As a result of the foreclosure robo-signing mess uncovered last September, loan servicers are facing new federal and state requirements outlined in a draft settlement proposal last week.  Here are the highlights that could provide greater protection for homeowners:

  • Servicers would agree to stop dual tracking.   Hard to believe, but currently many companies will pursue foreclosure, even while the borrower is trying to get a loan modification.    This new requirement would mean that foreclosure processing would be put on hold during the loan modification process.
  • Servicers would be required to review any loan modification that is denied.  They would also have to implement a system whereby the borrower would have 10 days to appeal a modification denial.
  • Most significant is the provision that would require servicers to “implement processes reasonably designed to ensure that factual assertions made in pleadings, declarations, affidavits, or other sworn statements filed by or on behalf of the servicer are accurate and complete.”  This would help alleviate the problem of minimum wage processors signing-off on foreclosures.
  • The proposal also states that servicers may not develop compensation programs for employees that encourage foreclosure over modification or other options.   And yes, that was in place at some institutions.
  • And lastly, servicers would be required to offer one point of contact to borrowers trying to complete a loan modification, short sale or forbearance agreement.   Finally!  This alone should improve the process, or at least lessen the frustration level of speaking with a different person every time the borrower calls.

Do I think this will improve loss mitigation for borrowers?  Let’s say I’m cautiously optimistic.  At the end of the day of course, any regulation is only as good as the enforcement that backs it.

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