Lenders Rush to Implement New Disclosure Rules

Mortgage companies are scrambling to implement an over-looked Truth-in-Lending Act rule that goes into effect July 30 requiring timely delivery of the good faith estimate on home purchases, refinancings, and home equity loans. On applications taken after July 29, lenders must deliver the GFE to the borrower within three business days and they cannot collect any fees before delivery — except for the credit report. The TILA rule also requires lenders to "wait seven business days after they provide the early disclosures before closing the loan," according to the Federal Reserve Board. If the financing charges or annual percentage rate changes, the lender must provide a new disclosure with the revised APR "and wait another three business days before closing the loan," the Fed says. Consumers can waive this three-day waiting period in emergency situations such as a foreclosure. The Fed approved the rule on May 8. The FDIC recently reminded lenders about banks about the rule.