(j)(2)(vi) on the first-lien Closing Disclosure. For example, if the consumer is using a second mortgage loan to finance part of the purchase price, whether from the same creditor, another creditor, or the seller, the principal amount of the second loan must be disclosed with a brief explanation on the first-lien Closing Disclosure. In this example, the principal amount of the subordinate financing is disclosed on the summaries of transactions table for the borrower's transaction either on line 04 under the subheading “L. Paid Already by or on Behalf of Borrower at Closing,” or under the subheading “Other Credits.” If the net proceeds of the subordinate financing are less than the principal amount of the subordinate financing, the net proceeds must also be listed, and may be listed on the same line as the principal amount of the subordinate financing on the first-lien Closing Disclosure. For an example, see form H-25(C) of appendix H to this part.
3. Satisfaction of existing subordinate liens by consumer. For payments to subordinate lien holders by or on behalf of the consumer, disclosure of any amounts paid with funds other than closing funds, as defined under § 1026.38(j)(4)(ii), in connection with the second mortgage payoff are required to be disclosed under § 1026.38(j)(2)(vi), with a statement that such amounts were paid outside of closing funds. For an example, see form H-25(D) of appendix H to this part.
4. Transferred escrow balances. In a refinance transaction, any transferred escrow balance is listed as a credit pursuant to § 1026.38(j)(2)(vi), along with a description of the transferred escrow balance.
5. Gift funds. A credit must be disclosed only for any money or other payments made at closing by third parties, including family members, not otherwise associated with the transaction, along with a description of the nature of the funds provided under § 1026.38(j)(2)(vi). Amounts provided in advance of the real estate closing to consumers by third parties, including family members, not otherwise associated with the transaction, are not required to be disclosed under § 1026.38(j)(2)(vi).
6. Adjustments. Section 1026.38(j)(2)(vi) requires the disclosure of any additional amounts not already disclosed under § 1026.38(f), (g), (h), and (j)(2), that are owed to the consumer but payable to the seller before the real estate closing. The disclosures made under § 1026.38(j)(2)(vi) must also include a description for each disclosed amount. For example, rent paid to the seller from a tenant before the real estate closing for a period extending beyond the real estate closing is disclosed by identifying the amount as rent from a tenant under the heading “Adjustments.” See also § 1026.38(k)(2)(viii), which requires disclosure of a description and amount of any and all other obligations required to be paid by the seller at the real estate closing.
Paragraph 38(j)(2)(xi).
1. Examples. Section 1026.38(j)(2)(xi) requires the disclosure of any amounts the consumer is expected to pay after the real estate closing that are attributable in part to a period of time prior to the real estate closing. Examples of items that would be disclosed under § 1026.38(j)(2)(xi) include:
i. Utilities used but not paid for by the seller; and
ii. Interest on loan assumptions.
38(j)(3) Calculation of borrower's transaction.
Paragraph 38(j)(3)(iii).
1. Stating if amount is due to or from consumer. To comply with § 1026.38(j)(3)(iii), the creditor must state either the cash required from the consumer at closing, or cash payable to the consumer at closing.
2. Methodology. To calculate the cash to close, total the amounts disclosed under § 1026.38(j)(3)(i) and (ii). If that calculation results in a positive amount, the amount is due from the consumer. If the calculation results in a negative amount, the amount is due to the consumer.
38(j)(4) Items paid outside of closing funds.
Paragraph 38(j)(4)(i).
1. Charges not paid with closing funds. Section 1026.38(j)(4)(i) requires that any charges not paid from closing funds but that otherwise are disclosed under § 1026.38(j) be marked as “paid outside of closing” or “P.O.C.” The disclosure must identify the party making the payment, such as the consumer, seller, loan originator, real estate agent, or any other person. For an example of a disclosure of a charge not made from closing funds, see form H-25(D) of appendix H to this part. For an explanation of what constitutes closing funds, see § 1026.38(j)(4)(ii). See also comment 38-4 for an explanation of how to disclose a principal reduction that is not paid from closing funds.
2. Items paid without closing funds not included in sums. Charges that are paid outside of closing funds under § 1026.38(j)(4)(i) should not be included in computing totals under § 1026.38(j)(1) and (j)(2).
38(k) Summary of seller's transaction.
1. Transactions with no seller or simultaneous subordinate financing transactions. Section 1026.38(k) does not apply in a transaction where there is no seller, such as a refinance transaction or a transaction with a construction purpose as defined in § 1026.37(a)(9)(iii), or in a simultaneous subordinate financing purchase transaction as defined in § 1026.37(a)(9)(i) if the first-lien Closing Disclosure records the entirety of the seller's transaction.
2. Extra line items. For guidance regarding the use of addenda for items disclosed on the Closing Disclosure under § 1026.38(k), see comment 38(j)-2.
3. Identical amounts. The amounts disclosed under certain provisions of § 1026.38(k) are the same as the amounts disclosed under certain provisions of § 1026.38(j). See comment 38(j)-3 for a listing of the specific provisions.
38(k)(1) Itemization of amounts due to seller.
1. Simultaneous subordinate financing. Section 1026.38(k) does not apply in a simultaneous subordinate financing purchase transaction as defined in § 1026.37(a)(9)(i) if the first-lien Closing Disclosure records the entirety of the seller's transaction. If § 1026.38(k) applies to a simultaneous subordinate financing transaction, § 1026.38(k) is completed based only on the terms and conditions of the simultaneous subordinate financing transaction and no contract sales price is disclosed under § 1026.38(k)(1)(ii) on the Closing Disclosure for the simultaneous subordinate financing.
38(k)(2) Itemization of amounts due from seller.
Paragraph 38(k)(2)(ii).
1. Distributions of deposit to seller prior to closing. If the deposit or any portion thereof has been disbursed to the seller prior to closing, the amount of the deposit that has been distributed to the seller must be disclosed under § 1026.38(k)(2)(ii).
Paragraph 38(k)(2)(iv).
1. Assumption of existing loan obligation of seller by consumer. If the consumer is assuming or taking title subject to existing liens and the amounts of the outstanding balance of the liens are to be deducted from the sales price, the amounts of the outstanding balance of the liens must be disclosed under § 1026.38(k)(2)(iv).
2. Other seller credits. Any other obligations of the seller to be paid directly to the consumer, such as credits for issues identified at a walk-through of the property prior to the real estate closing, are disclosed under § 1026.38(k)(2)(vii).
Paragraph 38(k)(2)(vii).
1. Simultaneous subordinate financing - seller contribution. If a simultaneous subordinate financing transaction is disclosed with the alternative tables pursuant to § 1026.38(d)(2) and (e), the first-lien Closing Disclosure must include any contributions from the seller toward the simultaneous subordinate financing that are disclosed in the payoffs and payments table under § 1026.38(t)(5)(vii)(B) on the simultaneous subordinate financing Closing Disclosure. For example, assume the simultaneous subordinate financing transaction is disclosed using the alternative tables pursuant to § 1026.38(d)(2) and (e) and the seller contributes $200.00 toward the closing costs of the simultaneous subordinate financing. The simultaneous subordinate financing Closing Disclosure must include the $200.00 contribution in the payoffs and payments table pursuant to § 1026.38(t)(5)(vii)(B) and comments 38(t)(5)(vii)(B)-1 and -2. The first-lien Closing Disclosure must include the $200.00 contribution in the summaries of transactions table for the seller's transaction under § 1026.38(k)(2)(vii).
Paragraph 38(k)(2)(viii).
1. Satisfaction of other seller obligations. Seller obligations, other than second liens, that must be paid off to clear title to the property must be disclosed pursuant to § 1026.38(k)(2)(viii). Examples of disclosures pursuant to § 1026.38(k)(2)(viii) include the satisfaction of outstanding liens imposed due to Federal, State, or local income taxes, real estate property tax liens, judgments against the seller reduced to a lien upon the property, or any other obligations the seller wishes the closing agent to pay from their proceeds at the real estate closing.
2. Consumer satisfaction of outstanding subordinate loans. If the consumer is satisfying existing liens which will not be deducted from the sales price, the amount of the outstanding balance of the loan must be disclosed under § 1026.38(k)(2)(viii). For example, the amount of any second lien which will be paid as part of the real estate closing that is not deducted from the seller's proceeds under § 1026.38(k)(2)(iv), is disclosed under § 1026.38(k)(2)(viii). For payments to the subordinate lien holder, any amounts paid must be disclosed, and other amounts paid by or on behalf of the seller must be disclosed as paid outside of closing funds under § 1026.38(j)(2)(vi). For additional discussion, see comment 38(j)(2)(vi)-2.
3. Escrows held by closing agent for payment of invoices received after consummation. Funds to be held by the closing agent for the payment of either repairs, or water, fuel, or other utility bills that cannot be prorated between the parties at closing because the amounts used by the seller prior to closing are not yet known must be disclosed under § 1026.38(k)(2)(viii). Subsequent disclosure of the actual amount of these post-closing items to be paid from closing funds is optional.
38(k)(3) Calculation of seller's transaction.
1. Stating if amount is due to or from seller. To comply with § 1026.38(k)(3)(iii), the creditor must state either the cash required from the seller at closing, or cash payable to the seller at closing.
2. Methodology. To calculate the cash due to or from the consumer, total the amounts disclosed under § 1026.38(k)(3)(i) and (ii). If that calculation results in a positive amount, the amount is due to the seller. If the calculation results in a negative amount, the amount is due from the seller.
38(k)(4) Items paid outside of closing funds.
1. Guidance. For guidance regarding the disclosure of items paid with funds other than closing funds, see comments 38(j)(4)(i)-1 and -2.
38(l) Loan disclosures.
38(l)(2) Demand feature.
1. Covered features. See comment 18(i)-2 for a description of demand features triggering the disclosure requirements of § 1026.38(l)(2).
38(l)(3) Late payment.
1. Guidance. See the commentary to § 1026.37(m)(4) for guidance on disclosing late payment fees, as required under § 1026.38(l)(3).
38(l)(6) Security interest.
1. Alternate property address. Section 1026.38(l)(6) requires disclosure of the address for the property that secures the credit, including the zip code. If the address is unavailable, § 1026.38(l)(6) requires disclosure of other location information for the property, such as a lot number; however, disclosure of a zip code is required in all instances. For transactions secured by a consumer's interest in a timeshare plan, the creditor may disclose as other location information a lot, square, or other such number or other legal description of the property assigned by the local governing authority, or if no such number or description is available, disclose the name of the timeshare property or properties with a designation indicating that the property is an interest in a timeshare plan.
2. Personal property. Where personal property also secures the credit transaction, a description of that property may be disclosed, at the creditor's option, pursuant to § 1026.38(l)(6). If the form does not provide enough space to disclose a description of personal property to be disclosed under § 1026.38(l)(6), an additional page may be used and appended to the end of the form provided that the creditor complies with the requirements of § 1026.38(t)(3). The creditor may use one addendum to disclose the personal property under § 1026.38(a)(3)(vi) and (l)(6). See comment 38(a)(3)(vi)-1.
38(l)(7) Escrow account.
1. Definition of escrow account. For a description of an escrow account for purposes of the escrow account disclosure under § 1026.38(l)(7), see the definition of “escrow account” in 12 CFR 1024.17(b).
2. Addenda. Additional pages may be attached to the Closing Disclosure to add lines, as necessary, to accommodate the complete listing of all items required to be shown on the Closing Disclosure under § 1026.38(l)(7). See § 1026.38(t)(5)(ix). A reference such as “See attached page for additional information” must be placed in the applicable section of the Closing Disclosure, if an additional page is used to list all items required to be shown.
Paragraph 38(l)(7)(i)(A)(2).
1. Estimated costs not paid by escrow account funds. Section 1026.38(l)(7)(i)(A)(2) requires the creditor to estimate the amount the consumer is likely to pay during the first year after consummation for the mortgage-related obligations described in § 1026.43(b)(8) that are known to the creditor and that will not be paid using escrow account funds. The creditor discloses this amount only if an escrow account will be established.
2. During the first year. Section 1026.38(l)(7)(i)(A)(2) requires disclosure based on payments during the first year after consummation. Alternatively, if the creditor elects to make the disclosures required by § 1026.38(l)(7)(i)(A)(1) and (l)(7)(i)(A)(4) based on amounts derived from the escrow account analysis required under Regulation X, 12 CFR 1024.17, then the creditor may make the disclosures required by § 1026.38(l)(7)(i)(A)(2) based on a 12-month period beginning with the borrower's initial payment date (rather than beginning with consummation). See comment 38(l)(7)(i)(A)(5)-1.
Paragraph 38(l)(7)(i)(A)(4).
1. Estimated costs paid using escrow account funds. The amount the consumer will be required to pay into an escrow account with each periodic payment during the first year after consummation disclosed under § 1026.38(l)(7)(i)(A)(4) is equal to the sum of the amount of estimated escrow payments disclosed under § 1026.38(c)(1) (as described in § 1026.37(c)(2)(iii)) and the amount the consumer will be required to pay into an escrow account to pay some or all of the mortgage insurance premiums disclosed under § 1026.38(c)(1) (as described in § 1026.37(c)(2)(ii)).
Paragraph 38(l)(7)(i)(A)(5).
1. During the first year. Section 1026.38(l)(7)(i)(A)(4) requires disclosure of the amount the consumer will be required to pay into the escrow account with each periodic payment during the first year after consummation. Section 1026.38(l)(7)(i)(A)(1) requires a disclosure, labeled “Escrowed Property Costs over Year 1,” calculated as the amount disclosed under § 1026.38(l)(7)(i)(A)(4) multiplied by the number of periodic payments scheduled to be made to the escrow account during the first year after consummation. For example, creditors may base such disclosures on less than 12 payments if, based on the payment schedule dictated by the legal obligation, fewer than 12 periodic payments will be made to the escrow account during the first year after consummation. Alternatively, § 1026.38(l)(7)(i)(A)(5) permits the creditor to base the disclosures required by § 1026.38(l)(7)(i)(A)(1) and (4) on amounts derived from the escrow account analysis required under Regulation X, 12 CFR 1024.17, even if those disclosures differ from what would otherwise be disclosed under § 1026.38(l)(7)(i)(A)(1) and (4) - as, for example, when there are fewer than 12 periodic payments scheduled to be made to the escrow account during the first year after consummation.
Paragraph 38(l)(7)(i)(B)(1).
1. Estimated costs paid directly by the consumer. The creditor discloses an amount under § 1026.38(l)(7)(i)(B)(1) only if no escrow account will be established.
2. During the first year. Section 1026.38(l)(7)(i)(B)(1) requires disclosure based on payments during the first year after consummation. A creditor may comply with this requirement by basing the disclosure on a 12-month period beginning with the borrower's initial payment date or on a 12-month period beginning with consummation.
38(m) Adjustable payment table.
1. Guidance. See the commentary to § 1026.37(i) for guidance regarding the disclosure required by § 1026.38(m).
2. Master heading. The disclosure required by § 1026.38(m) is required to be provided under a different master heading than the disclosure required by § 1026.37(i), but all other requirements applicable to the disclosure required by § 1026.37(i) apply to the disclosure required by § 1026.38(m).
3. When table is not permitted to be disclosed. Like the disclosure required by § 1026.37(i), the disclosure required by § 1026.38(m) is required only if the periodic principal and interest payment may change after consummation based on a loan term other than on an adjustment to the interest rate or if the transaction is a seasonal payment product as described under § 1026.37(a)(10)(ii)(E). If the transaction does not contain these terms, this table is not permitted on the Closing Disclosure. See comments 37-1 and 37(i)-1.
4. Final loan terms. The disclosures required by § 1026.38(m) must include the information required by § 1026.37(i), as applicable, but the creditor must make the disclosure using the information that is required by § 1026.19(f). See comments 19(f)(1)(i)-1 and -2.
38(n) Adjustable interest rate table.
1. Guidance. See the commentary to § 1026.37(j) for guidance regarding the disclosures required by § 1026.38(n).
2. Master heading. The disclosure required by § 1026.38(n) is required to be provided under a different master heading than the disclosure required by § 1026.37(j), but all other requirements applicable to the disclosure required by § 1026.37(j) apply to the disclosure required by § 1026.38(n).
3. When table is not permitted to be disclosed. Like the disclosure required by § 1026.37(j), the disclosure required by § 1026.38(n) is required only if the interest rate may change after consummation based on the terms of the legal obligation. If the interest rate will not change after consummation, this table is not permitted on the Closing Disclosure. See comments 37-1 and 37(j)-1.
4. Final loan terms. The disclosures required by § 1026.38(n) must include the information required by § 1026.37(j), as applicable, but the creditor must make the disclosure using the information that is known at the time the disclosure is required to be provided by § 1026.19(f).
38(o) Loan calculations.
1. Examples. Section 1026.38(o)(1) and (2) sets forth the accuracy requirements for the total of payments and the finance charge, respectively. The following examples illustrate the interaction of these provisions:
i. Assume that loan costs that are designated borrower-paid at or before closing and that are part of the finance charge (see § 1026.4 for calculation of the finance charge) are understated by more than $100. For example, assume that borrower-paid loan origination fees (see § 1026.4(a)) are cumulatively understated by $150, resulting in the amounts disclosed as the total of payments and the finance charge both being understated by more than $100. Both the disclosed total of payments and the disclosed finance charge would not be accurate for purposes of § 1026.38(o)(1) and (2), respectively.
ii. Assume that loan costs that are designated borrower-paid at or before closing and that are not part of the finance charge are understated by more than $100. For example, assume that borrower-paid property appraisal and inspection fees that are excluded from the finance charge under § 1026.4(c)(7)(iv) are cumulatively understated by $150, resulting in the amount disclosed as the total of payments being understated by more than $100. The disclosed total of payments would not be accurate for purposes of § 1026.38(o)(1), but the disclosed finance charge would be accurate for purposes of § 1026.38(o)(2).
38(o)(1) Total of payments.
1. Calculation of total of payments. The total of payments is the total, expressed as a dollar amount, the consumer will have paid after making all payments of principal, interest, mortgage insurance, and loan costs, as scheduled, through the end of the loan term. The total of payments excludes charges that would otherwise be included as components of the total of payments if such charges are designated on the Closing Disclosure as paid by seller or paid by others. A seller or other party, such as the creditor, may agree to offset payments of principal, interest, mortgage insurance, or loan costs, whether in whole or in part, through a specific credit, for example through a specific seller or lender credit. Because these amounts are not paid by the consumer, they are excluded from the total of payments calculation. Non-specific credits, however, are generalized payments to the consumer that do not pay for a particular fee and therefore do not offset amounts for purposes of the total of payments calculation. For guidance on the amounts included in the total of payments calculation, see the “In 5 Years” disclosure under § 1026.37(l)(1)(i) and comment 37(l)(1)(i)-1. For a discussion of lender credits, see comment 19(e)(3)(i)-5. For a discussion of seller credits, see comment 38(j)(2)(v)-1.
38(o)(2) Finance charge.
1. Calculation of finance charge. The finance charge is calculated in accordance with the requirements of § 1026.4 and its commentary and is expressed as a dollar amount.
2. Disclosure. The finance charge is disclosed as a total amount; the components of the finance charge are not itemized.
38(o)(3) Amount financed.
1. Calculation of amount financed. The amount financed is calculated in accordance with the requirements of § 1026.18(b) and its commentary.
38(o)(5) Total interest percentage.
1. In general. For guidance on calculation and disclosure of the total interest percentage, see § 1026.37(l)(3) and its commentary.
38(p) Other disclosures.
38(p)(1) Appraisal.
1. Applicability. The disclosure required by § 1026.38(p)(1) is only applicable to closed-end transactions subject to § 1026.19(f) that are also subject either to 15 U.S.C. 1639h or 1691(e), as implemented by this part or Regulation B, 12 CFR part 1002, respectively. Accordingly, if a transaction is not subject to either of those provisions, the disclosure required by § 1026.38(p)(1) may be left blank on form H-25 of appendix H to this part.
38(p)(3) Liability after foreclosure.
1. State law requirements. If the creditor forecloses on the property and the proceeds of the foreclosure sale are less than the unpaid balance on the loan, whether the consumer has continued or additional responsibility for the loan balance after foreclosure, and the conditions under which liability occurs, will vary by State. If the applicable State law affords any type of protection, other than a statute of limitations that only limits the timeframe in which a creditor may seek redress, § 1026.38(p)(3) requires a statement that State law may protect the consumer from liability for the unpaid balance.
38(q) Questions notice.
Paragraph 38(q)(3).
1. Prominent question mark. The notice required under § 1026.38(q) includes a prominent question mark. This prominent question mark is an aspect of form H-25 of appendix H to this part, the standard form or model form, as applicable, pursuant to § 1026.38(t). If the creditor deviates from the depiction of the question mark as shown on form H-25, the creditor complies with § 1026.38(q) if (1) the size and location of the question mark on the Closing Disclosure are substantially similar in size and location to the question mark shown on form H-25, and (2) the creditor otherwise complies with § 1026.38(t)(5) regarding permissible changes to the form of the Closing Disclosure.
38(r) Contact information.
1. Each person to be identified. Form H-25 of appendix H to this part includes the contact information required to be disclosed under § 1026.38(r) generally in a five-column tabular format (i.e., there are columns from left to right that disclose the contact information for the creditor, mortgage broker, consumer's real estate broker, seller's real estate broker, and settlement agent). Columns are left blank where no such person is participating in the transaction. For example, if there is no mortgage broker involved in the transaction, the column for the mortgage broker is left blank. Conversely, in the event the transaction involves more than one of each such person (e.g., two sellers' real estate brokers splitting a commission), the space in the contact information table provided on form H-25 of appendix H to this part may be altered to accommodate the information for such persons, provided that the information required by § 1026.38(o),(p),(q),(r) and (s) is disclosed on the same page as illustrated by form H-25. If the space provided on form H-25 does not accommodate the addition of such information, an additional table to accommodate the information may be provided on a separate page, with an appropriate reference to the additional table. A creditor or settlement agent may also omit a column on the table that is inapplicable or, if necessary, replace an inapplicable column with the contact information for the additional person.
2. Name of person. Where § 1026.38(r)(1) calls for disclosure of the name of the person participating in the transaction, the person's legal name (e.g., the name used for registration, incorporation, or chartering purposes), the person's trade name, if any, or an abbreviation of the person's legal name or the trade name is disclosed, so long as the disclosure is clear and conspicuous as required by § 1026.38(t)(1)(i). For example, if the creditor's legal name is “Alpha Beta Chi Bank and Trust Company, N.A.” and its trade name is “ABC Bank,” then under § 1026.38(r)(1) the full legal name, the trade name, or an abbreviation such as “ABC Bank & Trust Co.” may be disclosed. However, the abbreviation “Bank & Trust Co.” is not sufficiently distinct to enable a consumer to identify the person, and therefore would not be clear and conspicuous. If the creditor, mortgage broker, seller's real estate broker, consumer's real estate broker, or settlement agent participating in the transaction is a natural person, the natural person's name is listed in the § 1026.38(r)(1) and (r)(4) disclosures (assuming that such natural person is the primary contact for the consumer or seller, as applicable).
3. Address. The address disclosed under § 1026.38(r)(2) is the identified person's place of business where the primary contact for the transaction is located (usually the local office), rather than a general corporate headquarters address. If a natural person's name is to be disclosed under § 1026.38(r)(1), see comment 38(r)-2, the business address of such natural person is listed (assuming that such natural person is the primary contact for the consumer or seller, as applicable).
4. NMLSR ID. Section 1026.38(r)(3) and (5) requires the disclosure of an NMLSR identification (ID) number for each person identified in the table. The NMLSR ID is a unique number or other identifier that is generally assigned by the Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System & Registry (NMLSR) to individuals registered or licensed through NMLSR to provide loan originating services (for more information, see the Secure and Fair Enforcement for Mortgage Licensing Act of 2008 (SAFE Act) sections 1503(3) and (12) and 1504, 12 U.S.C. 5102(3) and (12) and 5103, and its implementing regulations (i.e., 12 CFR 1007.103(a) and 1008.103(a)(2)). An entity may also have an NMLSR ID. Thus, any NMLSR ID that is obtained by a creditor or mortgage broker entity disclosed under § 1026.38(r)(1), as applicable, or a natural person disclosed under § 1026.38(r)(4), either as required under the SAFE Act or otherwise, is disclosed. If the creditor, mortgage broker, or natural person has an NMLSR ID and a separate license number or unique identifier issued by the applicable State, locality, or other regulatory body with responsibility for licensing and/or registering such entity or person's business activities, both the NMLSR ID and the separate license number or unique identifier may be disclosed. The space in the table is left blank for the disclosures in the columns corresponding to persons that have no NMLSR ID to be disclosed under § 1026.38(r)(3) and (5); provided that, the creditor may omit the column from the table or, if necessary, replace the column with the contact information for an additional person. See comment 38(r)-1.
5. License number or unique identifier. Section 1026.38(r)(3) and (5) requires the disclosure of a license number or unique identifier for each person (including natural persons) identified in the table who does not have a NMLSR ID if the applicable State, locality, or other regulatory body with responsibility for licensing and/or registering such person's business activities has issued a license number or other unique identifier to such person under § 1026.38(r)(3) and (5). The space in the table is left blank for the disclosures in the columns corresponding to persons who are not subject to the issuance of such a license number or unique identifier to be disclosed under § 1026.38(r)(3) and (5); provided that, the creditor or settlement agent may omit the column from the table or, if necessary, replace the column with the contact information for an additional person. See comment 38(r)-1. In addition, under § 1026.38(r)(3) and (5), the abbreviation of the State or the jurisdiction or regulatory body that issued such license or registration is required to be included before the word “License” in the label required by § 1026.37(r)(3) and (5). If no such license or registration is required to be disclosed, such as if an NMLSR number is disclosed, the space provided for such an abbreviation in form H-25 of appendix H to this part may be left blank. A creditor complies with the requirements of § 1026.38(r)(3) and (5) to disclose the abbreviation of the State by disclosing a U.S. Postal Service State abbreviation, if applicable.
6. Contact. Section 1026.38(r)(4) requires the disclosure of the primary contact for the consumer. The primary contact is the natural person employed by the person disclosed under § 1026.38(r)(1) who interacts most frequently with the consumer and who has an NMLSR ID or, if none, a license number or other unique identifier to be disclosed under § 1026.38(r)(5), as applicable. For example, if the senior loan officer employed by the creditor or mortgage broker disclosed under § 1026.38(r)(1) has an NMLSR ID, but the consumer meets with a different loan officer to complete the application and answer questions, the senior loan officer's name is disclosed under § 1026.38(r)(4) unless the other loan officer also has an NMLSR ID, in which case the other loan officer's name is disclosed. Further, if the sales agent employed by the consumer's real estate broker disclosed under § 1026.38(r)(1) has a State-issued brokers' license number, but the consumer meets with an associate sales agent to tour the property being purchased and complete the sales contract, the sales agent's name is disclosed under § 1026.38(r)(4) unless the associate sales agent also has a State-issued license number, in which case the associate sales agent's name is disclosed. Moreover, if the closing attorney employed by the settlement agent disclosed under § 1026.38(r)(1) has a State-issued settlement agent license number, but the consumer meets with the attorney's assistant to fill out any necessary documentation prior to the closing and to answer questions, the closing attorney's name is disclosed under § 1026.38(r)(4) because the assistant is only performing clerical functions.
7. Email address and phone number. Section 1026.38(r)(6) and (7) requires disclosure of the email address and phone number, respectively, for the persons listed in § 1026.37(r)(4). Disclosure of a general number or email address for the lender, mortgage broker, real estate broker, or settlement agent, as applicable, satisfies this requirement if no such information is generally available for such person.
38(s) Signature statement.
1. General requirements. See the commentary to § 1026.37(n) for guidance regarding the optional signature requirements and signature lines for multiple consumers.
38(t) Form of disclosures.
38(t)(1) General requirements.
1. Clear and conspicuous; segregation. The clear and conspicuous standard requires that the disclosures required by § 1026.38 be legible and in a readily understandable form. The disclosures also must be grouped together and segregated from everything else. As required by § 1026.38(t)(3), the disclosures for any transaction that is a federally related mortgage loan under Regulation X, 12 CFR 1024.2, must be made using the standard form H-25 of appendix H to this part. Accordingly, use of that form constitutes compliance with the clear and conspicuous and segregation requirements of § 1026.38(t)(1).
2. Balloon payment financing with leasing characteristics. In certain credit sale or loan transactions, a consumer may reduce the dollar amount of the payments to be made during the course of the transaction by agreeing to make, at the end of the loan term, a large final payment based on the expected residual value of the property. The consumer may have a number of options with respect to the final payment, including, among other things, retaining the property and making the final payment, refinancing the final payment, or transferring the property to the creditor in lieu of the final payment. Such transactions may have some of the characteristics of lease transactions subject to Regulation M (12 CFR part 1013), but are considered credit transactions where the consumer assumes the indicia of ownership, including the risks, burdens and benefits of ownership, upon consummation. These transactions are governed by the disclosure requirements of this part instead of Regulation M. Under § 1026.38(t)(1)(ii), creditors may not include any additional information in the disclosures required by § 1026.38. Thus, the disclosures must show the large final payment as a balloon payment in the projected payments table required by § 1026.38(c) and should not, for example, reflect the other options available to the consumer at maturity.
38(t)(2) Headings and labels.
1. Estimated amounts. Certain amounts are estimated when provided on the disclosure required by § 1026.37. When disclosed as required by § 1026.38, however, many of the corresponding disclosures must be actual amounts rather than estimates in accordance with the requirements of § 1026.19(f), even though the provision of § 1026.38 cross-references a counterpart in § 1026.37. Section 1026.38(t)(2) provides that, if a master heading, heading, subheading, label, or similar designation contains the word “estimated” in form H-25 of appendix H to this part, that heading, label, or similar designation shall contain the word “estimated.” Thus, § 1026.38(t)(2) incorporates the “estimated” designations reflected on form H-25 into the requirements of § 1026.38. See comment 37(o)(2)-1.
38(t)(3) Form.
1. Non-federally related mortgage loans. For a transaction that is not a federally related mortgage loan, the creditor is not required to use form H-25 of appendix H to this part, although its use as a model form for such transactions, if properly completed with accurate content, constitutes compliance with the clear and conspicuous and segregation requirements of § 1026.38(t)(1)(i). Even when the creditor elects not to use the model form, § 1026.38(t)(1)(ii) requires that the disclosures contain only the information required by § 1026.38(a) through (s), and that the creditor make the disclosures in the same order as they occur in form H-25, use the same headings, labels, and similar designations as used in the form (many of which also are expressly required by § 1026.38(a) through (s)), and position the disclosures relative to those designations in the same manner as shown in the form. In order to be in a format substantially similar to form H-25, the disclosures required by § 1026.38 must be provided on letter size (8.5″ x 11″) paper.
38(t)(4) Rounding.
1. Generally. Consistent with § 1026.2(b)(4), any amount required to be disclosed by § 1026.38 and not required to be rounded by § 1026.38(t)(4) must be disclosed as an exact numerical amount using decimal places where applicable, unless otherwise provided. For example, under § 1026.38(t)(4), the principal and interest payment disclosed under § 1026.37(b)(3) and § 1026.38(b) must be disclosed using decimal places even if the amount of cents is zero, in contrast to the loan amount disclosed under § 1026.37(b)(1) and § 1026.38(b).
2. Guidance. For guidance regarding the requirements of § 1026.38(t)(4), see the commentary to § 1026.37(o)(4).
38(t)(5) Exceptions.
1. Permissible changes. The changes required and permitted by § 1026.38(t)(5) are permitted for federally related mortgage loans for which the use of form H-25 is required under § 1026.38(t)(3). For non-federally related mortgage loans, the changes required or permitted by § 1026.38(t)(5), do not affect the substance, clarity, or meaningful sequence of the disclosure and therefore, are permissible. Any changes to the disclosure not specified in § 1026.38(t)(5) or not permitted by other provisions of § 1026.38 are not permissible for federally related mortgage loans. Creditors in non-federally related mortgage loans making any changes that affect the substance, clarity, or meaningful sequence of the disclosure will lose their protection from civil liability under TILA section 130.
2. Manual completion. The creditor, or settlement agent preparing the form, under § 1026.19(f)(1)(v) is not required to use a computer, typewriter, or other word processor to complete the disclosure required by § 1026.38. The creditor or settlement agent may fill in information and amounts required to be disclosed by § 1026.38 on form H-25 of appendix H to this part by hand printing or using any other method, provided the person produces clear and legible text and uses the formatting required by § 1026.38, including replicating bold font where required.
3. Unit-period. Section 1026.38(t)(5)(i) provides that wherever form H-25 or § 1026.38 uses “monthly” to describe the frequency of any payments or uses “month” to describe the applicable unit-period, the creditor is required to substitute the appropriate term to reflect the fact that the transaction's terms provide for other than monthly periodic payments, such as bi-weekly or quarterly payments. For purposes of § 1026.38, the term “unit-period” has the same meaning as in appendix J to Regulation Z.
4. Signature lines. Section 1026.38(t) does not restrict the addition of signature lines to the disclosure required by § 1026.38, provided any signature lines for confirmations of receipt of the disclosure appear only under the “Confirm Receipt” heading required by § 1026.38(s) as illustrated by form H-25 of appendix H to this part. If the number of signatures requested by the creditor for confirming receipt of the disclosure requires space for signature lines in excess of that provided on form H-25, an additional page may be added to accommodate the additional signature lines with an appropriate reference to the additional page. Such additional page should also contain the heading and statement required by § 1026.38(s) in the format provided on form H-25. Signatures for a purpose other than confirming receipt of the form may be obtained on a separate page, and consistent with § 1026.38(t)(1)(i), not on the same page as the information required by § 1026.38.
5. Additional page. Information required or permitted to be disclosed by § 1026.38 on a separate page should be formatted similarly to form H-25 of appendix H to this part, so as not to affect the substance, clarity, or meaningful sequence of the disclosure. In addition, information provided on additional pages should be consolidated on as few pages as necessary so as not to affect the substance, clarity, or meaningful sequence of the disclosure.
6. Page numbers. References required by provisions of § 1026.38 to information disclosed pursuant to other provisions of the section, as illustrated on form H-25 of appendix H, may be altered to refer to the appropriate page number of the form containing such information.
7. Translation. Section 1026.38(t)(5)(viii) permits the translation of form H-25 into languages other than English, similar to § 1026.37(o)(5)(ii). Pursuant § 1026.38(t)(5)(viii) creditors may modify form H-25 to the extent that translation prevents the headings, labels, designations, and required disclosure items under § 1026.38 from fitting in the space provided on form H-25. For example, if the translation of a required label does not fit within the line provided for such label in form H-25, the label may be disclosed over two lines. See form H-28 of appendix H to this part for Spanish translations of form H-25.
38(t)(5)(iv) Closing Cost Details.
1. Line numbers; closing cost details. Section 1026.38(t)(5)(iv)(A) permits the deletion of unused lines from the disclosures required by § 1026.38(f)(1) through (3) and (g)(1) through (4), if necessary to allow the addition of lines to other sections that require them for the required disclosures. This provision permits creditors and settlement agents to use the space gained from deleting unused lines for additional lines to accommodate all of the costs that are required to be itemized. For example, if the only origination charge required by § 1026.38(f)(1) is points, the remaining seven lines illustrated on form H-25 of appendix H to this part may be deleted and added to the disclosure required by § 1026.38(g)(4), if seven lines in addition to those provided on form H-25 are necessary to accommodate such disclosure.
2. Two pages; closing cost details. Section 1026.38(t)(5)(iv)(B) permits the disclosure of the information required by § 1026.38(f) through (h) over two pages, but only if form H-25 of appendix H to this part, as modified pursuant to § 1026.38(t)(5)(iv)(A), does not accommodate all of the costs required to be disclosed on one page. If the deletion of unused lines and the addition of such lines to other sections permits the disclosures required by § 1026.38(f) through (h) to fit on one page, modification pursuant to § 1026.38(t)(5)(iv)(B) is not permissible.
3. Separate pages for Loan Costs and Other Costs. The modification permitted by § 1026.38(t)(5)(iv)(B) allows the information required by § 1026.38(f) through (h) to be disclosed over two pages, numbered as “2a” and “2b.” For an example of such a modification, see form H-25(H) of appendix H to this part. Under this modification, the information required by § 1026.38(h) must remain on the same page as the information required by § 1026.38(g). Accordingly, the Loan Costs section of form H-25 may appear on its own page “2a,” but the Other Costs section must appear on the same page as the Total Closing Costs section on page “2b.” The modifications permitted by § 1026.38(t)(5)(iv)(A) and (B) may be used in conjunction to ensure disclosure of § 1026.38(f) on one page and § 1026.38(g) and (h) on a separate page.
38(t)(5)(v) Separation of consumer and seller information.
1. Permissible form modifications to separate consumer and seller information. The modifications to the form permitted by § 1026.38(t)(5)(v) may be made by the creditor in any one of the following ways:
i. Leave the applicable disclosure blank concerning the seller or consumer on the form provided to the other party;
ii. Omit the table or label, as applicable, for the disclosure concerning the seller or consumer on the form provided to the other party; or
iii. Provide to the seller, or assist the settlement agent in providing to the seller, a modified version of the form under § 1026.38(t)(5)(vi), as illustrated by form H-25(I) of appendix H to this part.
2. Provision of separate disclosure to consumer. If applicable State law prohibits sharing with the consumer the information disclosed under § 1026.38(k), a creditor may provide a separate form to the consumer. A creditor may also provide a separate form to the consumer in any other situation where the creditor in its discretion chooses to do so, such as based on the seller's request. For the permissible form modifications to separate consumer and seller information, see comment 38(t)(5)(v)-1.
3. Provision of separate disclosure to seller. To separate the information of the consumer and seller under § 1026.38(t)(5)(v), a creditor may assist the settlement agent in providing (or provide when acting as a settlement agent) a separate form to the seller where applicable State law prohibits sharing with the seller the information disclosed under § 1026.38(a)(2), (a)(4)(iii), (a)(5), (b) through (d), (f), or (g), with respect to closing costs paid by the consumer, or § 1026.38(i), (j), (l) through (p), or (r), with respect to closing costs paid by the creditor and mortgage broker. A creditor may also assist the settlement agent in providing (or provide when acting as a settlement agent) a separate form to the seller in any other situation where the creditor in its discretion chooses to do so, such as based on the consumer's request. For the permissible form modifications to separate consumer and seller information, see comment 38(t)(5)(v)-1.
38(t)(5)(vi) Modified version of the form for a seller or third-party.
1. For permissible form modifications to separate consumer and seller information, see comment 38(t)(5)(v)-1.
38(t)(5)(vii) Transaction without a seller or simultaneous subordinate financing transaction.
1. Alternative tables. The alternative tables pursuant to § 1026.38(d)(2) and (e) are required to be disclosed to use the modification permitted under § 1026.38(t)(5)(vii).
2. Appraised property value. The modifications permitted by § 1026.38(t)(5)(vii) do not specifically refer to the label required by § 1026.38(a)(3)(vii)(B) for transactions that do not involve a seller, because the label is required by that section and therefore is not a modification. As required by § 1026.38(a)(3)(vii)(B), a form used for a transaction that does not involve a seller and is modified under § 1026.38(t)(5)(vii) must contain the label “Appraised Prop. Value” or “Estimated Prop. Value” where there is no appraisal.
Paragraph 38(t)(5)(vii)(B).
1. Amounts paid by third parties. Under § 1026.38(t)(5)(vii)(B), the payoffs and payments table itemizes the amounts of payments made at closing to other parties from the credit extended to the consumer or funds provided by the consumer, including designees of the consumer. Designees of the consumer for purposes of § 1026.38(t)(5)(vii)(B) include third parties who provide funds on behalf of the consumer. Such amounts may be disclosed as credits in the payoffs and payments table. Some examples of amounts paid by third parties that may be disclosed as credits on the payoffs and payments table under § 1026.38(t)(5)(vii)(B) include gift funds, grants, proceeds from loans that satisfy the partial exemption criteria in § 1026.3(h), and, on the Closing Disclosure for a simultaneous subordinate financing transaction, contributions from a seller for costs associated with the subordinate financing.
2. Disclosure of subordinate financing. i. First-lien Closing Disclosure. On the Closing Disclosure for a first-lien transaction disclosed with the alternative tables pursuant to § 1026.38(d)(2) and (e), such as a refinance transaction, that also has simultaneous subordinate financing, the proceeds of the subordinate financing are included in the payoffs and payments table under § 1026.38(t)(5)(vii)(B) by disclosing, as a credit, the principal amount of the subordinate financing, and, if the net proceeds of the subordinate financing are less than the principal amount of the subordinate financing, the net proceeds. The creditor may list the principal amount and net proceeds of the subordinate financing on the same line. For example, the creditor may disclose the principal amount of the subordinate financing under the subheading “To” with a description of the payment, and the net proceeds of the subordinate financing under the subheading “Amount.”
ii. Simultaneous subordinate financing Closing Disclosure. On the Closing Disclosure for a simultaneous subordinate financing transaction disclosed with the alternative tables pursuant to § 1026.38(d)(2) and (e), the proceeds of the subordinate financing applied to the first-lien transaction may be included in the payoffs and payments table under § 1026.38(t)(5)(vii)(B).
iii. Simultaneous subordinate financing - seller contribution. If a creditor discloses the alternative tables pursuant to § 1026.38(d)(2) and (e) on the simultaneous subordinate financing Closing Disclosure, the creditor must also disclose as a credit in the payoffs and payments table on the simultaneous subordinate financing Closing Disclosure, any contributions from the seller toward the simultaneous subordinate financing. For example, assume the subordinate-lien creditor provides the alternative tables pursuant to § 1026.38(d)(2) and (e) on the simultaneous subordinate financing Closing Disclosure and the seller contributes $200.00 toward the closing costs of the simultaneous subordinate financing. The subordinate-lien creditor must disclose the $200.00 contribution as a credit on the simultaneous subordinate financing Closing Disclosure in the payoffs and payments table under § 1026.38(t)(5)(vii)(B). See also comments 38(j)-3 and 38(k)(2)(vii)-1 for disclosure requirements applicable to the first-lien transaction when the alternative disclosures are used for a simultaneous subordinate financing transaction and a seller contributes to the costs of the subordinate financing.
3. Other examples. For additional examples of items disclosed under § 1026.38(t)(5)(vii)(B), see comment 37(h)(2)(iii)-1. See also comment 38-4 for an explanation of how to disclose a principal reduction under § 1026.38(t)(5)(vii)(B).
38(t)(5)(ix) Customary recitals and information.
1. Customary recitals and information. Section 1026.38(t)(5)(ix) permits an additional page to be added to the disclosure for customary recitals and information used locally in real estate settlements. Examples of such information include a breakdown of payoff figures, a breakdown of the consumer's total monthly mortgage payments, check disbursements, a statement indicating receipt of funds, applicable special stipulations between buyer and seller, and the date funds are transferred.