[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 248 (Thursday, December 26, 2013)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 78520-78588]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-30108]



[[Page 78519]]

Vol. 78

Thursday,

No. 248

December 26, 2013

Part II





Department of the Treasury





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Office of the Comptroller of the Currency





Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System





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Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection





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12 CFR Parts 34, 226, and 1026





Appraisals for Higher-Priced Mortgage Loans; Final Rule

  Federal Register / Vol. 78 , No. 248 / Thursday, December 26, 2013 / 
Rules and Regulations  

[[Page 78520]]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY

Office of the Comptroller of the Currency

12 CFR Part 34

[Docket No. OCC-2013-0009]
RIN 1557-AD70

BOARD OF GOVERNORS OF THE FEDERAL RESERVE SYSTEM

12 CFR Part 226

[Docket No. R-1443]
RIN 7100-AD90

BUREAU OF CONSUMER FINANCIAL PROTECTION

12 CFR Part 1026

[Docket No. CFPB-2013-0020]
RIN 3170-AA11


Appraisals for Higher-Priced Mortgage Loans

AGENCY: Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (Board); 
Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection (Bureau); Federal Deposit 
Insurance Corporation (FDIC); Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA); 
National Credit Union Administration (NCUA); and Office of the 
Comptroller of the Currency, Treasury (OCC).

ACTION: Supplemental final rule; official staff commentary.

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SUMMARY: The Board, Bureau, FDIC, FHFA, NCUA, and OCC (collectively, 
the Agencies) are amending Regulation Z, which implements the Truth in 
Lending Act (TILA), and the official interpretation to the regulation. 
This final rule supplements a final rule issued by the Agencies on 
January 18, 2013, which goes into effect on January 18, 2014. The 
January 2013 Final Rule implements a provision added to TILA by the 
Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the Dodd-
Frank Act or Act) requiring appraisals for ``higher-risk mortgages.'' 
For certain mortgages with an annual percentage rate that exceeds the 
average prime offer rate by a specified percentage, the January 2013 
Final Rule requires creditors to obtain an appraisal or appraisals 
meeting certain specified standards, provide applicants with a 
notification regarding the use of the appraisals, and give applicants a 
copy of the written appraisals used. On July 10, 2013, the Agencies 
proposed amendments to the January 2013 Final Rule implementing these 
requirements. Specifically, the Agencies proposed exemptions from the 
rules for transactions secured by existing manufactured homes and not 
land; certain streamlined refinancings; and transactions of $25,000 or 
less.

DATES: This final rule is effective on January 18, 2014. Alternative 
provisions regarding manufactured home loans in amendatory instructions 
3b and 5f (12 CFR 34.203(b)(8) and 12 CFR part 34, appendix C, 
34.203(b)(8) entry OCC), 12 CFR 226.43(b)(8) Board, and 12 CFR 
1026.35(c)(2)(viii) CFPB, are effective July 18, 2015.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: OCC: Robert L. Parson, Appraisal 
Policy Specialist, at (202) 649-6423, G. Kevin Lawton, Appraiser (Real 
Estate Specialist), at (202) 649-7152, Charlotte M. Bahin, Senior 
Counsel or Mitchell Plave, Special Counsel, Legislative & Regulatory 
Activities Division, at (202) 649-5490, Krista LaBelle, Special 
Counsel, Community and Consumer Law Division, at (202) 649-6350, or 400 
Seventh Street SW., Washington, DC 20219.
    Board: Lorna Neill or Mandie Aubrey, Counsels, Division of Consumer 
and Community Affairs, at (202) 452-3667, Carmen Holly, Supervisory 
Financial Analyst, Division of Banking Supervision and Regulation, at 
(202) 973-6122, or Kara Handzlik, Counsel, Legal Division, at (202) 
452-3852, Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, Washington, 
DC 20551.
    FDIC: Beverlea S. Gardner, Senior Examination Specialist, Risk 
Management Section, at (202) 898-3640, Sandra S. Barker, Senior Policy 
Analyst, Division of Consumer Protection, at (202) 898-3615, Mark 
Mellon, Counsel, Legal Division, at (202) 898-3884, Kimberly Stock, 
Counsel, Legal Division, at (202) 898-3815, or Benjamin Gibbs, Senior 
Regional Attorney, at (678) 916-2458, Federal Deposit Insurance 
Corporation, 550 17th St, NW., Washington, DC 20429.
    NCUA: John Brolin, Staff Attorney, Office of General Counsel, at 
(703) 518-6540, or Vincent Vieten, Program Officer, Office of 
Examination and Insurance, at (703) 518-6360, or 1775 Duke Street, 
Alexandria, Virginia, 22314.
    Bureau: Owen Bonheimer, Counsel, or William W. Matchneer, Senior 
Counsel, Division of Research, Markets, and Regulations, Bureau of 
Consumer Financial Protection, 1700 G Street NW., Washington, DC 20552, 
at (202) 435-7000.
    FHFA: Robert Witt, Senior Policy Analyst, at 202-649-3128, or Ming-
Yuen Meyer-Fong, Assistant General Counsel, Office of General Counsel, 
(202) 649-3078, Federal Housing Finance Agency, 400 Seventh Street SW., 
Washington, DC 20024.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

I. Summary of the Final Rule

    As discussed in detail under part II of this SUPPLEMENTARY 
INFORMATION, section 1471 of the Dodd-Frank Act created new TILA 
section 129H, which establishes special appraisal requirements for 
``higher-risk mortgages.'' 15 U.S.C. 1639h. The Agencies adopted a 
final rule on January 18, 2013 (January 2013 Final Rule; 78 FR 10368 
(Feb. 13, 2013)) to implement these requirements (adopting the term 
``higher-priced mortgage loans'' (HPMLs) instead of ``higher-risk 
mortgages''). The Agencies believe that several additional exemptions 
from the new appraisal rules are appropriate. Specifically, the 
Agencies are adopting exemptions for certain types of refinancings and 
transactions of $25,000 or less (indexed for inflation). The Agencies 
are also adopting a temporary exemption of 18 months (until July 18, 
2015) for all loans secured in whole or in part by a manufactured home. 
Starting on July 18, 2015, transactions secured by a new manufactured 
home and land will be exempt from the requirement that the appraisal 
include a physical inspection of the interior of the property; 
transactions secured by an existing (used) manufactured home and land 
will not be exempt from the rules; and transactions secured solely by a 
manufactured home and not land will be exempt from the rules if the 
creditor gives the consumer one of three types of information about the 
home's value, discussed in more detail below.
    The Agencies are not adopting the proposed definition of ``business 
day'' that would have differed from the definition used in the January 
2013 Final Rule. A revision to the exemption for ``qualified 
mortgages'' is adopted that is similar to the proposed revision, as 
well as a few proposed non-substantive technical corrections.

A. Exemption for Extensions of Credit of $25,000 or Less

    The Agencies are adopting without change the proposed exemption 
from the HPML appraisal rules for extensions of credit of $25,000 or 
less, indexed every year for inflation.

B. Exemption for Certain Refinancings

    The Agencies also are adopting an exemption from the HPML appraisal 
rules for certain types of refinancings with characteristics common to 
refinance products often referred to as

[[Page 78521]]

streamlined refinances. Consistent with the proposal, the final rule 
exempts a refinancing where the holder of the credit risk of the 
existing obligation remains the same on the refinancing. The final rule 
includes revised terminology and additional examples in Official Staff 
Commentary to clarify the meaning of this requirement. In addition, the 
periodic payments under the refinance loan must not result in negative 
amortization, cover only interest on the loan, or result in a balloon 
payment. Finally, the proceeds from the refinance loan may only be used 
to pay off the existing obligation and to pay closing or settlement 
charges.

C. Exemption for Transactions Secured in Whole or in Part by a 
Manufactured Home

    All loans secured in whole or in part by a manufactured home will 
be exempt from the HPML appraisal rules for 18 months, until July 18, 
2015. For loan applications received on or July 18, 2015, the following 
changes will apply:
    Transactions secured by a new manufactured home and land will be 
exempt from the requirement that the appraisal include a physical 
inspection of the interior of the property, but will be subject to all 
other HPML appraisal requirements.
    Transactions secured by an existing (used) manufactured home and 
land will not be exempt from the rules.
    Transactions secured solely by a manufactured home and not land 
will be exempt from the rules if the creditor gives the consumer one of 
three types of information about the home's value:
     The manufacturer's invoice of the unit cost (for a 
transaction secured by a new manufactured home).
     An independent cost service unit cost.
     A valuation conducted by an individual who has no 
financial interest in the property or credit transaction, and has 
training in valuing manufactured homes.\1\ An example would be an 
appraisal conducted according to procedures approved by the U.S. 
Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for existing (used) 
home-only transactions.
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    \1\ As discussed further in the section-by-section analysis, the 
Agencies are adopting the definition of ``valuation'' at 12 CFR 
1026.42(b)(3): `` `Valuation' means an estimate of the value of the 
consumer's principal dwelling in written or electronic form, other 
than one produced solely by an automated model or system.''
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D. Effective Date

    The temporary exemption for manufactured home loans and the 
exemptions for certain refinancings and loans of $25,000 or less will 
be effective on January 18, 2014, the same date on which the January 
2013 Final Rule will become effective. The Agencies find under 5 U.S.C. 
553(d)(1) that these provisions may be made effective less than 30 days 
after publication in the Federal Register because these provisions 
``grant[] or recognize[] an exemption or relieve[] a restriction.'' 5 
U.S.C. 553(d)(1). The modified exemptions for loans secured by 
manufactured homes will be effective on July 18, 2015.

II. Background

    In general, TILA seeks to promote the informed use of consumer 
credit by requiring disclosures about its costs and terms, as well as 
other information. TILA requires additional disclosures for loans 
secured by consumers' homes and permits consumers to rescind certain 
transactions that involve their principal dwelling. For most types of 
creditors, TILA directs the Bureau to prescribe regulations to carry 
out the purposes of the law and specifically authorizes the Bureau to 
issue regulations that contain such classifications, differentiations, 
or other provisions, or that provide for such adjustments and 
exceptions for any class of transactions, that in the Bureau's judgment 
are necessary or proper to effectuate the purposes of TILA, or prevent 
circumvention or evasion of TILA.\2\ 15 U.S.C. 1604(a).
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    \2\ For motor vehicle dealers as defined in section 1029 of the 
Dodd-Frank Act, TILA directs the Board to prescribe regulations to 
carry out the purposes of TILA and authorizes the Board to issue 
regulations. 15 U.S.C. 5519; 15 U.S.C. 1604(i).
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    For most types of creditors and most provisions of TILA, TILA is 
implemented by the Bureau's Regulation Z. See 12 CFR part 1026. 
Official Interpretations provide guidance to creditors in applying the 
rules to specific transactions and interpret the requirements of the 
regulation. See 12 CFR part 1026, Supp. I. However, as explained in the 
January 2013 Final Rule, the new appraisal section of TILA addressed in 
the January 2013 Final Rule (TILA section 129H, 15 U.S.C. 1639h) is 
implemented not only for all affected creditors by the Bureau's 
Regulation Z, but also by OCC regulations and the Board's Regulation Z 
(for creditors overseen by the OCC and the Board, respectively). See 12 
CFR parts 34 and 164 (OCC regulations) and part 226 (the Board's 
Regulation Z); see also Sec.  1026.35(c)(7) and 78 FR 10368, 10415 
(Feb. 13, 2013). The Bureau's, the OCC's, and the Board's versions of 
the January 2013 Final Rule and corresponding official interpretations 
are substantively identical. The FDIC, NCUA, and FHFA adopted the 
Bureau's version of the regulations under the January 2013 Final 
Rule.\3\
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    \3\ See NCUA: 12 CFR 722.3; FHFA: 12 CFR part 1222. The FDIC 
adopted the Bureau's version of the regulations, but did not adopt a 
cross-reference to the Bureau's regulations in FDIC regulations. See 
78 FR 10368, 10370 (Feb. 13, 2013).
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    The Dodd-Frank Act \4\ was signed into law on July 21, 2010. 
Section 1471 of the Dodd-Frank Act's Title XIV, Subtitle F (Appraisal 
Activities), added TILA section 129H, 15 U.S.C. 1639h, which 
establishes appraisal requirements that apply to ``higher-risk 
mortgages.'' Specifically, new TILA section 129H prohibits a creditor 
from extending credit in the form of a ``higher-risk mortgage'' loan to 
any consumer without first:
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    \4\ Public Law 111-203, 124 Stat. 1376 (Dodd-Frank Act).
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     Obtaining a written appraisal performed by a certified or 
licensed appraiser who conducts an appraisal that includes a physical 
inspection of the interior of the property and is performed in 
compliance with the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal 
Practice (USPAP) and title XI of the Financial Institutions Reform, 
Recovery, and Enforcement Act of 1989 (FIRREA), and the regulations 
prescribed thereunder.
     Obtaining an additional appraisal from a different 
certified or licensed appraiser if the ``higher-risk mortgage'' 
finances the purchase or acquisition of a property from a seller at a 
higher price than the seller paid, within 180 days of the seller's 
purchase or acquisition. The additional appraisal must include an 
analysis of the difference in sale prices, changes in market 
conditions, and any improvements made to the property between the date 
of the previous sale and the current sale.
A creditor that extends a ``higher-risk mortgage'' must also:
     Provide the applicant, at the time of the initial mortgage 
application, with a statement that any appraisal prepared for the 
mortgage is for the sole use of the creditor, and that the applicant 
may choose to have a separate appraisal conducted at the applicant's 
expense.
     Provide the applicant with one copy of each appraisal 
conducted in accordance with TILA section 129H without charge, at least 
three days prior to the transaction closing date.
    New TILA section 129H(f) defines a ``higher-risk mortgage'' with 
reference to the annual percentage rate (APR) for the transaction. A 
``higher-risk mortgage'' is a ``residential mortgage loan'' \5\ secured

[[Page 78522]]

by a principal dwelling with an APR that exceeds the average prime 
offer rate (APOR) for a comparable transaction as of the date the 
interest rate is set--
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    \5\ See Dodd-Frank Act section 1401; TILA section 103(cc)(5), 15 
U.S.C. 1602(cc)(5) (defining ``residential mortgage loan''). New 
TILA section 103(cc)(5) defines the term ``residential mortgage 
loan'' as any consumer credit transaction that is secured by a 
mortgage, deed of trust, or other equivalent consensual security 
interest on a dwelling or on residential real property that includes 
a dwelling, other than a consumer credit transaction under an open-
end credit plan. 15 U.S.C. 1602(cc)(5).
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     By 1.5 or more percentage points, for a first lien 
residential mortgage loan with an original principal obligation amount 
that does not exceed the amount for ``jumbo'' loans (i.e., the maximum 
limitation on the original principal obligation of a mortgage in effect 
for a residence of the applicable size, as of the date of the interest 
rate set, pursuant to the sixth sentence of section 305(a)(2) of the 
Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Act (12 U.S.C. 1454));
     By 2.5 or more percentage points, for a first lien 
residential mortgage ``jumbo'' loan (i.e., having an original principal 
obligation amount that exceeds the amount for the maximum limitation on 
the original principal obligation of a mortgage in effect for a 
residence of the applicable size, as of the date of the interest rate 
set, pursuant to the sixth sentence of section 305(a)(2) of the Federal 
Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Act (12 U.S.C. 1454)); or
     By 3.5 or more percentage points, for a subordinate lien 
residential mortgage loan.
    The definition of ``higher-risk mortgage'' expressly excludes 
``qualified mortgages,'' as defined in TILA section 129C, and ``reverse 
mortgage loans that are qualified mortgages,'' as defined in TILA 
section 129C. 15 U.S.C. 1639c.

III. Summary of the Rulemaking Process

    The Agencies issued proposed regulations for public comment on 
August 15, 2012, that would have implemented the Dodd-Frank Act higher-
risk mortgage appraisal provisions (2012 Proposed Rule). 77 FR 54722 
(Sept. 5, 2012). This rule was open for public comment for 60 days 
(until October 15, 2012). After consideration of public comments, the 
Agencies issued the January 2013 Final Rule on January 18, 2013. The 
Final Rule was published in the Federal Register on February 13, 2013, 
and is effective on January 18, 2014. See 78 FR 10368 (Feb. 13, 2013).
    The preamble to the January 2013 Final Rule stated that the 
Agencies would consider exemptions for three additional types of 
transactions that commenters requested the Agencies consider: (1) 
smaller dollar loans; (2) streamlined refinance loans; and (3) loans 
secured by ``existing'' (used) manufactured homes. On July 10, 2013, 
the Agencies issued proposed amendments to the January 2013 Final Rule 
the 2013 Supplemental Proposed Rule to exempt these transactions from 
the HPML appraisal requirements. (2013 Supplemental Proposed Rule; 78 
FR 48548 (Aug. 8, 2013)). The 2013 Supplemental Proposed Rule sought 
comment on whether any of these exemptions should be conditioned on the 
creditor meeting an alternative standard to estimate the value of the 
property securing the transaction and providing that information to the 
consumer. Comment also was sought on the appropriate scope of, and 
possible conditions on, the exemption in the January 2013 Final Rule 
for loans secured by new manufactured homes. The 2013 Supplemental 
Proposed Rule was open for public comment for 60 days (until Sept. 9, 
2013).
    To inform the Agencies in drafting the January 2013 Final Rule as 
well as the 2012 Proposed Rule, the Agencies conducted a series of 
public outreach meetings in January and February of 2012.\6\ Agency 
staff conducted additional public outreach in the first half of 2013 to 
inform the Agencies in drafting the 2013 Supplemental Proposed Rule. In 
addition to reviewing public comments on the 2013 Supplemental Proposed 
Rule, Agency staff conducted limited public outreach in September and 
October to inform the Agencies in drafting this final rule.\7\
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    \6\ Information about these meetings is available at http://www.federalreserve.gov/newsevents/rr-commpublic/industry_meetings_20120210.pdf.
    \7\ Information about these meetings is available at http://www.federalreserve.gov/newsevents/rr-commpublic/industry-meetings-20131001.pdf.
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A. January 2013 Final Rule

1. Loans Covered
    To implement the statutory definition of ``higher-risk mortgage,'' 
the January 2013 Final Rule used the term ``higher-priced mortgage 
loan'' or HPML, a term already in use under the Bureau's Regulation Z 
with a meaning substantially similar to the meaning of ``higher-risk 
mortgage'' in the Dodd-Frank Act. In response to commenters, the 
Agencies used the term HPML to refer generally to the loans that could 
be subject to the January 2013 Final Rule because they are closed-end 
credit and meet the statutory rate triggers, but the Agencies 
separately exempted several types of HPML transactions from the 
rule.\8\ The term ``higher-risk mortgage'' generally encompasses a 
closed-end consumer credit transaction secured by a principal dwelling 
with an APR exceeding certain statutory thresholds. These rate 
thresholds are substantially similar to rate triggers that have been in 
use under Regulation Z for HPMLs.\9\ Specifically, consistent with TILA 
section 129H, a loan is an HPML under the January 2013 Final Rule if 
the APR exceeds the APOR by 1.5 percentage points for first lien 
conventional or conforming loans, 2.5 percentage points for first lien 
jumbo loans, and 3.5 percentage points for subordinate lien loans.\10\
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    \8\ As noted further below, TILA section 129H(b)(4)(B) grants 
the Agencies the authority jointly to exempt, by rule, a class of 
loans from the requirements of TILA section 129H(a) or section 
129H(b) if the Agencies determine that the exemption is in the 
public interest and promotes the safety and soundness of creditors. 
15 U.S.C. 1639h(b)(4)(B).
    \9\ Added to Regulation Z by the Board pursuant to the Home 
Ownership and Equity Protection Act of 1994 (HOEPA), the HPML rules 
address unfair or deceptive practices in connection with subprime 
mortgages. See 73 FR 44522, July 30, 2008; 12 CFR 1026.35.
    \10\ The existing HPML rules apply the 2.5 percent over APOR 
trigger for jumbo loans only with respect to a requirement to 
establish escrow accounts. See 12 CFR 1026.35(b)(3)(v).
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    Consistent with TILA, the January 2013 Final Rule included an 
exemption for ``qualified mortgages,'' as defined in Sec.  1026.43(e) 
of the Bureau's final rule implementing the Dodd-Frank Act's ability-
to-repay requirements in TILA section 129C (2013 ATR Final Rule).\11\ 
15 U.S.C. 1639c. For revisions to this exemption, see Sec.  
1026.35(c)(2)(i) and accompanying section-by-section analysis below.
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    \11\ 78 FR 6408 (Jan. 30, 2013).
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    In addition, the January 2013 Final Rule excludes from its coverage 
the following classes of loans:
    (1) transactions secured by a new manufactured home;
    (2) transactions secured by a mobile home, boat, or trailer;
    (3) transactions to finance the initial construction of a dwelling;
    (4) loans with maturities of 12 months or less, if the purpose of 
the loan is a ``bridge'' loan connected with the acquisition of a 
dwelling intended to become the consumer's principal dwelling; and
    (5) reverse mortgage loans.
2. Requirements That Apply to All Appraisals Performed for Non-Exempt 
HPMLs
    Consistent with TILA, the January 2013 Final Rule allows a creditor 
to originate an HPML that is not exempt from the January 2013 Final 
Rule only if the following conditions are met:

[[Page 78523]]

     The creditor obtains a written appraisal;
     The appraisal is performed by a certified or licensed 
appraiser; and
     The appraiser conducts a physical visit of the interior of 
the property.
    Also consistent with TILA, the following requirements also apply 
with respect to HPMLs subject to the January 2013 Final Rule:
     At application, the consumer must be provided with a 
statement regarding the purpose of the appraisal, that the creditor 
will provide the applicant a copy of any written appraisal, and that 
the applicant may choose to have a separate appraisal conducted for the 
applicant's own use at his or her own expense; and
     The consumer must be provided with a free copy of any 
written appraisals obtained for the transaction at least three business 
days before consummation.
3. Requirement To Obtain an Additional Appraisal in Certain HPML 
Transactions
    In addition, the January 2013 Final Rule implements the Act's 
requirement that the creditor of a ``higher-risk mortgage'' obtain an 
additional written appraisal, at no cost to the borrower, when the loan 
will finance the purchase of the consumer's principal dwelling and 
there has been an increase in the purchase price from a prior 
acquisition that took place within 180 days of the current purchase. 
TILA section 129H(b)(2)(A), 15 U.S.C. 1639h(b)(2)(A). In the January 
2013 Final Rule, using their exemption authority, the Agencies set 
thresholds for the increase that will trigger an additional appraisal. 
An additional appraisal will be required for an HPML (that is not 
otherwise exempt) if either:
     The seller is reselling the property within 90 days of 
acquiring it and the resale price exceeds the seller's acquisition 
price by more than 10 percent; or
     The seller is reselling the property within 91 to 180 days 
of acquiring it and the resale price exceeds the seller's acquisition 
price by more than 20 percent.
    The additional written appraisal, from a different licensed or 
certified appraiser, generally must include the following information: 
an analysis of the difference in sale prices (i.e., the sale price paid 
by the seller and the acquisition price of the property as set forth in 
the consumer's purchase agreement), changes in market conditions, and 
any improvements made to the property between the date of the previous 
sale and the current sale.
    Finally, in the January 2013 Final Rule the Agencies expressed 
their intention to publish a supplemental proposal to request comment 
on possible exemptions for streamlined refinance programs and smaller 
dollar loans, as well as loans secured by certain other property types, 
such as existing manufactured homes. See 78 FR 10368, 10370 (Feb. 13, 
2013). Accordingly, the Agencies published the 2013 Supplemental 
Proposed Rule.

B. 2013 Supplemental Proposed Rule

    Based on comments received on the 2012 Proposed Rule and additional 
research and outreach, the Agencies believed that several additional 
exemptions from the new appraisal rules might be appropriate. 
Specifically, in the 2013 Supplemental Proposed Rule, the Agencies 
proposed exemptions for transactions secured by an existing 
manufactured home and not land, certain types of refinancings, and 
transactions of $25,000 or less (indexed for inflation). The Agencies 
solicited comment on these proposed exemptions, as well as on the scope 
and possible conditions on the exemption in the January 2013 Final Rule 
for loans secured by a new manufactured home (with or without land). In 
addition, the Agencies proposed a different definition of ``business 
day'' than the definition used in the Final Rule, as well as a few non-
substantive technical corrections.
1. Proposed Exemption for Transactions Secured Solely by an Existing 
Manufactured Home and Not Land
    The Agencies proposed to exempt transactions secured solely by an 
existing (used) manufactured home and not land from the HPML appraisal 
requirements. The Agencies sought comment on whether an alternative 
valuation type should be required.
    The Agencies proposed to retain coverage of loans secured by 
existing manufactured homes and land. The Agencies also proposed to 
retain the exemption for transactions secured by new manufactured 
homes, but sought further comment on the scope of this exemption and 
whether certain conditions on the exemption might be appropriate.
2. Proposed Exemption for Certain Refinancings
    In addition, the Agencies proposed to exempt from the HPML 
appraisal rules certain types of refinancings with characteristics 
common to refinance programs that offer ``streamlined'' refinances. 
Specifically, the Agencies proposed to exempt an extension of credit 
that is a refinancing where the owner or guarantor of the refinance 
loan is the current owner or guarantor of the existing obligation. The 
periodic payments under the refinance loan could not have resulted in 
negative amortization, covered only interest on the loan, or resulted 
in a balloon payment. Further, the proceeds from the refinance loan 
could have been used only to pay off the outstanding principal balance 
on the existing obligation and to pay closing or settlement charges.
3. Proposed Exemption for Extensions of Credit of $25,000 or Less
    Finally, the Agencies proposed an exemption from the HPML appraisal 
rules for extensions of credit of $25,000 or less, indexed every year 
for inflation.
4. Effective Date
The Agencies' Proposal
    The Agencies intended that exemptions adopted as a result of the 
2013 Supplemental Proposed Rule would be effective on January 18, 2014, 
the same date on which the January 2013 Final Rule will become 
effective. The Agencies requested comment on a number of conditions 
that might be appropriate to require creditors to meet to qualify for 
the proposed exemptions. The Agencies stated that, if the Agencies 
adopted any conditions on an exemption, the Agencies would consider 
establishing a later effective date for those conditions to allow 
creditors sufficient time to adjust their compliance systems, if 
necessary. The Agencies requested comment on the need for a later 
effective date for any condition on a proposed exemption.
Public Comments
    Most public commenters did not directly address whether the 
implementation date for any conditions on proposed exemptions should be 
extended beyond January 18, 2014. Four State credit union trade 
associations, a national credit union trade association, two State 
banking trade associations, a small mortgage lender, and a community 
banking trade association supported delaying the implementation date 
for all of the HPML appraisal requirements. Two credit union trade 
associations recommended that, if conditions were placed on exemptions 
in the final rule, the Agencies should delay the implementation date to 
allow creditors sufficient time to adjust their systems to comply with 
the conditions. One commenter stated that the uncertainty regarding 
potential amendments to the January 2013 Final Rule made it difficult 
to prepare for compliance by the January 18, 2014 implementation date. 
Some commenters

[[Page 78524]]

stated that the difficulty of complying with the rules by January 2014 
was compounded by the multiple mortgage rules recently issued by the 
Bureau that are also due to become effective in January 2014, and one 
pointed out further that several of these rules were amended after 
being finalized in January 2013. The small mortgage lender noted that 
creating and implementing compliance programs is resource intensive, 
and that it is more difficult for small businesses to implement such 
programs than for large lenders. These commenters suggested that the 
Agencies delay the implementation date by varying amounts of time, from 
six to 18 months.
    As discussed in the section-by-section analysis of Sec.  
1026.35(c)(2)(ii), several commenters focused on the implementation 
date of HPML appraisal rules for loans secured by manufactured homes. 
Manufactured housing industry commenters--two lenders and a State trade 
association--believed that the Agencies should delay issuing final 
rules on valuations for covered manufactured home loans until further 
study on manufactured housing valuations. The manufactured housing 
lenders noted that requiring appraisals in manufactured housing lending 
would be a significant change for the manufactured housing industry, 
requiring time to negotiate contracts with appraisal management 
companies and to develop new disclosures that contain the appraised 
value, among other changes. The State manufactured housing industry 
trade association commenter recommended that the Agencies issue a more 
concrete proposal regarding manufactured housing valuations and that 
the effective date be at least two years after the publication of final 
rules.
    As also discussed further in the section-by-section analysis of 
Sec.  1026.35(c)(2)(ii), a national association of owners of 
manufactured homes, a consumer advocate group, two affordable housing 
organizations and a policy and research organization believed that 
appraisal rules applicable to transactions secured by manufactured 
homes (both new and existing) and land should be effective ``quickly'' 
to facilitate the development of appropriate appraisal methods for 
these transactions by increasing the demand for appraisals. They 
suggested that rules eliminating any exemptions in the January 2013 
Final Rule (i.e., the exemptions for loans secured by new manufactured 
homes, with or without land) should go into effect six months after the 
general effective date of January 2014, if possible, and in any event 
no later than January 2016. These commenters also recommended that 
loans secured solely by a manufactured home and not land be subject to 
a temporary exemption until no later than January 2016. In the 
intervening time, the commenters suggested that the Agencies convene a 
working group of stakeholders to develop standards for appraising 
manufactured homes.
Final Rule
    The Agencies are adopting an effective date of January 18, 2014 for 
most provisions of this supplemental final rule, to correspond with the 
effective date of January 18, 2014 for the January 2013 Final Rule, 
which is prescribed by statute. Specifically, the Dodd-Frank Act 
requires that regulations required under Title XIV of the Dodd-Frank 
Act, which include the HPML appraisal provisions, ``be prescribed in 
final form before the end of the 18-month period beginning on the 
designated transfer date,'' which was July 21, 2011.\12\ Accordingly, 
the Agencies issued the January 2013 Final Rule within 18 months of the 
designated transfer date, on January 18, 2013.\13\ The Dodd-Frank Act 
also requires that regulations required under Title XIV ``take effect 
not later than 12 months after the date of issuance of the regulations 
in final form.'' \14\ Twelve months after the date of issuance of the 
HPML appraisal rules is January 18, 2014. Thus, the January 2013 Final 
Rule, as amended by this supplemental final rule, must go into effect 
on January 18, 2014, and will apply to applications received by the 
creditor on or after that date.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \12\ Designated Transfer Date, 75 FR 57252 (Sept. 20, 2010).
    \13\ Sections 1400(c) and 1471 of the Dodd-Frank Act, in title 
XIV.
    \14\ Section 1400(c) of the Dodd-Frank Act, in title XIV.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Agencies have authority to exempt certain classes of loans from 
the HPML appraisal rules if the exemption is determined to be ``in the 
public interest'' and to ``promote[] the safety and soundness of 
creditors.'' TILA section 129H(b)(4)(B); 15 U.S.C. 1639h(b)(4)(B). As 
discussed further in the section-by-section analysis of Sec.  
1026.35(c)(2)(ii), the Agencies believe that a temporary exemption of 
18 months for transactions secured by a manufactured home meets these 
two exemption criteria. The temporary exemptions for loans secured by a 
manufactured home will go into effect on January 18, 2014, the 
effective date of the 2013 January Final Rule. Modified exemptions for 
certain types of manufactured home transactions will be effective on 
July 18, 2015, and applicable to applications received by the creditor 
on or after that date.

IV. Legal Authority

    TILA section 129H(b)(4)(A), added by the Dodd-Frank Act, authorizes 
the Agencies jointly to prescribe regulations implementing section 
129H. 15 U.S.C. 1639h(b)(4)(A). In addition, TILA section 129H(b)(4)(B) 
grants the Agencies the authority jointly to exempt, by rule, a class 
of loans from the requirements of TILA section 129H(a) or section 
129H(b) if the Agencies determine that the exemption is in the public 
interest and promotes the safety and soundness of creditors. 15 U.S.C. 
1639h(b)(4)(B).

V. Section-by-Section Analysis

    For ease of reference, unless otherwise noted, the SUPPLEMENTARY 
INFORMATION refers to the section numbers that will be published in the 
Bureau's Regulation Z at 12 CFR 1026.35(c). As explained in the January 
2013 Final Rule, separate versions of the regulations and accompanying 
commentary were issued as part of the January 2013 Final Rule by the 
OCC, the Board, and the Bureau, respectively. 78 FR 10367, 10415 (Feb. 
13, 2013). No substantive difference among the three sets of rules was 
intended. The NCUA and FHFA adopted the rules as published in the 
Bureau's Regulation Z at 12 CFR 1026.35(a) and (c), by cross-
referencing these rules in 12 CFR 722.3 and 12 CFR part 1222, 
respectively. The FDIC adopted the rules as published in the Bureau's 
Regulation Z at 12 CFR 1026.35(a) and (c), but did not cross-reference 
the Bureau's Regulation Z.
    Accordingly, in this Federal Register notice, the revisions to the 
January 2013 Final Rule adopted by the Agencies in this supplemental 
final rule are separately published in the HPML appraisal regulations 
of the OCC, the Board, and the Bureau. No substantive difference among 
the three sets of revised rules is intended.

Section 1026.2 Definitions and Rules of Construction

2(a) Definitions
2(a)(6) Business Day
The Agencies' Proposal
    The term ``business day'' is used with respect to two requirements 
in the January 2013 Final Rule. First, the January 2013 Final Rule 
requires the creditor to provide the consumer with a disclosure that 
``shall be delivered or placed in the mail not later than the third 
business day after the creditor receives the consumer's application for

[[Page 78525]]

a higher-priced mortgage loan'' subject to Sec.  1026.35(c). Sec.  
1026.35(c)(5)(i) and (ii). Second, the January 2013 Final Rule requires 
the creditor to provide to the consumer a copy of each written 
appraisal obtained under the January 2013 Final Rule ``[n]o later than 
three business days prior to consummation of the loan.'' Sec.  
1026.35(6)(i) and (ii).
    The Agencies proposed to define ``business day'' for these 
requirements to mean ``all calendar days except Sundays and the legal 
public holidays specified in 5 U.S.C. 6103(a), such as New Year's Day, 
the Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr., Washington's Birthday, 
Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, 
Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.'' Sec.  1026.2(a)(6). The Agencies 
proposed this definition for consistency with disclosure timing 
requirements under both the existing Regulation Z mortgage disclosure 
timing requirements and the Bureau's proposed rules for combined 
mortgage disclosures under TILA and the Real Estate Settlement 
Procedures Act (RESPA), 12 U.S.C. 2601 et seq. (2012 TILA-RESPA 
Proposed Rule). See Sec.  1026.19(a)(1)(ii) and (a)(2); see also 77 FR 
51116 (Aug. 23, 2012) (e.g., proposed Sec.  1026.19(e)(1)(iii) (early 
mortgage disclosures) and (f)(1)(ii) (final mortgage disclosures).
    Under existing Regulation Z, early disclosures must be delivered or 
placed in the mail not later than the seventh business day before 
consummation of the transaction; if the disclosures need to be 
corrected, the consumer must receive corrected disclosures no later 
than three business days before consummation (the consumer is deemed to 
have received the corrected disclosures three business days after they 
are mailed or delivered). See Sec.  1026.19(a)(2)(i)-(ii). For these 
purposes, ``business day'' is defined as quoted previously. One reason 
that the Agencies proposed to align the definition of ``business day'' 
under the January 2013 Final Rule with the definition of ``business 
day'' for these disclosures was to avoid the creditor having to provide 
the copy of the appraisal under the HPML rules and corrected Regulation 
Z disclosures at different times (because different definitions of 
``business day'' would apply).
    The proposed definition of ``business day'' also was intended to 
align with the definition of ``business day'' for the timing 
requirements of mortgage disclosures under the 2012 TILA-RESPA 
Proposal. See proposed Sec.  1026.2(a)(6). The 2012 TILA-RESPA Proposal 
would have required the creditor to deliver the early mortgage 
disclosures ``not later than the third business day after the creditor 
receives the consumer's application.'' Proposed Sec.  
1026.19(e)(1)(iii). The 2012 TILA-RESPA Proposal would have required 
the final mortgage disclosures to have been provided ``not later than 
three business days before consummation.'' Proposed Sec.  
1026.19(f)(1)(ii). For these purposes, ``business day'' would have been 
defined as the Agencies proposed to define ``business day'' in the 2013 
Supplemental Proposed Rule.
    The Agencies stated in the 2013 Supplemental Proposed Rule that, if 
the Bureau adopted this aspect of the 2012 TILA-RESPA Proposal, then 
adopting the proposed definition of ``business day'' for the final HPML 
appraisals rule would ensure that the HPML appraisal notice and the 
early mortgage disclosures have to be provided at the same time (no 
later than three ``business days'' after the creditor receives the 
consumer's application). The Agencies further stated that this would 
also ensure that the copy of the HPML appraisal and the final mortgage 
disclosures would have to be provided at the same time (no later than 
three ``business days'' before consummation). The proposal to align 
these timing requirements was intended to facilitate compliance and 
reduce consumer confusion by reducing the number of disclosures that 
consumers might receive at different times.
Public Comments
    The Agencies received fourteen comments on the proposed revision to 
the definition of ``business day,'' with most commenters supporting the 
revised definition. A community banking trade association, an 
individual, two State banking trade associations, a mortgage banking 
trade association, four State credit union trade associations, one 
national credit union trade association, and a financial holding 
company believed that revising the definition for consistency with 
other disclosure timing requirements--particularly those of the 
combined mortgage disclosures under the 2012 TILA-RESPA Proposed Rule--
would reduce regulatory burden and facilitate compliance. The State 
banking trade associations and the financial holding company believed 
that making these disclosure requirements consistent with the timing 
for other mortgage disclosures could also result in better awareness 
and understanding of disclosures by consumers and reduce consumer 
confusion. One of the State banking trade associations also believed 
that the proposed definition provided more certainty for creditors than 
the definition of business day in the January 2013 Final Rule, which 
refers to days on which a creditor's offices are open to the public for 
carrying on substantially all of its business functions. See Sec.  
1026.2(a)(6).
    A State credit union trade association, a national credit union 
trade association, and a community bank commenter, however, opposed the 
proposed revised definition of business day, instead favoring the 
definition in the January 2013 Final Rule. The national credit union 
trade association and community bank commenter stated that many credit 
unions and community banks are not open for most or any of their 
business functions on Saturdays. They argued that including Saturday as 
a business day would increase their regulatory burden.
Final Rule
    As noted, the term ``business day'' is used with respect to two 
requirements in the January 2013 Final Rule. See Sec. Sec.  
1026.35(c)(5)(ii) and (c)(6)(ii). The amendments to the January 2013 
Final Rule adopted in this rule add a third use of the term ``business 
day.'' As discussed more fully in the section-by-section analysis of 
Sec.  1026.35(c)(2)(ii)(C), transactions secured solely by a 
manufactured home and not land that are consummated on or after July 
18, 2015, will be exempt from the HPML appraisal rules if the creditor 
obtains and gives to the consumer a copy of one of three types of 
valuation information ``no later than three business days prior to 
consummation of the transaction.'' Sec.  1026.35(c)(2)(ii)(C).
    For two reasons, the Agencies are not adopting the proposed 
definition of ``business day'' and instead are retaining the definition 
of ``business day'' adopted in the January 2013 Final Rule: ``a day on 
which the creditor's offices are open to the public for carrying on 
substantially all of its business functions.'' Sec.  1026.2(a)(6). 
First, the Agencies' goal is to provide consistency with the timing 
requirements of other mortgage disclosures. Most public commenters who 
supported the Agencies' proposed amendment to the definition of 
``business day'' used in the January 2013 Final Rule did so on the 
basis of favoring consistency with the timing requirements of other 
mortgage disclosures, particularly the combined TILA-RESPA early and 
final mortgage disclosures.
    The proposed definition, however, would result in inconsistency 
because the Bureau did not adopt the definition of ``business day'' 
that includes Saturdays and excludes enumerated

[[Page 78526]]

Federal holidays for the early mortgage disclosures and final mortgage 
disclosures proposed in the 2012 TILA-RESPA Proposed Rule. Instead, the 
definition of ``business day'' referring to days on which the 
creditor's offices are open to the public will be used for the timing 
requirement for those disclosures.\15\ For the reasons discussed in the 
2013 Supplemental Proposed Rule, the Agencies believe that the timing 
requirement for creditors to give consumers the disclosure required 
after application should be aligned with the TILA-RESPA early 
disclosures and that the timing requirement for creditors to give 
consumers copies of appraisals and other valuation information should 
generally be aligned with the timing requirement for the TILA-RESPA 
mortgage disclosures.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \15\ See Bureau's 2013 TILA-RESPA Final Rule (issued Nov. 20, 
2013) at p. 147 et seq., available at http://files.consumerfinance.gov/f/201311_cfpb_final-rule-preamble_integrated-mortgage-disclosures.pdf.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Second, the Agencies heard from commenters that many credit unions 
and community banks are not open for most or any of their business 
functions on Saturdays. As adopted, the final rule will address these 
concerns.

Section 1026.35 Requirements for Higher-Priced Mortgage Loans

35(c) Appraisals for Higher-Priced Mortgage Loans
35(c)(1) Definitions
    The Agencies are adopting three new definitions for purposes of the 
HPML appraisal rules in Sec.  1026.35(c)--``credit risk,'' 
``manufacturer's invoice,'' and ``new manufactured home''--and re-
numbering definitions adopted in the January 2013 Final Rule 
accordingly.
35(c)(1)(ii)
    Section 1026.35(c)(1)(ii) defines ``credit risk'' for purposes of 
Sec.  1026.35(c) to mean the financial risk that a loan will default. 
The Agencies are adopting a definition of ``credit risk'' to provide 
greater clarity regarding certain aspects of the exemption for certain 
refinance transactions, discussed in more detail in the section-by-
section analysis of Sec.  1026.35(c)(2)(vii). Under Sec.  
1026.35(c)(2)(vii), a covered HPML refinance is eligible for an 
exemption if one of several criteria are met, including that either (1) 
the credit risk of the refinance loan is retained by the person that 
held the credit risk on the existing obligation or (2) the refinance 
loan is owned, insured or guaranteed by the same Federal government 
agency that owned, insured or guaranteed the existing obligation. See 
Sec.  1026.35(c)(2)(vii)(A) and comment 35(c)(2)(vii)(A)-1.
35(c)(1)(iv)
    Section 1026.35(c)(1)(iv) defines ``manufacturer's invoice'' to 
mean a document issued by a manufacturer and provided with a 
manufactured home to a retail dealer that separately details the 
wholesale (base) prices at the factory for specific models or series of 
manufactured homes and itemized options (large appliances, built-in 
items and equipment), plus actual itemized charges for freight from the 
factory to the dealer's lot or the home site (including any rental of 
wheels and axles) and for any sales taxes to be paid by the dealer. The 
invoice may recite such prices and charges on an itemized basis or by 
stating an aggregate price or charge, as appropriate, for each 
category.
    This definition is adopted from the definition of ``manufacturer's 
invoice'' in HUD regulations regarding Title I loans insured by the 
Federal Housing Administration (FHA) that are secured by a new 
manufactured home and not land, at 24 CFR 201.2. The Agencies believe 
that defining the term ``manufacturer's invoice'' to mirror the 
definition in HUD regulations is appropriate for consistency; the 
January 2013 Final Rule defines the term ``manufactured home'' by 
referencing HUD regulations. See Sec.  1026.35(c)(1)(iii). The only 
aspect of the HUD definition of ``manufacturer's invoice'' not adopted 
in the final rule is a provision requiring manufacturer's 
certification. The Agencies do not have data regarding how often 
manufacturer's invoices outside of the Title I program include the 
manufacturer's certification prescribed in HUD regulations at 24 CFR 
201.2 that apply to the Title I program. Thus, the Agencies are 
concerned that requiring this certification at this time might create 
unanticipated compliance challenges.
    The final rule defines ``manufacturer's invoice'' to ensure that 
creditors understand Sec.  1026.35(c)(2)(viii)(B)(1), which goes into 
effect on July 18, 2015. Under Sec.  1026.35(c)(2)(viii)(B)(1), a 
covered HPML secured by a new manufactured home and not land is exempt 
from the HPML appraisal requirements of Sec.  1026.35(c) if the 
creditor provides the consumer with a copy of a manufacturer's invoice 
for the manufactured home securing the transaction. Further details 
regarding this provision and other valuation-related documents that a 
creditor could give the consumer to qualify for the exemption are 
discussed in the corresponding section-by-section analysis.
35(c)(1)(vi)
    Section 35(c)(1)(vi) defines ``new manufactured home'' to mean a 
manufactured home that has not been previously occupied. The Agencies 
believe that adopting a definition of ``new manufactured home'' will 
help prevent confusion among creditors of manufactured home 
transactions. The final rule differentiates between loans secured by 
new and existing (used) manufactured homes in the application of 
certain requirements, so a clear definition is intended to facilitate 
compliance. See Sec.  1026.35(c)(2)(viii).
35(c)(2) Exemptions
    The Agencies are adopting new Official Staff Commentary to Sec.  
1026.35(c)(2). Specifically, comment 35(c)(2)-1 clarifies that Sec.  
1026.35(c)(2) provides exemptions solely from the HPML appraisal 
requirements in Regulation Z (Sec.  1026.35(c)(3) through (6)). The 
comment states that institutions subject to the requirements of title 
XI of FIRREA and its implementing regulations that make a loan 
qualifying for an exemption under section 1026.35(c)(2) must still 
comply with the appraisal and evaluation requirements under FIRREA and 
its implementing regulations.
    The Agencies are adopting this comment to ensure that creditors 
subject to FIRREA are aware that, for any HPML they originate that 
qualifies for an exemption from the HPML appraisal requirements in 
Sec.  1026.35(c), they would still be required to obtain an appraisal 
or evaluation in conformity with FIRREA title XI requirements.\16\ 
These requirements are implemented in Federal banking agency 
regulations and further explained in the Interagency Appraisal and 
Evaluation Guidance.\17\ Comment 35(c)(2)-1 also underscores that the 
HPML appraisal requirements were not intended to override existing 
Federal appraisal rules applicable to institutions regulated by Federal 
financial institutions regulatory agencies.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \16\ At least one commenter requested that the Agencies clarify 
that FIRREA requirements would not apply to loans exempt from the 
HPML appraisal rules. The opposite is true.
    \17\ See OCC: 12 CFR parts 34, Subpart C, and 164; Board: 12 CFR 
part 208, subpart E, and part 225, subpart G; FDIC: 12 CFR part 323; 
NCUA: 12 CFR part 722. See also 75 FR 77450 (Dec. 10, 2010).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

35(c)(2)(i)
The Agencies' Proposal
    Qualified mortgages ``as defined in [TILA] section 129C'' are 
exempt from

[[Page 78527]]

the special appraisal rules for ``higher-risk mortgages.'' 15 U.S.C. 
1639c; TILA section 129H(f)(1), 15 U.S.C. 1639h(f)(1). The Agencies 
implemented this exemption in the January 2013 Final Rule by cross-
referencing Sec.  1026.43(e), the definition of ``qualified mortgage'' 
issued by the Bureau in its 2013 ATR Final Rule. See Sec.  
1026.35(c)(2)(i). The Bureau's rules define ``qualified mortgage'' 
pursuant to the authority granted to the Bureau to implement the Dodd-
Frank Act ability-to-repay requirements. See, e.g., TILA section 
129C(a)(1), (b)(3)(A), and (b)(3)(B)(i), 15 U.S.C. 1639c(a)(1), 
(b)(3)(A), and (b)(3)(B)(i).
    To align the regulation with the statute, the Agencies proposed to 
revise the appraisal rules' exemption for qualified mortgages to 
include all qualified mortgages ``as defined pursuant to TILA section 
129C.'' 15 U.S.C. 1639c. In addition to authority granted to the 
Bureau, TILA section 129C grants authority to HUD, the U.S. Department 
of Veterans Affairs (VA), the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), 
and the Rural Housing Service (RHS), which is a part of USDA, to define 
the types of loans ``insure[d], guarantee[d], or administer[ed]'' by 
those agencies, respectively, that are qualified mortgages. TILA 
section 129H(b)(3)(B)(ii), 15 U.S.C. 1639h(b)(3)(B)(ii). The Agencies 
recognized that HUD, VA, USDA, and RHS may issue rules defining 
qualified mortgages pursuant to their TILA section 129C authority. 
Therefore, the Agencies proposed to expand the definition of qualified 
mortgages that are exempt from the HPML appraisal rules to cover 
qualified mortgages as defined by HUD, VA, USDA, and RHS. 15 U.S.C. 
1639c.
Public Comments
    Commenters on the revision to the qualified mortgage exemption 
were: a State credit union trade association, a national appraiser 
trade association, a State banking trade association, a mortgage 
banking trade association, a manufactured housing lender, a national 
association of owners of manufactured homes, a consumer advocate group, 
two affordable housing organizations, and a policy and research 
organization. All of these commenters supported the proposed revision. 
The State banking trade association and State credit union trade 
association emphasized that the definition of qualified mortgage in the 
final rule should include all types of qualified mortgages, including 
balloon payment qualified mortgages. The mortgage banking trade 
association favored expanding the definition of ``qualified mortgage'' 
to include qualified mortgages as defined by HUD, VA, USDA, and RHS 
based on a belief that qualified mortgages as defined by these agencies 
will be subject to stringent product requirements and other consumer 
safeguards. The manufactured housing lender also favored such an 
expansion based on a belief that these agencies' loan programs provide 
credit options for underserved consumers in lower income groups.
The Final Rule
    In Sec.  1026.35(c)(2)(i), the Agencies are adopting an exemption 
similar to the proposed exemption for qualified mortgages. In the final 
rule, the exemption for qualified mortgages applies to either:
     A loan that is a ``covered transaction'' under the 
Bureau's ability-to-repay rules--namely, a loan subject to the ability-
to-repay rules of the Bureau in Sec.  1026.43 (see Sec.  1026.43(b)(1) 
(defining ``covered transaction''))--and that is also a qualified 
mortgage under the Bureau's ability-to-repay requirements in Sec.  
1026.43 or, for loans insured, guaranteed, or administered under 
programs of HUD, VA, USDA, or RHS, a qualified mortgage under the 
applicable rules of those agencies (but only once such rules are in 
effect; otherwise, the Bureau's definition of a qualified mortgage 
applies to those loans); or
     A loan that is not a ``covered transaction'' under the 
Bureau's ability-to-repay rules, but meets the qualified mortgage 
criteria established in the rules of the Bureau or, for loans insured, 
guaranteed, or administered under programs of HUD, VA, USDA, or RHS, 
meets the qualified mortgage criteria under the applicable rules of 
those agencies (but only once such rules are in effect; otherwise, the 
Bureau's criteria for a qualified mortgage applies to those loans).
    The expanded exemption adopted by the Agencies includes qualified 
mortgages defined by the Bureau in any of its regulations, such as 
loans described in Sec.  1026.43(e) as well as Sec.  1026.43(f). Thus, 
qualified mortgages exempt from the HPML appraisal rules include loans 
subject to the Bureau's ability-to-repay rules that:
     Meet the general criteria for a qualified mortgage under 
Sec.  1026.43(e)(2).
     Meet the special criteria for a qualified mortgage under 
Sec.  1026.43(e)(4).\18\
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    \18\ These include loans that are eligible, based solely on 
criteria related to the consumer's ability to pay, to be purchased 
or guaranteed by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac and loans eligible to be 
insured or guaranteed by HUD, VA, USDA, or RHS. To be qualified 
mortgages, these loans also must meet the following general criteria 
for a qualified mortgage: (1) provide for regular periodic payments 
(Sec.  1026.43(e)(2)(i)); (2) have a term of no more than 30 years 
(Sec.  1026.43(e)(2)(ii)); and (3) not exceed thresholds for total 
points and fees set out in Sec.  1026.43(e)(3) (Sec.  
1026.43(e)(2)(iii)). See Sec.  1026.43(e)(4)(i)(A). The qualified 
mortgage status of loans eligible for purchase by Fannie Mae or 
Freddie Mac expires starting on January 11, 2021. The qualified 
mortgage status of loans eligible to be insured or guaranteed by 
HUD, VA, USDA, or RHS expires on the effective date of a rule issued 
by each of these respective agencies defining ``qualified mortgage'' 
for their own programs. On Sept. 30, 2013, HUD published proposed 
rules defining ``qualified mortgage'' based on its authority under 
TILA section 129C(b)(3)(B)(ii)(I). 15 U.S.C. 1639c(b)(3)(B)(ii)(I); 
78 FR 59890 (Sept. 30, 2013).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

     Meet the criteria for small creditor portfolio loans in 
Sec.  1026.43(e)(5).
     Meet the criteria for temporary balloon-payment qualified 
mortgages in Sec.  1026.43(e)(6).
     Meet the criteria for balloon-payment qualified mortgages 
under Sec.  1026.43(f).
    The Agencies believe that the statutory provision exempting 
``qualified mortgage[s], as defined in section 129C'' evidences 
Congress's intent to exempt all loans with the characteristics of a 
qualified mortgage from the HPML appraisal rules. TILA section 
129H(f)(1); 15 U.S.C. 1639h(f)(1). As discussed above, TILA section 
129C encompasses qualified mortgages defined by the Bureau pursuant to 
its authority to do so, as well as qualified mortgages defined by HUD, 
VA, USDA and RHS for loans in their respective programs. See TILA 
section 129C(a)(1), (b)(3)(A), and (b)(3)(B)(i), 15 U.S.C. 1639c(a)(1), 
(b)(3)(A), and (b)(3)(B)(i) (authority of the Bureau) and TILA section 
129C(b)(3)(B)(ii), 15 U.S.C. 1639c(b)(3)(B)(ii) (authority of HUD, VA, 
USDA, and RHS).
    Additionally, the amended qualified mortgage exemption language is 
intended to ensure that loans that meet the qualified mortgage criteria 
of the Bureau, HUD, VA, USDA, or RHS, as applicable, but are exempt 
from the Bureau's ability-to-repay rules in Sec.  1026.43, are afforded 
an exemption from the HPML appraisal rules as well. In the Bureau's 
ability-to-repay rules, ``qualified mortgage'' is a designation only 
for ``covered transactions,'' which are loans subject to the ability-
to-repay requirements of TILA section 129C(a), implemented in Sec.  
1026.43(c).\19\ 15

[[Page 78528]]

U.S.C. 1639c. The Bureau excluded certain transactions from the scope 
of the rules, including loans originated as part of certain programs, 
such as a program administered by a Housing Finance Agency, or loans 
originated by certain entities, such as a Community Development 
Financial Institution (CDFI). See Sec.  1026.43(a)(3). Under the 
Bureau's ability-to-repay rules, these loans are not considered to be 
``covered transactions'' and are therefore not eligible to be qualified 
mortgages under the Bureau's ability-to-repay rules. This is the case 
even if the loans meet the criteria for a qualified mortgage in the 
Bureau's rules.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \19\ In the 2013 ATR Final Rule, ``covered transaction'' is 
defined to mean ``a consumer credit transaction that is secured by a 
dwelling, as defined in Sec.  1026.2(a)(19), including any real 
property attached to a dwelling, other than a transaction exempt 
from coverage under [Sec.  1026.43(a)]'' (emphasis added). 
``Qualified mortgage'' is defined as ``a covered transaction'' that 
meets certain criteria. Sec.  1026.43(e)(2).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Under the proposed exemption--for ``qualified mortgages as defined 
pursuant to 15 U.S.C. 1639c''--loans exempted from the Bureau's 
ability-to-repay requirements would not be eligible for the qualified 
mortgage exemption from the HPML appraisal rules because, technically, 
they are not ``defined'' as qualified mortgages under Bureau rules. 
Such excluded loans would include:
     Loans made as part of a program administered by a State 
housing finance agency (HFA); \20\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \20\ See Sec.  1026.43(a)(3)(iv).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

     Loans made by a creditor designated as a CDFI, a creditor 
designated as a Downpayment Assistance through Secondary Financing 
Provider, a creditor designated as a Community Housing Development 
Organization, and a creditor that is a 501(c)(3) organization and meets 
certain other criteria; \21\ and
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \21\ See Sec.  1026.43(a)(3)(v)(A)-(D).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

     Loans made pursuant to a program authorized by sections 
101 and 109 of the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008.\22\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \22\ See Sec.  1026.43(a)(3)(vi).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    As discussed above, the Agencies believe that, by exempting 
qualified mortgages in the statute, Congress intended to exempt from 
the requirements those loans that have the characteristics of a 
qualified mortgage. The Agencies believe that if the HPML appraisal 
rules exempted only ``qualified mortgages as defined pursuant to 15 
U.S.C. 1639c,'' the rules would apply to transactions that Congress did 
not intend to subject to the appraisal requirements. By contrast, the 
final rule, which exempts ``a loan that satisfies the criteria of a 
qualified mortgage,'' ensures that all transactions intended to be 
exempt from the HPML appraisal requirements are excluded from coverage.
    In addition, this exemption ensures that transactions with the 
terms and features of a qualified mortgage are not treated differently 
when made by or through programs of entities that fall outside the 
scope of the Bureau's ability-to-repay rules in Sec.  1026.43 than when 
made by other creditors. Thus, the final rule avoids the anomalous 
result that an HPML made through the program of an HFA, for example, 
would be subject to the HPML appraisal rules, whereas an HPML with the 
exact same terms and features made by a private creditor would not.
    Accordingly, comment 35(c)(2)(i)-1 explains that, under Sec.  
1026.35(c)(2)(i), a loan is exempt from the appraisal requirements of 
Sec.  1026.35(c) if either:
     The loan is--(1) subject to the Bureau's ability-to-repay 
requirements in Sec.  1026.43 as a ``covered transaction'' (defined in 
Sec.  1026.43(b)(1)) and (2) a qualified mortgage pursuant to the 
Bureau's rules or, for loans insured, guaranteed, or administered by 
HUD, VA, USDA, or RHS, a qualified mortgage pursuant to the applicable 
rules prescribed by those agencies (but only once such rules are in 
effect; otherwise, the Bureau's definition of a qualified mortgage 
applies to those loans); or
     The loan is--(1) not subject to the Bureau's ability-to-
repay requirements in Sec.  1026.43 as a ``covered transaction,'' but 
(2) meets the criteria for a qualified mortgage in the Bureau's rules 
or, for loans insured, guaranteed, or administered by HUD, VA, USDA, or 
RHS, meets the criteria for a qualified mortgage in the applicable 
rules prescribed by those agencies (but only once such rules are in 
effect; otherwise, the Bureau's criteria for a qualified mortgage 
applies to those loans).
    Comment 35(c)(2)(i)-1 further explains that loans enumerated in 
Sec.  1026.43(a) are not ``covered transactions'' under the Bureau's 
ability-to-repay requirements in Sec.  1026.43, and thus cannot be 
qualified mortgages (entitled to a rebuttable presumption or safe 
harbor of compliance with the ability-to-repay requirements of Sec.  
1026.43, see, e.g., Sec.  1026.43(e)(1)). These include an extension of 
credit made pursuant to a program administered by an HFA, as defined 
under 24 CFR 266.5, or pursuant to a program authorized by sections 101 
and 109 of the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008. See Sec.  
1026.43(a)(3)(iv) and (vi). They also include extensions of credit made 
by a creditor identified in Sec.  1026.43(a)(3)(v). The comment 
clarifies that, nonetheless, these loans are not subject to the 
appraisal requirements of Sec.  1026.35(c) if they meet the Bureau's 
qualified mortgage criteria in Sec.  1026.43(e)(2), (4), (5), or (6) or 
Sec.  1026.43(f) (including limits on when loans must be consummated) 
or, for loans that are insured, guaranteed, or administered by HUD, VA, 
USDA, or RHS, in applicable rules prescribed by those agencies (but 
only once such rules are in effect; otherwise, the Bureau's criteria 
for a qualified mortgage apply to those loans).
    The comment includes the following example: Assume that HUD has 
prescribed rules to define loans insured under its programs that are 
qualified mortgages and those rules are in effect. Assume further that 
a creditor designated as a Community Development Financial Institution, 
as defined under 12 CFR 1805.104(h), originates a loan insured by the 
Federal Housing Administration, which is a part of HUD. The loan is not 
a ``covered transaction'' and thus is not a qualified mortgage. See 
Sec.  1026.43(a)(3)(v)(A) and (b)(1). Nonetheless, the transaction is 
eligible for an exemption from the appraisal requirements of Sec.  
1026.35(c) if it meets the qualified mortgage criteria in HUD's rules.
    Finally, the comment clarifies that nothing in Sec.  
1026.35(c)(2)(i) alters the definition of a qualified mortgage under 
regulations of the Bureau, HUD, VA, USDA, or RHS.
35(c)(2)(ii)
The Agencies' Proposal
    In the 2013 Supplemental Proposed Rule, the Agencies proposed an 
exemption from the HPML appraisal rules for extensions of credit of 
$25,000 or less. This threshold amount was based on the Agencies' 
consideration of an appropriate threshold in light of comments to the 
2012 Proposed Rule, as well as data reported under the Home Mortgage 
Disclosure Act (HMDA), 15 U.S.C. 2801 et seq. The Agencies also 
proposed to adjust the threshold for inflation every year, based on the 
percentage increase of the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners 
and Clerical Workers (CPI-W). Proposed comments 35(c)(2)(ii)-1, -2, and 
-3 provided additional guidance on the proposed exemption.
    The Agencies expressed the belief that the expense to the consumer 
of an appraisal with an interior inspection could be significant and 
unduly burdensome to consumers of HPMLs of $25,000 or less that are not 
qualified mortgages. Thus, an appraisal requirement could hamper 
consumers' use of smaller home equity loans. The Agencies also stated 
their concern that a requirement for an appraisal with an interior 
inspection may pose a

[[Page 78529]]

burdensome cost for consumers who seek to purchase lower-dollar homes 
using HPMLs that are not qualified mortgages; these tend to be low- to 
moderate-income (LMI) consumers who are less able to afford extra costs 
than higher-income consumers.
    The Agencies stated the view that the exemption can facilitate 
creditors' ability to meet consumers' smaller dollar credit needs, and 
that this could in turn promote the soundness of an institution's 
operations by supporting profitability and an institution's ability to 
spread risk over a variety of products. The Agencies noted that public 
comments on the 2012 Proposed Rule suggested that the reduction in 
costs and burdens associated with this exemption might benefit smaller 
institutions in particular.
    To inform the proposal, the Agencies also relied on data on 
mortgage lending in 2009, 2010, and 2011 reported under HMDA. The 
Agencies noted that, for example, an appraisal including an interior 
inspection for a subordinate lien home improvement loan might be 
burdensome on a consumer, without sufficient offsetting consumer 
protection or safety and soundness benefits. Therefore, the Agencies 
examined the mean and median loan sizes for subordinate lien home 
improvement loans in 2009, 2010, and 2011. Based in part on this HMDA 
data, the Agencies believed $25,000 was an appropriate threshold. See 
78 Fed. Reg. 48547, 48564 (August 8, 2013).
    At the same time, in light of the views expressed by consumer 
advocates, the Bureau had concerns that, as a result of borrowing so-
called ``smaller'' dollar home purchase or home equity loans, some 
consumers may be at risk of high loan-to-value (LTV) ratios, including 
LTVs that lead to going ``underwater''--owing more than their home is 
worth. The Bureau believed that receiving a written valuation might be 
helpful in informing a consumer's decision about whether to obtain the 
loan by making the consumer better aware of how the value of the home 
compares to the amount that the consumer might borrow. As a result, the 
Agencies requested comment in the 2013 Supplemental Proposed Rule 
regarding whether certain conditions should be placed on the proposed 
smaller dollar loan exemption.
Public Comments
Public Comments on the 2012 Proposed Rule
    In the 2012 Proposed Rule, the Agencies requested comment on 
exemptions from the final rule that would be appropriate. In response, 
several commenters recommended an exemption for smaller dollar loans. 
These commenters generally believed that appraisals with interior 
inspections for these loans would significantly raise total costs as a 
proportion of the loan and thus potentially be detrimental to 
consumers. The commenters were concerned that requiring an appraisal 
for smaller dollar HPMLs would result in excessive costs to consumers 
without sufficient offsetting benefits. Some asserted that applying the 
HPML appraisal rules to smaller dollar loans might disproportionately 
burden smaller institutions and potentially reduce access to credit for 
their consumers.
    Comments to the 2012 Proposed Rule varied widely regarding the 
appropriate threshold for a smaller dollar loan exemption. Suggested 
thresholds ranged from $10,000 or less up to $125,000 for certain 
transactions. The Agencies did not finalize a smaller dollar loan 
exemption in the January 2013 Final Rule, instead choosing to propose a 
smaller dollar loan exemption in the subsequent 2013 Supplemental 
Proposed Rule.
    The Agencies did not receive comments on the 2012 Proposed Rule 
from consumers or consumer advocates. However, in informal outreach 
conducted by the Agencies after the January 2013 Final Rule was issued, 
a consumer advocacy group expressed the view that LMI consumers 
obtaining or refinancing loans secured by lower-value homes may have a 
particular need for the protections of the HPML appraisal rules. They 
also expressed the view that requiring quality appraisals for smaller 
dollar loans, and requiring that they be provided to the consumer, can 
help prevent the kinds of appraisal fraud that can lead to consumers 
borrowing more money than is supported by the equity in their home or 
taking out loans that are otherwise not appropriate for them.
Public Comments on the 2013 Supplemental Proposed Rule
    In the 2013 Supplemental Proposed Rule, the Agencies sought comment 
on a proposed exemption for loans of $25,000 or less, and whether a 
threshold higher or lower than $25,000 was appropriate. The Agencies 
encouraged commenters to include data to support their views.
    Twenty-nine commenters addressed the threshold for the smaller 
dollar loan exemption: nine State credit union trade associations, 
three credit unions, one national credit union trade association, two 
community banks, one community banking trade association, one financial 
holding company, two State banking trade associations, one mortgage 
banking trade association, one consumer advocate group, three 
affordable housing organizations, one policy and research organization, 
one national association of owners of manufactured homes, one State 
manufactured housing association, one small mortgage lender, and one 
individual.
    No commenters on this proposed exemption opposed including an 
exemption from the HPML appraisal requirements for smaller dollar 
loans. Eight commenters believed that the Agencies should either retain 
or reduce the $25,000 threshold. A national association of owners of 
manufactured homes, two affordable housing organizations, a consumer 
advocate group, and a policy and research organization generally 
recommended that, if the Agencies adopted the exemption, the exemption 
threshold should be no more than $25,000. They believed that a large 
percentage of the transactions affected were likely to be manufactured 
home transactions, although they urged the Agencies to apply the 
exemption equally to manufactured homes and site-built homes. A State 
banking trade association also supported an exemption for extensions of 
credit of $25,000 or less, citing increased costs and burdens 
associated with obtaining appraisals with interior inspections. An 
individual commenter urged the Agencies to reduce the threshold to 
$10,000, believing a $25,000 threshold could lead to significant 
monetary risk for consumers, particularly LMI consumers.
    All of the other commenters urged the Agencies to raise the 
threshold for the exemption. Eight State credit union trade 
associations, three credit unions, one national credit union trade 
association, one State manufactured housing association, and one small 
mortgage lender suggested that the threshold be raised to $50,000. 
Generally, these commenters supported the increase because they 
believed that the cost of an appraisal for transactions of lower 
amounts did not correspond to a meaningful benefit. They also supported 
regulatory relief to creditors. A credit union stated that a threshold 
under $50,000 may result in less lending to LMI consumers because 
lenders would not be willing to make the loans. A State credit union 
association stated that lenders may not make loans if the threshold is 
below $50,000 because the cost of originating and processing loans 
under that amount already exceeds origination fees,

[[Page 78530]]

without a requirement for an appraisal with an interior inspection. 
Another credit union noted that it obtains evaluations, rather than 
appraisals, for transactions below $50,000.\23\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \23\ Regulations applicable to national credit unions generally 
require a credit union to obtain an ``evaluation'' rather than an 
appraisal for transactions with a value of $250,000 or less. See 12 
CFR 722.3(a)(1) and (d).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Several commenters suggested other thresholds. A State credit union 
trade association commenter suggested that the threshold should be 
raised to $100,000 or, at a minimum, to $75,000. The commenter stated 
that requiring costly appraisals on smaller dollar HPMLs 
disproportionately hurts LMI consumers and consumers in rural areas, 
where appraisals can be costly and the wait time for appraisals, 
according to a member survey, is generally one-and-a-half to three 
months, but can be up to six months. A community banking trade 
association believed that, for loans below $100,000, the cost of an 
appraisal is high relative to the cost of the loan, but the credit risk 
to the bank is low. One community bank suggested a threshold of 
$35,000, noting that the average size of loans secured by a 
manufactured home (and not land) that are made by the bank is under 
$35,000. Another community bank believed that $40,000 was an 
appropriate threshold and expressed concerns about the cost of 
appraisals, especially in rural areas.
    A few commenters suggested thresholds that are the same as those in 
other mortgage rules, asserting that this alignment would reduce 
regulatory burden. A mortgage banking trade association stated that the 
threshold should be $100,000 because the Bureau's ability-to-repay rule 
permits creditors to apply higher points and fees for loans below 
$100,000.\24\ Two of the commenters suggesting a $50,000 threshold 
asserted that doing so would make the exemption consistent with a 
threshold in the Bureau's Regulation Z rules under the Home Ownership 
and Equity Protection Act of 1994 (HOEPA) for different interest rate 
triggers.\25\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \24\ See Sec.  1026.43(e)(3).
    \25\ See Sec.  1026.32(a)(1)(i)(B), effective January 10, 2014. 
See also 78 FR 6856 (Jan. 31, 2013) (2013 HOEPA Final Rule).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The suggestions of some commenters focused on excluding subordinate 
lien transactions from the rule. A State credit union association 
believed $50,000 was an appropriate threshold because it would exclude 
from coverage of the HPML appraisal rules many subordinate lien 
transactions. This commenter believed that appraisals for subordinate 
lien loans taken concurrently with first lien loans were unnecessary 
because often an appraisal will have been performed for the first lien 
transaction. The commenter also believed that most home improvement 
loans are more than $25,000, so the proposed threshold could hinder the 
use of smaller home equity loans. The commenter asserted that the 
expense of the appraisal with an interior inspection could considerably 
raise the total costs of financing the home improvement loan.
    In addition, a State banking association and a financial holding 
company recommended exempting home equity loans from the rule. The 
financial holding company noted that, in the calculation to determine 
HPML status, the spread between APR and APOR is smaller for first lien 
loans than for subordinate lien loans (1.5 percentage points above APOR 
and 3.5 percentage points above APOR, respectively), and objected to an 
appraisal requirement for first lien home equity loans in particular. 
This commenter recommended that the Agencies raise the APR-APOR spread 
to 3.5 percentage points for all home equity loans. The State banking 
association argued that first lien home equity loans present very 
little credit risk.
    The Agencies also sought comment on whether the threshold for the 
smaller dollar loan exemption should be adjusted periodically for 
inflation and whether the adjustments should be annually or some other 
period. A small mortgage lender and a State banking trade association 
expressed support for the annual adjustment. The small mortgage lender 
noted that this approach was consistent with other provisions in 
Regulation Z.\26\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \26\ See Sec.  1026.3(b) (exempting from Regulation Z loans over 
the applicable threshold dollar amount, adjusted annually); Sec.  
1026.32(a)(1)(ii) (setting the points and fees trigger for high-cost 
mortgages, adjusted annually).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Conditioning an exemption. In addition, the Agencies requested 
comment on whether conditions should be imposed on the smaller dollar 
loan exemption. The Agencies specifically asked whether the smaller 
dollar loan exemption should be conditioned on the creditor providing 
the consumer with an alternative estimate of the collateral value. A 
national association of owners of manufactured homes, two affordable 
housing associations, a consumer advocate group, and a policy and 
research organization believed that, if the Agencies adopted the 
exemption, consumers should be given at least the manufacturer's 
invoice for new manufactured home transactions, even if they fall under 
the threshold. These commenters believed that providing the invoice 
would be low cost, and yet would provide an important check on 
overvaluation. Another affordable housing organization believed that 
creditors in manufactured home transactions of $25,000 or less should 
be required to obtain replacement cost estimates performed by a 
trained, independent appraiser from a nationally-published cost 
service. See also section-by-section analysis of Sec.  
1026.35(c)(2)(viii).
    A community bank commenter asserted that consumers should receive a 
copy of the valuation used by the creditor as a condition to the 
exemption. A small mortgage lender suggested that a government-provided 
tax assessment would be an appropriate valuation to provide to 
consumers. This commenter argued that because municipalities already 
use tax assessments to determine property value for tax and insurance 
purposes, the assessments have been proven to be sufficiently reliable. 
The commenter contended that requiring more costly valuation methods as 
a condition of the exemption might prompt creditors to determine that 
the exemption is unduly burdensome and stop making these smaller dollar 
loans.
    An affordable housing organization suggested that, as a condition 
to the exemption (as well as other exemptions), creditors should be 
required to provide any valuation used to determine the security for 
the loan and suggested that creditors should be given flexibility to 
choose the appropriate valuation for the transaction. At the same time, 
the commenter recommended that a creditor should be required to obtain 
replacement cost estimates from a trained, independent appraiser and to 
provide these estimates to a consumer.
    The Agencies did not receive comments on a number of additional 
comment requests, including requests for information about the risks 
that smaller dollar loans could lead to high LTV loans; specific data 
on the costs and burdens associated with the exemption, especially for 
smaller institutions; and data on the extent to which creditors 
anticipate originating HPMLs of $25,000 or less that are not qualified 
mortgages.
The Final Rule
    The Agencies are adopting the exemption for HPMLs for extensions of 
credit of $25,000 or less as proposed and renumbering it Sec.  
1026.35(c)(2)(ii). The Agencies are also adopting the proposal to 
adjust the threshold annually, based on the percentage increase of the 
CPI-W. Official Staff

[[Page 78531]]

Commentary for Sec.  1026.35(c)(2)(ii) is also adopted as proposed.
    Comment 35(c)(2)(ii)-1 explains that, for purposes of Sec.  
1026.35(c)(2)(ii), the threshold amount in effect during a particular 
one-year period is the amount stated in this comment for that period. 
Specifically, comment 35(c)(2)(ii)-1.i. provides that from January 18, 
2014, through December 31, 2014, the threshold amount is $25,000. 
Comment 35(c)(2)(ii)-1 further provides that the threshold amount is 
adjusted effective January 1 of every year by the percentage increase 
in the CPI-W that was in effect on the preceding June 1. The comment 
also states that, every year, the comment will be amended to provide 
the threshold amount for the upcoming one-year period after the annual 
percentage change in the CPI-W that was in effect on June 1 becomes 
available. In addition, the comment states that any increase in the 
threshold amount will be rounded to the nearest $100 increment. The 
comment provides the following example: if the percentage increase in 
the CPI-W would result in a $950 increase in the threshold amount, the 
threshold amount will be increased by $1,000. However, if the 
percentage increase in the CPI-W would result in a $949 increase in the 
threshold amount, the threshold amount will be increased by $900.
    Comment 35(c)(2)(ii)-2 clarifies that a transaction is exempt under 
Sec.  1026.35(c)(2)(ii) if the creditor makes an extension of credit at 
consummation that is equal to or below the threshold amount in effect 
at the time of consummation.
    Finally, comment 35(c)(2)(ii)-3 explains that a transaction does 
not meet the condition for an exemption under Sec.  1026.35(c)(2)(ii) 
merely because it is used to satisfy and replace an existing exempt 
loan, unless the amount of the new extension of credit is equal to or 
less than the applicable threshold amount. The comment provides the 
following example: assume a closed-end loan that qualified for a Sec.  
1026.35(c)(2)(ii) exemption at consummation in year one is refinanced 
in year ten and that the new loan amount is greater than the threshold 
amount in effect in year ten. The comment states that, in these 
circumstances, the creditor must comply with all of the applicable 
requirements of Sec.  1026.35(c) with respect to the year ten 
transaction if the original loan is satisfied and replaced by the new 
loan, unless another exemption from the requirements of Sec.  
1026.35(c) applies. See Sec.  1026.35(c)(2) and Sec.  
1026.35(c)(4)(vii).
    For the reasons discussed in the 2013 Supplemental Proposed Rule as 
described in ``The Agencies' Proposal,'' the Agencies believe that the 
exemption finalized in Sec.  1026.35(c)(2)(ii) is in the public 
interest and promotes the safety and soundness of creditors. As 
discussed in the 2013 Supplemental Proposed Rule, the Agencies believe 
that the burden and expense of imposing the HPML appraisal requirements 
on HPMLs of $25,000 or less that are not qualified mortgages outweigh 
potential consumer protection benefits in many cases. As discussed 
above, no commenters objected to an exemption, and many commenters 
generally agreed with the Agencies' assessment of the costs versus the 
benefits of appraisals for these loans. Commenters also noted that the 
cost of the appraisals would be even higher in rural areas, due to the 
scarcity of appraisers and the potential for added time to locate and 
engage an appraiser.
    As noted, the Agencies received a number of comments on the 2013 
Supplemental Proposed Rule suggesting that the Agencies should raise 
the amount of the threshold. These commenters cited the cost of the 
appraisals and at least one commenter provided some information about 
the percentage of HPMLs made by the lender that are smaller dollar, but 
overall very little data was offered to support the various threshold 
suggestions. For example, despite the Agencies' requests for data, no 
commenters provided data indicating that a significant number of the 
smaller dollar loans they originate would not be qualified mortgages 
and thus would be subject to the HPML appraisal requirements absent an 
exemption.
    To inform the threshold determination, the Agencies again examined 
HMDA data. According to 2012 HMDA data, increasing the proposed 
threshold could substantially increase the proportion of HPMLs that 
would be exempted from the rule. For example, a $25,000 exemption would 
exempt 55 percent of conventional subordinate lien home improvement 
HPMLs from coverage and 37 percent of conventional subordinate lien 
home purchase HPMLs. In comparison, a $50,000 exemption would exempt 87 
percent of conventional subordinate lien home improvement HPMLs and 70 
percent of percent of conventional subordinate lien home purchase 
HPMLs.\27\ The Agencies believe that increasing the threshold from 
$25,000 to, for example, $50,000, would exempt too large a proportion 
of HPMLs, such that the exemption would violate the intent of the 
statute to subject both first and subordinate lien loans to the 
appraisal requirements. The Agencies believe that a threshold of 
$25,000 appropriately exempts from the rule those smaller dollar loans 
that would benefit from the exemption, such as smaller dollar home 
improvement loans. Moreover, the Agencies believe creditors are 
generally better able to absorb losses that might be associated with a 
loan of $25,000 or less than loans of higher amounts.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \27\ See Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council 
(FFIEC), HMDA, http://www.ffiec.gov/Hmda/default.htm.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    As discussed under ``Public Comments,'' some commenters suggested 
exempting loans based on lien status or whether the loan is a home 
equity loan. For example, a State credit union association advocated 
for a threshold that would exclude most subordinate lien loan from the 
rules. A State banking association and a financial holding company 
recommended exempting home equity loans from the rule, particularly 
first lien home equity loans. The financial holding company noted that, 
in the calculation to determine HPML status, the spread between APR and 
APOR is smaller for first lien loans than for subordinate lien loans 
(1.5 percent above APOR and 3.5 percent above APOR, respectively). This 
commenter recommended that the Agencies raise the APR-APOR spread 
triggering HPML status to 3.5 percentage points for all home equity 
loans, whether first lien or subordinate lien.
    The Agencies believe that an exemption based on a monetary 
threshold rather than an exemption based on a loan's lien status or 
loan purpose (home equity versus home purchase, for example) is 
necessary to protect consumers and more consistent with the statute. 
The statute clearly indicates that HPMLs secured by a consumer's 
principal dwelling should be covered, whether home purchase or home 
equity, and whether first lien or subordinate lien. See TILA section 
129H(f), 15 U.S.C. 1639h(f). In addition, the differing APR-APOR 
spreads for first lien and subordinate lien loans were set by statute. 
See id. Both first lien and subordinate lien home equity loans reduce 
equity in a consumer's home and can put consumers at financial risk; 
the Agencies believe that limiting this risk to consumers for both 
types of loans is appropriate. The Agencies also believe that 
consistency of the rule across these loan types will facilitate 
compliance.
    Regarding comments that the threshold should match those in other

[[Page 78532]]

mortgage rulemakings, the Agencies decline to do so because the other 
mortgage rules are not comparable to the appraisal requirements. The 
$50,000 threshold in the 2013 HOEPA Final Rule referred to by two 
commenters relates to which APR-APOR spread applies in determining 
whether a loan is ``high-cost.'' \28\ Specifically, the $50,000 
threshold is relevant only if the loan is secured by a first lien on a 
dwelling that is personal property. This threshold was intended to 
capture a very specific type of loan for an exemption from an entirely 
different set of rules. The Agencies therefore question the basis for 
applying the same threshold in establishing an exemption from the HPML 
appraisal rules.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \28\ See Sec.  1026.32(a)(1)(i)(B) as amended by 78 FR 6962 
(Jan. 31, 2013).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    For similar reasons, the Agencies believe that setting the 
threshold at $100,000 to align with the $100,000 tier for permitting 
higher points and fees for qualified mortgages, as one commenter 
suggested, is not appropriate. See Sec.  1026.43(e)(3). The smaller 
dollar loan thresholds in that rule were crafted in the context of 
ensuring a consumer's ability to repay a mortgage, not for purposes of 
determining whether an appraisal should be performed for a particular 
transaction. Moreover, the $100,000 threshold is only the highest loan 
amount of five tiers of loan amounts for which higher points and fees 
are permitted at varying levels.
    For the reasons discussed above, therefore, the Agencies are 
maintaining the proposed $25,000 threshold in the final rule. The 
Agencies also are adopting the proposal to adjust the threshold for 
inflation every year, based on the percentage increase of CPI-W. As 
noted, commenters supported an annual adjustment for inflation. Also, 
as discussed in the 2013 Supplemental Proposed Rule, inflation 
adjustments for other thresholds in Regulation Z are also annual, so 
the adjustment will provide for consistency across mortgage rules.
    Conditions on the exemption. The Agencies are finalizing the 
smaller dollar loan exemption with no conditions. Some commenters 
suggested providing alternative valuations to consumers as a condition 
to the smaller dollar loan exemption, including providing the consumer 
with an estimate of the value of the collateral property that the 
creditor relied on in making the credit decision. However, the Agencies 
believe that for HPMLs of $25,000 or less that are not qualified 
mortgages, the added burden or cost of a condition could deter lenders 
from making these loans, which could harm consumers. In addition, the 
Agencies believe that an unconditional exemption for transactions of 
$25,000 or less will be simpler and easier for creditors to apply, thus 
facilitating compliance and enhancing the utility of the exemption.
    One reason that the Agencies are not raising the exemption above 
$25,000 is the Agencies' concern that conditioning the exemption might 
then be necessary to ensure that the exemption both promotes the safety 
and soundness of creditors and is in the public interest. In the 
Agencies' view, arguments that neither an appraisal nor an alternative 
valuation need be obtained or provided to the consumer become 
increasingly less persuasive for transactions over $25,000, as larger 
amounts tie up greater amounts of home equity and losses become less 
easily absorbed by creditors. The Agencies deem it best not to add 
complexity by conditioning the exemption and believe that no conditions 
are needed at the level of $25,000 or less.
35(c)(2)(iv)
    The Agencies are adopting a new comment to clarify the exemption in 
Sec.  1026.35(c)(2)(iv) for ``a transaction to finance the initial 
construction of a dwelling.'' Specifically, new comment 35(c)(2)(iv)-2 
clarifies that the exemption for construction loans in Sec.  
1026.35(c)(2)(iv) applies to temporary financing of the construction of 
a dwelling that will be replaced by permanent financing once 
construction is complete. The exemption does not apply, for example, to 
loans to finance the purchase of manufactured homes that have not been 
or are in the process of being built, when the financing obtained by 
the consumer at that time is permanent. The comment cross-references 
Sec.  1026.35(c)(2)(viii), which sets out the HPML appraisal rules 
applicable to transactions secured by manufactured homes.
    The Agencies are adding this comment in response to public comments 
on the 2013 Supplemental Proposed Rule suggesting that manufactured 
home loans where the unit has not been constructed are similar to 
temporary construction loans exempt under Sec.  1026.35(c)(2)(iv) and 
should be exempt on the same basis. The Agencies understand that 
manufactured home loans in this situation generally are permanent 
financing, and therefore the same rationale for exempting temporary 
construction loans, expressed in the January 2013 Final Rule, would not 
apply to those loans.
35(c)(2)(vii)
The Agencies' Proposal
    The Agencies proposed to exempt from the HPML appraisal rules 
certain types of refinancings with characteristics common to refinance 
programs offering ``streamlined'' refinances. Specifically, the 
Agencies proposed to exempt an extension of credit that is a 
refinancing where the ``owner or guarantor'' of the refinance loan was 
the ``owner or guarantor'' of the existing obligation. In addition, the 
regular periodic payments under the refinance loan could not have 
resulted in negative amortization, covered only interest on the loan, 
or resulted in a balloon payment. Finally, the proceeds from the 
refinance loan would have to have been used solely to pay off the 
outstanding principal balance on the existing obligation and to pay 
closing or settlement charges.
    As discussed in the 2013 Supplemental Proposed Rule, the Agencies 
believe that this exemption would be in the public interest and promote 
the safety and soundness of creditors.
Background
    In an environment of historically low interest rates, the Federal 
government has supported streamlined refinance programs as a way to 
promote the ongoing recovery of the consumer mortgage market. Notably, 
the Home Affordable Refinance Program (HARP) was introduced by the U.S. 
Treasury Department in 2009 to provide refinance relief options to 
consumers following the steep decline in housing prices as a result of 
the financial crisis. The HARP program was expanded in 2011 and is 
currently set to expire in at the end of 2015.
    Federal government agencies--HUD, VA, and USDA--as well as 
government-sponsored enterprises (GSEs), Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, 
have developed streamlined refinance programs to address consumer, 
creditor and investor risks.\29\ These programs enable many consumers 
to refinance the balance of those mortgages through an abbreviated 
application and underwriting process.\30\

[[Page 78533]]

Under these programs, consumers with little or no equity in their 
homes,\31\ as well as consumers with significant equity in their 
homes,\32\ can restructure their mortgage debt, often at lower interest 
rates or payment amounts than under their existing loans.\33\
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    \29\ Under existing GSE streamlined refinance programs, Freddie 
Mac and Fannie Mae purchase and guarantee streamlined refinance 
loans for consumers under HARP (whose existing loans have LTVs over 
80 percent) as well as for consumers whose existing loans have LTVs 
at or below 80 percent.
    \30\ See Fannie Mae Single Family Selling Guide, chapter B5-5, 
section B5-5.2 (Refi Plus[supreg] and DU Refi Plus[supreg] loans); 
Freddie Mac Single Family Seller/Servicer Guide, chapters A24, B24, 
and C24 (Relief Refinance[supreg] Loans); HUD Handbook 4155.1, 
chapters 3.C and 6.C (Streamline Refinances) and Title I Appendix 
11-3 (manufactured home streamline refinances); USDA Rural 
Development Admin. Notice 4615 (Rural Refinance Pilot); and VA 
Lenders Handbook, chapter 6 (Interest Rate Reduction Refinance 
Loans, or IRRRLs). Creditworthiness evaluations generally are not 
required for Refi Plus, Relief Refinance, HUD Streamline Refinance, 
or IRRRL loans unless borrower monthly payments would increase by 20 
percent or more. See HUD Handbook 4155.1, chapter 6.C.2.d; Fannie 
Mae Single Family Selling Guide, chapter B5-5, section B5-5.2 (Refi 
Plus and DU Refi Plus loans); Freddie Mac Single Family Seller/
Servicer Guide, chapters A24, B24, and C24; VA Lenders Handbook, 
chapter 6.1.c.
    \31\ For example, HARP supports refinancing through the GSEs for 
borrowers whose LTV exceeds 80 percent and whose existing loans were 
consummated on or before May 31, 2009. See http://www.makinghomeaffordable.gov/programs/lower-rates/Pages/harp.aspx.
    \32\ See, e.g., Freddie Mac 2011 Annual Report at Table 52, 
reporting that the majority of Freddie Mac funding for Relief 
Refinances in 2011 was for borrowers with LTVs at or below 80 
percent. This report is available at http://www.freddiemac.com/investors/er/pdf/10k_030912.pdf.
    \33\ Over two million streamlined refinance transactions 
occurred under FHA and GSE programs in 2012 (including both HPML and 
non-HPML refinances). According to public data recently reported by 
FHFA, 1,803,980 streamlined refinance loans occurred under Fannie 
Mae or Freddie Mac streamlined refinance programs. See FHFA 
Refinance Report for February 2013, available at http://www.fhfa.gov/webfiles/25164/Feb13RefiReportFinal.pdf. The Agencies 
estimate, based upon data received from FHA during outreach to 
prepare this proposal, that the FHA insured 378,000 loans under its 
``Streamline'' program in 2012.
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    Valuation requirements of ``streamlined'' refinance programs. The 
streamlined underwriting for certain refinancings often does not 
include an appraisal that conforms with USPAP or a physical inspection 
of the property. One reason for this is that, in currently available 
streamlined refinance programs, the value of the property securing the 
existing and refinance obligations does not determine borrower 
eligibility for the refinance.
    Generally, the principal concern under streamlined refinance 
programs is not whether the creditor or investor could in the near term 
recoup the mortgage amount by foreclosing upon and selling the securing 
property. The immediate goals for these loans are to secure payment 
relief for the borrower and thereby avoid default and foreclosure; to 
allow the borrower to take advantage of lower interest rates; or to 
restructure their mortgage obligation to build equity more quickly--all 
of which reduce risk for creditors and investors and benefit consumers.
    The credit risk holder of the existing obligation might obtain a 
valuation other than an appraisal for the refinance to estimate LTV for 
determining the appropriate securitization pool for the loan. LTV as 
determined by this valuation can also affect the terms offered to the 
consumer. Sometimes an appraisal is required when the property is not 
standardized, or the credit risk holder of the existing obligation and 
the refinance loan does not have what it deems to be sufficient 
information about the property.
    Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac each have 
streamlined refinance programs: Fannie Mae DU (``Desktop Underwriter'') 
Refi PlusTM and Refi PlusTM and Freddie Mac 
Relief Refinance[supreg]-Same Servicer/Open Access. Under these 
programs, Fannie Mae must hold both the old and new loan, as must 
Freddie Mac under its program. An appraisal is not required when the 
GSEs are confident in an estimate of value (usually based on their 
respective proprietary automated valuation models (AVMs)), which is 
then provided to lenders originating loans under these programs.\34\
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    \34\ For GSE streamlined refinance transactions purchased in 
2012 at LTVs of above 80 percent, AVM estimates were obtained for 
approximately 81 percent and appraisals (either interior inspection 
or exterior-only) were obtained for approximately 19 percent. For 
GSE streamlined refinance transactions purchased in 2012 at LTVs of 
80 percent or below, AVM estimates were obtained for approximately 
87 and appraisals (either interior inspection or exterior-only) were 
obtained for approximately 13 percent.
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    HUD/FHA. The HUD ``Streamline'' Refinance program administered by 
the FHA permits but generally does not require a creditor to obtain an 
appraisal.\35\ The Agencies understand that almost all FHA streamlined 
refinances are done without requiring an appraisal.\36\ The FHA program 
does not require an alternative valuation type for transactions that do 
not have appraisals.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \35\ See, e.g., HUD Handbook 4155.1, chapter 6.C.1.
    \36\ According to data from FHA, in calendar year 2012, only 1.1 
percent of FHA streamline refinances required an appraisal.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    VA and USDA. VA and USDA programs do not require appraisals. The VA 
and USDA streamlined refinance programs also do not require an 
alternative valuation type for transactions for which an appraisal is 
not required.
    Private ``streamlined'' refinance programs. The Agencies also 
understand that some private creditors offer streamlined refinance 
programs for their borrowers that meet certain eligibility 
requirements. In the 2013 Supplemental Proposed Rule, the Agencies 
sought comment and relevant data on how often private creditors obtain 
alternative valuation estimates in these transactions (i.e., 
streamlined refinances outside of the government agency and GSE 
programs discussed previously) when no appraisal is conducted.\37\ The 
Agencies did not receive comment on this issue.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \37\ In general, FIRREA regulations governing appraisal 
requirements permit the use of an ``evaluation'' (or in the case of 
NCUA, a ``written estimate of market value'') rather than an 
appraisal in same-creditor refinances that involve no new monies 
except to pay reasonable closing costs and, in the case of the NCUA, 
no obvious and material change in market conditions or physical 
adequacy of the collateral. See OCC: 12 CFR 34.43 and 164.3; Board: 
12 CFR 225.63; FDIC: 12 CFR 323.3; NCUA: 12 CFR 722.3. See also OCC, 
Board, FDIC, NCUA, Interagency Appraisal and Evaluation Guidelines, 
App. A-5, 75 FR 77450, 77466-67 (Dec. 10, 2010).
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Public Comments
Public Comments on the 2012 Proposed Rule
    A number of commenters on the 2012 Proposed Rule recommended that 
the Agencies exempt streamlined refinancings. Some of these commenters 
expressed a view that the Dodd-Frank Act's ``higher-risk mortgage'' 
appraisal rules were not appropriate for refinancings designed to move 
a borrower into a more stable mortgage product with affordable 
payments. Commenters pointed out, among other things, that these types 
of refinancings can be important credit risk management tools in the 
primary and secondary markets, and can reduce foreclosures, stabilize 
communities, and stimulate the economy. GSE commenters indicated that 
in many cases loans originated under Federal government streamlined 
refinance programs do not require appraisals and asserted that doing so 
would interfere with these programs.
    Consumer advocates did not comment on the 2012 Proposed Rule, but 
in subsequent informal outreach with the Agencies for the 2013 
Supplemental Proposed Rule, they expressed concerns about not requiring 
appraisals in HPML streamlined refinance programs. They expressed the 
view that a quality appraisal that also is required to be made 
available to the consumer can be a tool to prevent fraud in refinance 
transactions. They also pointed out instances in which an appraisal on 
a refinance transaction revealed appraisal fraud on the original 
purchase transaction. In the 2013 Supplemental Proposed Rule, the 
Agencies invited further comment on these and any related concerns, and 
appropriate means of addressing these concerns as part of this 
rulemaking. The Agencies did not

[[Page 78534]]

receive additional comments on this issue as part of the 2013 
Supplemental Proposed Rule, the relevant public comments on which are 
summarized below.
Public Comments on the 2013 Supplemental Proposed Rule
    Commenters were generally supportive of exempting streamlined 
refinances from the HPML appraisal requirements. These included 
comments from a credit union, a State credit union trade association, a 
national mortgage banking trade association, and a national real estate 
trade association. The commenters stated that the exemption would 
encourage and enable many consumers to refinance the balance of their 
mortgages through an abbreviated underwriting process that will save 
them time and money and help them restructure their debt and lower 
their interest rate or mortgage payment. The State credit union 
association commenter stated that an appraisal is not necessary for 
these types of transactions as the value of the home is not the factor 
driving the restructuring transaction. The national real estate trade 
association asserted that the cost of the appraisal would increase the 
costs to the consumer, especially in rural areas where there are fewer 
appraisers, with no offsetting benefit to the consumer.
    Three national appraiser organizations opposed the proposed 
exemption for streamlined refinances and urged the Agencies not to 
adopt it in the final rule. Two of these commenters asserted that a key 
component of a consumers' decision to refinance their loan is the 
market value of their home. A third national appraiser organization 
believed that the proposed exemption was unnecessary and inconsistent 
with what this commenter viewed as the Dodd-Frank Act's emphasis on 
risk management, particularly for HPMLs.
    The Agencies solicited comment on the circumstances in which an 
originator's assumption of ``put back'' risk on a refinance loan raises 
safety and soundness concerns, even where the owner or guarantor on the 
refinance loan remains the same. Two national appraiser organizations 
and a State HFA offered comments related to this question. The 
appraisal organizations commented that where a loan involves new risk 
to either government agencies or the taxpayers, an appraisal should be 
required. Generally, where new risk results from a transaction, an 
appraisal with an interior inspection should be required. These 
commenters added that, if the risk is already known or exists (i.e., is 
not new risk), an exterior inspection appraisal might be sufficient.
    The State HFA commented that the scope of the same ``owner or 
guarantor'' requirement should be expanded to include Federally-insured 
or -guaranteed streamlined refinancing transactions. The group 
suggested that the proposed language focused on the secondary market 
for mortgage loans rather than the Federal entities bearing the risk at 
the loan level. The Agencies understand that this State HFA has 
programs in which a Federally-insured or -guaranteed loan (such as by 
FHA or VA) might be refinanced and placed in a mortgage revenue bond 
guaranteed by the HFA. The State HFA expressed concerns that under this 
arrangement, the loan might not meet the same ``owner or guarantor'' 
criteria of the proposed refinance exemption because the HFA would be a 
new guarantor at the secondary market level. However, the State HFA 
pointed out that the refinance loan continues to be insured by FHA or 
guaranteed by VA at the loan level.
    A State credit union organization believed that exempting 
refinances in which the ``owner or guarantor'' of the refinanced loan 
also is the ``owner or guarantor'' of the existing loan would reduce 
time and transaction costs. A State banking trade association commented 
in the context of balloon mortgages that streamlined refinances with 
the same ``owner and guarantor'' typically have lower costs than a 
refinance with another creditor. The national trade association that 
represents creditors believed that the language of the proposal 
requiring that the ``owner or guarantor'' be the same would exclude 
loans that are originated by the servicer or subservicer on the 
original obligation, and requested clarification to allow those 
entities to originate streamlined refinances and still be eligible for 
the exemption.
    As noted under ``Background,'' the Agencies also sought information 
on the valuation practices of private creditors for refinanced loans 
where the private owner or guarantor remains the same and the loans are 
not sold to a GSE or insured or guaranteed by a Federal government 
agency. Two national organizations representing appraisers commented 
that when refinanced loans are not sold to the GSEs or insured or 
guaranteed by a government agency, creditors are likely to order 
appraisals with interior inspections because of the increased risk to 
the creditor.
    Five commenters--three State credit union associations and two 
State banking trade associations--supported the proposed exemption for 
streamlined refinances but requested that the Agencies remove the 
proposed prohibition on balloon payments. These commenters believed 
that balloon mortgages can be an affordable option and serve an 
important role in helping consumers retain their homes. For similar 
reasons, one of the State credit union associations also supported 
eliminating the proposed prohibition on interest-only payments. A State 
banking trade association urged the Agencies to consider including 
Balloon Payment Qualified Mortgages \38\ in the proposed expanded 
definition for qualified mortgages, arguing that these types of 
mortgages undergo rigorous underwriting procedures similar to those 
required under the general qualified mortgage provisions.\39\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \38\ See Sec.  1026.43(e)(6) and (f).
    \39\ Sec.  1026.43(e)(2).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In addition to the restrictions on exempt refinancings that the 
Agencies proposed, one State bank commenter recommended that the 
proceeds from the refinance be used to pay both principal and accrued 
interest since the majority of refinance loans today include the 
accrued interest of the refinanced loan into the new loan amount. This 
commenter stated that including accrued interest would not adversely 
affect the consumer and could be beneficial if the consumer does not 
have the cash to pay the amount.
    An affordable housing organization commenter stated that any 
streamlined refinance resulting in higher payments, higher interest 
rates or longer loan terms for the consumer should not be exempt. This 
commenter also believed that previously refinanced loans should not be 
exempt to prevent an accumulation of high fees from eroding the 
consumer's equity.
    A State credit union association commenter opposed limiting the 
amount of points and fees that may be financed on an exempt refinance 
transaction. This commenter pointed out that a points and fees test 
applies to ``high-cost'' mortgages in Regulation Z \40\ and asserted 
that it is not necessary to include point and fee caps as part of HPML 
appraisal rules. This commenter also argued that to do so would create 
more regulatory confusion for consumers and financial institutions.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \40\ See Sec.  1026.32(a), implementing TILA section 103(aa), 15 
U.S.C. 1602(aa), as amended by section 1431 of the Dodd-Frank Act 
(revising the points and fees triggers for determining whether a 
loan is a ``high-cost mortgage.'' See also Sec.  1026.43(e)(3), 
implementing TILA section 129C(b)(2)(A)(vii), 15 U.S.C. 
1639c(b)(2)(A)(vii) (limiting points and fees that may be charged on 
a ``qualified mortgage'').
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Two commenters--a national mortgage banking association and an

[[Page 78535]]

affordable housing organization--suggested that one of the criteria for 
an exempt refinance transaction should be a consumer benefit. The 
national mortgage banking association commenter recommended that the 
Agencies adopt the benefits test used by the GSEs for HARP loans, which 
requires that the new loans put borrowers in a better position by 
reducing their payments or moving them from a risky loan structure.\41\ 
Similarly, the affordable housing organization commenter stated that 
only streamlined refinance transactions clearly lowering the consumer's 
risk should be exempt. On the other hand, a State credit union 
association commenter opposed introducing additional limits on the 
exemption, such as requiring that the borrower have made timely 
payments for a specified period or that the consumer ``benefit'' from 
the transaction in some way defined in the regulations.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \41\ See Fannie Mae Selling Guide, B5-5.2-02, DU Refi Plus and 
Refi Plus Underwriting Considerations (9/24/2013).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Agencies also requested comments on whether the exemption for 
refinance loans should be conditioned on the creditor obtaining an 
alternative valuation and providing a copy to the consumer three 
business days prior to closing. The Agencies further asked whether 
obtaining and providing an alternative valuation would better position 
the consumer to consider alternatives, and whether consumers seeking to 
refinance their existing first lien loan typically need or want to 
consider alternatives to refinancing. Lastly, the Agencies generally 
requested comment and data on whether a condition on the exemption is 
necessary.
    Four commenters--a State credit union association, a national 
community bank trade association, a national mortgage banking 
association, and a financial holding company--affirmatively opposed 
requiring creditors to obtain an alternative valuation to qualify their 
refinance loans for the refinance exemption from the HPML appraisal 
rules. Commenters stated that doing so would hinder the refinancing 
process and increase the time and expense of these transactions 
unnecessarily. These commenters did not believe that a significant 
benefit exists in giving an alternative valuation when consumers are 
not increasing the amount of their debt or changing the collateral.
    Comments from a State bank and a State credit union association 
suggested that if an alternative valuation were required, creditors 
should be able to rely on an existing appraisal to the extent permitted 
by existing Federal appraisal regulations and the interagency appraisal 
guidelines,\42\ which allow for using an existing appraisal prepared 
for another financial institution. A credit union commenter and a State 
credit union association commenter suggested that if an alternative is 
required, a ``drive-by'' appraisal or comparable market analysis to 
ensure that the home still stands and is in reasonable condition is 
prudent when modifying or restructuring debt to reduce foreclosures and 
further delinquencies.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \42\ See OCC: 12 CFR 34.45(b)(2) and 12 CFR 164.5(b)(2); Board: 
12 CFR 225.65(b)(2); FDIC: 12 CFR 323.5(b)(2); NCUA: 12 CFR 
722.5(b)(2).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Three national appraiser organizations and an affordable housing 
organization recommended that, at minimum, an alternative valuation to 
an appraisal with an interior inspection should be required so that 
consumers are better informed. The appraiser group commenters 
recommended that creditors obtain replacement cost estimates or other 
less costly services provided by appraisers, such as desktop 
appraisals. One appraiser group generally asserted that the consumer 
should be made aware of what type of valuation service was performed 
and by whom.
    No commenters provided data relevant to whether requiring an 
alternative valuation as a condition of the proposed refinance 
exemption would be necessary or beneficial.
    In the 2013 Supplemental Proposed Rule, the Agencies recognized 
that estimates of value may not always be required by Federal law or 
investors. For example, some creditors are not subject to the appraisal 
and evaluation requirements that apply to Federally regulated financial 
institutions \43\ under FIRREA and, therefore would not be required to 
obtain a FIRREA-compliant valuation on a ``no cash out'' refinance. 
Thus, the Agencies requested comment on the extent to which either 
appraisals or other valuation tools such as AVMs or broker price 
opinions (BPOs) are used in connection with streamlined refinances--by 
non-depositories not covered by FIRREA in particular. Only one 
commenter, a national appraiser organization, responded to this 
question, stating that BPOs are not used in refinance transactions and, 
in fact, are illegal in many states. Moreover, this commenter pointed 
out that GSEs and other government agencies prohibit using BPOs in 
refinancing, and use their own AVMs to waive appraisal requirements 
when appropriate.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \43\ See 12 U.S.C 3350(7) (defining ``financial institution'' 
for purposes of FIRREA and implementing regulations).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Final Rule
    The Agencies are adopting the exemption for certain refinancings 
proposed in the 2013 Supplemental Proposed Rule with modifications to 
some of the criteria for an exempt refinance transaction, described in 
the section-by-section analysis below. Consistent with the 2013 
Supplemental Proposed Rule, the Agencies decline to adopt an exemption 
for all refinance loans, as a few commenters on the 2012 Proposed Rule 
suggested. The appraisal rules in TILA Section 129H apply to 
``residential mortgage loans'' that are higher-priced and secured by 
the consumer's principal dwelling. TILA section 129H(f), 15 U.S.C. 
1639h(f). The term ``residential mortgage loan'' includes refinance 
loans.\44\ Accordingly, the Agencies believe that an exemption for all 
HPML refinances would be overbroad. For example, in refinance 
transactions involving additional cash out to the consumer, consumer 
equity in the home can decrease significantly, increasing risks, so the 
Agencies do not believe an exemption from this rule would be 
appropriate.
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    \44\ ``The term `residential mortgage loan' means any consumer 
credit transaction that is secured by a mortgage, deed of trust, or 
other equivalent consensual security interest on a dwelling or on 
residential real property that includes a dwelling, other than a 
consumer credit transaction under an open end credit plan . . ..'' 
TILA section 103(cc)(5), 15 U.S.C. 1602(cc)(5).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    As stated in the 2013 Supplemental Proposed Rule, the Agencies 
believe that a narrower exemption for certain types of HPML refinance 
loans, generally consistent with the program criteria for streamlined 
refinances under GSE and Federal government agency programs, is in the 
public interest and will promote the safety and soundness of creditors. 
The Agencies recognize that, by reducing the risk of foreclosures and 
helping borrowers better afford their mortgages, streamlined 
refinancing programs can contribute to stabilizing communities and the 
economy, both now and in the future. Streamlined HPML refinance 
transactions can help borrowers who are at risk of default in the near 
future, as well as those who might not default in the near term but 
could benefit by refinancing into a lower rate mortgage for 
considerable cost savings over time. The Agencies also recognize that 
streamlined refinancing programs assist credit risk holders to manage 
their risks. Originating HPML refinances that are beneficial to 
consumers can be important to creditors to ensure the

[[Page 78536]]

continuing performance of loans on their books and to strengthen 
customer relations. For investors in these loans, the streamlined 
refinances can reduce financial risks associated with potential 
defaults and foreclosures.
    As a general matter, the purpose of the exemption for certain 
refinance transactions is to facilitate transactions that can be 
beneficial to borrowers even though they are HPMLs. When the consumer 
is not obtaining additional funds to increase the amount of the debt 
(other than the costs related to the refinancing), and the entity that 
will hold the credit risk of the refinance loan is already the credit 
risk holder on the existing loan, the benefit from obtaining a new 
appraisal may be insufficient to warrant the additional cost. The 
Agencies believe that an exemption from the HPML appraisal rules for 
certain HPML refinances can ensure that the time and cost generated by 
new appraisal requirements are not introduced into certain HPML 
transactions--namely, those that are not qualified mortgages but are 
part of programs designed to help consumers avoid defaults and improve 
their financial positions, as well as help creditors and investors 
avoid losses and mitigate credit risk.
Definition of ``Refinancing''
    Consistent with the proposal, Sec.  1026.35(c)(2)(vii) in the final 
rule defines a ``refinancing'' to mean ``refinancing'' in Sec.  
1026.20(a). Also consistent with the proposal, the definition of 
``refinancing'' under Sec.  1026.35(c)(2)(vii) does not require that 
the creditor remain the same for both the refinancing and the existing 
obligation.\45\ As noted in the 2013 Supplemental Proposed Rule, this 
is a departure from the definition of ``refinancing'' under Sec.  
1026.20(a); commentary to that provision clarifies that a 
``refinancing'' under Sec.  1026.20(a) includes ``only refinancings 
undertaken by the original creditor or a holder or servicer of the 
original obligation.'' See comment 20(a)-5. By contrast, the exemption 
in Sec.  1026.35(c)(2)(vii) allows a different creditor to extend the 
refinance loan, as long as the credit risk holder remains the same on 
both the existing loan and the refinance.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \45\ ``Creditor'' is defined under Regulation Z to mean, in 
pertinent part, ``[a] person who regularly extended consumer credit 
that is subject to a finance charge * * *, and to whom the 
obligation is initially payable, either on the face of the note or 
by contract * * *.'' Sec.  1026.2(a)(17).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    As stated in new comment 35(c)(2)-1, discussed previously, the 
Agencies emphasize that any creditor subject to regulation by a Federal 
financial regulatory agency remains subject to FIRREA regulations 
regarding appraisals and evaluations and the accompanying Interagency 
Appraisal and Evaluation Guidelines.\46\ As such, these institutions 
will have to obtain an appraisal or ``evaluation'' under FIRREA rules 
for any refinance loan, regardless of whether it qualifies for an 
exemption from the HPML appraisal rules.
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    \46\ See OCC: 12 CFR parts 34, Subpart C, and 164; Board: 12 CFR 
part 208, subpart E, and part 225, subpart G; FDIC: 12 CFR part 323; 
NCUA: 12 CFR part 722. See also 75 FR 77450 (Dec. 10, 2010).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Finally, in Sec.  1026.35(c)(2)(vii), the Agencies are clarifying 
that the refinance loans eligible for the exemption are limited to 
loans ``secured by a first lien,'' which is consistent with the 
Agencies' intention in the 2013 Supplemental Proposed Rule.
35(c)(2)(vii)(A)
    The exemption from the HPML appraisal rules requires that the 
refinance transaction satisfy several criteria. These are described in 
the section-by-section analysis of Sec.  1026.35(c)(2)(vii)(A), (B), 
and (C).
    One criterion that a refinance loan must meet is that either: (1) 
The credit risk of the refinance loan is retained by the person that 
held the credit risk of the existing obligation and the credit risk is 
not subject, at consummation, to a commitment to be transferred to 
another person; or (2) the refinance loan is insured or guaranteed by 
the same Federal government agency that insured or guaranteed the 
existing obligation.
    35(c)(2)(vii)(A)(1)--same credit risk holder. Substantively 
consistent with the 2013 Supplemental Proposed Rule, Sec.  
1026.35(c)(2)(vii)(A)(1) allows the exemption for certain refinancings 
to apply if the credit risk holder is the current credit risk holder of 
the existing obligation (assuming the criteria in Sec.  
1026.35(c)(2)(vii)(B) and (C) are also met). The Agencies are adopting 
this requirement as a condition of obtaining the refinance loan 
exemption from the HPML appraisal rules because the Agencies believe 
that this restriction is important to ensuring that the exemption 
promotes the safety and soundness of financial institutions. An 
exemption for streamlined refinances from the HPML appraisal rules can 
help creditors more readily refinance loans to mitigate risk by placing 
consumer in loans with better terms. Decreased default risk for all 
parties is also in the public interest.
    For clarity, as discussed previously, the final regulation defines 
``credit risk'' to mean the financial risk that a loan will default. 
See Sec.  1026.35(c)(1)(ii) and corresponding section-by-section 
analysis. The final rule also differs from the proposal in that it does 
not use the terms ``guarantor'' or ``owner,'' but instead refers to the 
holder of the credit risk.
    Based on public comments, the Agencies are concerned that the terms 
``guarantor'' and ``owner'' may have multiple meanings in the mortgage 
markets and be confusing. For example, the Agencies are concerned that 
the agreements associated with loans securitized in a private-label 
mortgage-backed security (MBS) may include parties identified as 
``guarantor'' and ``owner,'' but such parties do not bear the ``credit 
risk'' as defined in this final rule. See Sec.  1026.35(c)(1)(ii).
    In GSE securitizations, a GSE bears all of the credit risk because 
it either ``owns'' a loan and holds the loan in portfolio, or 
``guarantees'' the loan by placing the loan in an MBS and guaranteeing 
payments of principal and any interest to investors. Some of these 
loans might have private mortgage insurance, but the GSE is the 
beneficiary.
    By contrast, in private-label securitizations, the credit risk is 
spread among multiple parties; for example, the originating credit 
might retain some residual risk (and will be required to for 
``Qualified Residential Mortgages'' \47\), the other MBS investors bear 
certain risks depending on the ``tranche'' or risk tier of the 
investor, and private mortgage insurers or bond insurers also may 
guarantee some losses. Typically, when a loan in an MBS is refinanced, 
the loan will not remain in the same MBS.\48\ The Agencies believe that 
where entities take on material new credit risk with a refinance, 
safety and soundness and the public interest are not served by 
exempting that refinance from the HPML appraisal rules.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \47\ See 78 FR 57920 (Sept. 20, 2013).
    \48\ Certain disincentives for refinancing a loan out of a 
private-label refinance may exist, including contractual 
restrictions on refinancing the loan.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    At the same time, the Agencies recognize that the private-label 
securitization market could involve MBS structures that include an 
entity that provides a guarantee similar to that guarantee provided by 
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac today. Therefore, the criterion in Sec.  
1026.35(c)(2)(vii)(A)(1) is intended to address not only GSE 
securitizations, but also any equivalent private-label structures that 
meet the requirements of the exemption. The Agencies believe that 
private creditor refinance transactions may have similar benefits to 
consumers, creditors, and credit markets as those under GSE and

[[Page 78537]]

government agency programs. In particular, the Agencies believe that 
the central feature of public streamlined refinance programs--the 
credit risk holder on the existing obligation remains the credit risk 
holder on the refinance loan--must be in place in any private 
streamlined refinances that would be entitled to an exemption from the 
HPML appraisal requirements.
    Accordingly, the Agencies are not adopting proposed comment 
35(c)(2)(vii)(A)-1, which was intended to help clarify the meaning of 
the terms ``owner'' and ``guarantor.'' Instead, the Agencies are 
adopting a revised version of this comment, re-numbered comment 
35(c)(2)(vii)(A)(1)-1, that focuses on what it means to hold the credit 
risk on a loan for purposes of the exemption. Specifically, comment 
35(c)(2)(vii)(A)(1)-1 states that the requirement that the holder of 
the credit risk on the existing obligation and the refinance loan be 
the same applies to situations in which an entity bears the financial 
responsibility for the default of a loan by either holding the loan in 
its portfolio or guaranteeing payments of principal and any interest to 
investors in a mortgage-backed security in which the loan is pooled. 
See Sec.  1026.35(c)(1)(ii) (defining ``credit risk''). The comment 
states that, for example, a credit risk holder could be a bank that 
bears the credit risk on the existing obligation by holding the loan in 
the bank's portfolio. Another example of a credit risk holder would be 
a government-sponsored enterprise that bears the risk of default on a 
loan by guaranteeing the payment of principal and any interest on a 
loan to investors in a mortgage-backed security. Finally, the comment 
clarifies that the holder of credit risk under Sec.  
1026.35(c)(2)(vii)(A)(1) does not mean individual investors in an MBS 
or providers of private mortgage insurance.
    Consistent with the proposal (see proposed comment 
35(c)(2)(vii)(A)-1), the Agencies do not intend that individual 
investors in an MBS be considered credit risk holders under this 
exemption criterion. The risks held by investors in these arrangements 
are too disparate for these investors to be considered credit risk 
holders under the final rule.
    The Agencies also do not intend private mortgage insurers--either 
at the loan level or MBS level (as bond insurers, for example)--to be 
credit risk holders under the final rule because the types of losses 
they guarantee may vary for each loan by contract, as may their 
valuation standards for collateral underlying loans they insure. These 
factors are subject to private contractual arrangements that are not 
publicly available. Even if the refinance loan were insured by the same 
private mortgage insurance provider that insured the existing 
obligation, the types of losses guaranteed by this provider on the 
refinance loan might be different from those guaranteed on the existing 
loan and a new party to the refinance transaction could be taking on 
significant new credit risk.
    In new comment 35(c)(2)(vii)(A)(1)-2, the final rule provides two 
illustrations of refinance situations in which the credit risk holder 
would be considered the same for both the existing obligation and the 
refinance loan. These examples are not intended to be exhaustive. In 
the first illustration, the existing obligation is held in the 
portfolio of a bank, thus the bank holds the credit risk. The bank 
arranges to refinance the loan and also will hold the refinance loan in 
its portfolio. If the refinance transaction otherwise meets the 
requirements for an exemption under Sec.  1026.35(c)(2)(vii), the 
transaction will qualify for the exemption because the credit risk 
holder is the same for the existing obligation and the refinance loan. 
In this case, the exemption would apply regardless of whether the bank 
arranged to refinance the loan directly or indirectly, such as through 
the servicer or subservicer on the existing obligation. See comment 
35(c)(2)(vii)(A)(1)-2.i.
    In the second illustration, the existing obligation is held in the 
portfolio of a GSE, thus the GSE holds the credit risk. The GSE 
approves a refinance of the existing obligation by the servicer of the 
loan and immediately purchases the refinance loan. The GSE pools the 
refinance loan in a mortgage-backed security guaranteed by the GSE; 
thus, the GSE continues to hold the credit risk on the refinance loan. 
If the refinance transaction otherwise meets the requirements for an 
exemption under Sec.  1026.35(c)(2)(vii), the transaction will qualify 
for the exemption because the credit risk holder is the same for the 
existing obligation and the refinance loan. In this case, the exemption 
would apply regardless of whether the existing obligation were 
refinanced by the servicer or subservicer on the existing obligation 
(acting as a ``creditor'' under Sec.  1026.2(a)(17)) or by a different 
creditor. See comment 35(c)(2)(vii)(A)(1)-2.ii.
    As noted, one commenter requested clarification about whether a 
servicer or subservicer could originate a refinance that would be 
eligible for the exemption. This commenter expressed concerns that the 
requirement that the ``owner or guarantor'' remain the same would 
prohibit this for exempt refinances. Comment 35(c)(2)(vii)(A)(1)-2.ii 
is intended to clarify that servicers or subservicers may originate 
refinances that are exempt if the credit risk holder on the original 
obligation remains the credit risk holder on the refinance loan.
    In new comment 35(c)(2)(vii)(A)(1)-3, the final rule notes that a 
creditor may at times make a mortgage loan that will be transferred or 
sold to a purchaser pursuant to an agreement that has been entered into 
at or before the time the transaction is consummated. Such an agreement 
is sometimes known as a ``forward commitment.'' The comment clarifies 
that a refinance loan with a forward commitment does not satisfy the 
requirement of Sec.  1026.35(c)(2)(vii)(A)(1) if the loan will be 
acquired by another person pursuant to a forward commitment, such that 
the credit risk on the refinance loan will transfer to a person who did 
not hold the credit risk on the existing obligation. This comment is 
intended to ensure that creditors cannot evade the HPML appraisal 
requirement by refinancing a loan on which they hold the credit risk 
but then bear the credit risk on the refinance loan for only a short 
interim period before transferring the loan to a new longer-term credit 
risk holder.
    Overall, the Agencies believe that the benefits of an appraisal 
with an interior inspection are less clear where the credit risk holder 
remains the same for both transactions. The credit risk holder of the 
existing obligation is more likely to be familiar with the property 
securing the transaction or relevant market conditions than a new 
credit risk holder. This knowledge could have resulted from the credit 
risk holder having evaluated property valuation documents when taking 
on the original credit risk, as well as ongoing portfolio monitoring. 
By contrast, when the credit risk holder of the refinance loan is not 
also the credit risk holder of the existing loan, the refinance loan 
involves new risk to the new credit risk holder of the refinance loan; 
here, safety and soundness would be better served by an appraisal in 
conformity with USPAP and in compliance with FIRREA that includes an 
interior inspection.\49\
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    \49\ Legislative history of the Dodd-Frank Act also suggests 
that Congress believed that certain underwriting requirements were 
not necessary in refinances where the holder of the credit risk 
remains the same: ``However, certain refinance loans, such as VA-
guaranteed mortgages refinanced under the VA Interest Rate Reduction 
Loan Program or the FHA streamlined refinance program, which are 
rate-term refinance loans and are not cash-out refinances, may be 
made without fully re-underwriting the borrower . . . . It is the 
conferees' intent that the [Board] and the [Bureau] use their 
rulemaking authority . . . to extend the same benefit for 
conventional streamlined refinance programs where the party making 
the refinance loan already owns the credit risk. This will enable 
current homeowners to take advantage of current loan interest rates 
to refinance their mortgages.'' Statement of Sen. Dodd, 156 Cong. 
Rec. S5928 (July 15, 2010).

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[[Page 78538]]

    As stated in the 2013 Supplemental Proposed Rule, the Agencies 
generally believe that requiring that the credit risk holder remain the 
same makes it unnecessary to require that the ``creditor'' (as defined 
under Sec.  1026.2(a)(17)) also be the same for both the existing 
obligation and the refinance loan. Under Regulation Z's definition of 
``creditor,'' the creditor will not necessarily be the credit risk 
holder for both the existing and the refinance loans. By allowing the 
creditor to be different (as long as the underlying credit risk holder 
on the loan remains the same), the final rule provides consumers with 
greater ability to obtain a more beneficial loan without having to 
obtain an appraisal.
    35(c)(2)(vii)(A)(2)--government agency programs. Section 
1026.35(c)(2)(vii)(A)(2) provides that a refinance loan meeting the 
other criteria for the exemption (Sec.  1026.35(c)(2)(vii)(B) and (C)) 
could also qualify for the exemption if the Federal government agency 
that insured or guaranteed the existing obligation also insures or 
guarantees the refinance loan.
    Typically these government agency loans would be qualified 
mortgages under the Bureau's 2013 ATR Final Rule; \50\ they also 
potentially could be qualified mortgages under the qualified mortgage 
regulations of each of these agencies, once issued.\51\ As qualified 
mortgages, they would be exempt from the HPML appraisal rules under the 
exemption for qualified mortgages in Sec.  1026.35(c)(2)(i).
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    \50\ See Sec.  1026.43(e)(4)(iii)(A); see also TILA section 
129C(b)(3)(ii), 15 U.S.C. 1639c(b)(3)(ii).
    \51\ See 78 FR 59890 (Sept. 30, 2013).
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    The Agencies are adopting a separate provision for Federal 
government agency loans for several reasons. First, Sec.  
1026.35(c)(2)(vii)(A)(2) is intended to ensure that the HPML appraisal 
rules will not disrupt government refinance programs, which the 
Agencies do not believe was Congress's intent. This provision is meant 
to clarify the 2013 Supplemental Proposed Rule, which was intended to 
exempt refinances consistent with existing Federal government agency 
streamlined refinance programs.
    Second, as noted, Federal government agency loans have valuation 
requirements that the affected Federal agency has deemed sufficiently 
protective of its interests. The Agencies do not believe that Congress 
intended that the HPML appraisal rules should override the established 
requirements and standards of Federal government agencies for their 
mortgage programs. Moreover, the requirements of Federal mortgage 
programs, including the valuation requirements, are transparent and 
established by publicly accountable entities. In this regard, 
refinances retaining FHA insurance, for instance, are distinguishable 
from loans with the same loan-level private mortgage insurer, whose 
valuation and other standards are determined by private contracts. See 
also comment 35(c)(2)(vii)(A)(1)-1 and accompanying section-by-section 
analysis.
    Third, the terms ``insured'' and ``guaranteed'' are commonly used 
to describe the loan-level protections afforded by HUD, VA, and USDA 
(including RHS) against losses due to default; however, the Agencies 
are concerned that these terms might not be readily understood to be a 
part of the same credit risk holder provision under Sec.  
1026.35(c)(2)(vii)(A)(1). As noted, one commenter indicated, for 
example, that confusion might exist about whether a loan with FHA 
insurance or a VA guaranty that was refinanced into a loan also insured 
or guaranteed by FHA or VA could qualify for the exemption if the 
secondary market participants differed on the two loans. The Agencies 
therefore wish to be clear that these loans would still qualify for the 
exemption because the loan-level credit risk holder remains the same.
    Finally, these loans might not always be ``qualified mortgages'' 
under the Bureau's ATR rules because they might not meet all of the 
criteria required for that status.\52\ The Agencies do not believe that 
layering the HPML appraisal requirements onto Federal government agency 
loans provides sufficient benefits to warrant the drawbacks of 
burdening consumers and creditors in these transactions. A Federal 
government agency has already determined what the appropriate valuation 
requirements should be and, as previously discussed, these mortgage 
programs are intended to provide needed relief to borrowers and to 
mitigate credit risk for creditors. The Agencies thus believe that the 
safety and soundness of creditors and the public interest is served by 
allowing these transactions to go forward under valuation rules 
established by the Federal agency insuring or guaranteeing the loan.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \52\ To be ``qualified mortgages,'' loans eligible to be insured 
or guaranteed by HUD, VA, USDA or RHS must not result in negative 
amortization or provide for interest-only or balloon payments; have 
a loan term exceeding 30 years; or points and fees above to three 
percent of the loan amount (with a higher cap for loans under 
$100,000). Sec.  1026.43(e)(4)(i)(A) (cross-referencing Sec.  
1026.43(e)(2)(i) through (iii).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Relationship to the 2013 ATR Final Rule. The Agencies recognize 
that in the near term, most Federal government program and GSE 
streamlined refinance loans will be exempt from the HPML appraisal 
rules as ``qualified mortgages'' under Sec.  1026.35(c)(2)(i). Under 
the Bureau's 2013 ATR Final Rule, loans eligible to be purchased, 
guaranteed, or insured by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, HUD, VA, USDA, or 
RHS (based solely on criteria related to the consumer's ability to 
repay) are subject to the general ability-to-repay rules (found in 
Sec.  1026.43(c)). See Sec.  1026.43(e)(4)(ii). However, if they meet 
certain criteria,\53\ they are considered ``qualified mortgages'' 
entitled to either a rebuttable or conclusive presumption of compliance 
with the general ability-to-repay rules, depending on the loan's 
interest rate.\54\ See Sec.  1026.43(e)(1), (e)(4).\55\ As qualified 
mortgages, they are exempt from the HPML appraisal rules. See Sec.  
1026.35(c)(2)(i).
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    \53\ See Sec.  1026.43(e)(4)(i)(A) (cross-referencing Sec.  
1026.43(e)(2)(i) through (iii), which require that the loan not 
result in negative amortization or provide for interest-only or 
balloon payments; limit the loan term at 30 years; and cap points 
and fees to three percent of the loan amount (with a higher cap for 
loans under $100,000).
    \54\ Creditors making qualified mortgages that are ``higher-
priced'' are entitled to a rebuttal presumption of compliance with 
the general ability-to-repay rules, while creditors making qualified 
mortgages that are not ``higher-priced'' are entitled to a safe 
harbor of compliance. A ``higher-priced covered transaction'' under 
the Bureau's 2013 ATR Rule is a transaction covered by the general 
ability-to-repay rules ``with an annual percentage rate that exceeds 
the average prime offer rate for a comparable transaction as of the 
date the interest rate is set by 1.5 or more percentage points for a 
first lien covered transaction, other than a qualified mortgage 
under paragraph (e)(5), (e)(6), or (f) of Sec.  1026.43; by 3.5 or 
more percentage points for a first lien covered transaction that is 
a qualified mortgage under paragraph (e)(5), (e)(6), or (f) of Sec.  
1026.43; or by 3.5 or more percentage points for a subordinate lien 
covered transaction. Sec.  1026.43(b)(4).
    \55\ They also can be ``qualified mortgages'' if, for instance, 
they meet all of the criteria under the general definition of 
``qualified mortgage.'' See Sec.  1026.43(e)(2).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    First, the 2013 ATR Final Rule limits the qualified mortgage status 
of loans purchased or guaranteed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac under 
the special rules of Sec.  1026.43(e)(4). These loans will not be 
eligible to be qualified mortgages if consummated after January 10, 
2021, unless they meet the criteria of another type of qualified 
mortgage. See Sec.  1026.43(c)(4)(iii)(B). Second, again, GSE-eligible 
loans and loans eligible to be insured or guaranteed under a HUD,

[[Page 78539]]

VA, USDA, or RHA program \56\ are ``qualified mortgages'' only if they 
meet certain criteria--they must not result in negative amortization or 
provide for interest-only or balloon payments; have a loan term 
exceeding 30 years; or points and fees above to three percent of the 
loan amount (with a higher cap for loans under $100,000).\57\
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    \56\ For loans eligible to be insured or guaranteed under a HUD, 
VA, USDA, or RHA program, the qualified mortgage status conferred 
under Sec.  1026.43(e)(4)(i) will be replaced for each type of loan 
when those agencies respectively issue rules defining a qualified 
mortgage based on each agency's own programs. See Sec.  
1026.43(e)(4)(iii)(A); see also TILA section 129C(b)(3)(ii), 15 
U.S.C. 1639c(b)(3)(ii). See also, e.g., 78 FR 59890 (Sept. 30, 
2013).
    \57\ See Sec.  1026.43(e)(4)(i)(A) (cross-referencing Sec.  
1026.43(e)(2)(i) through (iii).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Agencies believe that the refinance exemption under the HPML 
appraisal rule should nonetheless cover Federal government agency and 
GSE streamlined refinance loans. The exemption is appropriate here in 
part because the GSEs and Federal government agencies have valuation 
requirements to protect their interests that are transparent and 
publicly available. In this regard, an important distinction between 
the qualified mortgage provisions addressing GSE and Federal government 
agency loans and the HPML refinance exemption criteria in Sec.  
1026.35(c)(2)(vii)(A)(1) and (2) is that qualified mortgage status may 
be conferred on loans ``eligible'' to be purchased by a GSE or insured 
or guaranteed by a Federal government agency; by contrast, the HPML 
refinance exemption from the HPML appraisal rules requires that these 
loans actually are purchased by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac or continue 
to be insured or guaranteed by a Federal government agency. In this 
way, compliance with valuation requirements established by these 
entities is assured as part of the justification for the exemption.
35(c)(2)(vii)(B)
    Prohibition on certain risky features. Consistent with the 2013 
Supplemental Proposed Rule, Sec.  1026.35(c)(2)(vii)(B) requires that a 
refinancing eligible for the refinance exemption from the HPML 
appraisal rules not allow for negative amortization (``cause the 
principal balance to increase''), interest-only payments (``allow the 
consumer to defer repayment of principal''), or a balloon payment, as 
defined in Sec.  1026.18(s)(5)(i).\58\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \58\ Section 1026.18(s)(5)(i) defines ``balloon payment'' as ``a 
payment that is more than two times a regular periodic payment.''
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Agencies also are adopting without change proposed comment 
35(c)(2)(vii)(B)-1 which states that, under Sec.  
1026.35(c)(2)(vii)(B), a refinancing must provide for regular periodic 
payments that do not: result in an increase of the principal balance 
(negative amortization), allow the consumer to defer repayment of 
principal (see comment 43(e)(2)(i)-2), or result in a balloon payment. 
The comment thus clarifies that the terms of the legal obligation must 
require the consumer to make payments of principal and interest on a 
monthly or other periodic basis that will repay the loan amount over 
the loan term. The comment further states that, except for payments 
resulting from any interest rate changes after consummation in an 
adjustable-rate or step-rate mortgage, the periodic payments must be 
substantially equal. The comment cross-references comment 43(c)(5)(i)-4 
of the Bureau's 2013 ATR Final Rule for an explanation of the term 
``substantially equal.'' \59\ The comment also clarifies that a single-
payment transaction is not a refinancing meeting the requirements of 
Sec.  1026.35(c)(2)(vii) because it does not require ``regular periodic 
payments.''
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \59\ Comment 43(c)(5)(i)-4 states as follows: ``In determining 
whether monthly, fully amortizing payments are substantially equal, 
creditors should disregard minor variations due to payment-schedule 
irregularities and odd periods, such as a long or short first or 
last payment period. That is, monthly payments of principal and 
interest that repay the loan amount over the loan term need not be 
equal, but the monthly payments should be substantially the same 
without significant variation in the monthly combined payments of 
both principal and interest. For example, where no two monthly 
payments vary from each other by more than 1 percent (excluding odd 
periods, such as a long or short first or last payment period), such 
monthly payments would be considered substantially equal for 
purposes of this section. In general, creditors should determine 
whether the monthly, fully amortizing payments are substantially 
equal based on guidance provided in Sec.  1026.17(c)(3) (discussing 
minor variations), and Sec.  1026.17(c)(4)(i) through (iii) 
(discussing payment-schedule irregularities and measuring odd 
periods due to a long or short first period) and associated 
commentary.''
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Where these features are present in an HPML that is not a qualified 
mortgage, the Agencies believe that the information provided by a real 
property appraisal in conformity with USPAP that includes an interior 
property inspection is important for the safety and soundness of 
creditors and the protection of consumers. Additional equity may be 
needed to support a loan with negative amortization, for example, and 
the risk of default might be higher for loans with interest-only and 
balloon payment features.
    The Agencies recognize that consumers who need immediate relief 
from payments that they cannot afford might benefit in the near term by 
refinancing into a loan that allows interest-only payments for a period 
of time. However, the Agencies believe that a reliable valuation of the 
collateral is important when the consumer will not be building any 
equity for a period of time. In that situation, the consumer and credit 
risk holder may be more vulnerable should the property decline in value 
than they would be if the consumer were paying some principal as 
well.\60\
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    \60\ The Agencies acknowledge that these increased risks may be 
lower where the interest-only period is relatively short (such as 
one or two years), because the payments in the early years of a 
mortgage are heavily weighted toward interest; thus the consumer 
would be paying down little principal even in making fully 
amortizing payments.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Agencies also recognize that, in most cases, balloon payment 
mortgages are originated with the expectation that a consumer will be 
able to refinance the loan when the balloon payment comes due. These 
loans are made for a number of reasons, such as to control interest 
rate risk for the creditor or as a wealth management tool, usually for 
higher-asset consumers. Regardless of why a balloon mortgage is made, 
however, there is always risk that a consumer will not be able to make 
the balloon payment or refinance, with potentially significant 
consequences for the consumer and the credit risk holder if something 
unexpected happens and the consumer cannot do so.
    The Agencies note that the GSE and government streamlined refinance 
programs described above do not allow these features, in part because 
helping a consumer pay off debt more quickly is one of the goals of 
these programs.\61\ In addition, the prohibition on risky features for 
this exemption is consistent with provisions in the Dodd-Frank Act 
reflecting congressional concerns about these loan terms. For example, 
in Dodd-Frank Act provisions regarding exemptions from certain ability-
to-repay requirements for refinancings under HUD, VA, USDA, and RHS 
programs, Congress similarly required that the refinance loan be fully 
amortizing and prohibited balloon payments.\62\ The

[[Page 78540]]

final rule also is consistent with a provision in the Bureau's 2013 ATR 
Final Rule that exempts the refinancing of a ``non-standard mortgage'' 
into a ``standard mortgage'' from the requirement that the creditor 
make a good faith determination of the consumer's ability to repay the 
loan. See Sec.  1026.43(d). To be eligible for this exemption from the 
ability-to-repay rules, the refinance loan must, among other criteria, 
not allow for negative amortization, interest-only payments, or a 
balloon payment. See Sec.  1026.43(d)(1)(ii). The Agencies believe that 
these statutory provisions and program restrictions reflect a judgment 
on the part of Congress, government agencies, and the GSEs that 
refinances with negative amortization, interest-only payment features, 
or balloon payments may increase risks to consumers and creditors.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \61\ See, e.g., Fannie Mae, ``Home Affordable Refinance (DU Refi 
Plus and Refi Plus) FAQs'' (June 7, 2013) at 11 (describing options 
for meeting the requirement that the refinance provide a borrower 
benefit); Freddie Mac, ``Freddie Mac Relief Refinance 
Mortgages\SM\--Open Access Eligibility Requirements'' (January 2013) 
at 1 (describing options for meeting the requirement that the 
refinance provide a borrower benefit).
    \62\ See Dodd-Frank Act section 1411(a)(2), TILA section 
129C(a)(5)(E) and (F), 15 U.S.C. 1639c(a)(5)(E) and (F). TILA 
section 129C(a)(5) authorizes HUD, VA, USDA, and RHS to exempt 
``refinancings under a streamlined refinancing'' from the Act's 
income verification requirement of the ability-to-repay rules. 15 
U.S.C. 1639c(a)(5). See also TILA section 129c(a)(4), 15 U.S.C. 
1639c(a)(4).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Agencies are concerned that negative amortization, interest-
only payments, and balloon payments are loan features that may increase 
a loan's risk to consumers as well as to primary and secondary mortgage 
markets.\63\ Thus, in the Agencies' view, permitting these non-
qualified mortgage HPML refinances to proceed without a real property 
appraisal in conformity with USPAP and FIRREA that includes an interior 
inspection would not be consistent with the Agencies' exemption 
authority, which permits exemptions only if they promote the safety and 
soundness of creditors and are in the public interest.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \63\ See also OCC, Board, FDIC, NCUA, ``Interagency Guidance on 
Nontraditional Mortgage Product Risks,'' 71 FR 58609 (Oct. 4, 2006).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    As noted, several commenters requested that the prohibition on 
balloon payments for exempt refinances be eliminated in the final rule. 
One commenter also requested that the prohibition on interest-only 
payments be eliminated. For the reasons stated, however, the Agencies 
continue to believe that the prohibitions on balloon payments and 
interest-only payments are appropriate. In addition, the Agencies note 
that some of the public comments in support of eliminating the balloon 
payment prohibition suggested uncertainty about whether ``balloon 
payment qualified mortgages'' under the Bureau's ability-to-repay rules 
would be exempt. See Sec.  1026.43(e)(6) and (f). As set out in the 
section-by-section analysis of the exemption for qualified mortgages 
under Sec.  1026.35(c)(2)(i), both temporary balloon payment mortgages 
under Sec.  1026.43(e)(6) and balloon payment qualified mortgages under 
Sec.  1026.43(f) are exempt from the HPML appraisal rules under the 
exemption for qualified mortgages. The Agencies believe that this 
clarification helps address the concerns of commenters on this issue.
35(c)(2)(vii)(C)
    No cash out. Proposed Sec.  1026.35(c)(2)(vii)(C) would have 
required that the proceeds from a refinancing eligible for an exemption 
from the HPML appraisal rules be used for only two purposes: (1) to pay 
off the outstanding principal balance on the existing first lien 
mortgage obligation; and (2) to pay closing or settlement charges 
required to be disclosed under RESPA. Based on comments, particularly a 
comment recommending that the Agencies clarify that proceeds could be 
used to pay accrued interest, the Agencies are revising this provision 
of the proposal.
    Specifically, the Agencies are revising Sec.  1026.35(c)(2)(vii)(C) 
to require that the proceeds from the refinance loan be used ``only to 
satisfy the existing obligation and to pay amounts attributed solely to 
the costs of the refinancing.'' The Agencies have determined that 
compliance and understanding are best facilitated by generally modeling 
the ``no cash out'' aspect of the exemption on other provisions in 
Regulation Z regarding refinancings in the rescission context. Thus, 
revised Sec.  1026.35(c)(2)(vii)(C) incorporates concepts and guidance 
from Sec.  1026.23(f)(2), which sets out the portion of a refinance 
that is rescindable--namely, the portion that exceeds ``the unpaid 
principal balance, any earned unpaid finance charge on the existing 
debt, and amounts attributed solely to the costs of the refinancing or 
consolidation.'' The Official Staff Commentary associated with Sec.  
1026.23(f)(2) clarifies, in pertinent part, that ``a new advance does 
not include amounts attributed solely to the costs of the refinancing. 
These amounts would include section 1026.4(c)(7) charges (such as 
attorney's fees and title examination and insurance fees, if bona fide 
and reasonable in amount), as well as insurance premiums and other 
charges that are not finance charges. (Finance charges on the new 
transaction--points, for example--would not be considered in 
determining whether there is a new advance of money in a refinancing 
since finance charges are not part of the amount financed.)'' Comment 
23(f)(2)-4.
    Revised comment 35(c)(2)(vii)(C)-1 provides that the ``existing 
obligation'' includes the consumer's existing first lien principal 
balance, any earned unpaid finance charges such as accrued interest, 
and any other lawful charges related to the existing loan. Accrued 
interest is any interest that has accumulated since the consumer's last 
payment of principal and interest, but that the borrower has not yet 
paid and has not been capitalized into the principal balance. Accrued 
interest exists when a consumer makes a payment on the existing 
obligation on October 1st, for example, but then refinances into a new 
loan on October 20th. In this case, interest would have accumulated 
between the payment made on October 1st and the date of the refinance. 
However, the consumer would not have paid that accrued interest and the 
creditor normally would not have capitalized that interest into the 
principal balance.
    Revised comment 35(c)(2)(vii)(C)-1 further provides that guidance 
on the meaning of refinancing costs is available in comment 23(f)-4. 
Finally, consistent with proposed comment 35(c)(2)(vii)(C)-1, the 
revised comment clarifies that, if the proceeds of a refinancing are 
used for other purposes, such as to pay off other liens or to provide 
additional cash to the consumer for discretionary spending, the 
transaction does not qualify for the exemption for a refinancing under 
Sec.  1026.35(c)(2)(vii) from the appraisal requirements in Sec.  
1026.35(c).
    The Agencies view the limitation on the use of the refinance loan's 
proceeds as necessary to ensure that the principal balance of the loan 
does not increase, or increases only minimally. This in turn helps 
ensure that the consumer is not losing significant additional equity 
and that the holder of the credit risk is not taking on significant new 
risk, in which case an appraisal with an interior inspection to assess 
the change in risk could be beneficial to both parties.
    The Agencies also note that limiting the use of proceeds to allow 
for no extra cash out for the consumer other than closing costs is 
consistent with prevailing streamlined refinance programs.\64\ It is 
also consistent with the exemption from the Bureau's ability-to-repay 
rules for refinances of ``non-standard mortgages'' into ``standard 
mortgages.'' \65\ See Sec.  1026.43(d)(1)(ii)(E). The Agencies believe 
that consistency across mortgage rules can help facilitate

[[Page 78541]]

compliance and ease compliance burden.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \64\ See, e.g., Fannie Mae Single Family Selling Guide, chapter 
B5-5, Section B5-5.2; Freddie Mac Single Family Seller/Servicer 
Guide, chapters A24, B24 and C24.
    \65\ Under the 2013 ATR Final Rule, a refinance loan or 
``standard mortgage'' is one for which, among other criteria, the 
proceeds from the loan are used solely for the following purposes: 
(1) To pay off the outstanding principal balance on the non-standard 
mortgage; and (2) to pay closing or settlement charges required to 
be disclosed under RESPA. See Sec.  1026.43(d)(1)(ii)(E).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Other conditions. Consistent with the proposal, the Agencies are 
not adopting additional conditions on the types of refinancings 
eligible for the exemption from the HPML appraisal rules. In this way, 
the Agencies seek to maintain flexibility for creditors and investors 
to adapt and change their borrower eligibility requirements and other 
requirements for streamlined HPML refinances to address changing market 
environments and factors that may be unique to their programs.
    Regarding comments supporting a requirement that the refinance 
result in a ``benefit'' to the consumer, such as a lower payment, a 
lower rate, or shorter term, the Agencies continue to believe that it 
is unclear how the existence of a borrower benefit in the new 
transaction relates to what type of valuation should be required. The 
Agencies are also not adopting a limitation on the points and fees that 
may be refinanced. Congress addressed loan cost parameters for the 
appraisal rules by defining HPMLs as loans with interest rates above 
APOR by a certain percentage. The Agencies are concerned that 
introducing a points and fees cap into the rule could create confusion 
and compliance difficulties, given the statutory points and fees caps 
implemented in other overlapping regulations, such as regulations 
regarding qualified mortgages and high-cost mortgages, noted earlier.
    Other protections in the final rule ensure that the borrower, 
creditor and investor would be taking on no new material credit risk, 
which the Agencies believe should be the primary determinant of whether 
an appraisal with an interior inspection should be required. The 
Agencies also believe that borrower benefits can be difficult to define 
because they can be highly transaction-specific. For example, a higher 
rate might result in a benefit to a consumer where the higher rate 
results from extending the loan term to lower the consumer's payments. 
Here, the benefit to the consumer is an improved ability to stay in the 
home by making the payments more affordable. Finally, the Agencies are 
concerned that a ``benefits'' test could add complexity and burden to 
the exemption that might undermine its intended benefits.
    The Agencies are also not adopting borrower eligibility 
requirements, such as that the borrower must have been on-time with 
payments on the existing mortgage for a certain period of time, as at 
least one commenter suggested. As discussed in the 2013 Supplemental 
Proposed Rule, GSE and Federal government agency streamlined refinance 
programs require that borrower eligibility criteria be met, such as 
that the consumer have been current on the existing obligation for a 
certain period of time.\66\ Commenters did not, however, explain how 
borrower eligibility requirements relate to whether an appraisal should 
be required. Again, the Agencies believe that the criteria for the 
refinance exemption in the final rule comprise those that relate to 
whether a more or less rigorous valuation requirement should apply; the 
Agencies believe that the main consideration is whether new credit risk 
will be taken on by the consumer, creditor, and investor. The criteria 
adopted in the final rule are designed to minimize additional risk on 
the refinance by curbing material increases in principal and ensuring 
that the ultimate credit risk holder remains the same. In addition, the 
Agencies believe that streamlined refinance programs can provide 
maximum benefit to consumers, creditors, and investors when creditors 
and investors retain some flexibility to adapt borrower eligibility and 
other requirements to address changing market environments and factors 
that may be unique to their programs.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \66\ See also 2013 ATR Final Rule Sec.  1026.43(d)(2)(iv) and 
(v). The exemption from the ability-to-repay rules for refinances of 
``non-standard mortgages'' into ``standard mortgages'' under the 
2013 ATR Final Rule requires that, among other conditions: (1) the 
consumer made no more than one payment more than 30 days late on the 
non-standard mortgage in 12-month period before applying for the 
standard mortgage; and (2) the consumer made no payments more than 
30 days late in the six-month period before applying for the 
standard mortgage. See Sec.  1026.43(d)(2)(iv) and (v).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Finally, one commenter also urged the Agencies not to apply the 
exemption to loans that had already been refinanced, to avoid the 
consumer accruing excessive origination costs with successive 
refinances. The Agencies share concerns about harm to consumers through 
serial refinancings. On balance, however, the Agencies believe that 
consumers who have already refinanced their loans should have the same 
opportunities to take advantage of lower rates as other consumers. The 
Agencies believe that the limit on cash out helps mitigate abuses with 
serial refinancings by ensuring that consumers cannot continually 
refinance to pay off other debts without a full assessment of the 
collateral value.
    Conditional exemption. In the 2013 Supplemental Proposed Rule, the 
Agencies sought comment on whether the exemption for refinance loans 
should be conditioned on the creditor obtaining an alternative 
valuation (i.e., a valuation other than a real property appraisal in 
conformity with USPAP and FIRREA that includes an interior inspection) 
and providing a copy to the consumer three days before consummation. In 
requesting comment on this issue, the Agencies noted that a refinanced 
mortgage loan is a significant financial commitment that involves 
material transaction costs.
    Because refinances do involve potential risks and costs, the 
Agencies requested commenters' views on whether the consumer would 
better positioned to consider alternatives to refinancing if they were 
given an alternative valuation. The Agencies also sought data that 
might be relevant to whether this additional condition would be 
necessary.
    For reasons discussed below, the Agencies are not adopting a 
condition on the refinance exemption that the creditor obtain and give 
the consumer an alternative valuation. As noted, several commenters 
affirmatively opposed requiring creditors to obtain an alternative 
valuation. Commenters stated that doing so would hinder the process and 
increase the time and expense of these transactions unnecessarily. 
These commenters did not believe that a significant benefit exists in 
giving an alternative valuation when consumers are not increasing the 
amount of their debt or substituting the collateral.
    Other commenters, while not affirmatively supporting or opposing an 
alternative valuation condition, suggested that if an alternative 
valuation is required, creditors should be able to rely on an existing 
appraisal to the extent permitted by existing Federal appraisal 
regulations and the interagency appraisal guidelines,\67\ which allow 
for using an existing appraisal. Two commenters asked whether a 
creditor that is considering an extension of credit secured by a junior 
mortgage could use the appraisal obtained by the creditor who extended 
credit to the same borrower secured by a first mortgage. FIRREA real 
estate appraisal regulations required to be issued by the Federal 
financial institution regulatory agencies \68\ allow a regulated 
institution \69\ to accept an

[[Page 78542]]

appraisal that was prepared by an appraiser engaged directly by another 
financial services institution,\70\ if certain conditions are met. 
These include that a regulated institution may accept an appraisal that 
was prepared by an appraiser engaged directly by another financial 
services institution, if: (1) The appraiser has no direct or indirect 
interest, financial or otherwise, in the property or the transaction; 
and (2) the regulated institution determines that the appraisal 
conforms to the requirements of this subpart and is otherwise 
acceptable.\71\
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    \67\ See OCC: 12 CFR parts 34, Subpart C, and 164; Board: 12 CFR 
part 208, subpart E, and part 225, subpart G; FDIC: 12 CFR part 323; 
NCUA: 12 CFR part 722. See also 75 FR 77450 (Dec. 10, 2010).
    \68\ FDIC: 12 CFR part 323; FRB: 12 CFR part 208, subpart E and 
12 CFR part 255, subpart G; NCUA: 12 CFR part 722; and OCC: 12 CFR 
part 34, subpart C, and 12 CFR part 164.
    \69\ A regulated institution is an institution regulated by a 
Federal financial institution regulatory agency, such as the FDIC, 
FRB, NCUA, or the OCC.
    \70\ The Interagency Appraisal and Evaluation Guidelines note 
that the Agencies' appraisal regulations do not contain a specific 
definition of the term ``financial services institution.'' The term 
is intended to describe entities that provide services in connection 
with real estate lending transactions on an ongoing basis, including 
loan brokers.
    \71\ See OCC: 12 CFR 34. 45(b)(2) and 12 CFR 164.5(b)(2); Board: 
12 CFR 225.65(b)(2); FDIC: 12 CFR 323.5(b)(2); NCUA: 12 CFR 
722.5(b)(2).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Still others suggested that, if an alternative is required, a 
``drive-by'' appraisal or comparable market analysis to ensure that the 
home still stands and is in reasonable condition would be advisable. 
The Agencies believe that conditioning the exemption is not warranted, 
so they are not adopting this suggestion.
    Several commenters supported conditioning the exemption and 
recommended that an alternative valuation to an appraisal with an 
interior inspection should be required so that consumers are better 
informed about their home value.
    The Agencies believe that the condition discussed in the 2013 
Supplemental Proposed Rule would not provide sufficient benefit to 
warrant the burden or cost it would introduce into the exemption. The 
vast majority of refinance transactions involve some type of valuation 
that, as of January 2014, creditors will have to provide to consumers. 
For example, for any refinance eligible for a Federal government 
program or to be sold to a GSE, the creditor would have to comply with 
any valuation requirements imposed under those programs. For loans not 
made under those programs but purchased or made by a Federally 
regulated financial institution, either an ``evaluation'' or an 
appraisal generally would be required.\72\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \72\ See OCC: 12 CFR 34.43 and 164.3; Board: 12 CFR 225.63; 
FDIC: 12 CFR 323.3; NCUA: 12 CFR 722.3. See also OCC, Board, FDIC, 
NCUA, Interagency Appraisal and Evaluation Guidelines, 75 FR 77450, 
77458-61 and App. A, 77465-68 (Dec. 10, 2010). In addition, as noted 
(see infra note 42), data on GSE streamlined refinances indicates 
that either an AVM or an appraisal (interior visit or exterior-only) 
was obtained for all streamlined refinances purchased by the GSEs in 
2012.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Bureau's rules in Regulation B implementing Dodd-Frank Act 
amendments to the Equal Credit Opportunity Act \73\ (ECOA) require all 
creditors to provide to credit applicants free copies of appraisals and 
other written valuations developed in connection with an application 
for a loan to be secured by a first lien on a dwelling.\74\ The copies 
must be provided to the applicant promptly upon completion or three 
business days before consummation. See id. Regulation B defines 
``valuation'' broadly to mean ``any estimate of the value of a dwelling 
developed in connection with an application for credit.'' \75\ Sec.  
1002.14(b)(3).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \73\ 15 U.S.C. 1691 et seq.
    \74\ See 12 CFR 1002.14(a)(1), effective January 18, 2014; 78 FR 
7216 (Jan. 31, 2013) (2013 ECOA Valuations Final Rule).
    \75\ ``Valuation'' is separately defined in Regulation Z, Sec.  
1026.42(b)(3). That definition does not include AVMs, however, which 
was deemed appropriate for purposes of the appraisal independence 
rules under Sec.  1026.42. Here, however, the Agencies believe that 
an estimate of value provided to the consumer could appropriately 
include an AVM.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    As stated in the 2013 Supplemental Proposed Rule, the Agencies 
recognize that obtaining estimates of value and providing copies of 
written valuations to consumers might not always be required by Federal 
law or investors. For example, certain non-depositories and 
depositories are not subject to the appraisal and evaluation 
requirements that apply to Federally regulated financial institutions 
under FIRREA title XI. However, the Agencies did not receive data or 
information suggesting that a significant number of refinances would be 
subject to no valuation requirements. The Agencies believe that the 
volume of refinances that might be exempt from the HPML appraisal rules 
and subject to no other valuation requirements of either the government 
or investors will be very small and that the benefits of conditioning 
the exemption for these refinances will not outweigh complexity and 
burden to affected creditors and their consumers seeking streamlined 
refinances.
    Again, the criteria for an exempt refinance adopted in the final 
rule are designed to limit the new risk that would result in a 
refinance, including risk resulting from significant additional equity 
being taken out of the home. Where no material credit risk is taken on 
in a refinance transactions, including risk resulting from a material 
reduction in home equity, the Agencies believe that valuation 
requirements are appropriately left to be determined by the parties 
involved in the transaction and any other applicable laws and 
regulations.
    In sum, the Agencies believe that the exemption is appropriately 
narrow in scope to capture the types of refinancings that Congress has 
generally expressed an intent to facilitate. See, e.g., TILA sections 
129C(a)(5) and (6), 15 U.S.C. 1639c(a)(5) and (6).\76\ The Agencies 
believe that this exemption promotes the safety and soundness of 
creditors and is in the public interest.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \76\ See also Statement of Sen. Dodd, 156 Cong. Rec. S5928 (July 
15, 2010).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

35(c)(2)(viii)
    In section 35(c)(2)(viii), effective January 18, 2014, the Agencies 
are adopting a temporary exemption for all transactions secured in 
whole or in part by a manufactured home, until July 18, 2015. This 
temporary exemption of 18 months is intended to give creditors 
sufficient time to make any changes needed to comply with the HPML 
rules that will apply to manufactured home loans as a result of the 
final rules that will apply to applications received on or after July 
18, 2015. The Agencies understand that creditors may need to make 
adjustments to their compliance systems for some of the new rules. 
These changes may involve new technical configurations and training, as 
well as modified or new contracts with any third-party service 
providers that the creditor may enlist to perform valuation services 
and related functions. Thus, the Agencies believe that this temporary 
exemption promotes the safety and soundness of creditors and is in the 
public interest.
Rules Effective July 18, 2015
    For applications received on or after July 18, 2015, new rules will 
apply to loans secured by manufactured homes, as follows:
    (1) The temporary exemption for loans secured by existing 
manufactured homes and land will expire; those loans will be subject to 
the HPML appraisal rules in Sec.  1026.35(c)(3) through (6).
    (2) A modified exemption for loans secured by a new manufactured 
home and land will take effect; those loans will be subject to all of 
the HPML appraisal requirements except the requirement that the 
appraisal include a physical visit of the interior of the property. See 
Sec.  1026.35(c)(2)(viii)(A) and accompanying section-by-section 
analysis.
    (3) An exemption for loans secured by either a new or existing 
manufactured home and not land will be subject to a condition that the 
creditor obtain and provide to the consumer one of three

[[Page 78543]]

types of value-related information. See Sec.  1026.35(c)(2)(viii)(B) 
and accompanying section-by-section analysis.
    These new rules are discussed below.
Loans Secured by an Existing Manufactured Home and Land
    Under the version of Sec.  1026.35(c)(2)(viii) that goes into 
effect on July 18, 2015, loans secured by an existing manufactured home 
and land together will be subject to the HMPL appraisal requirements in 
Sec.  1026.35(c)(3) through (6), consistent with the January 2013 Final 
Rule and the 2013 Supplemental Proposed Rule.
The Agencies' Proposal
    In the 2013 Supplemental Proposed Rule, the Agencies did not 
propose to exempt from the HPML appraisal rules transactions that are 
secured by both an existing manufactured home and land. The Agencies 
did not believe that an exemption for these transactions would be in 
the public interest and promote the safety and soundness of creditors. 
The Agencies noted that Federal government and GSE manufactured home 
loan programs generally require conformity with USPAP real property 
appraisal standards for transactions secured by both a manufactured 
home and land.\77\ The Agencies expressed the view that the Federal 
government agency and GSE requirements may reflect that conducting an 
appraisal in conformity with USPAP standards are feasible for existing 
manufactured homes together with land.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \77\ See, e.g., HUD: 24 CFR 203.5(e); HUD Handbook 4150.2, 
Valuations for Analysis for Home Mortgage Insurance for Single 
Family One- to Four-Unit Dwellings, chapter 8.4 and App. D; USDA: 7 
CFR 3550.62(a) and 3550.73; USDA Direct Single Family Housing Loans 
and Grants Field Office Handbook (USDA Handbook), chapters 5.16 and, 
9.18; VA: VA Lenders Handbook, VA Pamphlet 26-7 (VA Handbook), 
chapters 7.11, 11.3, and 11.4; Fannie Mae: Fannie Mae Single Family 
2013 Selling Guide B5-2.2-04, Manufactured Housing Appraisal 
Requirements (04/01/2009); Freddie Mac: Freddie Mac Single Family 
Seller/Servicer Guide, H33: Manufactured Homes/H33.6: Appraisal 
requirements (02/10/12).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Agencies noted that this view was affirmed by participants in 
informal outreach with experience in the area of manufactured home loan 
appraisals, who indicated that USPAP-compliant real property appraisals 
with an interior inspection are feasible and performed with regularity 
in these types of transactions. The Agencies also noted, however, that 
some commenters on the 2012 Proposed Rule recommended that the Agencies 
exempt these types of ``land/home'' transactions.\78\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \78\ See 78 FR 10368, 10379-80 (Feb. 13, 2013).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Public Comments
    In the 2013 Supplemental Proposed Rule, the Agencies sought comment 
on whether an exemption from the HPML appraisal requirements for 
transactions secured by an existing manufactured home and land would be 
in the public interest and promote the safety and soundness of 
creditors. The Agencies also sought comment on, among other issues, 
whether an exemption for these loans should be conditioned on the 
creditor providing the consumer with some other type of valuation 
information.
    The Agencies received 14 comment letters on this issue from two 
national appraisal trade associations, a consumer advocate group, three 
affordable housing organizations, a policy and research organization, a 
national association for owners of manufactured homes, a credit union, 
a community bank, a national trade association for community banks, a 
State manufactured housing trade association, and two manufactured 
housing nonbank lenders. In addition, a national manufactured housing 
industry trade association referred to and endorsed the comments of two 
manufactured housing lenders.
    The credit union, community bank, consumer advocate group, 
affordable housing organizations, national association of owners of 
manufactured homes, and appraisal trade associations all supported the 
proposal to retain the coverage of HPMLs secured by an existing 
manufactured home and land, consistent with the January 2013 Final 
Rule.
    The community bank stated that existing manufactured homes 
typically depreciate more than comparable site-built homes and should 
receive an interior and exterior inspection. This commenter asserted 
that an interior inspection is important for obtaining a proper 
valuation and that providing an exemption from the interior inspection 
requirement would not be appropriate. This commenter added that 
consumers and creditors deserve a safe and accurate transaction.
    The appraisal trade associations acknowledged that appraisal 
assignments for transactions secured by existing manufactured homes and 
land can involve greater complexity than assignments for site-built 
homes. These commenters indicated, however, that in recent years they 
have undertaken over 150 training sessions to train over 5,500 
appraisal industry professionals on performing appraisals for 
transactions secured by a manufactured home and land.
    The consumer advocate group, two affordable housing organizations, 
a policy and research organization, and national association of owners 
of manufactured homes indicated that any issues with appraiser 
availability were due to a lack of valuation standards in this segment 
of the housing market. They maintained that requiring appraisals for 
these transactions would ensure demand, thus fostering greater 
appraiser capacity.
    On the other hand, the community bank trade association, State 
manufactured housing trade association, and two manufactured housing 
nonbank lenders opposed the proposal to cover loans secured by an 
existing manufactured home and land and recommended exemption these 
transactions from the HPML appraisal rules.
    The community bank trade association stated that appraisals 
increase costs to manufactured home borrowers who often have low 
incomes. In the view of this commenter, credit risk on portfolio 
lending and underwriting standards for secondary market transactions 
provide sufficient incentives for creditors to select appropriate 
alternative valuation methods, which include a variety of methods other 
than an appraisal in conformity with USPAP and FIRREA based upon a 
physical inspection of the interior of the property as required by the 
HPML appraisal rules. In addition, according to this commenter, some 
community banks report that appraisers can be readily engaged for 
manufactured housing transactions in general; for others, however, 
appraisers are reportedly difficult to find or appraisals are more 
costly or take longer than in-house non-appraisal valuations. The State 
manufactured housing trade association also referred to difficulties 
with obtaining appraisals for these loans. This commenter expressed the 
view that creditors should be subject only to an appraisal requirement 
when participating in a government or GSE program that imposes such a 
requirement.
    One of the nonbank lenders stated that these transactions should be 
exempt due to a lack of sufficient appraisers and a lack of sufficient 
data on comparable sales (``comparables'') of manufactured homes, 
particularly in rural areas. This commenter also raised concerns about 
costs, noting that appraisals with interior inspections could, in this 
lender's experience, raise loan cost by 68 to 81 basis points. In 
addition, the lender noted that in the 6 percent of its 2012 
manufactured home transactions secured by land and home

[[Page 78544]]

that were subject to a similar HUD appraisal requirement, the 
collateral did not appraise at or above the sales price in 30 percent 
of transactions. In the view of this lender, these outcomes were due in 
significant part to an inappropriate emphasis in the HUD program on the 
use of manufactured homes as comparables. The other nonbank lender 
stated that an appraisal for transactions secured by an existing 
manufactured home and land would be unreliable and a misuse of consumer 
funds. This commenter also noted that it already complies with 
appraisal disclosure requirements in Regulation B.\79\ Finally, as 
noted above, a national trade association for manufactured housing 
endorsed the comments of these manufactured home lenders.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \79\ See 12 CFR 1002.14.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Final Rule
    Consistent with the 2013 Supplemental Proposed Rule, the final rule 
that goes into effect July 18, 2015, does not exempt loans secured by 
an existing manufactured home and land from the HPML appraisal 
requirements in Sec.  1026.35(c)(3) through (6).\80\ Covering 
transactions secured by an existing home and land is consistent with 
the requirements of the GSEs and Federal government agencies for these 
types of loans.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \80\ The requirement for a second appraisal in ``flipped'' 
transactions is not anticipated to be triggered in most existing 
manufactured home transactions, if any. See Sec.  1026.35(c)(4). The 
Agencies are not aware, based on research, public comments, and 
outreach, that manufactured home properties are improved and re-sold 
quickly by investors.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In addition, the Agencies received information from manufactured 
home lender representatives who indicated that obtaining appraisals in 
conformity with USPAP that include interior inspections for loans 
secured by an existing manufactured home and land is not uncommon among 
manufactured home creditors. Some lender commenters on the 2013 
Supplemental Proposed Rule supported applying the HPML appraisal rules 
to these transactions as consistent with prudent lending practices.
    Moreover, the Agencies obtained comments on the 2013 Supplemental 
Proposed Rule from consumer advocates, affordable housing 
organizations, and other stakeholders, but had not had the benefit of 
comments from these stakeholders on the 2012 Proposed Rule. As 
discussed above, consumer and affordable housing advocates strongly 
supported applying the HPML appraisal requirements to transactions 
secured by an existing manufactured home and land. They argued, among 
other things, that consumers would thereby obtain information about the 
value of their homes that would account more thoroughly for the value 
added to a home by the land on which the existing home is or will be 
placed. Similar comments were submitted by a national real estate trade 
organization, a policy and research organization, and a national 
association of owners of manufactured homes.\81\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \81\ In commenting on the 2012 Proposed Rule, the national real 
estate trade associated similarly expressed the view that exempting 
transactions secured by both a manufactured home and land may not be 
appropriate. See 78 FR 48548, 48554, n. 16 (Aug. 8, 2013).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Appraiser organizations that submitted written comments and 
appraisers consulted by the Agencies in informal outreach also strongly 
recommended that the HPML appraisal rules be adopted for transactions 
secured by existing manufactured homes and land. They indicated that 
the appraisal methods for appraising existing manufactured homes and 
land are the same as for site-built homes and land. Their comments 
suggested that appraisals with interior inspections for these homes are 
common and that prudent lending practice and consumer protection are 
best served by obtaining appraisals for transactions secured by an 
existing manufactured home and land together, including a physical 
inspection of the interior of the home.
    As noted, one manufactured home lender commenter expressed concerns 
about applying the HPML appraisal rules to loans secured by existing 
manufactured homes and land when the home has been moved from its 
previous site to a dealer's lot. Transactions secured by an existing 
home that has been moved to a dealer's lot and land can still be 
appraised in conformity with USPAP, which does not require that the 
home first be sited before an appraiser performs the appraisal. The 
Agencies understand that the home could be inspected on the dealer's 
lot, for example, or once the home is re-sited. The Agencies also note 
that several commenters asserted that existing manufactured homes are 
rarely moved. For these reasons, the Agencies believe that an appraisal 
with an interior inspection that values the home and land together is 
still warranted for these properties.
    Based on these comments and related outreach, the Agencies do not 
believe that exempting loans secured by a manufactured home and land 
from the HPML appraisal requirements would be in the public interest or 
promote the safety and soundness of creditors. The Agencies believe 
that covering these loans will help ensure that consumers are aware of 
information related to the value of their manufactured home before 
consummating an HPML (that is not a qualified mortgage). The Agencies 
also believe that covering these loans will facilitate the development 
of greater consistency between the rules and practices applicable to 
transactions secured by site-built homes and manufactured homes. The 
Agencies believe that this consistency of rules and practices will 
contribute to integrating manufactured home lending more fully into the 
broader mortgage market over time, which could have long-term benefits 
for consumers and lenders.
    The Agencies believe that most lenders of manufactured home loans 
obtain appraisals in conformity with USPAP and FIRREA for loans secured 
by existing manufactured homes and land. However, the Agencies 
understand that not all manufactured home lenders may do so, or do so 
consistently, and are mindful that smaller lenders in particular may 
need more time to comply. Therefore, the final rule gives the industry 
18 months before compliance with the HPML appraisal requirements is 
mandatory for these transactions.
35(c)(2)(viii)(A)
Loans Secured by a New Manufactured Home and Land
    Section 1026.35(c)(2)(viii)(A), effective July 18, 2015, provides a 
partial exemption from the HPML appraisal requirements of Sec.  
1026.35(c)(3) through (c)(6) for transactions secured by both a new 
manufactured home and land. Specifically, loans for which the creditor 
receives the application on or after July 18, 2015, will be exempt from 
the requirement that the appraisal include a physical visit of the 
interior of the manufactured home, found in Sec.  1026.35(c)(3)(i). All 
other HPML appraisal requirements in Sec.  1026.35(c)(3) through (c)(6) 
will apply.
The Agencies' Proposal
    In the January 2013 Final Rule, the Agencies adopted an exemption 
from the HPML appraisal requirements for loans secured by a ``new 
manufactured home.'' See 78 FR 10368, 10379-10380, 10433, 10438, 10444 
(Feb. 13, 2013). In the 2013 Supplemental Proposed Rule, the Agencies 
stated that, after issuing the January 2013 Final Rule, the Agencies 
obtained additional information on valuation methods for

[[Page 78545]]

manufactured homes. Based on this information, the Agencies requested 
comment and information concerning whether to require USPAP-compliant 
appraisals with interior property inspections conducted by a state-
licensed or -certified appraiser for HPMLs secured by both a new 
manufactured home and land. The Agencies also sought comment on whether 
some other valuation method should be required as a condition of the 
exemption for these transactions from the general HPML appraisal 
requirements in Sec.  1026.35(c)(3) through (c)(6).
    In particular, the Agencies noted that appraisers and State 
appraiser boards consulted in outreach efforts confirmed that real 
property appraisals in conformity with USPAP are possible and conducted 
with at least some regularity in transactions secured by a new 
manufactured home and land. The Agencies expressed their understanding 
that these appraisals value the site and the home together based upon 
comparable transactions that have been exposed to the open market (as 
would be done with a site-built home or any other existing home).\82\ 
The Agencies further noted that these appraisals could document 
additional value based on factors such as the home's location, and in 
some cases could identify visible discrepancies between the 
manufacturer's specifications and the actual home once it is sited.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \82\ See, e.g., Texas Appraiser Licensing and Certification 
Board, ``Assemblage As Applied to Manufactured Housing,'' available 
at http://www.talcb.state.tx.us/pdf/USPAP/AssemblageAsAppliedToMfdHousing.pdf.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In the 2013 Supplemental Proposed Rule, the Agencies also observed 
that USPAP-compliant real property appraisals are regularly conducted 
for all transactions under Federal government agency and GSE 
manufactured home loan programs.\83\ FHA Title II program standards, 
for example, which apply to transactions secured by a manufactured home 
and land titled together as real property, require an appraisal in 
conformity with USPAP.\84\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \83\ See, e.g., HUD: 24 CFR 203.5(e); HUD Handbook 4150.2, 
Valuations for Analysis for Home Mortgage Insurance for Single 
Family One- to Four-Unit Dwellings, chapter 8.4 and App. D; USDA: 7 
CFR 3550.62(a) and 3550.73; USDA Direct Single Family Housing Loans 
and Grants Field Office Handbook (USDA Handbook), chapters 5.16 and, 
9.18; VA: VA Lenders Handbook, VA Pamphlet 26-7 (VA Handbook), 
chapters 7.11, 11.3, and 11.4; Fannie Mae: Fannie Mae Single Family 
2013 Selling Guide B5-2.2-04, Manufactured Housing Appraisal 
Requirements (04/01/2009); Freddie Mac: Freddie Mac Single Family 
Seller/Servicer Guide, H33: Manufactured Homes/H33.6: Appraisal 
requirements (02/10/12).
    \84\ Title II appraisal standards are available in HUD Handbook 
4150.2. For supplemental standards for manufactured housing, see HUD 
Handbook 4150.2, chapters 8-1 through 8-4. The valuation protocol in 
Appendix D of HUD Handbook 4150.2 calls for a certification that the 
appraisal is USPAP compliant (p. D-9).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Agencies noted further that in informal outreach, a 
representative of manufactured home appraisers and a manufactured home 
CDFI representative stated that they conduct appraisals for loans 
secured by a new manufactured home and land before the home is sited 
based on plans and specifications for the new home.\85\ An interior 
property inspection occurs once the home is sited (although the CDFI 
representative indicated that it did not always use a state-certified 
or -licensed appraiser for the final inspection). These outreach 
participants suggested that, in their experience, qualified certified- 
or -licensed appraisers and appropriate comparables are not unduly 
difficult to find to perform these appraisals, even in rural areas.\86\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \85\ For a summary of more recent informal outreach conducted by 
the Agencies, see http://www.federalreserve.gov/newsevents/rr-commpublic/industry-meetings-20131001.pdf.
    \86\ For FHA-insured loans secured by real property--a 
manufactured home and lot together--HUD requires creditors to use a 
FHA Title II Roster appraiser that can certify to prior experience 
appraising manufactured homes as real property. See HUD, Title I 
Letter 481 (Aug. 14, 2009) (``HUD TI-481''), Appendices 8-9, C, and 
10-5, issued pursuant to authority granted to HUD under section 
2(b)(10) of the National Housing Act, 12 U.S.C. 1703(b)(10).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Agencies noted that manufactured home lenders commenting on the 
2012 Proposed Rule and during informal outreach raised concerns that 
comparables of other manufactured homes can be particularly difficult 
to find. The Agencies expressed their understanding that a lack of 
appropriate comparables can be a barrier to obtaining a manufactured 
home appraisal, especially in certain loan programs that require 
appraisals of manufactured homes to use a certain number of 
manufactured home comparables and have other restrictions on the 
comparables that may be used.\87\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \87\ See Robin LeBaron, Fair Mortgage Collaborative, Real Homes, 
Real Value: Challenges, Issues and Recommendations Concerning Real 
Property Appraisals of Manufactured Homes (Dec. 2012) at 19-28. This 
report is available at http://cfed.org/assets/pdfs/Appraising_Manufacture_Housing.pdf.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Agencies noted, however, that USPAP does not require that 
manufactured home comparables be used. USPAP allows the appraiser to 
use site-built or other types of home construction as comparables with 
adjustments where necessary.\88\ The Agencies also stated that a 
current version of an Appraisal Institute seminar on manufactured 
housing appraisals confirmed that when necessary, USPAP appraisals can 
use non-manufactured homes as comparables, making adjustments where 
needed.\89\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \88\ See HUD Handbook 4150.2, chapter 8.4 (providing the 
following instructions on appraisals for manufactured homes insured 
under the FHA Title II program: ``If there are no manufactured 
housing sales within a reasonable distance from the subject 
property, use conventionally built homes. Make the appropriate and 
justifiable adjustments for size, site, construction materials, 
quality, etc. As a point of reference, sales data for manufactured 
homes can usually be found in local transaction records.'').
    \89\ See Appraisal Institute, ``Appraising Manufactured 
Housing--Seminar Handbook,'' Doc. PS009SH-F (2008) at Part 8, 8-110, 
available at http://www.appraisalinstitute.org/education/seminar_descrb/Default.aspx?sem_nbr=OL-671&key_type=OOS.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    At the same time, the Agencies sought information about the 
potential impact on the industry and consumers of requiring real 
property appraisals in conformity with USPAP that include interior 
inspections in transactions secured by a new manufactured home and land 
(where these types of appraisals are not already required). In this 
regard, the Agencies noted that several manufactured home lenders 
commented on the 2012 Proposed Rule and shared in informal outreach 
that they typically do not conduct an appraisal with an interior 
inspection of a new manufactured home, but use other methods, such as 
relying on the manufacturer's invoice as a baseline for the value of 
the new home and conducting a separate appraisal of the land in 
conformity with USPAP.\90\ Thus, the Agencies observed that requiring a 
USPAP-compliant appraisal with an interior inspection could require 
systems changes for some manufactured home lenders. In addition, the 
Agencies also noted the possibility that, if the appraisals required 
under the 2013 January Final Rule were more expensive than existing 
methods, imposing the HPML appraisal requirements would lead to 
additional costs that could be passed on in whole or in part to 
consumers.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \90\ Some consumer and affordable housing advocates and 
appraisers in outreach have expressed the view that separately 
valuing the component parts of a manufactured home plus land 
transaction can result in material inaccuracies.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Accordingly, the Agencies requested data on the extent to which an 
appraisal in conformity with USPAP with an interior property inspection 
would be of comparable cost to, or more or less expensive than, a 
separate USPAP-compliant appraisal of a lot added

[[Page 78546]]

together with an invoice price for the home unit. The Agencies also 
requested comment on the potential burdens on creditors and consumers 
and any potential reduction in access to credit that might result from 
imposing requirements for an appraisal in conformity with USPAP that 
includes an interior property inspection on all manufactured home 
creditors of HPMLs secured by both a new manufactured home and land. In 
this regard, the Agencies asked commenters to bear in mind that any of 
these transactions that are qualified mortgages are exempt from the 
HPML appraisal requirements under the separate exemption for qualified 
mortgages. See Sec.  1026.35(c)(2)(i). Finally, the Agencies requested 
comment on whether and the extent to which consumers in these 
transactions typically receive information about the value of their 
land and home and, if so, what information is received.
Public Comments
    Eighteen commenters responded to the Agencies' questions about the 
exemption for transactions secured by both a new manufactured home and 
land. These commenters comprised four national appraiser trade 
associations, a State credit union trade association, a credit union, a 
national manufactured housing industry trade association, a national 
association for owners of manufactured homes, two manufactured housing 
lenders, a consumer advocate group, three affordable housing 
organizations, a policy and research organization, a State manufactured 
housing industry trade association, a real estate trade association, 
and a mortgage banking trade association.
    Commenters had varying opinions on whether the exemption for 
transactions secured by both a new manufactured home and land was 
appropriate. Four national appraiser trade associations, a credit 
union, a national association for owners of manufactured homes, a 
consumer advocate group, three affordable housing organizations, a 
policy and research organization, and a real estate trade association 
opposed the exemption. Two of the national appraiser trade associations 
asserted that the exemption for transactions secured by new 
manufactured homes and land did not meet the statutory exemption 
criteria of being in the public interest and promoting the safety and 
soundness of creditors.\91\ These commenters also believed that the 
January 2013 Final Rule and the 2013 Supplemental Proposed Rule lacked 
public policy consistency because loans secured by a manufactured home 
and land would be treated differently based on whether the home is 
existing or new, even though both are real estate-secured transactions. 
A real estate trade association and two national appraiser trade 
associations noted that the exemption was inconsistent with the 
manufactured housing appraisal requirements of HUD, VA, and GSE 
manufactured housing loan programs.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \91\ See TILA section 129H(b)(4)(B), 15 U.S.C. 1639h(b)(4)(B).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    A credit union commenter expressed the view that an appraisal with 
an interior inspection in conformity with USPAP and FIRREA is the only 
method of valuation that properly accounts for all valuation factors, 
including the property's location and discrepancies between the 
manufacturer's specifications and the home itself. Similarly, two 
national appraiser trade associations argued that this type of 
appraisal was necessary because the price of a manufactured home may 
not necessarily reflect its value, due to factors such as the quality 
of installation and construction of the home. Two national appraiser 
trade associations, a manufactured housing lender, and a real estate 
trade association stated that an appraisal in conformity with USPAP of 
a lot combined with an invoice price for the home unit (as opposed to 
valuing the home and land as a single item of real property) was an 
incorrect form of valuation that would not provide a credible 
indication of the value of the home and land combined.
    Several commenters emphasized that performing appraisals in 
conformity with USPAP and FIRREA for these transactions is feasible. An 
affordable housing commenter argued that, for new manufactured homes 
that are not yet sited, appraisers can follow standards in USPAP for 
appraising site-built homes that are not yet constructed. Under these 
existing USPAP standards, an appraisal is based on a site inspection 
and the plans and specifications of the home.\92\ When the construction 
is complete, an appraiser or qualified inspector can confirm whether 
the finished home meets the same specifications.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \92\ See Appraisal Standards Bd., Appraisal Fdn., Standards Rule 
1-2(e) and Advisory Opinion 17, ``Appraisals of Real Property with 
Proposed Improvements,'' at U-17, U-18, and A-37, available at 
http://www.uspap.org.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    According to national appraiser trade associations, appraisals in 
conformity with USPAP are regularly performed for transactions secured 
by a new manufactured home and land. These commenters stated that 
professional appraisers for manufactured homes are widely available, 
that appropriate comparables can be readily found, and that USPAP 
protocols (including interior inspections) are appropriate for valuing 
manufactured housing and land. Two affordable housing organizations, a 
consumer advocate group, a policy and research organization, and a 
national association of owners of manufactured homes believed that the 
same appraisal requirements should apply to transactions secured by a 
new manufactured home as apply to transactions secured by site-built 
homes. They believed, however, that appraisers should have more 
flexibility in manufactured home transactions to use site-built homes 
as comparables than some Federal government agency and GSE programs 
currently allow.
    Two affordable housing organizations, a consumer advocate group, a 
policy and research organization, and a national association for owners 
of manufactured homes believed that transactions secured by a new 
manufactured home should be subject to the rule if the homeowner owns 
the land on which the home is sited, even if the home is not subject to 
a security interest. Another affordable housing organization 
recommended that new manufactured homes should be subject to the rule, 
whether affixed to owned land or on land with a long term lease.
    In contrast, six commenters--a national mortgage banking 
association, a State credit union association, two manufactured housing 
lenders, a national manufactured housing trade association, and a State 
manufactured housing trade association--supported the exemption for 
transactions secured by both a new manufactured home and land. Some of 
these commenters asserted that an exemption was necessary because a 
physical interior inspection was infeasible. In this regard, the 
manufactured housing lender stated that a new manufactured home 
typically will not be delivered and installed until after a loan 
closes. The commenter noted that, as with construction loans, which are 
provided an exemption from the HPML appraisal rules (Sec.  
1026.35(c)(2)(iv)), on-site interior inspections of new manufactured 
homes that will secure loans are not feasible because they are still 
being manufactured, delivered, or installed when appraisals would need 
to be ordered. Similarly, a State manufactured housing industry trade 
association stated that a manufactured home's production does not begin 
before the determination is made to provide credit to a consumer, so a 
physical inspection prior to closing would be impossible.\93\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \93\ As noted under ``Public Comments,'' however, a 
representative of a manufactured home loan lender consulted in 
informal outreach by the Agencies indicated that the lender does not 
close loans secured by a new manufactured home and land until the 
home is sited.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

[[Page 78547]]

    A national manufactured housing industry trade association also 
questioned the value of an interior inspection of new manufactured 
homes, stating that each manufactured home is built to the 
specifications of the retailer and is manufactured in a controlled 
manufacturing process in accordance with HUD standards, which ensures 
the application of consistent, quality standards.\94\ According to this 
commenter, the manufacturer certifies to the retailer the authenticity 
and accuracy of the wholesale cost of the home at the point of 
manufacture.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \94\ See 24 CFR part 3280.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Some commenters noted that even though appraisals in conformity 
with USPAP are required by some Federal government agencies and GSE 
manufactured housing loan programs, they are not performed frequently. 
One manufactured housing lender stated that traditional appraisals 
typically are performed only for certain FHA loans that represent a 
small fraction of overall land/home manufactured housing loans.\95\ A 
State manufactured housing industry trade association offered similar 
comments. The State manufactured housing industry trade association 
commenter also asserted that GSE-like appraisal requirements were not 
appropriate for these transactions, because most new manufactured home 
loans are held in portfolio and creditors will set valuation standards 
appropriate for their own loans.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \95\ FHA reported providing insurance under its Title I program 
for 655 manufactured home loans in Fiscal Year (FY) 2012, 986 in FY 
2011, and 1,776 in FY 2010. See HUD, FHA Annual Management Report, 
Fiscal Year 2012 (Nov. 15, 2013) at 17. FHA also reported providing 
insurance under its Title II program for 20,479 manufactured home 
loans in FY 2012, 21,378 in FY 2011, and 30,751 in FY 2010. See id. 
According to 2012 HMDA data, 19,614 FHA-insured manufactured home 
loans (under both Titles I and II) were reported out of a total of 
123,628 reported manufactured home loans; thus, FHA-insured loans 
represented 15.9 percent of HMDA-reported manufactured home loans. 
See www.ffiec.gov/hmda.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Commenters also challenged the accuracy of appraisals performed in 
conformity with USPAP and FIRREA for transactions secured by both a new 
manufactured home and land. A manufactured housing lender stated that, 
even for FHA-insured land/home loans, traditional appraisals are prone 
to yielding appraised values that are lower than the sales price of the 
home. A national manufactured housing industry trade association stated 
that traditional appraisals produce appraised values lower than the 
sales price for more than 20 percent of transactions that are secured 
by manufactured homes and land. One manufactured housing lender stated 
that for its loans for which appraisals are ordered, appraisals 
resulted in appraised values lower than the sales price around 30 
percent of the time. Similarly, the State manufactured housing industry 
trade association stated that, based on information from its members, 
the rate of appraisals with appraised values lower than the sales price 
is approximately 30 percent.
    Commenters also cited problems with obtaining comparables as 
contributing to the difficulty with obtaining accurate appraisals. 
Manufactured housing lenders, a national manufactured housing industry 
trade association, and a State manufactured housing industry trade 
association stated that manufactured home comparables, especially in 
rural areas, tend to be unavailable or inadequate. One lender noted 
that, in practice, HUD will permit site-built comparables for the Title 
II FHA loan insurance program in the absence of appropriate 
manufacturer home comparables, but only on a limited basis. A 
manufactured housing lender also asserted that relying upon site-built 
homes as comparables can lead to inflated values.
    A national manufactured housing industry trade association and a 
State manufactured housing industry trade association asserted that no 
reliable database of previous sales which appraisers can use to develop 
an accurate, reliable value for manufactured homes exists. The State 
manufactured housing industry trade association believed that actual 
sales data must serve as the foundation for any valuation system. The 
commenter believed that creating such a database would involve both 
time and expense, and that such a database should not be created by 
private industry or based upon the voluntary submission of sales price 
data. This commenter expressed the view that such a database should be 
created by State governments.
    Several commenters believed that issues with appraisers are the 
cause of manufactured housing appraisals resulting in values lower than 
the sales price. A manufactured housing lender believed that 
significant appraiser bias exists against manufactured housing, which 
results in lower value estimates. Another manufactured housing lender 
stated that most state-licensed or -certified appraisers have no 
training or experience in appraising manufactured homes.
    Commenters also cited concerns about the cost of requiring 
appraisals for these transactions. A national manufactured housing 
industry trade association and two manufactured housing lenders raised 
related concerns that appraisal costs would make these transactions 
less affordable for consumers and that an appraisal is expensive 
relative to the cost of a manufacture home. The national manufactured 
housing industry trade association expressed the view that these costs 
could result in reduced manufactured housing lending.
    The Agencies specifically requested comment on the potential 
burdens on creditors and consumers and any potential reduction in 
access to credit that might result from imposing requirement for an 
appraisal in conformity with USPAP and FIRREA with an interior property 
inspection on all creditors of loans secured by both a new manufactured 
home and land. Two national appraiser trade associations believed that 
concerns about appraisal costs could be mitigated because professional 
appraisers can provide a range of services other than an interior 
inspection but still in conformity with USPAP. These commenters argued 
that the cost of a professional appraisal is relatively small compared 
to the value provided to borrowers and to loan underwriting safety and 
soundness. A consumer advocate group, two affordable housing 
organizations, a national association of owners of manufactured homes, 
and a policy and research organization believed that the costs of an 
appraisal with an interior inspection would be no higher than the costs 
of appraisals for site-built homes subject to the rule.
    No commenters offered data on the cost of the method of using the 
manufacturer's invoice for the home and conducting a separate appraisal 
of the land. However, a national manufactured housing industry trade 
association asserted that this method costs consumers less than the 
type of appraisal that the HPML appraisal rules require. Informal 
outreach by the Agencies with a manufactured housing lender after the 
2013 Supplemental Proposed Rule suggested that the interior inspection 
was the element of the HPML appraisal requirements that added the most 
cost. Another manufactured housing lender believed that the land-only 
appraisal would still be expensive for consumers. A national 
association of owners of manufactured homes, a consumer advocate group, 
a policy and research organization, and two affordable housing 
organizations stated that they did not have cost information in order 
to respond to the question posed by the Agencies.

[[Page 78548]]

    In addition, the Agencies requested comment on whether consumers 
currently receive information about the value of their land and 
manufactured home. A consumer advocate group, two affordable housing 
organizations, a policy and research organization, and a national 
association of owners of manufactured homes asserted that consumers do 
not currently receive valuation information. Two manufactured housing 
lenders stated that, when appraisals are performed, lenders are 
required to provide the ECOA notice informing consumers that a copy of 
the appraisal may be obtained from the lender upon request.\96\ One of 
the manufactured housing lenders indicated that it routinely issues a 
copy of the appraisal to its customers. The other lender stated that, 
after receiving the ECOA notice, very few consumers request the 
appraisal information.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \96\ See ECOA section 701(e), 15 U.S.C. 1691(e). These 
provisions were amended by section 1474 of the Dodd-Frank Act, 
implemented by the Bureau's 2013 ECOA Valuations Rule, 12 CFR Sec.  
1002.14, and effective January 18, 2014.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Finally, the Agencies requested comment on alternative methods that 
may be appropriate for valuing new manufactured homes and land, which 
the Agencies could require as a condition of an exemption from the 
general HPML appraisal rules in Sec.  1026.35(c)(3) through (c)(6). A 
real estate trade association, two national appraiser trade 
associations, a consumer advocate group, a policy and research 
organization, two affordable housing organizations, and a national 
association of owners of manufactured homes believed that a discussion 
of conditioning the exemption was unnecessary because they believed 
that there should be no exemption for these transactions.
    All other commenters on this issue--a national mortgage banking 
association, a State credit union association, two nonbank manufactured 
home lenders, a State manufactured housing industry trade association, 
and a national manufactured housing industry trade association--opposed 
adding conditions to the exemption. The manufactured housing lenders 
stated that they were unaware of a reliable, uniform valuation method 
by which to provide information to a consumer in new or existing 
manufactured housing transactions. The mortgage banking trade 
association believed that providing an alternative valuation would 
confuse consumers, and a State credit union trade association believed 
that a condition would increase the cost for consumers to obtain 
credit.
The Final Rule
    The Agencies are adopting a modified exemption for transactions 
secured by a new manufactured home and land. Under the final rule, 
creditors for these transactions will be subject to all of the HPML 
appraisal requirements except for the requirement that the appraisal 
include a physical visit of the interior of the manufactured home. See 
Sec.  1026.35(c)(3)(i). As discussed below, the Agencies believe that 
this exemption from the requirement for a physical visit of the 
interior of the property is in the public interest and promotes the 
safety and soundness of creditors. Comment 35(c)(2)(viii)(A)-1 
clarifies that a creditor of a loan secured by a new manufactured home 
and land could comply with Sec.  1026.35(c)(3)(i) by obtaining an 
appraisal conducted by a state-certified or -licensed appraiser based 
on plans and specifications for the new manufactured home and an 
inspection of the land on which the property will be sited, as well as 
any other information necessary for the appraiser to complete the 
appraisal assignment in conformity with USPAP and FIRREA. Compliance 
with the HPML appraisal rules for these transactions is not mandatory 
until July 18, 2015.
    As discussed in the 2013 Supplemental Proposed Rule, the Agencies 
conducted additional research and outreach after issuing the January 
2013 Final Rule to determine how to treat loans secured by existing 
manufactured homes under the HPML appraisal rules. In this process, the 
Agencies obtained information about manufactured home lending valuation 
practices that prompted the Agencies to review the exemption in the 
January 2013 Final Rule for transactions secured by a new manufactured 
home, whether or not the transaction is secured by land.
    Through research, written comments, and informal outreach, the 
Agencies obtained the views of a wider range of stakeholders, including 
consumer advocates, affordable housing organizations, a policy and 
research organization, and a national association of owners of 
manufactured homes (summarized earlier ``Public Comments'').\97\ In 
addition, the Agencies consulted with additional manufactured home 
lenders, one of which indicated that the lender obtains appraisals in 
conformity with USPAP for these transactions.\98\ Based on this 
information, the Agencies understand that a pivotal factor in valuing 
manufactured homes is whether the transaction is secured by land. 
Accordingly, the Agencies are adopting a final rule that applies 
different rules to loans secured by a new manufactured home and land 
(Sec.  1026.35(c)(2)(viii)(A)) and loans secured by a new manufactured 
home without land (Sec.  1026.35(c)(2)(viii)(B)).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \97\ The Agencies did not receive comments from these types of 
organizations on the 2012 Proposed Rule, which the Agencies believe 
may be due to the large volume of mortgage rules that were issued 
for public comment at that time. A large real estate trade 
association expressed similar views in commenting on both the 2012 
Proposed Rule and 2013 Supplemental Proposed Rule.
    \98\ For a summary of more recent informal outreach conducted by 
the Agencies, see http://www.federalreserve.gov/newsevents/rr-commpublic/industry-meetings-20131001.pdf.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Agencies understand that manufactured home lenders regularly 
value a new manufactured home and land by relying on the manufacturer's 
(wholesale) invoice for the home unit (marked up by a certain 
percentage to account for siting costs, dealer profit, and related 
expenses associated with the transactions) and having a separate 
appraisal performed on the land. The two values are then added together 
to obtain a maximum loan amount, which may not be the amount of credit 
ultimately extended. The Agencies understand that transactions secured 
by a new manufactured home and land can be consummated before the new 
home is sited or, in some cases, even built.
    For these reasons, the Agencies recognize that applying the HPML 
appraisal rules to transactions secured by a new manufactured home and 
land will represent a change in practices for many manufactured home 
lenders. In part to mitigate unnecessary burden, the Agencies are 
exempting these transactions from the requirements that the appraisal 
include a physical inspection of the interior of the new manufactured 
home. In addition, the Agencies understand that an interior inspection 
of the property is a central obstacle to complying with the HPML 
appraisal rules in transactions secured by a new manufactured home and 
land, since production of the home might not be completed or started 
before the loan is consummated. Further, the Agencies believe that an 
interior inspection on a new manufactured home may not be warranted 
because the home would not have been subject to wear and tear and 
production and installation inspections new manufactured homes occur as 
part of a separate regulatory framework administered by HUD.\99\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \99\ See 24 CFR parts 3282 and 3286.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Under the final rule, as of July 18, 2015, a creditor could, for 
example, obtain an appraisal based on the

[[Page 78549]]

appraiser's review of plans and specifications of the new home and an 
inspection of the site. See comment 35(c)(2)(viii)(A)-1. Neither USPAP 
nor FIRREA requires an interior inspection, but the Agencies believe 
that all other aspects of the HPML appraisal rules could and should be 
complied with. USPAP and FIRREA also do not require an appraiser to use 
particular types of comparables in valuing manufactured homes, so 
appraisers will have flexibility in selecting either manufactured home 
comparables or site-built comparables as the appraiser deems 
appropriate or as the creditor, secondary market participant, or 
relevant government agency requires. The Agencies are also aware that 
public comments and outreach included varying views on the availability 
of appropriate comparables and appraisers with the relevant competency 
to conduct USPAP land/home appraisals for transactions secured by a new 
manufactured home and land, with some generally asserting that 
appropriate comparables and competent appraisers are readily available, 
while other expressed concerns that at least in some markets they are 
not. However, the Agencies believe that giving creditors 18 months 
before compliance becomes mandatory can provide time for creditors and 
other stakeholders to determine how to address concerns in these areas.
    The Agencies believe that applying the HPML appraisal rules to 
transactions secured by new manufactured homes and land is important 
for several reasons. First, as with transactions secured by an existing 
manufactured home and land, covering transactions secured by a new home 
and land is consistent with the requirements of the GSEs and Federal 
government agencies for these types of loans. Again, Congress 
designated HPML transactions that are not qualified mortgages to be 
``higher-risk'' than other transactions; therefore, the Agencies 
believe it prudent and in keeping with congressional concern to be 
consistent with other Federal standards for these loans.
    Second, appraiser representatives and regulators have made it clear 
in public comments on this rulemaking and independent publications that 
separate assessments of the unit value and land added together do not 
constitute an acceptable appraisal.\100\ For loans deemed ``higher-
risk'' by Congress, the Agencies have reservations about a valuation 
practice that diverges from practices deemed appropriate and most 
likely to result in a valid outcome.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \100\ See, e.g., Texas Appraiser Licensing and Certification 
Board, ``Assemblage As Applied to Manufactured Housing,'' available 
at http://www.talcb.state.tx.us/pdf/USPAP/AssemblageAsAppliedToMfdHousing.pdf.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Third, all commenters on the 2013 Supplemental Proposed Rule that 
did not represent the manufactured home lending industry, as well as a 
few manufactured home lenders, opposed a full exemption for loans 
secured by a new manufactured home and land. These comments strongly 
suggest that the exemption would not be in the public interest, as 
required by the statute. Commenters opposing a full exemption generally 
held the view that appraisals in conformity with USPAP and FIRREA for 
these homes are feasible and that prudent lending practice and consumer 
protection are best served by obtaining appraisals for transactions 
secured by a new manufactured home and land together. They believed 
that appraisals with interior inspections would allow consumers to 
obtain better information about the value of their homes than methods 
that combine an appraised value of a site and a marked-up invoice price 
of a manufactured home. As noted under ``Public Comments,'' some 
manufactured home lenders indicated that they already conduct 
appraisals in conformity with USPAP for transactions secured by a new 
manufactured home and land.
    The Agencies decline, however, to adopt suggestions from some of 
these commenters that the general appraisal requirements should cover a 
broader range of transactions. Regarding the suggestion that the 
general appraisal requirements should cover transactions secured by a 
manufactured home and a leasehold interest, the Agencies are aware that 
State laws may vary regarding rights attendant to leasehold interests 
and that different lease terms might have different values; both are 
factors that would be beyond the scope of the final rule to provide 
guidance. GSE and Federal agency manufactured housing programs require 
the securing property to be real estate; whether a manufactured home 
and lease-hold meets that standard varies by State law and the Agencies 
believe that uniformity across states for the HPML appraisal rules 
would best facilitate compliance. At the same time, the Agencies 
recognize that lease terms and stability of tenancy can affect value, 
and believe that these factors would be appropriate to take into 
account as part of valuations for appraising transactions secured by a 
home and not land. The final rule permits but does not require 
consideration of these factors.\101\ See Sec.  
1026.35(c)(2)(viii)(B)(3) and accompanying section-by-section analysis.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \101\ A national provider of a manufactured home cost guide 
indicated in comments that its guide includes a land-lease community 
adjustment guideline that can be used if a manufactured home is 
located in a land-lease community.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Agencies are also not following the suggestion that the 
appraisal requirement be applied to transactions secured by a home 
whenever the borrower owns the land, even if the transaction is not 
secured by the land. The Agencies are concerned that accounting for 
differing ownership structures of the land would complicate the rule 
and could be difficult for creditors and appraisers to assess. The 
Agencies also have questions about whether appraisals of the land and 
home together, even if the land is not securing the transaction, will 
consistently lead to the desired result--market value of the collateral 
securing the loan. Some lenders indicated that when a loan goes into 
foreclosure, the property may be repossessed and taken back into dealer 
inventory; thus, it would seem important for a lender to know the value 
of the structure by itself. Again, the Agencies recognize that the 
location of the home can have a significant impact on its value, and 
believe that the location-related factors would be appropriate to take 
into account as part of valuations for transactions secured by a home 
and not land. The final rule permits but does not require consideration 
of these factors. See Sec.  1026.35(c)(2)(viii)(B)(3) and accompanying 
section-by-section analysis.
    Fourth, most commenters, including leading manufactured housing 
lending industry representatives, expressed support for developing and 
even requiring appropriate valuations for manufactured home 
transactions. In light of additional stakeholder views received since 
issuance of the January 2013 Final Rule and additional research, the 
Agencies believe that applying the HPML appraisal rules to transactions 
secured by new manufactured homes and land, as well as transactions 
secured by existing manufactured homes and land, creates needed 
incentives for the continued training of state-certified and -licensed 
appraisers in valuing manufactured homes and the development of 
appraisal methods tailored to value collateral in manufactured home 
lending transactions, including appropriate use of comparables. This 
will in turn support improved accuracy and

[[Page 78550]]

reliability of appraisals for these transactions.
    Regarding concerns expressed by commenters about a lack of 
comparable sales data, the Agencies understand that in many cases 
comparable sales data is reported to and available in Multiple Listing 
Services (MLS) regarding sales of manufactured homes and land 
classified as real property. The Agencies recognize that a more robust 
tracking of manufactured home sales information would be beneficial and 
may take time, and encourages efforts in this regard. The delayed 
effective date is intended to allow more time to move forward in this 
process.
    Finally, the Agencies believe that treating manufactured home loans 
secured by both the home and land in the same way as loans secured by 
site-built homes and land will foster the development of greater 
consistency between the rules and practices applicable to transactions 
secured by site-built homes and manufactured homes. The Agencies 
believe that this consistency of rules and practices will contribute to 
integrating manufactured home lending more fully into the broader 
mortgage market over time, which could have long-term benefits for 
consumers and lenders.
    For these reasons, on balance, the Agencies have concluded that an 
exemption from the HPML appraisal requirement for a physical visit of 
the interior of the home as part of the appraisal will promote the 
safety and soundness of creditors and be in the public interest.
35(c)(2)(ii)(B)
Loans Secured by a Manufactured Home and Not Land
The Agencies' Proposal
    As noted, in the January 2013 Final Rule, the Agencies adopted an 
exemption from the HPML appraisal requirements for loans secured by a 
``new manufactured home.'' See 78 FR 10368, 10379-10380, 10433, 10438, 
10444 (Feb. 13, 2013). The January 2013 Final Rule did not address 
loans secured by ``existing'' (used) manufactured homes, which 
therefore would be subject to the appraisal requirements unless the 
Agencies adopted an exemption.
    As discussed in the 2013 Supplemental Proposed Rule, additional 
research and outreach on valuation practices for loans secured by an 
existing manufactured home and not land indicated that current 
valuation practices for these transactions generally do not involve 
using a state-certified or -licensed appraiser to perform a real 
property appraisal in conformity with USPAP and FIRREA with an interior 
property inspection, as required under TILA section 129H and the 
January 2013 Final Rule. In addition, lender commenters on the 2012 
Proposed Rule had raised concerns about the availability of data on 
comparable sales that may be used by appraisers for loans secured by an 
existing manufactured home and not land. They indicated that data from 
used manufactured home sales not involving land (usually titled as 
personal property) are not currently recorded in MLS of most states, so 
an appraiser's ability to obtain information on comparable manufactured 
homes without land is more limited than in real estate transactions. A 
provider of manufactured home valuation services confirmed in outreach 
with the Agencies in 2013 that manufactured home sales information is 
generally not available through standard real estate data sources.\102\ 
The Agencies also understood that, in many states, appraisers are not 
currently required to be licensed or certified in order to perform 
personal property appraisals.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \102\ The Agencies also are not aware of site-built or similar 
comparables for home-only collateral.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Accordingly, the 2013 Supplemental Proposed Rule would have 
exempted transactions secured by existing manufactured homes and not 
land in proposed Sec.  1026.35(c)(2)(ii)(B).\103\ The Agencies noted 
that an exemption would promote the public interest in affordable 
housing by ensuring transactions were not subject to a requirement not 
suited to this particular collateral type at this time, and would 
promote safety and soundness by allowing creditors to rely on currently 
prevalent valuation methods to ensure profitability and diversity to 
mitigate risk. The Agencies requested comment on this proposed 
exemption.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \103\ In addition, proposed comment 35(c)(2)(ii)(B)-1 would have 
clarified that an HPML secured by a manufactured home and not land 
would not be subject to the appraisal requirements of Sec.  
1026.35(c), regardless of whether the home is titled as realty by 
operation of state law.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In addition, however, the Agencies' 2013 Supplemental Proposed Rule 
sought comment on any risks that could be created by an unconditional 
exemption for transactions secured by a manufactured home, whether new 
or existing, and not land. After the January 2013 Final Rule was 
issued, consumer advocates and other stakeholders expressed concerns 
that some transactions in the lending channel for manufactured home-
only (chattel) transactions (both of new and existing manufactured 
homes) can result in consumers owing more than the manufactured home is 
worth. For this type of loan, stakeholders such as consumer and 
affordable housing advocates asserted that networks of manufacturers, 
broker/dealers, and lenders are common, and that these parties can 
coordinate sales prices and loan terms to increase manufacturer, 
dealer, and lender profits, even where this leads to loan amounts that 
exceed the collateral value.
    Consumer advocates and others raised concerns that, where the 
original loan amount exceeds the collateral value and the consumer is 
unaware of this fact, the consumer is often unprepared for difficulties 
that can arise when seeking to refinance or sell the home at a later 
date. They also noted that chattel manufactured home loan transactions 
tend to have much higher rates than conventional mortgage loans. Some 
stakeholders suggested that giving the consumer third-party information 
about the unit value could be helpful in educating the consumer, 
particularly as to the risk that the loan amount might exceed the 
collateral value, and might prompt the consumer to ask important 
questions about the transaction.
    Accordingly, the 2013 Supplemental Proposed Rule posed a number of 
questions seeking comment on conditioning the exemptions for 
manufactured home-only transactions on providing the consumer with an 
estimate of the value of the manufactured home no later than three 
business days before consummation. The 2013 Supplemental Proposed Rule 
discussed several types of estimates.
    First, based on input from lenders and manufactured home valuation 
providers, the Agencies understood that in new home-only transactions, 
many creditors determine the maximum amount that they will lend by 
using the manufacturer's invoice, or wholesale unit price, marked up by 
a certain percentage to reflect, for example, dealer profit and siting 
costs. As discussed in the 2012 Proposed Rule, informal outreach 
participants indicated that this practice--similar to that sometimes 
used for automobiles--is longstanding in new manufactured home 
transactions.\104\ Lenders asserted that these methods save costs for 
consumers and creditors and has been found to be reasonably effective 
and accurate for purposes of ensuring a safe and sound loan.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \104\ See 77 FR 54722, 54732-33 (Sept. 5, 2012).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Second, outreach to manufactured home lenders indicated that in 
transactions secured by an existing manufactured home and not land, 
lenders typically obtain replacement

[[Page 78551]]

cost estimates derived from nationally published cost services, taking 
into account factors such as the age of the unit (to derive depreciated 
values) and regional location of the home.\105\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \105\ One option identified in the 2013 Supplemental Proposed 
Rule (78 FR 48548, 48554 n. 12 (Aug. 8, 2013) was the National 
Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) Manufactured Housing Cost 
Guide. See NADAguides.com Value Report, available at 
www.nadaguides.com/Manufactured-Homes/images/forms/MHOnlineSample.pdf.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Third, the Agencies understood that additional methods exist for 
conducting personal property appraisals of manufactured homes. For 
example, HUD has adopted property valuation standards for HUD-insured 
loans secured by an existing manufactured home and not land. These 
standards call for use of a certified independent fee appraiser to 
conduct a valuation of the home using data on comparable manufactured 
homes in similar condition and in the same geographic area.\106\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \106\ See HUD TI-481, Appendices 8-9, C, and 10-5.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Public Comments
    The Agencies received 28 comment letters on transactions secured by 
manufactured homes and not land from four national appraisal trade 
associations, a provider of a manufactured housing cost guide, a 
consumer advocate group, three affordable housing organizations, a 
national association of owners of manufactured homes, a policy and 
research organization, a credit union, seven State or regional credit 
union associations, a national credit union association, a community 
bank, a national trade association for community banks, a State banking 
trade association, a national mortgage banking trade association, a 
national trade association for manufactured housing, a State 
manufactured housing trade association, and two manufactured housing 
nonbank lenders.
    Many of the comments received pertained to transactions secured by 
either an existing or new manufactured home, but the comment summary 
below is generally divided into two parts, one regarding comments on 
loans secured by a new manufactured home (but not land) and one 
regarding comments on loans secured by an existing manufactured home 
(but not land). First, however, some generally applicable comments are 
reviewed below.
General Comments
    A consumer advocate group, two affordable housing organizations, a 
national association of owners of manufactured homes, and a policy and 
research organization indicated that the Agencies should adopt a rule 
that would ensure that consumers have information about their home 
value before entering into an HPML secured by an existing manufactured 
loan without land.
    Providers of valuations and their trade associations also generally 
supported providing copies of valuation information to consumers in 
these transactions. Two appraiser trade associations stated that 
consumers have a ``fundamental right'' to understand the market value 
of the property collateralizing covered loans. A provider of a 
manufactured home cost guide stated that consumers unequivocally would 
benefit from knowing the cost estimate value of their home.
    Industry support for providing this information to consumers was 
more limited. A State credit union association stated that in an HPML 
secured by an existing manufactured home and not land, the consumer 
should receive a copy of a valuation, which this commenter believed 
would be a valuable tool for the consumer. A State manufactured housing 
trade association stated that, if a reliable repository of data on 
comparable sales were developed, it would support providing the 
consumer a copy of a valuation based upon such data.
    More broadly, manufactured home lending industry commenters 
questioned the need for valuation regulations on new manufactured home 
transactions on several grounds. A State manufactured housing trade 
association noted that most manufactured housing lenders are portfolio 
lenders who have incentives to adopt appropriate underwriting standards 
and not to over-finance the loan. This commenter asserted that the 
widespread practice of using actual cost information from the 
manufacturer's invoice to determine maximum loan amount prevents over-
financing. Finally, the commenter stated that over-financing has not 
been substantiated as a problem in manufactured home lending. Thus, the 
commenter suggested that the Agencies take more time to study the issue 
of manufactured home valuations before proposing a final rule in this 
area.
    Similarly, a national community banking trade association stated 
that a portfolio lender's assumption of credit risk is an incentive to 
choose appropriate valuation methods. Further, two State credit union 
associations stated that existing valuation methods suffice for 
ensuring reasonably safe and sound loans. Another State credit union 
association noted that creditors have alternatives to the USPAP 
interior-inspection appraisal, such as an exterior inspection or drive-
by, or an analysis of sales of comparable homes.
    One manufactured home lender suggested that consumers purchasing 
manufactured homes do not need appraisals because manufactured homes 
are sold like automobiles, in that they are sold from a retailer's 
display center. Therefore, the commenter suggests that instead of 
providing consumers with appraisals, consumers should be encouraged to 
engage independently in comparative shopping when selecting a home as 
well as when shopping for a loan. Another manufactured home lender 
stated that consumers do not need information beyond the sales 
contract, which breaks down certain costs. This commenter stated that 
information about the value of the home is not relevant to these 
consumers because they do not buy manufactured homes for investment. A 
manufactured home lender also stated that it does not offer loans based 
on the collateral value but instead on the consumer's ability to repay.
    A national manufactured housing trade association stated that 
inspections by HUD-certified inspectors conducted on all new 
manufactured homes provide lenders and consumers a strong guarantee of 
the quality of a manufactured home.\107\ Moreover, this commenter 
asserted that the HUD inspection process, coupled with the verification 
that lenders receive from manufactured home retailers and builders on 
all new manufactured homes,\108\ dispenses with the need for an 
appraisal and interior inspection.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \107\ See generally, 24 CFR parts 3280, 3282, and 3286.
    \108\ This commenter may have been referring to requirements 
such as those in HUD manufactured housing regulations that require a 
manufacturer to certify to the manufactured home dealer or 
distributer that the home conforms to all applicable Federal 
construction and safety standards. See 24 CFR 3282.205.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Two national appraiser associations generally asserted that the 
importance of valuation information to the consumer and lenders far 
outweighs the costs and burdens of providing this information. However, 
one manufactured home lender suggested that the cost of performing 
third-party appraisals would be unnecessary for the consumer, 
especially given this commenter's concerns about their reliability in 
home-only transactions. In addition, the commenter suggested that these 
costs would be a particular hardship on consumers who purchase 
manufactured home because they tend to have lower

[[Page 78552]]

incomes and lower credit scores than consumers of site-built homes; 
thus, they are purchasing a manufactured home because it is the most 
affordable and viable option available to them to own their own home. 
Finally, the commenter suggested the burden on manufactured home 
creditors of valuation requirements is likely to result in a reduction 
in lending. Similarly, a national manufactured housing trade 
association commenter suggested that existing valuation methods are 
adequate and cost consumers substantially less than traditional 
property appraisals.
    A manufactured home lender expressed concerns in particular about 
requiring creditors to provide a third-party cost service unit value to 
the consumer for either new or existing manufactured homes. According 
to this commenter, the technology and personnel required to program and 
develop a system to compare the home's year, manufacturer, and model 
name with the appropriate year, manufacturer, and model name from a 
specific price guide would be considerable. Further, this commenter 
asserted, this type of requirement would add to all lenders' overhead 
costs, which would increase the cost of credit (i.e., be passed on to 
the consumer). This lender predicted that such a task would deter other 
established creditors, including banks and credit unions, from offering 
financing secured by a manufactured home.
    Location. A question with equal applicability to transactions 
secured by either a new or existing manufactured home was a request for 
comment on the impact the location of a new manufactured home can have 
on its value and whether cost services are available that account 
adequately for differences in location. Commenters who responded 
generally agreed that the location of a manufactured home can have a 
significant impact on its value. Two national appraiser association 
commenters suggested that the location of a manufactured home can have 
a significant influence on its value and that they know of no cost 
services that adequately account for price differences in locations.
    A consumer advocacy group, two affordable housing organizations, a 
national manufactured homeowner association, and a policy and research 
organization suggested that manufactured homes are very rarely moved 
because moving a manufactured home is expensive and likely to damage 
the unit. As a result, a location-based value is more relevant to 
resale value. These commenters further suggested that attributes of the 
home's location that affect the home's value are tangible and visible, 
but that there are other attributes of a manufactured home's location 
that affect the home's value that are not typically captured in 
existing valuation models. Examples of such characteristics provided 
were lease terms or State laws that: (1) Stabilize rent; (2) ensure 
that the home may remain where it is sited; (3) ensure that the 
homeowner is able to sell the home to a new owner without having to 
move it; and (4) protect the lender's interest in the home if the 
homeowner defaults on the loan.
    One manufactured home lender suggested that similar factors, such 
as proximity to retail shopping, the quality of the neighborhood public 
and private schools, the condition and upkeep of neighboring 
properties, and other factors that affect the value of site-built homes 
will also affect the value of manufactured homes. However, the 
commenter suggested that due to historical biases against manufactured 
homes in urban areas and most neighborhoods--expressed through zoning 
restrictions, prohibitions, and restrictive covenants--most 
manufactured homes are located in rural communities. A manufactured 
home lender also indicated that, in fact, it is not uncommon for 
manufactured homes may be moved from a sited location back to a 
dealer's lot, particularly when they have been foreclosed upon and are 
in rural areas.
    Further study. Several commenters suggested that more time may be 
needed to develop reliable alternatives to a USPAP- and FIRREA-
compliant appraisal based upon a physical inspection of the interior of 
the home. Two manufactured housing lenders, while generally opposed to 
conditioning the exemption, suggested the Agencies that postpone any 
decision on these issues for several months of further evaluation. A 
State manufactured housing trade association indicated that it would 
only support a condition if a mandatory repository of data on 
comparable sales were developed and sufficient time passed for this 
repository to populate.\109\ This commenter also expressed concerns 
that very few, if any, loans secured by manufactured homes would be 
exempt from the HPML appraisal rules as qualified mortgages. See Sec.  
1026.35(c)(2)(i). This commenter suggested that the large number of 
loans potentially covered by conditions on any exemption for 
manufactured home transactions that would involve alternative 
valuations warranted further study of these options by the Agencies.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \109\ This commenter noted, however, that the private sector was 
not in a position to develop such a repository due to cost and anti-
trust concerns. Further, if such a repository were developed, this 
commenter expected challenges in finding data on comparable sales in 
rural areas would remain.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Similarly, a consumer advocate group, two affordable housing 
groups, a national association of owners of manufactured homes, and a 
policy and research organization, while generally supporting 
conditions, suggested that the Agencies convene a working group of 
stakeholders to review and develop valuation standards. These 
commenters observed that this approach would help to integrate the 
manufactured housing sector into the larger housing market. In their 
view, valuation rules would create demand, which would improve capacity 
for providing valuations and also generate more financing options for 
manufactured home consumers.
Comments on Loans Secured by a New Manufactured Home (but not Land)
    The Agencies solicited comment on whether it would be appropriate 
and beneficial to consumers to condition the exemption from the HPML 
appraisal requirements on the creditor providing the consumer with 
various types of third-party information about the manufactured home's 
cost, which third-party estimates should be used for these estimates, 
and when creditors should be required to provide the information. The 
Agencies received several comments on these questions. Representatives 
of appraisal providers, a credit union, a community bank, a consumer 
advocacy group, three affordable housing groups, a national association 
of owners of manufactured homes, and one policy and research 
organization generally suggested that consumers would benefit. On the 
other hand, a manufactured home lender, two manufactured housing trade 
associations, a State credit union association, a mortgage company, a 
national community bank trade association, and a national mortgage 
banking trade association generally suggested that consumers would not 
benefit and a condition should not be adopted.
    Manufacturer's invoice. Regarding the utility of providing the 
consumer with a copy of the manufacturer's invoice, a consumer advocacy 
group, two affordable housing groups, a national manufactured homeowner 
association, and a policy and research organization stated that in the 
near term consumers would benefit from receiving the manufacturer's 
invoice because this is what manufactured home lenders rely on in 
transactions involving new manufactured homes. They asserted that a 
consumer who is given the invoice is better able to evaluate the 
accuracy of

[[Page 78553]]

the description of the home's features. Given concerns about truth and 
accuracy in invoices in capturing all dealer payments, though, these 
commenters suggested that these transactions ultimately should be 
subject to the HPML appraisal rules on the same basis as site-built 
homes. In their view, higher valuation standards would improve 
appraiser capacity and, they argued, decrease incentives to steer 
consumers to loans with weaker standards.
    Regarding the credibility of manufacturer's invoices, the Agencies 
received conflicting information. One affordable housing organization 
differentiated between a dealer's invoice and a manufacturer's invoice, 
indicating that incentives and rebates might be omitted from the 
dealer's invoice but not from the manufacturer's invoice so the 
manufacturer's invoice would be more reliable for the consumer. A 
consumer advocacy group, two affordable housing organizations, a 
national association of owners of manufactured homes, and a policy and 
research organization, however, commented that the manufacturer's 
invoice may not have accurate information about the actual cost paid by 
the dealer because it might not reflect incentives, rebates, and in-
kind services agreed upon by the dealer and manufacturer. However, as 
noted, they believed that the representation of home features on the 
invoice would be useful to consumers.
    A national manufactured housing trade association stated that the 
manufacturer certifies to the retailer the authenticity and accuracy of 
the wholesale cost of the manufactured home at the point of 
manufacture. A manufactured housing lender further suggested that the 
manufacturer's invoice is the only realistic option upon which to base 
a home's value because it takes into account the upgrades and other 
features pertinent to the home. This commenter suggested that the 
invoice amount also offers a ``conservative'' figure in terms of 
valuation and loan-to-value considerations. However, the commenter 
noted that a consumer's total sales price will include certain other 
third-party charges related to the move and set-up of the manufactured 
home, dealer mark-ups and occasionally local government fees required 
to be paid by the dealer.
    Third-party cost service estimates. Regarding the utility of 
providing a third-party unit estimate from an independent cost service, 
a credit union commenter stated that a third-party unit estimate would 
give consumers a valuable guideline to prevent predatory practices. 
Similarly, a community bank commenter stated that this information 
could help alleviate the potential for dealer price markups over 
manufacturer's suggested retail price. A national provider of a 
manufactured home cost service stated in its comment letter that its 
cost guide information could ``absolutely'' be useful to consumers, but 
cautioned that providing consumers with multiple different indications 
of value could make the process more confusing to consumers. The 
provider further stated that its cost guide can be used to provide a 
``guideline'' that is a ``reasonable approximation'' for a new 
manufactured home value using the ``new or like new'' condition for the 
current-year model. The cost guide provider indicated that its value 
estimates consider the home's manufacturer, model, size, year, and 
region. In its cost guide, adjustments are also possible for State 
location, the general condition of the home, as well as for value added 
by additional features.
    An affordable housing organization stated that creditors should be 
required to obtain cost estimates from an independent appraiser based 
upon nationally-published cost information. This commenter stated that 
consumers will be better informed with more information.
    On the other hand, several industry and industry trade association 
commenters suggested that providing copies of third-party estimates 
would be of no benefit to consumers or would cause consumer confusion. 
One manufactured home lender asserted that cost guides consider pieces 
of property in the abstract and fail to account for the cost of 
permits, site preparation, and delivering the home to the purchaser's 
site. Moreover, this commenter suggested cost guides are typically used 
by lenders only to determine a value for pre-owned manufactured homes. 
A State manufactured housing association also noted that the third-
party cost guides are not used in practice for new manufactured home 
transactions, a view confirmed by a manufactured home lender during 
informal outreach.
    Independent valuations. Regarding third-party valuations for new 
home-only transactions generally, a number of industry, consumer group, 
and other commenters stated that in their view there does not exist 
today a reliable national third party database for comparable sales for 
new manufactured homes. However, two national appraiser association 
commenters stated that they strongly support requiring an independent 
third-party valuation by a credentialed third party appraiser with 
education, training, and experience, or a valuation through the 
National Appraisal System (NAS), which would be consistent with the 
requirements of government programs.\110\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \110\ See HUD TI-481, Appendices 8-9, C, and 10-5. The Agencies 
understand that the NAS is an appraisal method involving both the 
comparable sales and the cost approach.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Information for the consumer. The Agencies also solicited comment 
on whether the consumer in an HPML transaction to be secured by a new 
manufactured home and not land typically receives unit cost 
information, and what cost information from a reliable independent 
third-party source might be reasonably available to creditors and 
useful to a consumer. Several commenters responded to this and a 
related question; all generally suggested that, other than the retail 
purchase and sale agreement between the manufactured home purchaser and 
the retailer, no third-party information is currently provided to 
consumers about the value of their new manufactured home. One 
manufactured home lender noted that the retail purchase agreement will 
list the retail price of the manufactured home and itemize and include 
in the total cost all other costs and charges associated with the 
transactions and installation of the home and extras. Another 
manufactured home lender added that it is not the industry custom to 
disclose the wholesale amount to a consumer. Rather, the commenter 
suggested, the Agencies should not require disclosures of cost 
information for consumers and deviate from widely accepted practice in 
other areas of retail sales, including automobiles or site-built homes.
    Most of the commenters who responded on the information 
availability issue suggested that there was currently no readily-
accessible, publicly-available information that consumers could use to 
determine whether their loan amount exceeds the collateral value in a 
new manufactured home chattel transaction. Two national appraiser 
associations asserted that, under the statute, consumers have a 
fundamental right to know the value of the home that collateralizes 
debt they incur. However, a provider of a manufactured home cost guide 
suggested that consumers could access manufactured home value 
information on its Web site representing the depreciated replacement 
cost of a home.
    Regarding the best timing for a creditor to provide a unit value 
estimate to a consumer, two national appraiser associations suggested 
that the

[[Page 78554]]

information should be delivered to the prospective borrower as early in 
the loan underwriting process as possible. A consumer advocacy group, 
two affordable housing organizations, a national association of owners 
of manufactured homes, and a policy and research organization suggested 
that a copy of the manufacturer's invoice should be provided to 
consumers after the execution of the buyer's order but prior to the 
consummation of the transaction. Finally, one community bank suggested 
that third-party cost guide information should be provided to the 
consumer at least three days prior to consummation because the data is 
readily available through the database.
Comments on Loans Secured by an Existing Manufactured Home (but not 
Land)
    Commenters generally supported an exemption from the HPML appraisal 
rules under Sec.  1026.35(c)(3) through (6) for transactions secured by 
an existing manufactured home and not land. However, a number of 
commenters favored conditioning the exemption on the creditor obtaining 
and providing valuation information to the consumer. Several commenters 
also stated that any exemption should be temporary. The most common 
reasons cited by commenters for supporting the exemption were a lack of 
qualified and available appraisers; a lack of data on comparable sales; 
and concerns over the cost of appraisals.
    Regarding the availability of appraisers, a State manufactured 
housing trade association cited a scarcity of state-certified and -
licensed appraisers to support chattel lending in general, which this 
commenter stated is particularly pronounced in rural areas where the 
homes are predominantly located. This commenter also believed valuation 
professionals lacked sufficient experience with USPAP personal property 
appraisal standards to comply with them in existing manufactured home-
only transactions. Similarly, a manufactured home lender stated that 
most state-certified or -licensed appraisers are not trained or 
experienced in manufactured home appraisals and that in many rural 
areas, no qualified appraisers are available.\111\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \111\ This commenter's observations were also endorsed by 
another manufactured home lender and a national manufactured housing 
trade association.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In addition, a national community bank trade association indicated 
that, while some community banks can readily engage appraisers for 
manufactured home transactions, other banks do find it difficult to 
identify appraisers. A consumer advocate group, two affordable housing 
organizations, a national association of owners of manufactured homes, 
and a policy and research organization stated, however, that any 
appraiser capacity issues are driven by a lack of valuation standards 
for the manufactured housing segment. As a result, allowing the rule to 
take effect after a temporary period would lead to demand for 
appraisers, creating an incentive for appraisers to obtain the 
requisite skills.
    A number of commenters expressed concern that the limited 
availability of data on comparable sales for transactions secured by an 
existing manufactured home and not land posed a significant barrier to 
obtaining reliable third-party appraisals for these transactions. A 
manufactured home lender stated that sales of existing manufactured 
homes on leased land are not reported to MLS and that data on 
comparable sales outside of California is generally lacking. The 
commenter noted, though, that one private company does aggregate 
comparable sales data from different sources around the country, which 
is usually used for transactions in land-lease communities. The 
national manufactured housing trade association added that state-
certified or -licensed appraisers do not capture data on sales of 
existing manufactured homes, whether from retail dealers or 
communities. In addition, this commenter suggested that data may be 
distorted by foreclosures in rural areas leading to relocation of homes 
to dealer inventory. The State manufactured housing trade association 
commenter stated that the lack of a reliable nationwide database of 
comparable sales should be remedied and indicated that the one 
statewide database (in California) only receives data on a voluntary 
basis.\112\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \112\ This commenter suggested that a national mandatory-
reporting database would need to be sponsored by the government, as 
cost and possible anti-trust issues make it unlikely the private 
sector would create such a database.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Further, several industry commenters cited concerns over the cost 
of appraisals. A national community bank trade association and a State 
credit union association generally believed that that a USPAP-complaint 
appraisal with an interior inspection would be costly for low-income 
borrowers purchasing existing manufactured homes. Another State credit 
union association and a national credit union association supported the 
exemption because manufactured home values are generally lower than the 
values of other types of home. A state-level bank trade association 
also stated that appraisals would be costly for these transactions.
    Third-party cost service estimates. A number of commenters also 
believed that existing market incentives and valuation methods were 
sufficient for this type of transaction. For example, national and 
State manufactured housing trade associations noted that lenders 
frequently use the value indicated by a national manufactured home cost 
guide to determine the maximum amount of credit they would extend for 
transactions secured by existing homes and not land. One manufactured 
home lender stated that it uses the guide to calculate a 
``theoretical'' value, which is imperfect given the lack of reliable 
information about the condition of the home. Another nonbank lender 
stated that while it uses this guide to determine approximate wholesale 
value on trade-ins and as a general guide to the potential sale price 
for repossessions, it does not use the guide in transactions to finance 
the purchase or refinance of an existing manufactured home and not 
land.\113\ A consumer advocate group, two affordable housing 
organizations, a national association of owners of manufactured homes, 
and a policy and research organization further confirmed the widespread 
use of third-party cost service depreciation schedules in this segment 
of the market.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \113\ This nonbank lender also stated that industry lenders do 
not typically obtain a ``valuation'' in manufactured home 
transactions.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regarding the accuracy of third-party cost service estimates for 
existing manufactured homes, a national provider of a manufactured home 
cost guide stated that its values are derived by applying depreciation 
factors to the cost estimate of the home, and are designed to represent 
``retail worth'' assuming average condition and certain components. 
Adjustments can be made for actual condition, inventoried components, 
and local site value (for homes located in land-lease 
communities).\114\ The commenter stated that the local site value 
adjustment is representative of a national average of the contributing 
value for land-lease communities with certain attributes. After 
accounting for this adjustment, the value can be up to 33 percent 
higher or

[[Page 78555]]

11 percent lower than the value of the structure only (on average, the 
location adjustment adds 13 percent). While acknowledging that only 
appraisers are qualified to analyze a property's sited location, this 
commenter claimed that its location adjustment was more cost effective 
than an appraisal based upon a physical inspection, without sacrificing 
accuracy. When it compared its location-adjusted values with estimates 
from a sample of over 1,000 personal property appraisals of 
manufactured homes over a wide range of ages, it found that the median 
difference between its estimates and the appraised value was less than 
five percent.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \114\ According to the association, the association develops its 
guide by collecting data from industry manufacturers to create a 
guideline based on actual original costs, current regional market 
activity (which are used to make regional adjustments), and 
depreciation factors. The association stated that the depreciation 
cost approach used by its guide is a component of the cost approach 
used by certified or licensed appraisers, and is approved for use 
with Fannie Mae Form 1004C, Freddie Mac Form 70B, and the VA.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Views of other commenters on the accuracy of third-party cost guide 
estimate were more mixed. A manufactured home lender stated that cost 
guides are used as a guideline by lenders rather than as an estimate of 
resale value. Another manufactured home lender stated that the cost 
guide does not include transaction costs, including setup fees, which 
can lead to unreliable estimates for consumers.
    A consumer advocate group, two affordable housing organizations, a 
national association of owners of manufactured homes, and a policy and 
research organization believed that estimates based upon these cost 
guides fail to value correctly important factors related to the 
location of the home, such as the security of land tenure, risk of rent 
increases, and community attributes, among others. These commenters 
also noted that the cost guide assumes the property value has 
depreciated and that available adjustments based upon the property 
condition are not required; as a result, maintenance, repairs, and 
upgrades could be left out of the value and the property could be 
under-valued. Further, these commenters expressed concern that 
widespread use of a depreciated value could drive rather than reflect 
manufactured home values. However, another affordable housing 
organization believed that, despite concerns expressed by some about 
the utility of a third-party estimate based upon a nationally-published 
cost service, consumers will be better informed with this information.
    A State manufactured housing trade association expressed concerns 
that depreciated values available through a cost service can be 
understated. While this commenter noted that adjustments can be made, 
the commenter asserted that questions remain as to who should make the 
adjustments and whether they will be made in a uniform, valid, and 
reliable manner.
    One manufactured home lender believed that the use of physical 
inspections to provide a basis for making adjustments to depreciated 
unit cost estimates was not widespread. This commenter also pointed out 
that some transactions are consummated before the existing manufactured 
home is placed on the new site making it infeasible for the lender to 
arrange for pre-closing inspections of the home at its new site in 
these situations.
    Independent valuations. Some commenters also indicated that 
valuation methods based upon sales comparison approaches are sometimes 
used in transactions secured by an existing manufactured home and not 
land. A consumer advocate group, two affordable housing organizations, 
a national association of owners of manufactured homes, and a policy 
and research organization stated that comparable sales typically are 
selected based upon characteristics such as type of sale, size, style, 
and location of the home.
    A State manufactured housing trade association noted that a private 
company can provide comparable sales reports for some transactions. A 
manufactured home lender indicated that this service also included a 
physical inspection, and is used for transactions secured by homes in 
land-lease communities in particular when a cost guide estimate does 
not match the sales price.
    A national manufactured housing trade association stated that, for 
FHA Title I program loans, a physical inspection is conducted to adjust 
for site additions and the physical condition of the home. A State 
manufactured housing association asserted that the NAS is rarely used 
because only a small number of originations are currently done under 
the Title I FHA program for which NAS appraisals are specifically 
approved.\115\ This commenter and a manufactured home lender stated 
suggested that the small number of FHA Title I program loans is due in 
part to eligibility requirements, including appraisal requirements.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \115\ FHA reported providing insurance under its Title I program 
for 655 manufactured home loans in Fiscal Year (FY) 2012, 986 in FY 
2011, and 1,776 in FY 2010. See HUD, FHA Annual Management Report, 
Fiscal Year 2012 (Nov. 15, 2013) at 17. FHA also reported providing 
insurance under its Title II program for 20,479 manufactured home 
loans in FY 2012, 21,378 in FY 2011, and 30,751 in FY 2010. See id. 
According to 2012 HMDA data, 19,614 FHA-insured manufactured home 
loans were reported out of a total of 123,628 reported manufactured 
home loans, for a FHA-insured share of 15.9 percent. See 
www.ffiec.gov/hmda.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The consumer advocate group, two affordable housing organizations, 
a national association of owners of manufactured homes, and a policy 
and research group stated that the FHA Title I appraisal system is 
overly focused on one characteristic of the home (that it is a 
manufactured home) and excludes use of other types of comparables that 
may be more suitable. A manufactured home lender noted that HUD-
approved valuation methods based upon comparable sales tend to yield 
values below the sales price, which this commenter attributed to an 
over-emphasis on use of manufactured homes as comparables.\116\ Another 
manufactured home lender claimed that this occurrence in HUD-approved 
appraisals is evidence that they undervalue manufactured homes. A 
manufactured home lender expressed concerns about the cost of NAS 
appraisals under the FHA Title I program. This lender stated that, if a 
condition is imposed, lenders should have more than one option for the 
type of valuation that would satisfy the condition.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \116\ These commenters did not identify, however, what other 
types of comparables, apart from manufactured homes that are not 
sited on land owned by the consumers, could be used as comparables 
in these transactions.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    A national association for community banking also referred to all 
of the above types of valuations as options for valuating these 
transactions, in addition to an evaluation by a bank employee. This 
commenter stated that some bank employees conduct interior or exterior 
inspections.
    An affordable housing organization believed that creditors should 
be required to obtain a replacement cost estimate from a trained, 
independent appraiser using a nationally-published cost service. Two 
national appraiser trade associations stated that, in light of the 
importance of the location to the value of the home, the Agencies 
should require an independent third-party valuation by a credentialed 
appraiser with education, training, and experience,\117\ or a valuation 
that complies with the appraisal system specified under the FHA Title I 
program for insuring loans secured by existing manufactured homes and 
not land. A community bank stated that interior and exterior 
inspections should be conducted, due to higher depreciation

[[Page 78556]]

of manufactured homes compared to site-built homes.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \117\ This commenter suggested the individual would not 
necessarily have to be a state-certified or -licensed real estate 
appraiser. Nonetheless, a national manufactured home cost service 
provider also noted that the number of individuals certified to use 
the FHA Title I personal property appraisal system is down, from 
over 1,000 in previous decades to less than 100 today. HUD also 
allows creditors to rely on real estate appraisers from its Title II 
roster to complete these appraisals. See HUD TI-481, Appendices 8-9, 
C, and 10-5.
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The Final Rule
    Under Sec.  1026.35(c)(2)(viii)(B), which goes into effect on July 
18, 2015, the Agencies are adopting a conditional exemption for 
transactions secured by existing manufactured homes and not land. The 
Agencies believe that exempting transactions secured by existing 
manufactured homes and not land is in the public interest and promotes 
the safety and soundness of creditors, provided that such exemption is 
conditioned on the consumer receiving certain information as provided 
in detail below. The Agencies also are adopting a condition on the 
exemption for transactions secured by new manufactured homes and not 
land adopted in the January 2013 Final Rule. Under the condition, for 
applications received by the creditor on or after July 18, 2015, an 
HPML that is not a qualified mortgage and is secured by either a new or 
existing manufactured home without land will be exempt from the general 
HPML appraisal rules in Sec.  1026.35(c)(3) through (c)(6) if the 
creditor provides the consumer with a copy of any one of three 
specified types of information no later than three days prior to 
consummation of the transaction. The three types of information that 
can satisfy the condition are: (1) The manufacturer's invoice for the 
manufactured home, where the date of manufacture is within 18 months of 
the creditor's receipt of the consumer's application; (2) a cost 
estimate of the value of the manufactured home from an independent cost 
service; or (3) a valuation, as defined in Sec.  1026.42(b)(3), of the 
manufactured home by a person who has no direct or indirect interest, 
financial or otherwise, in the property or transaction for which the 
valuation is performed and has training in valuing manufactured homes.
    The Agencies also are adopting and re-numbering proposed comment 
35(c)(2)(ii)(B)-1, which clarifies that the exemption does not depend 
on whether the home is titled as realty by operation of State law. The 
heading for the comment is revised to remove the word ``solely,'' to 
reflect that this provision applies to transactions that are secured by 
a manufactured home and other collateral that is not land, such as a 
leasehold interest. The comment is re-numbered as comment 
35(c)(2)(viii)(B)-1. See also section-by-section analysis of Sec.  
1026.35(c)(2)(viii)(A) (further discussing transactions secured by a 
manufactured home and a leasehold interest).
    The Agencies are not adopting proposed comment 35(c)(2)(ii)(A)-1, 
which would have provided that an HPML secured by a new manufactured 
home is not subject to the appraisal requirements of Sec.  1026.35(c), 
regardless of whether the transactions is also secured by the land on 
which it is sited. The unconditional exemption for transactions secured 
by a new manufactured home, with or without land, will go into effect 
on January 18, 2014, but will end starting with applications received 
by the creditor on or after July 18, 2015. At that time, the exempt 
status of transactions secured by new manufactured homes will depend on 
whether the transaction also is secured by land. Other comments adopted 
in the final rule relate to the information that a creditor can provide 
to satisfy the condition and are discussed in the section-by-section 
analysis below.
Discussion
    The Agencies believe that the exemption in Sec.  
1026.35(c)(2)(viii)(B) for loans secured by manufactured homes and not 
land promotes the safety and soundness of creditors in part because the 
exemption makes it possible for creditors to continue making these 
loans, which may be an important part of a given creditor's operations; 
the Agencies understand that for chattel transactions, compliance with 
all of the general HPML appraisal requirements of Sec.  1026.35(c)(3) 
through (6) may be infeasible. The condition on the exemption in Sec.  
1026.35(c)(2)(viii)(B) is necessary to ensure that the exemption is 
also in the public interest, because the condition will ensure that 
consumers receive information pertaining to the value of their 
manufactured home. The Agencies further believe that by allowing 
creditors a menu of options for compliance, the condition will provide 
appropriate flexibility to the creditor to select which materials it 
deems most cost-effective. The Agencies also believe that having this 
information before consummation of the loan can be useful to the 
consumer, and is consistent with the timing of the general HPML 
appraisal requirement that the creditor must give the consumer a copy 
of the appraisal three days before consummation.\118\ See Sec.  
1026.35(c)(6)(ii).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \118\ Having this information three days before consummation 
also will allow borrowers the opportunity to discuss it with a HUD-
certified housing counselor whose participation in the transaction 
prior to consummation is mandated for loans under the Bureau's 2013 
HOEPA Final Rule, to be codified at 12 CFR 1026.34(a)(5). The role 
of the HUD-certified housing counselor specifically includes helping 
borrowers ``avoid inflated appraisals.'' See HUD Housing Counseling 
Program Handbook 7610.1 (May 2010), Ch. 1-2.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    TILA Section 129H ensures that, before consummation of a ``higher-
risk mortgage,'' creditors obtain a valuation of the home and provide a 
copy to the consumer. 15 U.S.C. 1639h. The statute focuses on 
transactions with a higher risk profile (i.e., those with higher 
interest rates and which are not qualified mortgages). For these 
riskier transactions, the statute sets standards that are intended to 
reduce the risk of inflated valuations of the ``dwelling,'' and grants 
consumers a right to know the appraised value of the ``dwelling'' 
before entering into these transactions.\119\ A manufactured home is a 
``dwelling'' under regulations implementing TILA.\120\ Indeed, 
transactions secured by manufactured homes and not land comprise a 
substantial proportion of the overall annual housing transactions that 
are HPMLs and not qualified mortgages.\121\ The Agencies therefore 
believe that Congress intended for TILA Section 129H to provide 
protection against inflated valuations and transparency to borrowers in 
this housing segment.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \119\ U.S. House of Reps., Comm. on Fin. Servs., Report on H.R. 
1728, Mortgage Reform and Anti-Predatory Lending Act, No. 111-94 
(May 4, 2009) (House Report), at p. 56 (noting that when faulty 
valuation methods lead to overvaluation, individuals ``may later 
encounter difficulty in refinancing or selling a home because the 
true value of the property used as collateral is less than the 
original mortgage.'').
    \120\ 12 CFR 1026.2(19).
    \121\ The Bureau's Section 1022 analysis estimates that around 
20,000 but potentially more of these transactions occur annually. 
Potential for a higher number of affected loans results from 
variables that determine whether a loan is a qualified mortgage that 
require access to information that is not available for these loans, 
such as the debt-to-income ratio.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Nonetheless, based upon outreach and comments on the 2012 Proposed 
Rule and further outreach and comments on the 2013 Supplemental 
Proposed Rule, the Agencies believe that the precise form of valuation 
specified in the statute--an appraisal by a state-certified or -
licensed appraiser in conformity with USPAP and FIRREA, based upon a 
physical inspection of the interior of the home--is infeasible for this 
housing segment at this time. A steady supply of state-certified or -
licensed appraisers to service thousands of these transactions annually 
starting on January 18, 2014, does not yet exist.
    Even if more state-certified or -licensed appraisers were able to 
perform appraisals for transactions secured by a manufactured home and 
not land in the future, the Agencies recognize that sources of data on

[[Page 78557]]

comparable sales for transactions secured by a manufactured home and 
not land may not be as robust as sources of data on sales of 
transactions secured by a home and land.\122\ As a result, the Agencies 
believe that, absent an exemption, creditors could be unable to comply 
with the HPML appraisal requirements in a substantial number of 
transactions secured by a manufactured home and not land. Thus, the 
Agencies have concluded that an exemption from a requirement to perform 
appraisals in conformity with USPAP and FIRREA for these transactions 
would promote the safety and soundness of creditors and be in the 
public interest by allowing the transactions to occur without requiring 
use of a valuation method that is infeasible in a large number of 
cases.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \122\ Whereas appraisals of a land/home transaction are not 
always limited to the use of manufactured housing transactions as 
comparables, in transactions secured only by the home, the universe 
of comparables is generally limited to manufactured homes.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    At the same time, the risk of inflated valuations in these 
transactions can contribute to increased default risk,\123\ which runs 
counter to both the safety and soundness of creditors and the public 
interest. The Agencies are concerned, based on research, outreach, and 
comments received, that these transactions can be prone to inflated 
valuations and associated risks of under-collateralization, leading to 
loans where the consumer has little, no, or even negative equity in the 
home.\124\ The Agencies believe that an unconditional exemption for 
these transactions at a minimum would not adequately account for the 
risks of under-collateralization.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \123\ See Enterprise Duty to Serve Underserved Markets, Proposed 
Rule, 75 FR 32099, 32014 (June 7, 2010) (FHFA finding that 
``[i]nterest rates charged for chattel loans are typically higher 
than those for real estate-secured loans'' and that 
``[d]elinquencies and defaults on chattel loans typically exceed 
rates on mortgage loans.'').
    \124\ See, e.g., Consumers Union Southwest Regional Office, 
``Manufactured Housing Appreciation: Stereotypes and Data'' (Aug. 
2003), p. 4 (asserting that depreciation is but one factor leading 
to ``underwater'' homes and that ``many industry practices [ ] lead 
to very high loan-to-value ratios. Fees, points and overpriced, 
unneeded add-ons (such as vacations, cash rebates and single-premium 
credit life) raise the loan balance without adding value to the 
home. This can contribute to a deficiency balance by removing equity 
and placing the loan underwater.''). See also id. at 14 (``One 
contributing factor to an initial drop [in the value of a 
manufactured home] can be inflated retailer mark-ups embedded in the 
price of a home.'').
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The effect of an inflated valuation on consumers and their risk of 
default can be even more pronounced in these transactions. Chattel 
lending generally carries higher interest rates, which could result in 
a significant number of HOEPA loans.\125\ Further, several industry 
commenters indicated that manufactured home loans would be less likely 
to be qualified mortgages than other types of mortgages because their 
points and fees would typically exceed thresholds set by the Bureau's 
2013 ATR Final Rule. See Sec.  1026.43(e)(3). At the same time, 
consumers borrowing these loans are disproportionately in the LMI 
segment.\126\ Higher loan amounts resulting from inflated valuations, 
combined with the comparatively high interest rates on these loans, can 
generate payments that pose significant burdens on LMI consumers and 
can put them at greater risk of default.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \125\ See, e.g., Bureau's 2013 HOEPA Final Rule, 78 FR 6856, 
6876 (Jan. 31, 2013) (noting that Congress set a higher APR 
threshold for HOEPA coverage of loans secured by manufactured homes 
titled as personal property--8.5 percentage points--and that under 
this test, industry commenters estimated that between 32 and 48 
percent of recent originations would be covered).
    \126\ See, e.g., Howard Baker and Robin LeBaron, Fair Mortgage 
Collaborative, Toward a Sustainable and Responsible Expansion of 
Affordable Mortgages for Manufactured Homes (March 2013) at 9 (``In 
2009, the median household income of households in manufactured 
homes was under $30,000--well below the national average of $49,777. 
More than one-fifth (22 percent) of manufactured housing residents 
have incomes at or below the Federal poverty level.''). This report 
is available at http://cfed.org/assets/pdfs/IM_HOME_Loan_Data_Collection_Project_Report.pdf.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Outreach and comments from the 2012 Proposed Rule and 2013 
Supplemental Proposed Rule have not shown that existing industry 
practices or standards necessarily would be sufficient to control the 
risk of inflated valuations in these transactions, or ensure that 
consumers are informed of the home value in these transactions. To 
compound the concern, most of these transactions are not subject to 
valuation standards imposed by Federal law or regulation or Federal 
agency or GSE programs. The FHA Title I Manufactured Housing Loan 
Insurance Program is the only program at the Federal level that covers 
these transactions; no other Federal agency or GSE has programs for 
loans secured by a manufactured home and not land. The FHA Title I 
program includes valuation requirements and loan amount caps to 
mitigate against the risk of inflated valuations, but currently most 
transactions secured by a manufactured home and not land are not 
insured by that program. Some of these transactions are originated by 
Federally regulated financial institutions subject to FIRREA's 
appraisal and evaluation requirements, but the FIRREA regulations and 
related Interagency Appraisal and Evaluation Guidelines apply only to 
real estate transactions.\127\ Under current State laws, the collateral 
in transactions secured by a manufactured home and not land is not 
typically classified as real property.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \127\ 75 CFR 77450, 77456 n.12 (Dec. 10, 2010) (noting that 
scope is for Federally-related transactions, which are real-estate 
related under 12 U.S.C. 3339 and 12 U.S.C. 3350(4)).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In addition, all creditors are subject to Regulation Z's interim 
final valuation independence rule (Valuation Independence Rule) for 
consumer credit secured by chattel, but the valuation service providers 
are not, due to a limitation in the current rule.\128\ The Valuation 
Independence Rule applies to creditors and ``settlement service'' 
providers of covered transactions.\129\ Under the rule, ``settlement 
service'' is defined under RESPA and implementing regulations 
(Regulation X).\130\ Under RESPA and Regulation X, a ``settlement 
service'' is limited to services for ``Federally related mortgage 
loans,'' which include only loans secured by real property.\131\ Thus, 
valuation service providers for transactions secured by personal 
property, such as many transactions secured by a manufactured home and 
not land, are not covered under Regulation Z's Valuation Independence 
Rule.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \128\ Bureau: 12 CFR 1026.42; Board 12 CFR 226.42.
    \129\ Bureau: 12 CFR 1026.42(b)(1) and (2); Board 12 CFR 
226.42(b)(1) and (2).
    \130\ See id.; see also 12 U.S.C. 2602(3) and 24 CFR 1024.2.
    \131\ 12 CFR 1024.2.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Further, commenters indicated that consumers in transactions 
secured by manufactured homes and not land do not currently receive 
information about the value of their homes. Participants in informal 
outreach and research conducted by the Agencies similarly indicated 
that consumers for these loans are not familiar with independent 
information about home values and may be subject to high-pressure sales 
tactics that tend to limit consumer's consideration of their choices 
and pursuit of independent information.
    Finally, while consumers might receive valuations in some of these 
transactions under the Bureau's 2013 ECOA Valuations Final Rule,\132\ 
creditors might not always obtain a valuation subject to disclosure to 
the consumer under that rule. For example, in new manufactured home 
transactions without land, outreach and comments indicated that 
creditors often rely primarily upon the manufacturer's invoice when 
determining the maximum loan amount. The manufacturer's invoice is not 
subject to

[[Page 78558]]

disclosure under the 2013 ECOA Valuations Final Rule.\133\ In addition, 
the maximum loan amount is not necessarily a valuation subject to 
disclosure under ECOA, and could well exceed caps defined under HUD 
regulations that serve to prevent over-financing, under-
collateralization, and underwater loans.\134\ Accordingly, even if that 
amount were disclosed to consumers under the 2013 ECOA Valuations Rule, 
it would not necessarily impart meaningful, independent information to 
the consumer about the value of the home.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \132\ See 12 CFR 1002.14.
    \133\ See 12 CFR 1002.14, comment 14(b)(3)-3.iv.
    \134\ See 24 CFR 201.10(b)(1).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Agencies therefore are adopting a condition on the exemption to 
ensure that valuation information from an independent source is 
obtained and is transparent to the consumer. The condition requires the 
creditor to obtain and provide to the consumer, no later than three 
days before consummation, certain information related to the value of 
the manufactured home securing the covered HPML.\135\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \135\ ``Consummation'' would have the same meaning as in Sec.  
1026.35(c)(6)(ii), requiring that a copy of any appraisal obtained 
under Sec.  1026.35(c)(6)(i) be given to the consumer no later than 
three business days prior to consummation of the covered HPML--
namely, as defined elsewhere in Regulation Z at 12 CFR 1026.2(a)(13) 
and accompanying Official Staff Commentary. Under those provisions, 
``consummation'' means ``the time that a consumer becomes 
contractually obligated on a credit transaction,'' which is 
determined by state law. Sec.  1026.2(a)(13) and comment 2(a)(13)-1.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Agencies have identified three types of materials, any one of 
which can be provided, as further discussed below.
    Providing a copy of a manufacturer's invoice used by a creditor for 
a transaction secured by a new manufactured home. Under Sec.  
1026.35(c)(2)(ii)(B)(1), a creditor on a loan secured by a new 
manufactured home and not land may be exempt from the HPML appraisal 
rules if the creditor gives the consumer a copy of the manufacturer's 
invoice, which is defined consistent with HUD manufactured home program 
regulations. See Sec.  1026.35(c)(1)(iv) and accompanying section-by-
section analysis.
    Outreach and comments consistently indicated that in these 
transactions, creditors use the invoice as the primary source for 
calculating a maximum loan amount. For that reason, several commenters 
generally supported providing a copy of the invoice to consumers as a 
means of informing them of pertinent valuation information. A national 
manufactured housing trade association also asserted that it is 
standard practice for manufacturers to certify the authenticity and 
accuracy of the wholesale cost of the home at the point of manufacture.
    The Agencies are adopting a limitation on the option to provide the 
manufacturer's invoice: the invoice may be provided to satisfy the 
condition only if the date of manufacture of the home was within 18 
months of the creditor's receipt of the consumer's application for 
credit. This limitation is generally consistent with FHA Title I 
regulations, which incorporate the practice of using manufacturers' 
invoices as a reference point for determining safe and sound loan 
amounts for insuring transactions secured by new manufactured homes. 
Specifically, FHA Title I rules limit the use of this practice to homes 
manufactured within 18 months of purchase by the consumer.\136\ The 
Agencies believe that this limitation will help prevent the use of 
invoices that are too dated to reflect reliably the current value of 
the manufactured home.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \136\ 24 CFR 201.21(b)(2)(i) (defining a ``new manufactured 
home'' for which a manufacturer's invoice may be used as ``one that 
is purchased by the borrower within 18 months after the date of 
manufacture and has not been previously occupied.'' See also HUD TI-
481, Appendix 2.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Creditors commonly obtain and rely on the manufacturer's invoice 
and consumer advocates, affordable housing organizations, and others, 
however, have asserted that consumers should have access to information 
that creditors use. If creditors have the invoice, providing a consumer 
with a copy imposes little burden.
    The Agencies note that some commenters were concerned that the 
manufacturer's invoice contains sensitive wholesale pricing information 
and that the wholesale invoice from the manufacturer will not match the 
retail price paid by the consumer. The Agencies recognize that the 
retail price will include a markup for various costs. Commenters and 
industry participants in outreach indicated that in transactions 
secured by new manufactured homes, the maximum loan amount typically is 
determined by applying a percentage markup to the manufacturer's 
invoice. Outreach indicated that this markup can vary among creditors, 
in some cases significantly. The Agencies are not aware of any 
regulatory standards governing the extent of this markup other than 
limitations in the FHA Title I program, which only covers a small 
subset of these loans currently. The FHA Title I limitations do not 
permit a markup on the manufacturer's invoice of more than 130 percent 
when calculating the maximum insurable loan amount, and HUD has other 
detailed standards for determining what other charges can be factored 
into the maximum loan amount.\137\ Most manufactured housing 
transactions are not subject to these restrictions, leaving the markup 
to be determined by the creditor's tolerance for risk, and thus subject 
to risk of inflated valuation.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \137\ See 24 CFR 201.10((b)(1).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Agencies believe that providing the manufacturer's invoice to 
consumers will give them an opportunity to have a better understanding 
of the factors contributing to the loan amount and its relationship to 
the value of the home.\138\ In transactions secured by a home and land 
under GSE and Federal agency programs, the appraiser is required to 
receive a copy of this invoice and must disclose in the appraisal 
report how it was considered.\139\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \138\ See, e.g., Consumers Union Southwest Regional Office, 
``Manufactured Housing Appreciation: Stereotypes and Data'' (Apr. 
2003) at 14, available at http://consumersunion.org/pdf/mh/Appreciation.pdf (``One contributing factor to an initial drop can 
be inflated retailer mark-ups embedded in the price of a home. 
Consumers who pay too much for any home will find it harder to sell 
it later for a higher price. Retailer markups can be a quarter of 
the base price of the home. Consumers should question what value 
they get from this middleman, and take steps to minimize costs that 
don't add value to the home. Buying direct from the last owner in a 
used transaction may reduce this overhead, as can buying direct from 
manufacturers when possible.'').
    \139\ Fannie Mae Single-Family Selling Guide, B5-2.2-04 (4/1/
09); Freddie Mac Single-Family Seller/Servicer Guide, H33.6 (2/10/
12). See also 24 CFR 201.10(b)(1) (HUD regulations requiring that 
the loan amount be determined with reference to the invoice).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Under the final rule, creditors also may choose to communicate the 
nature or extent of this markup to consumers when providing the 
manufacturer's invoice. In this case, the manufacturer's invoice will 
provide an opportunity for questions from consumers to assess whether 
the markup leads the collateral to be over-valued. As noted above, HUD-
certified counselors, required for HOEPA transactions and available for 
others, also can assist consumers in answering any questions. The 
Agencies have sought to accommodate remaining concerns over providing 
the manufacturer's invoice by providing other compliance options that 
could be used in new manufactured home transactions (including that the 
loan might qualify for another exemption under Sec.  
1026.35(c)(2)).\140\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \140\ See, e.g., Sec.  1026.35(c)(2)(i); see also 78 FR 59890, 
59901 (Sept. 30, 2013) (HUD proposing that manufactured home loans 
insured under Title I would be qualified mortgages under HUD 
regulations, even if their points and fees exceed the cap under the 
Bureau's qualified mortgage definition, Sec.  1026.43(c)(3)).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Providing a cost estimate from an independent cost service 
provider.

[[Page 78559]]

Section 1026.35(c)(2)(ii)(B)(2) gives the creditor the option of 
providing a cost estimate from an independent third-party cost service 
provider. Comment 35(c)(2)(ii)(B)(2)-1 clarifies that a cost service 
provider from which the creditor obtains a manufactured home unit cost 
estimate under Sec.  1026.35(c)(2)(ii)(B)(2) is independent if that 
party is not affiliated with the creditor in the transaction, such as 
by common corporate ownership, and receives no direct or indirect 
financial benefits based on whether the transaction is consummated.
    As noted above, the Agencies recognize that creditors may choose 
not to provide a copy of the manufacturer's invoice for new 
manufactured home transactions. In addition, appraisers or valuation 
providers may be unavailable for some transactions. Thus, including 
this additional option is important to ensure that the consumer can 
receive a unit cost estimate of the value of the home from an 
independent source. Commenters and outreach indicated that this type of 
estimate is the predominant method used for transactions secured by an 
existing manufactured home and not land. Based upon comments from a 
national cost service provider confirming that its cost guide reports 
values for the current model year, the Agencies also believe this type 
of cost service also could be used for many new manufactured home 
transactions. The Agencies learned from one cost service that an 
adjustment for ``new or like new'' is available through its cost guide, 
and that this guide is updated multiple times per year.
    The information provided by an independent cost service provider 
can provide a useful outside check against inflated valuations. At the 
same time, the check will not prohibit transactions above the value 
reflected in the cost service. Rather, the check will make sure that if 
transactions occur above those values, creditors and consumers have the 
opportunity to know that fact and evaluate the transaction accordingly.
    Interior inspections and adjustments. The Agencies are not 
requiring physical inspections of the interior or condition or location 
adjustments to the cost service values. In this way, the condition 
ensures that the creditor can readily identify the information to be 
provided to the consumer (based upon the make and model and year of the 
manufactured home unit) from an independent source, without being asked 
to interject subjective or discretionary considerations.
    Interior inspections by an appraiser for new manufactured homes may 
often be of limited value, given the associated expense. For 
transactions secured by new manufactured homes, as indicated by 
industry commenters, HUD and State inspectors conduct inspections to 
ensure the proper construction and installation of the home.\141\ Some 
commenters asserted that an interior inspection could confirm the 
existence of extras or options that were promised. The Agencies 
believe, however, that consumers themselves can confirm that they 
received extras or options ordered. Regarding adjustments, the Agencies 
understand that cost services may offer adjustments of standard 
estimates to reflect that the unit is in ``new or like new'' condition.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \141\ See generally, 24 CFR parts 3280, 3282, and 3286.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    For existing manufactured homes, information about the condition of 
the interior can be an important factor affecting the valuation. Due to 
concerns with burden, complexity, and reliability of such adjustments, 
though, the Agencies are not mandating that adjustments be made. At the 
same time, the rule does not prohibit creditors from making this 
adjustment to the unit-cost estimate of an existing manufactured home.
    Accordingly, comment 35(c)(2)(viii)(B)(2)-2 clarifies that the 
requirement that the cost estimate be from an independent cost service 
provider does not prohibit a creditor from providing a cost estimate 
that reflects adjustments to factors such as special features, 
condition or location. The comment explains, however, that the 
requirement that the estimate be obtained from an independent cost 
service provider means that any adjustments to the estimate must be 
based on adjustment factors available as part of the independent cost 
service used, with associated values that are determined by the 
independent cost service.
    For both new and existing manufactured homes, the location can 
enhance or, in some cases, reduce the value of the home. A consumer 
advocate group, affordable housing organizations, and others emphasized 
that cost service data does not adequately account for the contribution 
of location to the value of the home. The manufactured home can be 
resold as a trade-in or repossessed, however, in which case its value-
in-place is not what is relevant to the consumer. Further, as noted 
above, location adjustments can introduce greater subjectivity into the 
information provided. Therefore, the rule does not mandate that a 
location adjustment be made. Providing the unit value will enable 
consumers to compare the cost estimate from the published cost service 
to the line item charge in the sales contract for the base unit.
    Finally, some commenters expressed concerns over accuracy or 
undervaluation in the unit cost estimates published by third-party cost 
services. These commenters did not provide data to support their views, 
however. In addition, while some comments noted that the unit cost 
estimate is not the same as an estimate of the retail market value, the 
Agencies recognize that this type of estimate nonetheless is widely 
used by creditors currently as a guideline for the value of an existing 
manufactured home. In some cases, it therefore may represent the best 
available, most cost-effective estimate of the value of the home. 
Further, the Agencies are structuring the exemption condition so that 
the creditor has the discretion to choose which of the specified types 
of valuation materials it finds most suitable for informing the 
consumer of the estimated value of the home. Thus, if a creditor 
believes an independent cost service generally undervalues manufactured 
homes, the creditor can provide other forms of valuation information as 
described below, as well as its own accompanying explanatory 
information.
    Providing a valuation by a trained manufactured home valuation 
provider. Section 1026.35(c)(2)(ii)(B)(3) allows a creditor to provide 
an appraisal conducted by a person who has no direct or indirect 
interest, financial or otherwise, in the property for which the 
valuation is performed and has training or experience in valuing 
manufactured homes. ``Valuation'' is defined as in Sec.  1026.42(b)(3) 
of the Bureau's Valuation Independence Rule, which defines 
``valuation'' to mean ``an estimate of the value of the consumer's 
principal dwelling in written or electronic form, other than one 
produced solely by an automated model or system.'' \142\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \142\ See 12 CFR 226.42(b)(3) for the definition of 
``valuation'' in the Board's substantially similar version of the 
valuation independence rule.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Comment 35(c)(2)(ii)(B)(3)-1 provides that the manufactured home 
valuation provider would have a direct or indirect interest in the 
property if, for example, the person had any ownership or reasonably 
foreseeable ownership interest in the manufactured home. To illustrate, 
the comment states that a person who seeks a loan to purchase the 
manufactured home to be valued has a reasonably foreseeable ownership 
interest in the property.

[[Page 78560]]

    Comment 35(c)(2)(ii)(B)(3)-2 clarifies that the valuation provider 
would have a direct or indirect interest in the transaction if, for 
example, the manufactured home valuation provider or an affiliate of 
that person also served as a loan officer of the creditor or otherwise 
arranges the credit transaction, or is the retail dealer of the 
manufactured home. The comment further states that a person also has a 
prohibited interest in the transaction if the person is compensated or 
otherwise receives financial or other benefits based on whether the 
transaction is consummated.
    Comments 35(c)(2)(ii)(B)(3)-1 and -2 are generally based on 
comments 42(d)(1)(i)-1 and -2 of Regulation Z's Valuation Independence 
Rule.\143\ As discussed previously, the Valuation Independence Rule 
applies to all creditors of transactions secured by a consumer's 
principal dwelling, but applies to ``settlement service'' providers 
only for transactions secured by real property.\144\ However, the 
Agencies believe it prudent to apply the principles of Regulation Z's 
Valuation Independence Rule to valuations that may be used in lieu of 
complying with the general HPML appraisal requirements for transactions 
secured by manufactured homes and not land, which might not be titled 
as real property.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \143\ Bureau: 12 CFR 1026.42; Board: 12 CFR 226.42.
    \144\ Bureau: Sec.  1026.42(b)(1) and (2); Board Sec.  
226.42(b)(1) and (2).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Comment 35(c)(2)(viii)(B)(3)-3 clarifies that ``training'' 
referenced in Sec.  1026.35(c)(2)(viii)(B)(3) includes, for example, 
successfully completing a course in valuing manufactured homes offered 
by a State or national appraiser association or receiving job training 
from an employer in the business of valuing manufactured homes.
    Comment 35(c)(2)(viii)(B)(3)-4 provides an example of a 
manufactured home valuation that would satisfy the requirements of the 
condition in Sec.  1026.35(c)(2)(viii)(B)(3). Specifically, the comment 
states that a valuation in compliance with Sec.  
1026.35(c)(2)(viii)(B)(3) would include, for example, an appraisal of 
the manufactured home in accordance with the appraisal requirements for 
a manufactured home classified as personal property under the Title I 
Manufactured Home Loan Insurance Program of HUD (administered by FHA), 
pursuant to section 2(b)(10) of the National Housing Act, 12 U.S.C. 
1703(b)(10).
    The Agencies included this comment in recognition that one of the 
more well-developed standards for the valuation of manufactured homes 
and not land is found in the FHA Title I program.\145\ When an existing 
manufactured home is classified as personal property, FHA Title I 
requires creditors to, among other things: (1) Use an appraiser 
certified to use the NAS or, if the lender is unable to locate an NAS-
certified appraiser, an appraiser from the FHA Title II mortgage 
program who certifies having experience appraising manufactured homes; 
\146\ (2) obtain an appraisal performed on the home site where possible 
and that reflects the retail value of comparable manufactured homes in 
similar condition and in the same geographic area; and (3) review the 
appraisal to verify, among other things, that the correct cost service 
unit value was used and proper condition adjustment was made.\147\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \145\ See HUD TI-481, Appendix 2-1, D (General Program 
Requirements--Eligible Homes).
    \146\ When the home is classified as real property, the 
appraisal must be completed by a real estate appraiser on the FHA 
Title II roster who can certify prior experience appraising 
manufactured homes as real property. The Agencies believe it is 
useful to incorporate the general standard, in case states adopt 
model laws treating manufactured homes as real property even when 
they are not affixed to land and the land does not provide security 
for a loan. See HUD TI-481, Appendices 8-9, C, and 10-5.
    \147\ See HUD TI-481, Appendices 8-9, C, and 10-5.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    As noted in the 2013 Supplemental Proposed Rule, the Agencies are 
aware that fewer than 100 individuals are currently certified to use 
this system, although many more have been certified in the past and may 
have incentives to obtain the certification in the future. This factor 
provides further support for the Agencies' decision to allow creditors 
multiple options to comply with the condition.
    Consumer and affordable housing advocate commenters supported the 
long-term goal of applying an appraisal standard to transactions 
secured by a manufactured home and not land. At the same time, 
manufacturer housing industry commenters generally supported a long-
term effort to further refine and develop valuation methods for 
manufactured homes. The Agencies believe that adopting a condition that 
furthers these goals is in the public interest. To allow flexibility 
for these and other valuation methods to evolve, the Agencies seek to 
avoid prescriptive, detailed requirements on the valuation method. 
Rather, the Agencies seek generally to define who is eligible to 
perform the valuation, and leave the method to that person's judgment 
and expertise as appropriate for the scope of work required. As noted 
above, two national appraisal trade associations noted that state-
certified or -licensed appraisers are not the only persons who could 
value manufactured homes. For example, some commenters identified an 
existing product prepared by a company who hires individuals trained in 
the valuation of manufactured homes. The company generates a report 
that estimates the value of a given manufactured home using local data 
on comparable sales.
    Accordingly, under this alternative, the creditor must provide the 
consumer with a valuation prepared by one or more individuals who do 
not have a direct or indirect financial interest in the property or the 
transaction, and who have training in the valuation of manufactured 
homes. The Agencies are adopting comments to provide further guidance 
on how creditors can satisfy these criteria. Finally, it may follow 
from the exercise of independent judgment and application of this 
training that the individual will conduct a physical inspection of the 
interior, or assess the condition or value of the location of the home. 
But as noted, at this time, the Agencies are not specifying these steps 
as necessary elements of a valuation that satisfies the condition.
    Several industry commenters indicated that HUD appraisal 
requirements in transactions secured by manufactured homes have led to 
higher frequency of appraisals where the value of the home is below the 
purchase price. At least one commenter indicated this occurred in Title 
I transactions secured by existing manufactured homes. Some commenters 
and outreach participants attributed high numbers of appraised values 
that are lower than the purchase price to an over-emphasis on the use 
of manufactured homes as comparables in FHA and other manufactured home 
credit programs. They suggested, for example, that manufactured homes 
comparables in the geographic area might be much older than the home 
being appraised. The Agencies are concerned, however, that other 
factors can contribute to higher rates of appraised values lower than 
the purchase price, such as inflated purchase prices and corresponding 
loan amounts.
    The Agencies believe that, on balance, appraising manufactured 
homes in transactions that are not also secured by land can be an 
effective way to account for the many factors that contribute to the 
value of the home, including home condition, location, re-sale 
conditions, and lease terms, among others.

[[Page 78561]]

Other Issues
    Delay in issuing rules on manufactured home loans. As discussed 
under ``Public Comments,'' commenters on behalf of consumers and 
industry generally expressed support in principle for ensuring that 
consumers receive valuation information in exempt transactions. 
Industry commenters raised a number of concerns over the utility to 
consumers of information generated through current valuation practices, 
however. Several consumer and affordable housing groups expressed a 
similar concern over the quality of current valuation methods (citing, 
for example, concerns over the reliability of a cost estimate of the 
unit from a third-party source). They nonetheless stated that creditors 
should still be required to provide a copy of the collateral valuation 
information that is used by the creditor (i.e., manufacturer's invoice 
in new manufactured home transactions). These commenters also suggested 
that the Agencies engage in further study of manufactured housing 
valuation issues before adopting further conditions.
    The Agencies note, however, that manufactured housing valuation 
practices and issues have been the subject of significant requests for 
comment and outreach in two separate proposals, and have generated 
detailed comment from representatives of industry, consumer advocates, 
and appraisers alike. The Agencies believe that the current public 
record sufficiently supports adopting conditions in this final rule. 
While the Agencies are allowing additional 18 months for conditions to 
be implemented, deferring their adoption pending further study would 
not promote safety and soundness and be in the public interest. 
Thousands of consumers would be without the protections during any 
further study. It also is unclear that further study, beyond the two 
years of study already undertaken, would generate material improvements 
to the approach taken here.
    Steering. Some consumer group and affordable housing commenters 
also expressed concern that consumers might be steered into higher-rate 
chattel transactions with fewer consumer protections if the final rule 
provided an unconditional exemption for transactions secured by a 
manufactured home and not land. For example, consumers could be steered 
away from an HPML transaction secured by both the home and land to 
avoid the HPML appraisal requirements (see Sec.  1026.35(c)(2)(viii), 
effective July 18, 2015). Creditors might also structure what otherwise 
would be a packaged land/home transactions into two transactions--one 
secured solely by the home and one by land. The Agencies believe that 
some of these concerns are mitigated by other laws and regulations. 
Such practices might be subject to scrutiny under consumer protection 
laws at the State and Federal level. For example, regulations may apply 
that generally prohibit a loan originator from steering a consumer to a 
transaction based on the fact that the originator will receive greater 
compensation (which could result from an over-valuation of the home, 
leading to a higher loan amount).\148\ The Agencies believe that some 
of the concerns about steering may be mitigated by conditioning the 
exemption for manufactured home-only transactions on the creditor 
having to provide alternative valuation information to the consumer.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \148\ See, e.g., Sec.  1026.36(e)(1) (prohibiting steering 
consumers to earn greater compensation). The Agencies will monitor 
application of the rule in this regard.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Effective date. The Agencies recognize creditors will need time to 
make necessary adjustments to their compliance systems to be able to 
comply with the condition. For example, creditors will need to adjust 
their systems to identify transactions that would need to rely on the 
exemption (e.g., HPMLs that are not eligible for exemptions for loans 
that satisfy the criteria of a qualified mortgage, transactions in an 
amount of $25,000 or less, or other exemption types (see Sec.  
1026.35(c)(2)),\149\ to determine which types of valuation materials to 
obtain for these transactions, and to develop a mechanism for providing 
these to the consumer no later than three days prior to consummation. 
Creditors also will need to ensure that they have access to the 
valuation materials they choose to use. To ensure adequate time to 
implement these and any other necessary steps, and that these 
transactions remain available to consumers in the interim period, the 
Agencies are delaying implementation of the condition for 18 months 
after the effective date of the HPML Appraisals Rules, until July 18, 
2015.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \149\ Transactions secured by a manufactured home would not 
typically be eligible for the exemption for initial construction 
loans, 12 CFR 1026.35(c)(2)(iv), because that exemption is designed 
for temporary initial financing that is replaced with permanent 
financing when the construction phase is complete. See comment 
35(c)(2)(iv)-1.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Sunset. Finally, the Agencies are not adopting an expiration date 
for the conditional exemption for transactions secured by a 
manufactured home and not land. Some commenters suggested that a 
``sunset'' date would provide an incentive for the appraiser and 
manufactured home lending industries to improve capacity and methods 
for conducting appraisals that would comply with USPAP and FIRREA. 
However, it is unclear that a sunset date would promote this outcome. 
At the same time, a sunset date would create risk for this important 
source of affordable housing if capacity and methods are not developed 
by that date. The Agencies believe that a better way to promote 
improved capacity and methods is to allow the condition to be satisfied 
through the use of existing methods. This is therefore another reason 
why the Agencies are allowing the third option for satisfying the 
condition--appraisals performed by independent and trained individuals.
35(c)(6) Copy of Appraisals
35(c)(6)(ii) Timing
    In the January 2013 Final Rule, Sec.  1026.35(c)(6)(ii) requires 
that a creditor provide a copy of any appraisal obtained in compliance 
with the HPML appraisal rules to the consumer ``no later than three 
business days prior to consummation of the loan.'' Comment 
35(c)(6)(ii)-2 provides that, for appraisals prepared by the creditor's 
internal appraisal staff, the date that a consumer receives a copy of 
an appraisal as required under Sec.  1026.35(c)(6) is the date on which 
the appraisal is completed. In the 2013 Supplemental Proposed Rule, the 
Agencies proposed to delete this comment as unnecessary, because the 
relevant timing requirement is based on when the creditor provides the 
appraisal, not when the consumer receives it. See Sec.  
1026.35(c)(6)(i).
Public Comments
    A State credit union association commenter requested that the 
Agencies allow flexibility in providing a copy of the appraisal three 
days before closing because it is difficult to obtain an appraisal in 
time to do so, requiring closing to be rescheduled, which can be 
difficult. The commenter requested that consumers be permitted to waive 
the requirement if it is in their best interest to do so.
The Final Rule
    The Agencies are adopting the proposal to delete comment 
35(c)(6)(ii)-2 without change, and re-numbering comment 35(c)(6)(ii)-3 
as 35(c)(6)(ii)-2. The Agencies are not adding a waiver option to the 
timing requirement for providing a copy of the appraisal to the

[[Page 78562]]

consumer. Re-numbered comment 35(c)(6)(ii)-2 clarifies that the ECOA 
provision allowing a consumer to waive the requirement that the 
appraisal copy be provided three business days before consummation, 
does not apply to HPMLs subject to Sec.  1026.35(c).\150\ The comment 
further clarifies that a consumer of an HPML subject to Sec.  
1026.35(c) may not waive the timing requirement to receive a copy of 
the appraisal under Sec.  1026.35(c)(6)(i).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \150\ ECOA section 701(e)(2), 15 U.S.C. 1691(e)(2), implemented 
in the 2013 ECOA Valuations Final Rule, Regulation B Sec.  
1002.14(a)(1), effective January 18, 2014.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Agencies believe that allowing the consumer to waive the timing 
requirement for providing a copy of the appraisal would be inconsistent 
with the statute. ECOA expressly provides that the consumer may waive 
the three day timing requirement for the creditor to provide a copy of 
the appraisal to the consumer under ECOA.\151\ By contrast, Congress 
did not amend TILA to include a parallel waiver provision regarding the 
same requirement in the context of appraisals for HPMLs. See TILA 
section 129H(c), 15 U.S.C. 1639h(c). The Agencies interpret TILA's lack 
of a waiver provision to indicate that Congress did not intend to allow 
consumers of loans covered by the HPML appraisal rules to waive the 
timing requirement.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \151\ ECOA section 701(e)(2), 15 U.S.C. 1691(e)(2), implemented 
in 12 CFR 1002.14(a)(1), effective January 18, 2014.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

VI. Bureau's Dodd-Frank Act Section 1022(b)(2) Analysis \152\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \152\ The analysis and views in this Part VI reflect those of 
the Bureau only, and not necessarily those of all of the Agencies.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In developing this supplemental rule, the Bureau has considered 
potential benefits, costs, and impacts to consumers and covered 
persons.\153\ In addition, the Bureau has consulted, or offered to 
consult with HUD and the Federal Trade Commission, including regarding 
consistency with any prudential, market, or systemic objectives 
administered by those agencies. The Bureau also held discussions with 
or solicited feedback from the USDA, RHS, and VA regarding the 
potential impacts of this supplemental rule on their loan programs.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \153\ Specifically, Section 1022(b)(2)(A) calls for the Bureau 
to consider the potential benefits and costs of a regulation to 
consumers and covered persons, including the potential reduction of 
access by consumers to consumer financial products or services; the 
impact on depository institutions and credit unions with $10 billion 
or less in total assets as described in section 1026 of the Act; and 
the impact on consumers in rural areas.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In this supplemental final rule, the Agencies are exempting the 
following three additional classes of higher-priced mortgage loans 
(HPMLs) from the January 2013 Final Rule: (1) HPMLs whose proceeds are 
used exclusively to satisfy (i.e., refinance) an existing first lien 
loan and to pay for closing costs, provided that the credit risk holder 
is the same on both loans (or that the same government agency insures 
or guarantees both loans) and the new loan does not have negative 
amortization, interest-only, or balloon features; (2) HPMLs that have a 
principal amount of $25,000 or less (indexed to inflation); and (3) 
certain HPMLs secured by manufactured homes.
    As revised in this final rule, the manufactured home exemption 
covers all HPMLs secured by manufactured homes for which an application 
is received before July 18, 2015. Thereafter, (1) for transactions 
secured by a new manufactured home and land, creditors will only be 
exempt only from the requirement that the appraiser conduct a physical 
visit of the interior; and (2) for transactions secured by a 
manufactured home and not land, the exemption applies only if certain 
alternative valuation information is provided to the consumer no later 
than three days before consummation.
    The Agencies are also broadening the exemption for qualified 
mortgages adopted in the January 2013 Final Rule beyond the Bureau's 
qualified mortgage definition in 12 CFR 1026.43(e) to include any 
transaction that meets the criteria of a qualified mortgage established 
by agencies with authority to do so under TILA section 129c--the 
Bureau, HUD, VA, USDA, and RHS. See 15 U.S.C. 1693c. As revised, this 
exemption will include transactions that are qualified mortgages as 
defined under any final rule that the Bureau, HUD, VA, USDA, or RHS has 
adopted or will adopt under authority at TILA section 129c. See 15 
U.S.C. 1693c. In addition, transactions that meet criteria for a 
qualified mortgage established under rules prescribed by the Bureau, 
HUD, VA, USDA, or RHS are eligible for the exemption even if they are 
not ``covered transactions'' under the Bureau's ability-to-repay rules 
(and thus not technically defined as ``qualified mortgages'' under each 
of the respective rules).\154\ For further discussion, see the section-
by-section analysis of Sec.  1026.35(c)(2)(i).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \154\ Only transactions that are actually insured, guaranteed, 
or administered under programs of HUD, VA, USDA, or RHS could be 
eligible for the exemption under Sec.  1026.35(c)(2)(i) by being 
defined as or meeting the criteria of a qualified mortgage under 
rules of those agencies; the authority of those agencies to 
determine the features of a qualified mortgage does not extend to 
loans that they do not insure, guarantee, or administer. See TILA 
section 129c(b)(3)(B)(ii), 15 U.S.C. 1639c(b)(3)(B)(ii).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

A. Potential Benefits and Costs to Consumers and Covered Persons

    This analysis considers the benefits, costs, and impacts of the key 
provisions of the supplemental rule relative to the baseline provided 
by existing law, including the January 2013 Final Rule and the Bureau's 
previously issued ATR Rules.\155\ The Bureau considered comments 
received on issues related to this analysis. These comments are 
addressed below and in the section-by-section analyses.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \155\ The Bureau has discretion in future rulemakings to choose 
the most appropriate baseline for that particular rulemaking.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

1. Economic Overview
    This rulemaking consists of the adoption of an expanded qualified 
mortgage exemption and five separate provisions regarding HPMLs that do 
not qualify for the qualified mortgage status (non-QM). The January 
2013 Final Rule demarcated which of those non-QM loans are subject to 
requirement for an appraisal in conformity with USPAP and FIRREA with 
an interior property visit (the full appraisal) and related notice and 
additional appraisal requirements for loans used to purchase certain 
flipped properties. The overall impact of these five provisions is 
limited to specific segments of the mortgage market, with arguably the 
largest impact on transactions secured by a used manufactured home and 
not land (provision (3) below). The five provisions for non-QM HPMLs 
are:
    1. Certain refinances, commonly referred to as ``streamlined,'' are 
now exempt from the January 2013 Final Rule;
    2. Smaller dollar loans (up to $25,000, indexed to inflation) are 
now exempt from the January 2013 Final Rule;
    3. Used manufactured housing transactions that are not secured by 
land (chattel) are now exempt from the January 2013 Final Rule and, for 
applications received on or after July 18, 2015, subject to a condition 
that the creditor must give the consumer alternative valuation 
information; \156\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \156\ Used manufactured housing transactions that are secured by 
land remain covered by the January 2013 Final Rule, starting with 
applications received on or after July 18, 2015. All loans secured 
in whole or in part by manufactured home are exempt if the 
application is received before July 18, 2015.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    4. New manufactured housing transactions that are not secured by 
land (chattel) remain exempt from the January 2013 Final Rule; however, 
for applications received on or after July 18, 2015, this exemption 
will be subject to

[[Page 78563]]

a condition that the creditor must give the consumer alternative 
valuation information; and
    5. New manufactured housing transactions secured by land (new land/
home) remain exempt until July 18, 2015; for applications received on 
or after July 18, 2015, these transactions will be exempted only from 
the physical interior visit part of the January 2013 Final Rule.
    In adopting each of these provisions, the Agencies considered 
mandating that consumers receive information about the value of their 
house at the time of the loan. The Bureau discusses the general 
benefits and costs of this type of mandatory information provision, and 
then applies this discussion to each of the provisions.
    Consumers benefit from knowing the value of the home on which they 
are planning to take out a loan. Consumers are able to make decisions 
that will better fit their situation if they have a more precise 
estimate of what their home is worth. For example, a consumer might 
decide, given a home's value, that he or she should not take out the 
loan or should consider purchasing a different home whose value in 
relation to the loan amount is lower; that they should sell instead of 
refinancing; that they should postpone a particular home improvement 
and not overinvest in a home that might be worth less than they 
thought. Affording consumers a better opportunity to get this decision 
right is particularly valuable in home loans because these transaction 
sizes are significant relative to income; the large size of the 
transaction relative to income may be especially significant in non-QM 
HPMLs, which are more costly and may pose greater repayment risk than 
other mortgage loans.
    No valuation method will give the consumer perfect information 
about the home's value. Thus, a consumer might receive a valuation that 
overestimates the value and leads to a purchase that should not have 
been made; similarly, a valuation that underestimates the value might 
lead to no purchase when one should have been made. However, the Bureau 
believes that imparting unbiased valuation information to the consumer 
is better than the consumer receiving no information, and that consumer 
benefits increase with more precise information, whether it's moving 
from no information to a manufacturer's invoice, an AVM or similar 
estimate, a full appraisal, or some other type of valuation prepared by 
an independent trained person.
    The cost of providing any additional information on the home value 
is directly imposed on the creditor--the creditor has to perform what 
is necessary to obtain the home valuation information and provide it to 
the consumer. However, since this is mostly a marginal cost and most of 
the mortgage markets are relatively competitive, this cost is likely to 
be almost fully passed through to the consumer.\157\ The fixed costs, 
which are unlikely to be passed through to the consumer in a relatively 
competitive market, include developing training materials and providing 
training. However, the Bureau believes that the marginal training and 
training development costs for the provisions of this supplemental 
final rule are non-significant. Creditors will have already developed 
and provided training in preparation for complying with the various 
requirements of the January 2013 Final Rule, which goes into effect on 
January 18, 2014; this supplemental final rule is considerably less 
complex, establishing exemptions from those requirements.
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    \157\ See, for example, E. Glen Weyl and Michael Fabinger, 
``Pass-Through as an Economic Tool: Principles of Incidence under 
Imperfect Competition,'' Journal of Political Economy, Vol. 121, No. 
3 (Feb. 24, 2013).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In the world of informed consumers exhibiting fully rational 
economic behavior, mandatory information provisions might be 
unnecessary--consumers would have decided for themselves whether they 
need this information enough to pay for it. However, the Bureau 
believes that this is not the best assumption, especially for a market 
with many product characteristics, intertemporal investment decisions, 
and projections into the distant future. Moreover, even under that 
assumption, creditors might have some specialized knowledge making them 
able to obtain better information than the consumer could access on 
their own.\158\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \158\ For example, consumers generally cannot access the 
manufacturer's invoice for a manufactured house.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    A range of possibilities for a home value information requirement 
exists in the non-QM HPML mortgage market. This range has, at one end 
of the spectrum, no information provision requirement, and a full 
appraisal on the other. Generally, the more precise the information is, 
the more expensive the method is. In particular, the Bureau believes 
that a full appraisal costs $350 on average as discussed in the Section 
1022 analysis in the January 2013 Final Rule.\159\ Not providing any 
information is, of course, free to the creditor. An intermediate 
solution like an automated valuation estimate (an AVM estimate) would 
result in a cost of under $20, as estimated in the 2013 Supplemental 
Proposed Rule; \160\ however, an AVM estimate is arguably less precise 
than a USPAP appraisal, especially in rural areas. Providing a consumer 
with a copy of a manufacturer's invoice (one of the few conditions that 
a creditor might satisfy for a non-QM HPML to be exempted from a full 
appraisal on chattel manufactured housing) is estimated to cost less 
than $5. Moreover, the Bureau's January 2013 ECOA Valuations Rule 
already requires the creditor to give the consumer a copy of valuations 
performed for the transaction; the Bureau estimates that full 
appraisals that are performed 95% of the time for purchases, 90% for 
refinances, and 5% for other loans generally in the mortgage market 
based upon outreach.\161\
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    \159\ 78 FR 10368, 10420 (Feb. 13, 2013).
    \160\ 78 FR 48548, 48568 n.91 (Aug. 13, 2013).
    \161\ 78 FR 10368, 10419 (Feb. 13, 2013).
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2. Data Used
    For all the estimates, both above and below, the data sources used 
are described in the 2013 Supplemental Proposed Rule (described in the 
next paragraph below). Several commenters stated that for the 
completeness of analysis, the Bureau should also examine the impact of 
the points and fees criterion for a qualified mortgage under the 
Bureau's 2013 ATR Final Rule on the number of HPMLs that are non-
QMs.\162\ The Bureau does not possess any data and is not aware of any 
existing data to address this point directly. However, the effect of 
points and fees is described further below. The Bureau did not receive 
comments raising additional issues regarding the data and the 
methodology by which projections were originated.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \162\ See generally 12 CFR 1026.43(e)-(f) (provisions 
identifying types of mortgages that are qualified mortgages under 
Bureau rules).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Bureau has relied on a variety of data sources to analyze the 
potential benefits, costs and impacts of the rule.\163\ However, in 
some instances, the

[[Page 78564]]

requisite data are not available or are quite limited. Data with which 
to quantify the benefits of the rule are particularly limited. As a 
result, portions of this analysis rely in part on general economic 
principles to provide a qualitative discussion of the benefits, costs, 
and impacts of the rule.
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    \163\ The estimates in this analysis are based upon data and 
statistical analyses performed by the Bureau. To estimate counts and 
properties of mortgages for entities that do not report under the 
Home Mortgage Disclosure Act (HMDA), the Bureau has matched HMDA 
data to Call Report data and National Mortgage Licensing System 
(NMLS) and has statistically projected estimated loan counts for 
those depository institutions that do not report these data either 
under HMDA or on the NCUA call report. The Bureau has projected 
originations of HPMLs in a similar fashion for depositories that do 
not report HMDA. These projections use Poisson regressions that 
estimate loan volumes as a function of an institution's total 
assets, employment, mortgage holdings, and geographic presence. 
Neither HMDA nor the Call Report data have loan level estimates of 
debt-to-income (DTI) ratios that, in some cases, determine whether a 
loan is a qualified mortgage. To estimate these figures, the Bureau 
has matched the HMDA data to data on the historic-loan-performance 
(HLP) dataset provided by the FHFA.
    This allows estimation of coefficients in a probit model to 
predict DTI using loan amount, income, and other variables. This 
model is then used to estimate DTI for loans in HMDA.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The primary source of data used in this analysis is data collected 
under HMDA. The empirical analysis generally uses 2011 data, including 
from the 4th quarter 2011 bank and thrift Call Reports \164\ and 4th 
quarter 2011 credit union call reports from the NCUA. De-identified 
data from the National Mortgage Licensing System (NMLS) Mortgage Call 
Reports (MCR) \165\ for the 4th quarter of 2011 also were used to 
identify financial institutions and their characteristics.
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    \164\ Every national bank, State member bank, and insured 
nonmember bank is required by its primary Federal regulator to file 
consolidated Reports of Condition and Income, also known as Call 
Report data, for each quarter as of the close of business on the 
last day of each calendar quarter (the report date). The specific 
reporting requirements depend upon the size of the bank and whether 
it has any foreign offices. For more information, see http://www2.fdic.gov/call_tfr_rpts/.
    \165\ The NMLS is a national registry of non-depository 
financial institutions including mortgage loan originators. Portions 
of the registration information are public. The Mortgage Call Report 
data are reported at the institution level and include information 
on the number and dollar amount of loans originated, and the number 
and dollar amount of loans brokered. The Bureau noted in its summer 
2012 mortgage proposals that it sought to obtain additional data to 
supplement its consideration of the rulemakings, including 
additional data from the NMLS and the NMLS Mortgage Call Report, 
loan file extracts from various lenders, and data from the pilot 
phases of the National Mortgage Database. Each of these data sources 
was not necessarily relevant to each of the rulemakings. The Bureau 
used the additional data from NMLS and NMLS Mortgage Call Report 
data to better corroborate its estimate the contours of the non-
depository segment of the mortgage market. The Bureau has received 
loan file extracts from three lenders, but at this point, the data 
from one lender is not usable and the data from the other two is not 
sufficiently standardized nor representative to inform consideration 
of the Final Rule or this supplemental proposal. Additionally, the 
Bureau has thus far not yet received data from the National Mortgage 
Database pilot phases.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In addition, in analyzing alternatives for the exemption for 
certain refinances, the Bureau did consider data provided by FHFA and 
FHA regarding valuation practices under their streamlined refinance 
programs (and in particular regarding the frequency with which 
appraisals or automated valuations are conducted).
3. Smaller Dollar Loans
Estimate of the Number of Covered Loans
    The Bureau estimates the number of transactions potentially 
eligible for the smaller dollar exemption as follows: HMDA data for 
2011 indicates there were approximately 25,000 HPMLs at or below 
$25,000 that were not insured or guaranteed by government agencies or 
purchased by the GSEs (so, not qualified mortgages on that basis). Of 
these, the Bureau estimates that 4,800 were HPMLs with DTI ratios above 
43 percent (so they would not meet the more general definition of a 
qualified mortgage at 12 CFR 1026.43(e)(2)). Accordingly, the Bureau 
estimates that approximately 4,800 covered loans are originated 
annually in an amount up to $25,000.\166\ Of these estimated 4,800 
covered loans, the Bureau estimates that the types most affected by 
this exemption, in that they would be unlikely to include appraisals if 
the exemption applies, would be home improvement loans, subordinate 
lien transactions not for home improvement purposes, and transactions 
secured by manufactured homes. Absent an exemption, the HPML appraisal 
rules could lead to significant changes in valuation methods used for 
these types of loans. For example, current practice includes appraisals 
for only an estimated five percent of subordinate lien transactions as 
explained in the January 2013 Final Rule.\167\
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    \166\ As discussed above, the Bureau does not believe that a 
significant number of smaller dollar HPMLs would exceed the points 
and fees threshold in the 2013 ATR Final Rule. The Bureau requested 
data on this issue in the supplemental proposal. None of the 
commenters on the smaller dollar exemption provided this data. If a 
significant number of smaller dollar HPMLs did exceed that 
threshold, then the number of loans eligible for the exemption would 
increase.
    \167\ See 78 FR 10368, 10419 (Feb. 13, 2013).
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Covered Persons
    Creditors originating smaller dollar HPMLs that are non-QMs would 
experience some reduced burden as a result of the exemption for HPMLs 
of $25,000 or less. As a result of the exemption, these loans will not 
be subject to the estimated per-loan costs described in the January 
2013 Final Rule.\168\ For these transactions, creditors do not need to 
spend time or resources on complying with the requirements in the HPML 
appraisal rules: Checking for applicability of the second appraisal 
requirement on a flipped property (in a purchase transaction) and 
paying for that appraisal when the requirement applies, obtaining and 
reviewing the appraisals conducted for conformity to this rule, 
providing a copy of the required disclosure, and providing copies of 
these appraisals to applicants. Creditors therefore may find it 
relatively easier to originate HPMLs that are eligible for this 
exemption. As noted above, the overall impact of this exemption on 
creditors is likely minimal for most creditors given that in 2011 only 
4,800 loans were potentially eligible for the exemption.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \168\ See Section 1022(b) analysis, 78 FR at 10418-21.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Consumers
    For consumers who seek to borrow smaller dollar loans, such as home 
improvement loans and other subordinate lien transactions, and who are 
not able to obtain a qualified mortgage, the exemption for smaller 
dollar HPMLs (at or less than $25,000) would provide some benefits. 
Industry practice prior to implementation of the January 2013 Final 
Rule suggests that appraisals are not otherwise frequently done for 
home improvement and subordinate lien transactions.\169\ Thus, by not 
requiring an appraisal, the cost of which typically would be passed on 
to consumers, the exemption could facilitate access to smaller dollar 
HPMLs that are not otherwise exempt from the HPML appraisal rules. 
Otherwise, requiring an appraisal for these loans could create 
incentives that may not benefit consumers. These incentives can be more 
significant for smaller dollar loans, given that the cost of the 
appraisal relative to the amount of the loan is higher for smaller 
dollar loans. For example, some consumers could try to avoid the cost 
of an appraisal by either not entering into a smaller dollar HPML 
(unless it is otherwise exempt from the rules, such as a QM) or 
pursuing an alternative source of credit that is not subject to the 
rules, such as an open-end home equity line of credit or using other 
forms of credit that are not dwelling-secured such as a credit card. 
Finally, as a result of the exemption, consumers are likely to save 
around $350 per loan; if the appraisal requirement applied to these 
loans, the Bureau would have expected creditors to pass the cost of the 
appraisal on to consumers.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \169\ 78 FR at 10419.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regarding costs to consumers, under the exemption, consumers 
entering into smaller dollar HPMLs (that are not otherwise exempt) 
would lose the benefits of the Final Rule. As discussed in the Bureau's 
analysis under Section 1022 in the January 2013 Final Rule, in general, 
consumers who are borrowing HPMLs could benefit from an appraisal.

[[Page 78565]]

For smaller dollar HPMLs that are not purchase transactions, the 
general benefits elsewhere may be relatively less valuable to the 
consumer in some cases, given the lower size of the loan and also the 
likelihood that the consumer already would have had an appraisal in the 
original purchase transaction.
    Nonetheless, having an appraisal could provide a particularly 
significant benefit to those consumers who are informed by the 
appraisal that they have significantly less equity in their home than 
they realize. A smaller dollar mortgage could push these consumers even 
further toward or into negative equity, without the consumer realizing 
it. This effect is even more pronounced for consumers whose homes have 
lower value. All else equal, a $25,000 loan will pose greater risk to a 
consumer whose home is worth $20,000, than to a consumer whose house is 
worth $200,000. According to a periodic government survey, as of 2011 
more than 2.75 million homes were worth less than $20,000, including a 
greater proportion of homes whose owners were below the poverty level 
or elderly.\170\ In addition, according to a recent study, as of the 
end of 2012, 10.4 million properties with a residential mortgage were 
in ``negative equity'' and an additional 11.3 million had less than 20 
percent equity.\171\ In addition, some recent studies suggest that 
subordinate liens can increase the risk of default, as they reduce the 
amount of equity in the home.\172\ Moreover, based upon HMDA data, more 
than half of subordinate liens originated in 2011 were at or below 
$25,000. Therefore, smaller dollar loans of $25,000 or less could still 
pose significant risks to consumers who own these lower-value homes or 
other homes that are highly leveraged, consuming most or all of any 
remaining equity.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \170\ See 2011 American Housing Survey, ``Value, Purchase Price, 
and Source of Down Payment--Owner Occupied Units (NATIONAL),'' C-13-
OO, available at http://factfinder2.census.gov/faces/tableservices/jsf/pages/productview.xhtml?pid=AHS_2011_C13OO&prodType=table. In 
addition, in seven metropolitan statistical areas, as of the end 
2012 the median home value was less than $100,000. See National 
Association of Realtors[supreg] Median Sales Price of Existing 
Single-Family Homes for Metropolitan Statistical Areas Q4 2012, 
available at http://www.realtor.org/sites/default/files/reports/2013/embargoes/hai-metro-2-11-asdlp/metro-home-prices-q4-2012-single-family-2013-02-11.pdf.
    \171\ Core Logic Press Release and Negative Equity Report Q4 
2012 (Mar. 19, 2013), available at http://www.corelogic.com.
    \172\ See Steven Laufer, ``Equity Extraction and Mortgage 
Default,'' Financial and Economics Discussion Series Federal Reserve 
Board Division of Research & Statistics and Monetary Affairs (2013-
30), available at http://www.federalreserve.gov/pubs/feds/2013/201330/201330pap.pdf. The study concludes, at 2, that ``through 
cash-out refinances, second mortgages and home equity lines of 
credit, . . . homeowners [in the sample studied] had extracted much 
of the equity created by the rising value of their homes. As a 
result, their loan-to-value (LTV) ratios were on average more than 
50 percentage points higher than they would have been without this 
additional borrowing and the majority had mortgage balances that 
exceeded the value of their homes.''). See also Michael LaCour-
Little, California State University-Fullerton, Eric Rosenblatt and 
Vincent Yao, Fannie Mae, ``A Close Look at Recent Southern 
California Foreclosures,'' (May 23, 2009) at 17 (finding that, based 
upon a sample of homes, the existence of a subordinate lien is 
correlated more strongly with default than whether the home was 
purchased in 2005-06 period), available at http://www.areuea.org/conferences/papers/download.phtml?id=2133.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

4. Transactions Secured by Used Manufactured Homes and Not Land
Estimate of the Number of Covered Loans
    To assess the impact of the rule's provisions concerning 
manufactured housing, it is necessary to estimate the volume of 
transactions potentially affected, by collateral type. The Bureau's 
analysis of 2011 HMDA data, matched with the historic loan performance 
(HLP) data from the FHFA, indicates that roughly eight percent of all 
manufactured home purchases were covered loans: HPMLs that were non-QMs 
because the DTI ratio exceeded 43 percent and the loan was not insured, 
guaranteed, or purchased by a federal government agency or GSE.\173\ 
Because HMDA data does not differentiate between transactions with each 
of the relevant collateral types, including new versus used, the Bureau 
is applying this ratio to each of the transaction types to derive the 
estimated number of covered loans below. Manufactured home loans of 
$25,000 or less also would be exempt under the smaller dollar exemption 
discussed above. However, the estimates of affected manufactured home 
transactions discussed in this Section 1022 analysis do not exclude 
smaller dollar loans and therefore may be slightly overstated.
    Census data also reports an estimated 369,000 move-ins to owner-
occupied manufactured homes in 2011.\174\ Census data reports shipment 
of approximately 51,000 new manufactured homes in 2011, with 
approximately 17 percent titled as real estate.\175\ Therefore, the 
Bureau estimates that approximately 318,000 existing manufactured homes 
were purchased in 2011. The Bureau conservatively assumes that all of 
these purchases were financed. Further, based upon a review of nearly 
two decades of Census data on shipments of new manufactured homes, the 
Bureau estimates that approximately one third of the existing 
manufactured homes are titled as real property. Therefore, the Bureau, 
for the purposes of this 1022 analysis, conservatively estimates that 
approximately 105,000 purchases of existing manufactured homes also 
involved the acquisition of land which provided security for the 
purchase loan,\176\ while approximately 213,000 purchases were secured 
only by the existing manufactured home (chattel loans). Applying the 
same eight percent factor for other purchases discussed above, of 
these, approximately 17,000 were chattel HPMLs that were non-QMs, and 
approximately 8,400 were land- and home-secured HPMLs that were non-
QMs.\177\
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    \174\ The Census report refers to these homes as ``manufactured/
mobile homes'', but the Census definitions note that all of these 
homes are ``HUD Code homes'', which is the fundamental 
characteristic of what are currently referred to as manufactured 
homes.
    \175\ See Cost & Size Comparisons: New Manufactured Homes, 
available at http://www.census.gov/construction/mhs/pdf/sitebuiltvsmh.pdf.
    \176\ According to data provided by HUD for the fiscal year 
2011, approximately 5,900 existing manufactured homes were purchased 
together with land under the FHA Title II program.
    \177\ As with new homes, this estimate would increase to the 
extent that any other manufactured home purchase HPMLs would not be 
qualified mortgages solely because they exceed caps on points and 
fees in the Bureau's 2013 ATR Rules.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Bureau's analysis of 2011 HMDA data, matched with the HLP data 
from the FHFA, indicates that, approximately, for every four covered 
purchase manufactured housing loans, there is one manufactured housing 
refinance or home improvement loan (that is, out of every five 
manufactured housing loans, four are purchases). The Bureau believes 
that both refinance and home improvement loans in manufactured housing 
are exempt due to other exemptions in this rule. Therefore, the Bureau 
believes that there are approximately 13,600 covered used chattel 
manufactured housing loans.\178\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \178\ For further analysis of these assumptions, see the 
Bureau's RFA analysis at part VII.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Several commenters noted that the proportion of non-QM loans will 
be higher in manufactured housing than what was estimated by the 
Bureau, particularly due to points and fees exceeding the qualified 
mortgage limit. These commenters did not provide supporting data or 
address non-QM proportions by collateral type. Nonetheless, if the 
proportion of non-QM loans secured by existing manufactured homes and 
not land is indeed higher, then the estimates of costs and benefits of 
this final rule might increase somewhat (while remaining constant on a 
per-loan basis). Moreover, while the commenters identified the points 
and fees cap for qualified mortgages in the Bureau's ATR

[[Page 78566]]

Rules as the main reason for these loans not to qualify for qualified 
mortgage status, the Bureau believes that creditors will adjust many 
transactions, for example by shifting points and fees into the interest 
rate, so that these transactions are QMs.
    Moreover, HUD recently issued a proposed rulemaking to effectively 
exempt Title I manufactured housing from the qualified mortgage points 
and fees requirement. If this provision of HUD's proposal is finalized 
substantially as proposed, the Bureau believes that some creditors will 
start originating more Title I mortgage loans that will also have the 
qualified mortgage status. Furthermore, the Bureau conservatively 
assumes that every manufactured home move-in reported in the Census (or 
in the American Housing Survey) had a mortgage loan associated with the 
move-in. Finally, given the analysis of HMDA data, the Bureau believes 
that the two creditors specialized in manufactured home lending that 
commented on the supplemental proposal are outliers on several 
dimensions relevant to the proportion of covered loans, and thus are 
not necessarily representative of the whole manufactured home market 
and that their claims regarding non-QM loan volume might overestimate 
the proportion of manufactured housing loans that are non-QMs for the 
overall market.
Covered Persons
    Creditors originating covered transactions secured by existing 
manufactured homes but not land will experience some reduced burden as 
a result of the exemption. In particular, these loans are not subject 
to the estimated per-loan costs for an appraisal in conformity with 
USPAP described in the January 2013 Final Rule.\179\ For these 
transactions, creditors also would not need to spend time or resources 
on complying with the requirements in the HPML appraisal rules: 
checking for applicability of the second appraisal requirement on a 
flipped property (in a purchase transaction) and paying for that 
appraisal when the requirement applies, obtaining and reviewing the 
appraisals conducted for conformity to this rule, and providing 
disclosures and appraisal report copies to applicants.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \179\ See Section 1022(b) analysis, 78 FR at 10418-21.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Appraisals in conformity with USPAP may currently be conducted for 
transactions secured by existing manufactured homes but not land much 
less frequently than in connection with HPMLs overall. For example, the 
Bureau believes that USPAP is a set of standards typically followed by 
appraisers who are state-certified or licensed, and that state laws 
generally do not require certifications or licenses to appraise 
personal property. Therefore, even though USPAP includes standards for 
the appraisal of personal property, it is unclear that these standards 
are applied when individuals who are not state-licensed or state-
certified value manufactured homes. Indeed, the Bureau believes that 
currently, in some transactions, lenders may simply prepare their own 
estimates of the value of the home without engaging a licensed or 
certified appraiser. Thus, most, of the covered transactions might have 
been impossible to make. The impact of the hypothetical case in which 
creditors are not able to comply with a provision of this rule that has 
not yet taken effect is impossible to estimate with any reasonable 
degree of confidence. As a result, for purposes of analyzing the 
benefits of the exemption, the Bureau cannot evaluate the burden 
reduced as a result of the exemption.
    The Bureau believes that whatever method of satisfying conditions 
for the exemption the creditors choose, the cost is likely to be 
relatively low, and all the manufactured housing creditors would incur 
it, likely resulting in the majority of this cost passed on to the 
consumers. The Bureau believes that many creditors will opt to use an 
independent cost service to qualify for the exemption. The prevalent 
option currently on the market is the NADAguides. This guide contains 
an estimate of a manufactured home's cost of replacement value based on 
the exact make, model, and the year that the manufactured home was 
built. Since many creditors use this guide or a competitor's guide 
already in these transactions, and that estimate is a valuation under 
the ECOA Valuations Rule and would have had to be provided to the 
consumer in either case, this additional requirement is not an extra 
cost on either the creditors or the consumers.\180\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \180\ The Agencies received a comment that implementing a 
process to ensure compliance with the new provisions regarding 
chattel manufactured homes will take at least 1,600 hours of labor 
time. The Bureau disagrees. As discussed above, the requirements can 
be satisfied not only by obtaining an independent valuation, but 
also by copying a manufacturer's invoice for new chattel, or 
following a guide, like the one provided by NADA, for new or used 
chattel. Following the guide involves looking up the model, make, 
and the year that the home was built in, akin to Yellow Pages or, 
more appropriately, Kelley's Bluebook. The Bureau believes that most 
loan officers should be able to perform that task in, at most, 
minutes given either a hardcopy of the guide or an electronic 
version. If a creditor chooses to invest additional labor to tailor 
its output to consumers to go beyond the limited conditions in this 
rule, that is not a cost of this rule.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Consumers
    The exemption likely results in creditors being able to consummate 
these transactions while staying in compliance, and thus the benefit of 
the exemption to consumers is primarily that they will continue to have 
access to these loans.
    Consumers will now receive one of the available options including, 
and most likely (since it is likely the most cost-effective option for 
used homes), a third-party cost estimate. As noted above, most 
creditors use an existing cost service to produce an estimate that 
already would be provided to the consumer under the ECOA Valuations 
Rule. This will provide consumers with some information about the value 
of their manufactured home, and will allow them to decide whether they 
should indeed purchase this home. If the consumers deem the value too 
low, they might decide to look at other models of manufactured homes, 
choose a non-manufactured home instead, or decide to exit the housing 
market, most likely by renting. The Bureau believes that creditors will 
pass through most of their costs onto consumers. The Bureau is unaware 
of any estimates of the cost of a third-party cost evaluation for a 
used chattel manufactured home, but believes that it is significantly 
less than $350 required for a full appraisal for a non-manufactured 
home. For example, the cost of using the third-party cost service may 
be more akin to the cost of using an automated valuation model, which, 
as discussed in this Section 1022 analysis, may be approximately 
$20.\181\

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    \181\ See also 78 CFR 48548, 48573, n.123 (Aug. 13, 2013) (``The 
Bureau has received information in outreach indicating that annual 
subscriptions to the NADA Guide may cost between $100 and $200 for 
an unlimited number of value reports . . . The average cost per-loan 
would therefore depending on the covered person's total level of 
lending activity.'').
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

5. Transactions Secured by New Manufactured Homes and Not Land
Estimate of the Number of Covered Loans
    As noted above, approximately 51,000 new manufactured homes were 
shipped according to recent annual Census data. For this analysis, the 
Bureau conservatively assumes that all of these homes were used as 
principal dwellings for consumers and that all of these purchases were 
financed. In addition, the Bureau believes that the proportion of homes 
titled as real estate is a reasonable estimate of the number of

[[Page 78567]]

new manufactured home purchase transactions that are secured in part by 
land.\182\ The Bureau therefore, for this 1022 analysis, conservatively 
estimates that based upon 2011 data approximately 42,400 new 
manufactured home sales were financed by chattel loans (which can 
include homes located on leased land such as in trailer parks and other 
land-lease communities) and 8,600 transactions were secured by new 
manufactured homes and land. Applying a factor of approximately eight 
percent, the Bureau estimates that, of these, almost 3,400 were chattel 
HPMLs that were non-QMs, and almost 700 were land and home-secured 
HPMLs that were non-QMs.\183\
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    \182\ Only a few states provide for treating manufactured homes 
sited on leased land as real property.
    \183\ See the discussion in the beginning of this section on 
data used and comments received. If the Bureau's estimate is off, 
for example by a factor as great as three, the estimate would 
increase from 4,100 to slightly more than 12,000 loans per year 
(indicating that close to a quarter of the transactions would be 
non-QM HPMLs after the rule is implemented and that a significant 
proportion of the manufactured home transactions are not reported to 
HMDA despite these transactions covered by HMDA).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Covered Persons
    The Bureau believes that the vast majority of creditors receive a 
copy of the manufacturer's invoice as a matter of standard business 
practice, and thus they could simply provide consumers a copy. 
Consistent with the January 2013 ECOA Valuations Rule,\184\ the Bureau 
estimates that this will cost creditors around $5 per loan, including 
training costs. A few commenters have suggested that releasing invoices 
would upset industry's pricing model. The Bureau does not possess any 
data and is not aware of any studies to help it evaluate this claim. 
Moreover, in some industries, such as the car market, a high volume of 
transactions occur and firms profit even though some consumers are able 
to discover the invoice value of the product. Moreover, the rule allows 
the creditor to choose to avoid disclosing the invoice and thereby 
avoid any issues a creditor believes disclosure of the invoice could 
entail; in lieu of the invoice, the rule allows covered persons to 
provide a valuation from an independent person or based on an 
independent cost service, as described above.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \184\ 78 FR 7216, 7244 (Jan. 31, 2013).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Consumers
    Consumers will benefit from this rule by receiving at least some 
kind of valuation information. The Bureau believes that while consumers 
getting a mortgage loan on a non-manufactured home would generally 
receive a valuation based on the ECOA Valuations Rule, this is not the 
case for new manufactured homes since the manufacturer's invoice is 
exempt from the ECOA requirements. Thus, this provision arguably has a 
particularly large effect per transaction affected: consumers go from 
not knowing anything about the value of their home to at least having 
some information. This is particularly valuable considering that these 
are likely to be LMI consumers who would be particularly vulnerable and 
adversely affected by entering into a transaction that might leave them 
underwater from the very first day, as discussed in more detail in the 
section-by-section analysis. The Agencies further discuss this 
provision in the section-by-section analysis.
6. Transactions Secured by New Manufactured Homes and Land
    The Bureau believes that there were approximately 700 new land/home 
HPML non-QM transactions. One commenter noted that few if any of the 
transactions outside of those programs include appraisals currently. 
While the Bureau does not have data on this point, even if few 
transactions outside of these programs did have appraisals currently, 
the number of new appraisals that would result from the modified 
exemption still is quite low.
Covered Persons
    This rule will result in approximately a $350 dollar cost increase 
(the average price of a full appraisal) per transaction, which is 
likely to be passed through to the consumer. While the rule exempts 
these appraisals from the requirement of the interior inspections, 
various commenters suggested that full appraisals (including interior 
inspections) of manufactured houses cost more than $350. Thus, it is 
possible that the actual cost per appraisal is slightly higher or 
slightly lower.\185\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \185\ Some commenters claimed that requiring appraisals for 
manufactured housing, in particular in land/home transactions, is 
problematic, in part because they asserted that the appraised value 
comes in lower than the sale price in a high proportion of FHA 
manufactured home program transactions. Some comments suggested that 
the appraisals were not valid in part because they relied upon too 
many manufactured homes as comparables or the opposite--they relied 
too heavily on site-built homes as comparables with adjustments 
which are too subjective. The commenters' views, however, were 
presented only in theoretical form and did not include data to 
support the contents. In the context of an individual transaction, 
if the lender views the appraisal to be inaccurate and can 
demonstrate that fact, appraisal review and dispute processes exist, 
and lenders can get a second appraisal or opinion as well. On the 
other hand, if a portfolio lender accepts an appraisal that 
indicates insufficient collateral value and does not proceed with 
the transactions, the fact that the creditor voluntarily decided not 
to originate the loan based on the appraisal is a benefit to the 
creditor, and likely to the consumer as well. In addition, FHA 
appraisal requirements indicate that this agency considers these 
appraisals sufficiently valid to use, and thus not everyone views 
these appraisals as problematic.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Consumers
    Consumers will receive the benefits of the appraisal discussed 
elsewhere, and will not be vulnerable to weaker valuation practices 
when their transactions are occurring outside of GSE or federal agency 
programs. However, consumers will pay any cost of the required 
appraisal to the extent that creditors pass it through. The Bureau 
believes that many of the consumers using non-QM HPMLs to purchase a 
new manufactured home and land currently do not receive any valuation 
before buying it, magnifying the potential benefit for consumers.
    Finally, the Agencies do not believe that a requirement of a full 
appraisal (i.e., with a physical inspection of the interior) on new 
manufactured housing secured by land is appropriate given the fact that 
many of these houses are not physically on land when the loan is 
consummated and other inspections occur under HUD and other safety 
standards. Aside from that, these transactions are not systematically 
different from construction of site-built homes, and thus should be 
treated the same to the extent possible.
    Again, the Bureau believes that there were approximately 700 new 
land/home HPML non-QM transactions. This will result in approximately a 
$350 dollar cost increase (the average price of a full appraisal) that 
is likely to be passed through to the consumer. This cost might be 
lower because the rule exempts these appraisals from the requirement of 
the interior exemptions; however, some commenters suggested that full 
manufactured home appraisals (which would typically include an interior 
inspection) might sometimes cost more than appraisals of site-built 
homes. Thus, it is possible that the actual cost per appraisal is 
slightly higher or slightly lower.
7. Streamlined Refinances
Estimate of the Number of Covered Loans
    The Bureau anticipates that the refinance provision overwhelmingly 
affects private streamline refinances until 2021 because qualified 
mortgages are separately exempt from this rule and, under the Bureau's 
2013 ATR Final Rule, GSE and federal government agency refinances are 
generally deemed

[[Page 78568]]

qualified mortgages until 2021.\186\ In addition, as discussed in the 
section-by-section analysis above, only refinances in which the holder 
of the credit risk on the existing obligation and the refinancing 
remain the same would be eligible, and the loan cannot have interest-
only, negative amortization, or balloon features.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \186\ See 12 CFR 1026.43(e)(4).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Bureau estimates that at most 12,000 private no cash-out 
refinance transactions were originated in 2011. The Bureau believes 
that some of these were refinances of existing loans where the credit 
risk holder changed and thus would not be eligible for the exemption, 
and that a small number of these refinances had interest-only, negative 
amortization, or balloon features and also would not be eligible for 
the exemption. The Bureau believes that for about 90% of refinance 
transactions, the creditor would have provided an appraisal to the 
consumer; starting in January 2014, the ECOA Valuations Rule will 
require creditors to do so. Thus, this exemption is likely to affect 
under 1,000 loans a year (10% of 12,000).
Covered Persons
    Any creditors originating covered refinances that meet the criteria 
of the exemption can choose to make use of the exemption, which reduces 
burden. In particular, these loans will not be subject to the estimated 
per-loan costs described in the January 2013 Final Rule.\187\ For these 
transactions, the creditor is not required to spend time providing a 
notice, obtaining an appraisal, reviewing the appraisals conducted for 
conformity to this rule, and providing copies of those appraisals to 
applicants.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \187\ See Section 1022(b) analysis, 78 FR at 10418-21.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Consumers
    Regarding benefits, consumers whose HPML streamlined refinance are 
newly exempt will save an average of $350 per loan. In addition, 
streamlined refinance transactions may close more quickly without an 
appraisal, reducing the time in which a consumer may be in a worse 
loan, which can result in further cost savings to the consumer. For 
example, if the consumer can close a refinance transaction two weeks 
earlier because a full appraisal is not performed, and the refinance 
loan has a lower interest rate, that will provide the consumer with an 
additional two weeks of payments at the reduced interest rate of the 
refinance loan.
    As discussed above and in the Bureau's analysis under Section 1022 
in the January 2013 Final Rule, in general, consumers who are borrowing 
HPMLs that are covered loans benefit from having an appraisal. The cost 
to consumers of the proposed exemption therefore is the loss of these 
potential benefits for the number of covered loans that would be newly-
exempted by the proposed exemption and which would not have otherwise 
included an appraisal. As noted above, the Bureau estimates this would 
be very few transactions.
8. Significant Alternatives
    The Agencies discussed various conditions on exemptions for smaller 
dollar loans and streamline refinances. Placing conditions on these 
exemptions--for example, requiring that an automated valuation be 
obtained and provided to the consumer--would provide many of the same 
benefits to consumer as a full appraisal. However, the Bureau believes 
that the benefits of an appraisal would likely be lower for these two 
particular types of transactions than for other types of transactions 
that will not be exempt from the January 2013 Final Rule.
    The cost of these conditions would be directly levied on the 
creditors; however, the Bureau believes that it would be almost fully 
passed on to consumers. The Bureau did not view the cost of these 
alternatives to be significant. The Agencies determined, however, not 
to adopt this alternative. A significant factor was that streamline 
refinances and smaller dollar loans were viewed as classes of 
transactions that were significantly lower risk and therefore not 
necessitating alternative valuation conditions in this rule.
    The Agencies also discussed a provision mandating the creditors to 
provide chattel manufactured home valuations with adjustments for 
condition (used chattel) and location (used or new chattel). The 
Agencies decided that this provision would introduce additional 
implementation burden and subjectivity with respect to the compliance 
processes, and that practices with regard to these adjustments had not 
sufficiently evolved to codify a uniform set of standards in 
regulations. From the perspective of potential benefits of this 
provision, creditors can still provide whatever adjustments are 
specified in the cost service guide.
    The Agencies discussed raising the loan amount requirement for the 
smaller dollar exemption to $50,000. However, the Agencies decided that 
the range of $25,000 to $50,000 captures too great a proportion of the 
remaining non-QM subordinate lien HPMLs. The Bureau also noted that 
such an increase would wholly exempt many manufactured home purchases 
that deserve the protection provided by the new provisions in this 
rule. The Agencies also believe that at these higher loan amounts the 
cost of the appraisal provides less of an incentive to switch to 
another kind of financing, for example an open-credit loan.

B. Potential Specific Impacts of the Supplemental Final Rule

1. Potential Reduction in Access of Consumers to Consumer Financial 
Products or Services
    The rule includes only exemptions and provisions that have limited 
impact on a small amount of loans. Thus, the Bureau does not believe 
that any reduction in access to credit will result. If anything, the 
Bureau believes that the exemption for used chattel manufactured 
housing will make many loans possible to originate while complying with 
the January 2013 Final Rule, thus improving access to credit.
    Manufactured housing industry commenters suggested that access to 
credit in chattel loans, including new chattel loans, would be reduced 
if valuation information must be provided to the consumer. These 
comments may be read as potentially suggesting that: (1) Consumers, if 
informed of the estimated value of the home by currently available 
means, might elect not to proceed with the transaction, or (2) 
creditors, if required to provide such information to the consumers, 
also might not proceed with the transaction, particularly where the 
loan amount exceeds the estimated value of the home.
    If these comments are based upon the assumption that valuation 
information provided will be inaccurate or misleading, commenters did 
not provide data in support of this point with respect to any of the 
three valuation information options specified in the condition to the 
exemption for chattel manufactured home loans. In this regard, the 
Bureau notes that a leading independent cost service provided data in 
its comments indicating the accuracy of its method compared to personal 
property appraisals. Otherwise, the Bureau does not consider access to 
credit to be reduced where consumers voluntarily choose not to continue 
with a transaction after receiving valuation information; in this case, 
the information has benefited the consumer by enabling the consumer to 
make better informed credit choices. Similarly,

[[Page 78569]]

access to credit is not necessarily compromised if the creditor chooses 
not to continue with the transaction, particularly if the loan amount 
exceeds the estimated value of the home. In purchase transactions, the 
Bureau believes that consumers typically have the option of purchasing 
other manufactured and non-manufactured homes that would not have the 
consumer starting off in their mortgage by effectively being 
underwater.
2. Impact of the Rule on Depository Institutions and Credit Unions With 
$10 Billion or Less in Total Assets
    Small depository banks and credit unions may originate loans of 
$25,000 or less more often, relative to their overall origination 
business, than other depository institutions (DIs) and credit unions. 
Therefore, relative to their overall origination business, these small 
depository banks and credit unions may experience relatively more 
benefits from the exemption for smaller dollar loans. These benefits 
would not be high in absolute dollar terms, however, because the number 
of covered transactions across all creditors that would be exempted by 
the smaller dollar loan exemption is still relatively low--less than 
5,000, as discussed above.
    Otherwise, the Bureau does not believe that the impact of the 
supplemental rule would be substantially different for the DIs and 
credit unions with total assets below $10 billion than for larger DIs 
and credit unions. The Bureau has not identified data indicating that 
small depository institutions or small credit unions disproportionately 
engage in lending secured by manufactured homes. Finally, the Bureau 
has not identified data indicating that these institutions engage in 
covered streamlined refinances that would be exempted by the exemption 
for certain refinances at a greater rate than would other financial 
institutions.
3. Impact of the Rule on Consumers in Rural Areas
    The Bureau understands that a significantly greater proportion of 
homes in rural areas are existing manufactured homes than in non-rural 
areas.\188\ Therefore, any impacts of the exemption for transactions 
secured by these homes (but not land) would proportionally accrue more 
often to rural consumers. With respect to streamlined refinances, the 
Bureau does not believe that streamlined refinances are more or less 
common in rural areas. Accordingly, the Bureau currently believes that 
the exemption for streamlined refinances would generate a similar 
benefit for consumers in rural areas as for consumers in non-rural 
areas. Finally, setting aside the increased incidence of manufactured 
housing loans in rural areas, the Bureau does not believe that the 
difference in the number of smaller dollar loans originated for 
consumers in rural areas and non-rural areas is significant.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \188\ Census data from 2011 indicates that approximately 45 
percent of owner-occupied manufactured homes are located outside of 
metropolitan statistical areas, compared with 21 percent of owner-
occupied single-family homes. See U.S. Census Bureau, 2011 American 
Housing Survey, General Housing Data--Owner-Occupied Units 
(National), available at http://factfinder2.census.gov/faces/tableservices/jsf/pages/productview.xhtml?pid=AHS_2011_C01OO&prodType=table. See also Housing Assistance Council Rural 
Housing Research Note, ``Improving HMDA: A Need to Better Understand 
Rural Mortgage Markets,'' (Oct. 2010), available at http://www.ruralhome.org/storage/documents/notehmdasm.pdf. Industry 
comments on the 2012 Interagency Appraisals Proposed Rule noted that 
manufactured homes sited on land owned by the buyer are 
predominantly located in rural areas; one commenter estimated that 
60 percent of manufactured homes are located in rural areas.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

VII. Regulatory Flexibility Act

OCC

    Pursuant to section 605(b) of the Regulatory Flexibility Act, 5 
U.S.C. 605(b) (RFA), the regulatory flexibility analysis otherwise 
required under section 603 of the RFA is not required if the agency 
certifies that the final rule will not have a significant economic 
impact on a substantial number of small entities (defined for purposes 
of the RFA to include banks, savings institutions and other depository 
credit intermediaries with assets less than or equal to $500 million 
\189\ and trust companies with total assets of $35.5 million or less) 
and publishes its certification and a short, explanatory statement in 
the Federal Register along with its final rule.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \189\ ``A financial institution's assets are determined by 
averaging assets reported on its four quarterly financial statements 
for the preceding year.'' See footnote 8 of the U.S. Small Business 
Administration's Table of Size Standards.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    As described previously in this preamble, section 1471 of the Dodd-
Frank Act establishes a new TILA section 129H, which sets forth 
appraisal requirements applicable to HPMLs. The statute expressly 
excludes from these appraisal requirements coverage of ``qualified 
mortgages as defined by section 129C.'' In addition, the Agencies may 
jointly exempt a class of loans from the requirements of the statute if 
the Agencies determine that the exemption is in the public interest and 
promotes the safety and soundness of creditors.
    The Agencies issued the January 2013 Final Rule on January 18, 
2013, which will be effective on January 18, 2014. Pursuant to the 
general exemption authority in the statute, the January 2013 Final Rule 
excluded the following consumer credit transactions from the definition 
of HPML: Transactions secured by new manufactured homes; transactions 
secured by a mobile homes, boats, or trailers; transactions to finance 
the initial construction of a dwelling; temporary or ``bridge'' loans 
with a term of twelve months or less, such as a loan to purchase a new 
dwelling where the consumer plans to sell a current dwelling within 
twelve months; and reverse mortgage loans. The Agencies are issuing 
this supplemental final rule to include additional exemptions from the 
higher risk mortgage loan appraisal requirements of section 129H of 
TILA: Certain ``streamlined'' refinancings and extensions of credit of 
$25,000 or less, indexed every year for inflation. In addition, this 
supplemental final rule amends and adds exemptions for transactions 
secured by manufactured homes.
    The OCC currently supervises 1,797 banks (1,179 commercial banks, 
61 trust companies, 509 federal savings associations, and 48 branches 
or agencies of foreign banks). We estimate that less than 1,309 of the 
banks supervised by the OCC are currently originating one- to four-
family residential mortgage loans that could be HPMLs. Approximately 
1,291 of OCC-supervised banks are small entities based on the Small 
Business Administration's (SBA's) definition of small entities for RFA 
purposes. Of these, the OCC estimates that 867 banks originate 
mortgages and therefore may be impacted by this final rule.
    The OCC classifies the economic impact of total costs on a bank as 
significant if the total costs in a single year are greater than 5 
percent of total salaries and benefits, or greater than 2.5 percent of 
total non-interest expense. The OCC estimates that the average cost per 
small bank will be zero. The supplemental final rule does not impose 
new requirements on banks or include new mandates. The OCC assumes any 
costs (e.g., alternative valuations) or requirements that may be 
associated with the exemptions in the supplemental final rule will be 
less than the cost of compliance for a comparable loan under the final 
rule.
    Therefore, the OCC believes the supplemental final rule will not 
have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small 
entities. The OCC certifies that the supplemental final rule will not 
have a significant

[[Page 78570]]

economic impact on a substantial number of small entities.
OCC Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 Determination
    Section 202 of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (2 U.S.C. 
1532), requires the OCC to prepare a budgetary impact statement before 
promulgating a rule that includes a Federal mandate that may result in 
the expenditure by state, local, and tribal governments, in the 
aggregate, or by the private sector, of $100 million or more in any one 
year (adjusted annually for inflation). The OCC has determined that 
this supplemental final rule will not result in expenditures by state, 
local, and tribal governments, or the private sector, of $100 million 
or more in any one year. Accordingly, the OCC has not prepared a 
budgetary impact statement.

Board

    The RFA (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.) requires an agency either to provide 
a final regulatory flexibility analysis (FRFA) with a final rule or 
certify that the final rule will not have a significant economic impact 
on a substantial number of small entities. This supplemental final rule 
applies to certain banks, other depository institutions, and non-bank 
entities that extend HPMLs to consumers.\190\ The SBA establishes size 
standards that define which entities are small businesses for purposes 
of the RFA.\191\ The size standard to be considered a small business 
is: $500 million or less in assets for banks and other depository 
institutions; and $35.5 million or less in annual revenues for the 
majority of nonbank entities that are likely to be subject to the 
regulations. Based on its analysis, and for the reasons stated below, 
the Board believes that the supplemental final rule will not have a 
significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. 
Nevertheless, the Board is publishing a FRFA.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \190\ The Board notes that for purposes of its analysis, the 
Board considered all creditors to which the supplemental final rule 
applies. The Board's Regulation Z at 12 CFR 226.43 applies to a 
subset of these creditors. See 12 CFR 226.43(g).
    \191\ U.S. SBA, Table of Small Business Size Standards Matched 
to North American Industry Classification System Codes, available at 
http://www.sba.gov/sites/default/files/files/size_table_07222013.pdf.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

A. Reasons for the Final Rule
    This supplemental final rule relates to the January 2013 Final Rule 
issued by the Agencies on January 18, 2013, which goes into effect on 
January 18, 2014. See 78 FR 10368 (Feb. 13, 2013). The January 2013 
Final Rule implements a provision added to TILA by the Dodd-Frank Act 
requiring appraisals for ``higher-risk mortgages.'' For certain 
mortgages with an annual percentage rate that exceeds the average prime 
offer rate by a specified percentage, the January 2013 Final Rule 
requires creditors to obtain an appraisal or appraisals meeting certain 
specified standards, provide applicants with a notification regarding 
the use of the appraisals, and give applicants a copy of the written 
appraisals used. The definition of higher-risk mortgage in new TILA 
section 129H expressly excludes qualified mortgages, as defined in TILA 
section 129C, as well as reverse mortgage loans that are qualified 
mortgages as defined in TILA section 129C.
    The Agencies are now finalizing two additional exemptions to the 
2013 Final Rule appraisal requirements and adopting certain provisions 
for manufactured homes. As described in the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION, 
the supplemental final rule exempts ``streamlined'' refinancings and 
transactions of $25,000 or less. The supplemental final rule also 
exempts loans secured by manufactured homes from the January 2013 Final 
Rule's appraisal requirements for 18 months, until July 18, 2015. 
Subsequent to that date:
    [cir] A loan secured by a new manufactured home and land must 
comply with the January 2013 Final Rule's appraisal requirements except 
for the requirement to conduct a physical visit to the interior of the 
property;
    [cir] A loan secured by an existing (used) manufactured home and 
land will be subject to all of the January 2013 Final Rule's appraisal 
requirements; and
    [cir] A loan secured by manufactured homes (new or used) and not 
land will be exempt from the January 2013 Final Rule's appraisal 
requirements if the consumer is provided with a specified alternative 
cost estimate or valuation.
B. Statement of Objectives and Legal Basis
    The Board believes that the additional exemptions and amendments 
established by the supplemental final rule are appropriate to carry out 
the purposes of the statute, as discussed above in the SUPPLEMENTARY 
INFORMATION. The legal basis for the proposed rule is TILA section 
129H(b)(4). 15 U.S.C. 1639h(b)(4). TILA section 129H(b)(4)(A), added by 
the Dodd-Frank Act, authorizes the Agencies jointly to prescribe 
regulations implementing section 129H. 15 U.S.C. 1639h(b)(4)(A). In 
addition, TILA section 129H(b)(4)(B) grants the Agencies the authority 
jointly to exempt, by rule, a class of loans from the requirements of 
TILA section 129H(a) or section 129H(b) if the Agencies determine that 
the exemption is in the public interest and promotes the safety and 
soundness of creditors. 15 U.S.C. 1639h(b)(4)(B).
C. Description of Small Entities to Which the Regulation Applies
    The January 2013 Final Rule applies to creditors that make HPMLs 
subject to 12 CFR 1026.35(c). In the Board's regulatory flexibility 
analysis for the January 2013 Final Rule, the Board relied primarily on 
data provided by the Bureau to estimate the number of small entities 
that would be subject to the requirements of the rule.\192\ According 
to the data provided by the Bureau in connection with promulgation of 
the supplemental final rule, approximately 5,913 commercial banks and 
savings institutions, 3,784 credit unions, and 2,672 non-depository 
institutions are considered small entities and extend mortgages, and 
therefore are potentially subject to the January 2013 Final Rule and 
the supplemental final rule.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \192\ See the Bureau's regulatory flexibility analysis in the 
2013 Final Rule (78 FR 10368, 10424 (Feb. 13, 2013)).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Data currently available to the Board are not sufficient to 
estimate how many small entities that extend mortgages will be subject 
to 12 CFR 226.43, given the range of exemptions provided in the January 
2013 Final Rule and the supplemental final rule, including the 
exemption for loans that satisfy the criteria of a qualified mortgage. 
Further, the number of these small entities that will make HPMLs 
subject to the supplemental final rule's exemptions is unknown.
D. Projected Reporting, Recordkeeping and Other Compliance Requirements
    The supplemental final rule does not impose any significant new 
recordkeeping, reporting, or compliance requirements on small entities. 
The supplemental final rule reduces the number of transactions that are 
subject to the requirements of the January 2013 Final Rule. As noted 
above, the January 2013 Final Rule generally applies to creditors that 
make HPMLs subject to 12 CFR 1026.35(c), which are generally mortgages 
with an APR that exceeds the APOR by a specified percentage, subject to 
certain exemptions. The supplemental final rule exempts two additional 
classes of HPMLs from the January 2013 Final Rule: Certain streamlined 
refinance HPMLs whose proceeds are used exclusively to satisfy

[[Page 78571]]

an existing first lien loan and to pay for closing costs, and new HPMLs 
that have a principal amount of $25,000 or less (indexed to inflation). 
In addition, the supplemental final rule exempts until July 2015 HPMLs 
secured by manufactured homes. Accordingly, the supplemental final rule 
decreases the burden on creditors by reducing the number of loan 
transactions that are subject to the January 2013 Final Rule. For 
applications submitted on or after July 18, 2015, burden increases 
slightly for transactions secured by new manufactured homes and land 
because such transactions will be required to comply with the January 
2013 Final Rule's appraisal requirements except for the requirement to 
conduct a physical visit to the interior of the property. In addition, 
burden also increases with respect to transactions secured by a new 
manufactured home and not land. These transactions will be exempt from 
the January 2013 Final Rule's appraisal requirements only if the 
borrower is provided with a specified alternative cost estimate or 
valuation to the borrower.
F. Identification of Duplicative, Overlapping, or Conflicting Federal 
Regulations
    The Board has not identified any Federal statutes or regulations 
that duplicate, overlap, or conflict with the proposed revisions.
G. Discussion of Significant Alternatives
    The Board is not aware of any significant alternatives that would 
further minimize the economic impact of the supplemental final rule on 
small entities. With respect to transactions secured by ``streamlined'' 
refinances or smaller-dollar HPMLs, the supplemental final rule exempts 
these transactions from the January 2013 Final Rule and therefore 
reduces economic burden for small entities. With respect to loans 
secured by new manufactured homes and land, the Board recognizes that 
the supplemental final rule imposes new burden by requiring such 
transactions to comply with the January 2013 Final Rule's appraisal 
requirements except for the requirement to conduct a physical visit to 
the interior of the property. With respect to loans secured by new 
manufactured homes and not land, the Board also recognizes that the 
supplemental final rule imposes new burden by requiring that such 
transactions are exempt from the January 2013 Final Rule only if the 
borrower is provided with a specified alternative cost estimate or 
valuation. Although maintaining the January 2013 Final Rule exemption 
for new manufactured homes would lower the economic impact on small 
entities, the Board does not believe doing so is appropriate in 
carrying out the purposes of the statute.

FDIC

    The RFA generally requires that, in connection with a rulemaking, 
an agency prepare and make available for public comment a regulatory 
flexibility analysis that describes the impact of the rule on small 
entities.\193\ A regulatory flexibility analysis is not required, 
however, if the agency certifies that the rule will not have a 
significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities 
(defined in regulations promulgated by the SBA to include banking 
organizations with total assets of $500 million or less) and publishes 
its certification and a short, explanatory statement in the Federal 
Register together with the rule.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \193\ See 5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    As of June 30, 2013, there were about 3,673 small FDIC-supervised 
institutions, which include 3,363 state nonmember banks and 310 state-
chartered savings banks. The FDIC analyzed the 2011 HMDA \194\ dataset 
to determine how many loans by all FDIC-supervised institutions might 
qualify as HPMLs under section 129H of the TILA as added by section 
1471 of the Dodd-Frank Act. This analysis reflects that only 70 FDIC-
supervised institutions originated at least 100 HPMLs, with only four 
institutions originating more than 500 HPMLs. Further, the FDIC-
supervised institutions that met the definition of a small entity 
originated on average less than 11 HPMLs of $250,000 \195\ or less each 
in 2011.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \194\ The FDIC based its analysis on the HMDA data, as it 
provided a proxy for the characteristics of HPMLs. While the FDIC 
recognizes that fewer higher-price loans were generated in 2011, a 
more historical review is not possible because the average offer 
price (a key data element for this review) was not added until the 
fourth quarter of 2009. The FDIC also recognizes that the HMDA data 
provides information relative to mortgage lending in metropolitan 
statistical areas, but not in rural areas.
    \195\ HPML transactions over $250,000 were excluded from this 
analysis as 12 CFR Part 323 of the FDIC Rules and Regulations 
requires an appraisal for real estate loans over $250,000 unless 
another exemption applies.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The supplemental final rule relates to the January 2013 Final Rule 
issued by the Agencies on January 18, 2013, which goes into effect on 
January 18, 2014. The January 2013 Final Rule requires that creditors 
satisfy the following requirements for each HPML they originate that is 
not exempt from the rule:
     The creditor must obtain a written appraisal; the 
appraisal must be performed by a certified or licensed appraiser; and 
the appraiser must conduct a physical property visit of the interior of 
the property.
     At application, the consumer must be provided with a 
statement regarding the purpose of the appraisal, that the creditor 
will provide the applicant a copy of any written appraisal, and that 
the applicant may choose to have a separate appraisal conducted for the 
applicant's own use at his or her own expense.
     The consumer must be provided with a free copy of any 
written appraisals obtained for the transaction at least three business 
days before consummation.
     The creditor of an HPML must obtain an additional written 
appraisal, at no cost to the borrower, when the loan will finance the 
purchase of a consumer's principal dwelling and there has been an 
increase in the purchase price from a prior acquisition that took place 
within 180 days of the current purchase.
    The supplemental final rule amends one existing exemption and 
establishes additional exemptions to the appraisal requirements in the 
January 2013 Final Rule. The supplemental final rule exempts:
     ``Streamlined'' refinancings. A ``streamlined'' 
refinancing results if the holder of the successor credit risk also 
held the risk of the original credit obligation. The supplemental final 
rule does not exempt refinancing transactions involving cash out, 
negative amortization, interest only payments or balloon payments.
     ``Smaller Dollar'' Residential Loans. A ``smaller dollar'' 
residential loan is an extension of credit of $25,000 or less, with the 
amount indexed annually for inflation, secured by the borrower's 
principal dwelling.
     Manufactured Home Loans. Loans secured by manufactured 
homes are exempt from the appraisal requirements for 18 months, until 
July 18, 2015. Subsequent to that date:
    [cir] A loan secured by a new manufactured home and land must 
comply with the appraisal requirements except for the requirement to 
conduct a physical visit to the interior of the property;
    [cir] A loan secured by an existing (used) manufactured home and 
land will be subject to all appraisal requirements; and
    [cir] A loan secured by a manufactured home (new or used) and not 
land will be exempt from the appraisal requirements if the buyer is 
provided with a specified alternative cost estimate or valuation.

[[Page 78572]]

    The supplemental final rule amends the exemption for a loan secured 
by a new manufactured home in the January 2013 Final Rule by requiring 
an appraisal without a physical visit to the interior of the property 
for loans secured by a new manufactured home and land after July 18, 
2015. This amendment will increase burden as such loans will no longer 
be exempt from all of the appraisal requirements. While data is not 
available to estimate the number of such transactions, the previously 
cited HMDA data reflects that FDIC-supervised institutions that met the 
definition of a small entity each engaged in a relatively small number 
of HPML transactions in 2011. In addition, the supplemental final rule 
exempts additional transactions, including certain ``streamlined'' 
refinancings, ``smaller dollar'' residential loans, and some 
manufactured home loans, from the appraisal requirements of the January 
2013 Final Rule, resulting in reduced regulatory burden to FDIC-
supervised institutions that would have otherwise been required to 
obtain an appraisal and comply with the requirements for such HPML 
transactions.
    It is the opinion of the FDIC that the supplemental final rule will 
not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small 
entities that it regulates in light of the following facts: (1) The 
supplemental final rule reduces regulatory burden on small institutions 
by exempting certain transactions from the appraisal requirements of 
the January 2013 Final Rule; and (2) the FDIC previously certified that 
the January 2013 Final Rule would not have a significant economic 
impact on a substantial number of small entities. Accordingly, the FDIC 
certifies that the supplemental final rule would not have a significant 
economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. Therefore, a 
regulatory flexibility analysis is not required.

NCUA

    The RFA generally requires that, in connection with a final rule, 
an agency prepare and make available for public comment a FRFA that 
describes the impact of the final rule on small entities.\196\ A 
regulatory flexibility analysis is not required, however, if the agency 
certifies that the rule will not have a significant economic impact on 
a substantial number of small entities and publishes its certification 
and a short, explanatory statement in the Federal Register together 
with the rule. NCUA defines small entities as small federally insured 
credit unions (FICU) having less than 50 million dollars in 
assets.\197\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \196\ See 5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.
    \197\ NCUA Interpretative Ruling and Policy Statement (IRPS) 87-
2, 52 FR 35231 (Sept. 18, 1987); as amended by IRPS 03-2, 68 FR 
31951 (May 29, 2003); and IRPS 13-1, 78 FR 4032, 4037 (Jan. 18, 
2013).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In 2012, there were approximately 4,600 small FICUs. The NCUA 
analyzed the 2012 HMDA \198\ dataset to determine how many loans by all 
FICUs might qualify as HPMLs under section 129H of the TILA as added by 
section 1471 of the Dodd-Frank Act. This analysis reflects that 918 
FICUs originated HPMLs, with only 24 institutions originating more than 
100 HPMLs. Further, the FICUs that met the definition of a small entity 
originated on average less than 2 HPMLs in 2012.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \198\ The NCUA based its analysis on the HMDA data, as it 
provided a proxy for the characteristics of HPMLs. While the NCUA 
recognizes that fewer higher-price loans were generated in 2011, a 
more historical review is not possible because the average offer 
price (a key data element for this review) was not added until the 
fourth quarter of 2009. The NCUA also recognizes that the HMDA data 
provides information relative to mortgage lending in metropolitan 
statistical areas, but not in rural areas.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The supplemental final rule relates to the January 2013 Final Rule 
issued by the Agencies on January 18, 2013, which goes into effect on 
January 18, 2014. The January 2013 Final Rule requires that creditors 
satisfy the following requirements for each HPML they originate that is 
not exempt from the rule:
     The creditor must obtain a written appraisal; the 
appraisal must be performed by a certified or licensed appraiser; and 
the appraiser must conduct a physical property visit of the interior of 
the property.
     At application, the consumer must be provided with a 
statement regarding the purpose of the appraisal, that the creditor 
will provide the applicant a copy of any written appraisal, and that 
the applicant may choose to have a separate appraisal conducted for the 
applicant's own use at his or her own expense.
     The consumer must be provided with a free copy of any 
written appraisals obtained for the transaction at least three business 
days before consummation.
     The creditor of an HPML must obtain an additional written 
appraisal, at no cost to the borrower, when the loan will finance the 
purchase of a consumer's principal dwelling and there has been an 
increase in the purchase price from a prior acquisition that took place 
within 180 days of the current purchase.
    The supplemental final rule amends one existing exemption and 
establishes additional exemptions to the appraisal requirements in the 
January 2013 Final Rule. The supplemental final rule exempts:
     ``Streamlined'' refinancings. A ``streamlined'' 
refinancing if the holder of the successor credit risk also held the 
risk of the original credit obligation. The supplemental final rule 
does not exempt refinancing transactions involving cash out, negative 
amortization, interest only payments or balloon payments.
     Extensions of credit of $25,000 or less. Extension of 
credit of $25,000 or less, with the amount indexed annually for 
inflation, secured by the borrower's principal dwelling.
     Manufactured Home Loans. Loans secured by a manufactured 
home are exempt from the appraisal requirements for 18 months, until 
July 18, 2015. Subsequent to that date:
    [cir] A loan secured by a new manufactured home and land must 
comply with the appraisal requirements except for the requirement to 
conduct a physical visit to the interior of the property;
    [cir] A loan secured by an existing (used) manufactured home and 
land will be subject to all appraisal requirements; and
    [cir] A loan secured by a manufactured home (new or used) and not 
land will be exempt from the appraisal requirements if the consumer is 
provided with a specified alternative cost estimate or valuation.
    The supplemental final rule amends the exemption for loans secured 
by a new manufactured home in the January 2013 Final Rule by requiring 
an appraisal without a physical visit to the interior of the property 
for loans secured by a new manufactured home and land after July 18, 
2015. This amendment will increase burden as such loans will no longer 
be exempt from all of the appraisal requirements. While data is not 
available to estimate the number of such transactions, the previously 
cited HMDA data reflects that FICUs that met the definition of a small 
entity each engaged in a relatively small number of HPML transactions 
in 2011. In addition, the supplemental final rule exempts additional 
transactions, including certain ``streamlined'' refinancings, ``smaller 
dollar'' residential loans, and some manufactured home loans, from the 
appraisal requirements of the January 2013 Final Rule, resulting in 
reduced regulatory burden to FICUs that would have otherwise been 
required to obtain an appraisal and comply with the requirements for 
such HPML transactions.

[[Page 78573]]

    It is the opinion of the NCUA that the supplemental final rule will 
not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small 
entities that it regulates in light of the following facts: (1) The 
supplemental final rule reduces regulatory burden on small institutions 
by exempting certain transactions from the appraisal requirements of 
the January 2013 Final Rule; and (2) the NCUA previously certified that 
the January 2013 Final Rule would not have a significant economic 
impact on a substantial number of small entities. Accordingly, the NCUA 
certifies that the supplemental final rule will not have a significant 
economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. Therefore, a 
regulatory flexibility analysis is not required.
Executive Order 13132
    Executive Order 13132 encourages independent regulatory agencies to 
consider the impact of their actions on state and local interests. 
NCUA, an independent regulatory agency as defined in 44 U.S.C. 3502(5), 
voluntarily complies with the executive order to adhere to fundamental 
federalism principles. This supplemental final rule applies to FICUs 
and will not have a substantial direct effect on the states, on the 
relationship between the national government and the states, or on the 
distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of 
government. NCUA has determined that this supplemental final rule does 
not constitute a policy that has federalism implications for purposes 
of the Executive Order.
The Treasury and General Government Appropriations Act, 1999--
Assessment of Federal Regulations and Policies on Families
    NCUA has determined this final rule will not affect family well-
being within the meaning of section 654 of the Treasury and General 
Government Appropriations Act, 1999, Public Law 105-277, 112 Stat. 2681 
(1998).
Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act
    The Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996 
\199\ (SBREFA) provides generally for congressional review of agency 
rules. A reporting requirement is triggered in instances where NCUA 
issues a final rule as defined by Section 551 of the Administrative 
Procedure Act.\200\ NCUA does not believe this final rule is a ``major 
rule'' within the meaning of the relevant sections of SBREFA. NCUA has 
submitted the rule to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for its 
determination.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \199\ Public Law 104-121, 110 Stat. 857 (1996).
    \200\ 5 U.S.C. 551.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Bureau

    The RFA generally requires an agency to conduct an initial 
regulatory flexibility analysis (IRFA) and a FRFA of any rule subject 
to notice-and-comment rulemaking requirements.\201\ These analyses must 
``describe the impact of the proposed rule on small entities.'' \202\ 
An IRFA or FRFA is not required if the agency certifies that the rule 
will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of 
small entities.\203\ The Bureau also is subject to certain additional 
procedures under the RFA involving the convening of a panel to consult 
with small business representatives prior to proposing a rule for which 
an IRFA is required.\204\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \201\ 5 U.S.C. 601 et. seq.
    \202\ Id. at 603(a). For purposes of assessing the impacts of 
the proposed rule on small entities, ``small entities'' is defined 
in the RFA to include small businesses, small not-for-profit 
organizations, and small government jurisdictions. Id. at 601(6). A 
``small business'' is determined by application of SBA regulations 
and reference to the North American Industry Classification System 
(NAICS) classifications and size standards. Id. at 601(3). A ``small 
organization'' is any ``not-for-profit enterprise which is 
independently owned and operated and is not dominant in its field.'' 
Id. at 601(4). A ``small governmental jurisdiction'' is the 
government of a city, county, town, township, village, school 
district, or special district with a population of less than 50,000. 
Id. at 601(5).
    \203\ Id. at 605(b).
    \204\ Id. at 609.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    An IRFA was not required for the proposal, and a FRFA is not 
required for the supplemental final rule, because it will not have a 
significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities.
    The analysis below evaluates the potential economic impact of the 
supplemental final rule on small entities as defined by the RFA. The 
analysis generally examines the regulatory impact of the provisions of 
the supplemental final rule against the baseline of the January 2013 
Final Rule the Agencies issued on January 18, 2013.
    No comments received were relevant specifically to smaller 
entities. The Agencies discuss more general comments in the section-by-
section analyses and the Bureau discusses some of the more specific 
comments relating to benefits and costs of these provisions in its 
Section 1022(b) analysis.
A. Number and Classes of Affected Entities
    The supplemental final rule applies to all creditors that extend 
closed-end credit secured by a consumer's principal dwelling. All small 
entities that extend these loans are potentially subject to at least 
some aspects of the supplemental final rule. This supplemental final 
rule may impact small businesses, small nonprofit organizations, and 
small government jurisdictions. A ``small business'' is determined by 
application of SBA regulations and reference to the North American 
Industry Classification System (NAICS) classifications and size 
standards.\205\ Under such standards, depository institutions with $500 
million or less in assets are considered small; other financial 
businesses are considered small if such entities have average annual 
receipts (i.e., annual revenues) that do not exceed $35.5 million. 
Thus, commercial banks, savings institutions, and credit unions with 
$500 million or less in assets are small businesses, while other 
creditors extending credit secured by real property or a dwelling are 
small businesses if average annual receipts do not exceed $35.5 
million.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \205\ 5 U.S.C. 601(3). The current SBA size standards are 
located on the SBA's Web site at http://www.sba.gov/content/table-small-business-size-standards.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Bureau can identify through data under the HMDA, Reports of 
Condition and Income (Call Reports), and data from the National 
Mortgage Licensing System (NMLS) the approximate numbers of small 
depository institutions that would be subject to the final rule. 
Origination data is available for entities that report in HMDA, NMLS or 
the credit union call reports; for other entities, the Bureau has 
estimated their origination activities using statistical projection 
methods.
    The following table provides the Bureau's estimate of the number 
and types of entities to which the supplemental final rule would apply: 
\206\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \206\ The Bureau assumes that creditors who originate chattel 
manufactured home loans are included in the sources described above, 
but to the extent commenters believe this is not the case, the 
Bureau seeks data from commenters on this point.

[[Page 78574]]



                                      Table 1--Counts of Creditors by Type
  [Estimated number of affected entities and small entities by NAICS code and engagement in closed-end mortgage
                                                  transactions]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                           Entities engaged     Small entities
                                                         Small entity        in closed-end    engaged in closed-
            Category                    NAICS              threshold           mortgage          end mortgage
                                                                           transactions \b\      transactions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commercial banks & savings       522110, 522120.....  $500,000,000                  \a\ 7230            \a\ 5913
 institutions.                                         assets.
Credit unions \c\..............  522130.............  $500,000,000                  \a\ 4178            \a\ 3784
                                                       assets.
Real Estate credit \d e\.......  522310, 522292.....  $35,500,000                       2787            \a\ 2672
                                                       revenues.
                                                                         ---------------------------------------
    Total......................  ...................  ..................              14,195              12,369
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Source: 2011 HMDA, Dec. 31, 2011 Bank and Thrift Call Reports, Dec. 31, 2011 NCUA Call Reports, Dec. 31, 2011
  NMLSR Mortgage Call Reports.
\a\ For HMDA reporters, loan counts from HMDA 2011. For institutions that are not HMDA reporters, loan counts
  projected based on Call Report data fields and counts for HMDA reporters.
\b\ Entities are characterized as originating loans if they make one or more loans.
\c\ Does not include cooperatives operating in Puerto Rico. The Bureau has limited data about these institutions
  or their mortgage activity.
\d\ NMLSR Mortgage Call Report for 2011. All MCR reporters that originate at least one loan or that have
  positive loan amounts are considered to be engaged in real estate credit (instead of purely mortgage brokers).
  For institutions with missing revenue values, the probability that the institution was a small entity is
  estimated based on the count and amount of originations and the count and amount of brokered loans.
\a\ Data do not distinguish nonprofit from for-profit organizations, but Real Estate Credit presumptively
  includes nonprofit organizations.

B. Impact of Exemptions
    The provisions of the supplemental final rule all provide or modify 
exemptions from the HPML appraisal requirements. Measured against the 
baseline of the burdens imposed by the January 2013 Final Rule the 
Agencies issued on January 18, 2013, the Bureau believes that these 
provisions impose either no or insignificant additional burdens on 
small entities. The Bureau believes that most of these provisions would 
reduce the burdens associated with implementation costs, additional 
valuation costs, and compliance costs stemming from the HPML appraisal 
requirements. The Bureau also notes that creditors voluntarily choose 
whether to avail themselves of the exemptions.
    As discussed in the Bureau's Section 1022(b) analysis, the five 
provisions \207\ for non-QM HPMLs are in this rule are:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \207\ The Bureau believes that other provisions would have a de 
minimis impact on small entities.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    1. Certain refinances, commonly referred to as ``streamlined'' are 
now exempt from the January 2013 Final Rule;
    2. Smaller dollar loans (under $25,000) are now exempt from the 
January 2013 Final Rule;
    3. Used manufactured housing transactions that are not secured by 
land (chattel) are now exempt from the January 2013 Final Rule and, for 
applications received on or after July 18, 2015, subject to some 
conditions to provide an alternative valuation; \208\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \208\ Used manufactured housing transactions that are secured by 
land remain covered by the January 2013 Final Rule. However, all 
loans are exempt if the application is received before July 18, 
2015.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    4. New manufactured housing transactions that are not secured by 
land (chattel) remain exempt from the January 2013 Final Rule; however, 
for applications received on or after July 18, 2015, these transactions 
are now subject to conditions; and
    5. New manufactured housing transactions secured by land (new land/
home) for which an application is received on or after July 18, 2015, 
now are subject to the January 2013 Final Rule; however, these 
transactions remain exempted from the physical interior visit part of 
the requirement.
1. Exemption for ``Streamlined'' Refinancing Programs
    The supplemental final rule provides an exemption for any 
transaction that is a refinancing satisfying certain conditions.
    This provision removes the burden to small entities extending any 
HPMLs covered by the final rule under ``streamlined'' refinance 
programs of providing a consumer notice and obtaining, reviewing, and 
disclosing to consumers USPAP- and FIRREA-compliant appraisals.
    The regulatory burden reduction might be lower since a creditor 
would have to determine whether the refinancing loan is of the type 
that meets the exemption requirements. However, the Bureau believes 
that little if any additional time would be needed to make these 
determinations, as they depend upon basic information relating to the 
transaction that is typically already known to the creditor. Small 
entities will be able to choose whether to avail themselves of this 
exemption.
2. Exemption for Smaller Dollar Loans
    The supplemental final rule exempts from the final rule loans equal 
to or less than $25,000, adjusted annually for inflation. This 
provision removes burden imposed by the final rule on small entities 
extending any HPMLs covered by the final rule up to $25,000. In any 
event, small entities will be able to choose whether to avail 
themselves of this exemption.
3. Exemption Subject to Alternative Valuation for Used Manufactured 
Housing Transactions Not Secured by Land (Used Chattel)
    The supplemental final rule exempts from the HPML appraisal 
requirements a transaction secured by an existing manufactured home and 
not land. This provision removes certain burdens imposed by the January 
2013 Final Rule on small entities extending HPMLs covered by the 
January 2013 Final Rule when they are secured solely by existing 
manufactured homes. The burdens removed would be those of providing a 
consumer notice, determining the applicability of the second appraisal 
requirement in purchase transactions, and obtaining, reviewing, and 
disclosing to consumers USPAP- and FIRREA-compliant appraisals. To be 
eligible for this burden-reducing exemption, the creditor is required 
to obtain an estimate of the value of the home, with the types of 
estimates allowed described in detail in the section-by-section 
analysis. For example, creditors can use an independent cost service to 
qualify for the exemption.
    Taking the January 2013 Final Rule as the baseline, as discussed in 
the section-by-section and the Bureau's Section

[[Page 78575]]

1022(b) analyses, this exemption might provide significant burden 
relief since, the Bureau believes that USPAP is a set of standards 
typically followed by appraisers who are state-certified or licensed, 
and that state laws generally do not require certifications or licenses 
to appraise personal property. Thus, many of these transactions might 
not have been made, but for this exemption. Finally, taking advantage 
of this exemption is voluntary for creditors, thus it imposes no 
additional burden.
4. Narrowed Exemption for Transactions Secured by New Chattel 
Manufactured Homes
    As discussed in the Bureau's Section 1022(b) analysis and in the 
section-by-section analysis, the final rule requires the creditor to 
provide the consumer with one of several types of an alternative 
valuation of the new manufactured home in transactions that are secured 
by a new manufactured home but not land. This condition does not 
significantly increase the burden of the rule relative to the January 
2013 Final Rule. The Bureau believes that the cost of obtaining an 
estimate of the value of the new manufactured home using a third-party 
cost source, for example, would be significantly less than the cost of 
obtaining a USPAP-complaint appraisal.
    As noted in the Bureau's Section 1022(b) analysis, the Bureau 
believes that there might be as many as 3,400 such transactions. As 
shown in the table above, the Bureau believes that there were 12,369 
small creditors in 2011. Thus, over 85 percent of small creditors face 
at most one such transaction per year. As noted in the 2013 January 
Final Rule, the Bureau believes that a USPAP appraisal costs on average 
$350. Even if we suppose that an alternative valuation would cost as 
must as a USPAP appraisal, that results in a burden of $350 for that 
creditor, an insignificant burden. Note that the Bureau believes that 
the cost imposed per transaction is considerably lower, arguably under 
$5 for some third-party cost sources. Moreover, HMDA data implies that 
over 85 percent of small creditors will not be subject to any 
transactions like that. Even if the Bureau misestimated the number of 
affected transactions by a factor of 10, the costs imposed on 85 
percent of small creditors are still like to be well under $100 per 
creditor.\209\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \209\ All mortgage lenders can participate in the manufactured 
housing market segment (which includes chattel transactions and 
transactions secured by a manufactured home and land; the handful of 
manufactured housing specialty lenders engaged in chattel lending 
are still not significant in number by themselves. Further, even if 
the chattel exemption conditions were significant to their revenue, 
that is not a substantial number for RFA purposes.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

5. Narrowed Exemption for Transactions Secured by New Manufactured 
Homes and Land
    The Agencies finalized a provision that requires an appraisal for 
transactions secured by new manufactured homes and land, while 
exempting these appraisals from interior inspection. As noted in the 
Bureau's Section 1022(b) analysis, the Bureau believes that 
approximately 700 transactions are going to be affected. Thus, over 90 
percent of small creditors are not going to be affected by this 
provision. Even if the Bureau misestimated the number of transactions 
affected by a factor of 10, over 85 percent of small creditors would be 
subject to at most one such transaction per year, resulting in a burden 
of around $350 per creditor, a negligible fraction of a creditor's 
revenue. This impact could be even lower, given that, as noted in the 
section-by-section analysis, these transactions already are subject to 
a full appraisal requirement when carried out under GSE or federal 
agency programs.
C. Conclusion
    Each element of this supplemental final rule would reduce economic 
burden for small entities or impose a minor burden on a small amount of 
creditors (well less than $500 per creditor for 85 percent of small 
creditors even if the Bureau misestimated the number of covered 
manufactured home transactions by a factor of 10). The exemption for 
HPMLs secured by existing manufactured homes and not land would lessen 
any economic impact resulting from the HPML appraisal requirements. The 
exemption for ``streamlined'' refinance HPMLs also would lessen any 
economic impact on small entities extending credit pursuant to those 
programs, particularly those relating to the refinancing of existing 
loans held on portfolio. The exemption for smaller-dollar HPMLs 
similarly would lessen burden on small entities extending credit in the 
form of HPMLs up to the threshold amount. The narrowed exemptions for 
transactions secured by new manufactured homes, both land and chattel, 
would barely affect over 85 percent of creditors (at most one such 
transaction per year).
    These impacts that would have been generated by the January 2013 
Final Rule are reduced to the extent the transactions are not already 
exempt from the January 2013 Final Rule as qualified mortgages. While 
all of these exemptions may entail additional recordkeeping costs, the 
Bureau believes that these costs are minimal and outweighed by the cost 
reductions resulting from the proposal. Small entities for which such 
cost reductions are outweighed by additional record keeping costs may 
choose not to utilize the proposed exemptions.

Certification

    Accordingly, the undersigned certifies that the supplemental final 
rule will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial 
number of small entities.

FHFA

    The supplemental final rule applies only to institutions in the 
primary mortgage market that originate mortgage loans. FHFA's regulated 
entities--Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and the Federal Home Loan Banks--
operate in the secondary mortgage markets. In addition, these entities 
do not come within the meaning of small entities as defined in the RFA. 
See 5 U.S.C. 601(6)).

VIII. Paperwork Reduction Act

OCC, Board, FDIC, NCUA, and Bureau

    Certain provisions of the January 2013 Final Rule contain 
``collection of information'' requirements within the meaning of the 
Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.). See 78 
FR 10368, 10429 (Feb. 13, 2013). Under the PRA, and notwithstanding any 
other provision of law, the Agencies may not conduct or sponsor, and a 
person is not required to respond to, an information collection unless 
the information collection displays a valid OMB control number. The 
information collection requirements contained in this final rule to 
amend the January 2013 Final Rule have been submitted to OMB for review 
and approval by the Bureau, FDIC, NCUA, and OCC under section 3506 of 
the PRA and section 1320.11 of the OMB's implementing regulations (5 
CFR part 1320). The Bureau, FDIC, NCUA, and OCC submitted these 
information collection requirements to OMB at the proposed rule stage, 
as well. OMB filed comments instructing the agencies to examine public 
comment in response to the NPRM and describe in the supporting 
statement of its collection any public comments received regarding the 
collection, as well as why it did or did not incorporate the 
commenter's recommendation. No comments were received concerning the 
proposed information collection requirements. The Board reviewed these 
final rules

[[Page 78576]]

under the authority delegated to the Board by OMB.
    Title of Information Collection: HPML Appraisals.
    Frequency of Response: Event generated.
    Affected Public: Businesses or other for-profit and not-for-profit 
organizations.\210\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \210\ The burdens on the affected public generally are divided 
in accordance with the Agencies' respective administrative 
enforcement authority under TILA section 108, 15 U.S.C. 1607.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Bureau: Insured depository institutions with more than $10 billion 
in assets, their depository institution affiliates, and certain non-
depository mortgage institutions.\211\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \211\ The Bureau and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) 
generally both have enforcement authority over non-depository 
institutions for Regulation Z. Accordingly, for purposes of this PRA 
analysis, the Bureau has allocated to itself half of the Bureau's 
estimated burden for non-depository mortgage institutions. The FTC 
is responsible for estimating and reporting to OMB its share of 
burden under this final rule.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    FDIC: Insured state non-member banks, insured state branches of 
foreign banks, state savings associations, and certain subsidiaries of 
these entities.
    OCC: National banks, Federal savings associations, Federal branches 
or agencies of foreign banks, or any operating subsidiary thereof.
    Board: State member banks, uninsured state branches and agencies of 
foreign banks.
    NCUA: Federally-insured credit unions.
    Abstract:
    The collection of information requirements in the January 2013 
Final Rule are found in paragraphs (c)(3)(i), (c)(3)(ii), (c)(4), 
(c)(5), and (c)(6) of 12 CFR 1026.35.\212\ This information is required 
to protect consumers and promote the safety and soundness of creditors 
making HPMLs subject to 12 CFR 1026.35(c). This information is used by 
creditors to evaluate real estate collateral securing HPMLs subject to 
12 CFR 1026.35(c) and by consumers entering these transactions. The 
collections of information are mandatory for creditors making HPMLs 
subject to 12 CFR 1026.35(c).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \212\ As explained in the section-by-section analysis, these 
requirements are also published in regulations of the OCC (12 CFR 
34.203(c)(1), (c)(2), (d), (e) and (f)) and the Board (12 CFR 
226.43(c)(1), (c)(2), (d), (e), and (f)). For ease of reference, 
this PRA analysis refers to the section numbers of the requirements 
as published in the Bureau's Regulation Z at 12 CFR 1026.35(c).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The January 2013 Final Rule requires that, within three business 
days of application, a creditor provide a disclosure that informs 
consumers of the purpose of the appraisal, that the creditor will 
provide the consumer a copy of any appraisal, and that the consumer may 
choose to have a separate appraisal conducted at the expense of the 
consumer (Initial Appraisal Disclosure). See 12 CFR 1026.35(c)(5). If a 
loan is a HPML subject to 12 CFR 1026.35(c), then the creditor is 
required to obtain a written appraisal prepared by a certified or 
licensed appraiser who conducts a physical visit of the interior of the 
property that will secure the transaction (Written Appraisal), and 
provide a copy of the Written Appraisal to the consumer. See 12 CFR 
1026.35(c)(3)(i) and (c)(6). To qualify for the safe harbor provided 
under the January 2013 Final Rule, a creditor is required to review the 
Written Appraisal as specified in the text of the rule and Appendix N. 
See 12 CFR 1026.35(c)(3)(ii).
    A creditor is required to obtain an additional appraisal 
(Additional Written Appraisal) for a HPML that is subject to 12 CFR 
1026.35(c) if (1) the seller acquired the property securing the loan 90 
or fewer days prior to the date of the consumer's agreement to acquire 
the property and the resale price exceeds the seller's acquisition 
price by more than 10 percent; or (2) the seller acquired the property 
securing the loan 91 to 180 days prior to the date of the consumer's 
agreement to acquire the property and the resale price exceeds the 
seller's acquisition price by more than 20 percent. See 12 CFR 
1026.35(c)(4). The Additional Written Appraisal must meet the 
requirements described above and also analyze: (1) The difference 
between the price at which the seller acquired the property and the 
price the consumer agreed to pay; (2) changes in market conditions 
between the date the seller acquired the property and the date the 
consumer agreed to acquire the property; and (3) any improvements made 
to the property between the date the seller acquired the property and 
the date on which the consumer agreed to acquire the property. See 12 
CFR 1026.35(c)(4)(iv). A creditor is also required to provide a copy of 
the Additional Written Appraisal to the consumer. 12 CFR 1026.35(c)(6).
    The requirements provided in the January 2013 Final Rule were 
described in the PRA section of that rule. See 78 FR 10368, 10429 
(February 13, 2013). As described in the Bureau's section 1022 analysis 
in the January 2013 Final Rule and in Table 3 to that rule, the 
estimated burdens allocated to the Bureau reflected an institution 
count based upon data that had been updated from the proposed rule 
stage and reduced to reflect those exemptions in the January 2013 Final 
Rule for which the Bureau had identified data. As discussed in the 
January 2013 Final Rule, the other Agencies did not adjust the 
calculations to account for the exempted transactions provided in the 
January 2013 Final Rule. Accordingly, the estimated burden calculations 
in Table 3 in the January 2013 Final Rule were overstated.

Calculation of Estimated Burden

January 2013 Final Rule
    As explained in the January 2013 Final Rule, for the Initial 
Appraisal Disclosure, the creditor is required to provide a short, 
written disclosure within three business days of application. Because 
this disclosure is supplied by the federal government for purposes of 
disclosure to the public, this is not classified as an information 
collection pursuant to 5 CFR 1320(c)(2), and the Agencies have assigned 
it no burden for purposes of this PRA analysis.
    The estimated burden for the Written Appraisal requirements 
includes the creditor's burden of reviewing the Written Appraisal in 
order to satisfy the safe harbor criteria set forth in the rule and 
providing a copy of the Written Appraisal to the consumer. 
Additionally, as discussed above, an Additional Written Appraisal 
containing additional analyses is required in certain circumstances. 
The Additional Written Appraisal must meet the standards of the Written 
Appraisal. The Additional Written Appraisal is also required to be 
prepared by a certified or licensed appraiser different from the 
appraiser performing the Written Appraisal, and a copy of the 
Additional Written Appraisal must be provided to the consumer. The 
creditor must separately review the Additional Written Appraisal in 
order to qualify for the safe harbor provided in the January 2013 Final 
Rule.
    The Agencies continue to estimate that respondents will take, on 
average, 15 minutes for each HPML that is subject to 12 CFR 1026.35(c) 
to review the Written Appraisal and to provide a copy of the Written 
Appraisal. The Agencies further continue to estimate that respondents 
will take, on average, 15 minutes for each HPML that is subject to 12 
CFR 1026.35(c) to investigate and verify the need for an Additional 
Written Appraisal and, where necessary, an additional 15 minutes to 
review the Additional Written Appraisal and to provide a copy of the 
Additional Written Appraisal. For the small fraction of loans requiring 
an Additional Written Appraisal, the burden is similar to that of the 
Written Appraisal.

[[Page 78577]]

Final Rule
    The Agencies use the estimated burden from the PRA section of the 
January 2013 Final Rule as the baseline for analyzing the impact the 
three exemptions in the final rule. The estimated number of appraisals 
per respondent for the FDIC, Board, OCC, and NCUA respondents has been 
updated to account for the exemption for qualified mortgages adopted in 
the January 2013 Final Rule, which had not been accounted for in the 
table published at that time, as discussed in the PRA section of the 
Final Rule. See 78 FR 10368, 10430-31 (February 13, 2013). In addition, 
the impact of the final rule has been considered as follows:
    First, the Agencies find that, currently, only a very small 
minority of refinances involve cash out beyond the levels permitted for 
the exemption for certain refinance loans. See Sec.  
1026.35(c)(2)(vii). Going forward, the Agencies believe that virtually 
all refinance loans will be either qualified mortgages or qualify for 
this exemption. The Agencies therefore assume that the exemption for 
certain refinances in this supplemental final rule affects all of the 
refinance loans analyzed under Section 1022(b)(2) of the January 2013 
Final Rule.\213\ In that analysis, the Bureau estimated that a total of 
3,800 new Written Appraisals would occur as a result of the January 
2013 Final Rule (including home purchase, home equity, and refinance 
loans). In the Supplemental Proposal, the Bureau estimated that 
refinances would account for approximately 1,200 of these 3,800 new 
Written Appraisals that would occur as a result of the January 2013 
Final Rule.\214\ Thus, the exemption for certain refinances in this 
supplemental final rule would eliminate approximately 32 percent of the 
new Written Appraisals that were estimated to occur as a result of the 
January 2013 Final Rule.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \213\ See 78 FR 10368, 10419 (Feb. 13, 2013). As discussed in 
the Section 1022(b)(2) analysis in this rule, the Bureau believes 
that there were at most private 12,000 no cash-out refinance 
transactions in 2011, and that some number of these were refinances 
of existing loans where the credit risk holder changed and thus 
would not be eligible for the exemption, and that a small number of 
these refinances had interest-only, negative amortization, or 
balloon features and also would not be eligible for the exemption. 
Moreover, the Bureau believes that about 90 percent of refinance 
transactions would have an appraisal provided to consumers because 
the creditor chose to have an appraisal and provided a copy due to 
the ECOA Valuations Rule. Thus, this exemption is likely to affect 
under 1,000 loans a year. The Agencies do not possess reliable, 
representative data on how many refinances will qualify for this 
exemption. However, to the extent refinances previously would not 
have been eligible for exemptions to this rule, the Agencies believe 
that going forward most such refinances will be restructured as 
qualified mortgages or otherwise to satisfy the criteria of this 
exemption for certain refinances. The Agencies used the same 
assumption for the supplemental proposal and did not receive any 
comments indicating otherwise. Accordingly, the Table below reflects 
this assumption. If this assumption did not hold and these 
refinances were not restructured, the Agencies believe that based on 
the 2011 data the final rules will cause at most a minor number of 
new appraisals--for approximately 1,200 loans.
    \214\ As stated in the Bureau's Section 1022 analysis in the 
January 2013 Final Rule 1022, there were 12,000 refinances affected 
by the January 2013 Final Rule, and out of those the Bureau 
estimated that 10 percent did not have a full appraisal performed in 
the absence of the January 2013 Final Rule, resulting in 10 
percent*12,000=1,200 of refinances that would be estimated to obtain 
an appraisal as a result of the January 2013 Final Rule (and which 
would not be obtained as a result of this supplemental final rule).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Second, based on the HMDA 2011 data, the Agencies find that 12 
percent of all HPMLs are under $25,000. The Agencies believe that this 
implies that there will be, proportionately, 12 percent fewer 
appraisals based on the exemption for smaller dollar loans.
    Third, the Agencies find that many of the transactions secured by 
manufactured homes involve either refinances (all of which are 
conservatively assumed to be covered by the exemption for certain 
refinances), or smaller dollar loans (which cover many types of 
manufactured housing transactions).\215\ While covered HPMLs above 
smaller dollar levels that are secured by existing manufactured homes 
and not land may be newly-exempted, these transactions will need 
alternative valuations under the final rule. In addition, such loans 
secured by new manufactured homes and not land also will need 
alternative valuations. Further, such loans secured by new manufactured 
homes and land will need an appraisal. In the January 2013 Final Rule, 
the Agencies did not reduce the paperwork burden estimates to account 
for the exemption for new manufactured homes adopted at that time. The 
Agencies therefore conservatively make no adjustment to the data in the 
first panel of Table 3 in the January 2013 Final Rule as a result of 
that exemption.\216\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \215\ In particular, the Bureau believes that a substantial 
proportion of the existing manufactured homes that are sold would be 
sold for less than $25,000. According to the Census Bureau 2011 
American Housing Survey Table C-13-OO, the average value of existing 
manufactured homes is $30,000. See http://factfinder2.census.gov/faces/tableservices/jsf/pages/productview.xhtml?pid=AHS_2011_C13OO&prodType=table. The estimate includes not only the value of 
the home, but also appears to include the value of the lot where the 
lot is also owned. According to the AHS Survey, the term ``value'' 
is defined as ``the respondent's estimate of how much the property 
(house and lot) would sell for if it were for sale. Any 
nonresidential portions of the property, any rental units, and land 
cost of mobile homes, are excluded from the value. For vacant units, 
value represents the sales price asked for the property at the time 
of the interview, and may differ from the price at which the 
property is sold. In the publications, medians for value are rounded 
to the nearest dollar.'' See http://www.census.gov/housing/ahs/files/Appendix%20A.pdf.
    \216\ The Bureau assumes that manufactured housing loans secured 
solely by a manufactured home and not land are reflected in the data 
provided by the institutions to the datasets that are used by the 
Bureau (Call Reports for Banks and Thrifts, Call Reports for Credit 
Unions, and NMLS's Mortgage Call Reports), and thus are reflected in 
the Bureau's loan projections utilized for the table below.
    The Agencies conservatively included all non-QM HPML MH loans 
reported in HMDA and projected based on the Call Reports data in its 
paperwork burden calculations for the January 2013 Final Rule. The 
Agencies did not possess sufficient information at the time to 
estimate the proportion of non-QM HPML MH affected by the January 
2013 Final Rule. No new data is used in this rule, and the Agencies 
still do not possess sufficient information to estimate the 
proportion of non-QM HPML MH affected by this Supplemental final 
rule. Thus, the Agencies continue to conservatively assume that all 
non-QM HPML MH loans reported in HMDA and projected based on the 
Call Reports data are subject to the full appraisal requirement, 
resulting in no change in the Table of paperwork burden below.
    Note that, while the Agencies assume that all non-QM HPML MH 
loans are affected, and thus the paperwork burden reported might be 
an overestimate, the Agencies are possibly underestimating the 
burden to the extent that there exists systematic underreporting or 
non-reporting of MH loans to HMDA by creditors who are subject to 
reporting. In its Section 1022(b) and RFA analyses, the Bureau 
stress-tested this possibility and very conservatively, in terms of 
calculating the magnitude of loans affected by provisions of this 
Supplemental final rule, assumed that this underreporting is 
occurring on a massive scale. For the purposes of the PRA analysis, 
the Agencies assume that there is no underreporting. Also, note that 
if the Bureau underestimated the proportion of non-QM loans among MH 
lending, the paperwork burden is also underestimated. See the 
Bureau's Section 1022(b) analysis above for a discussion of data 
used and comments received.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The numbers above affect only the first panel in Table 3 of the PRA 
section of the January 2013 Final Rule. Refinances are not subject to 
the requirement to obtain an Additional Written Appraisal under the 
January 2013 Final Rule, and it is assumed that none of the smaller 
dollar loans or the loans secured by manufactured homes and not land 
were used to purchase homes being resold within 180 days with the 
requisite price increases to trigger that requirement (and thus the 
exemptions for those loans will not reduce any burden associated with 
that requirement). Accordingly, only the first panel in Table 3 from 
the January 2013 Final Rule is being updated and the estimates in the 
second and third panels remain the same. The updated table is 
reproduced below. The one-time costs are not affected.
    The following table summarizes the resulting burden estimates.

[[Page 78578]]

Estimated PRA Burden

 Table 2--Summary of PRA Burden Hours for Information Collections in HPML Appraisals Final Rule Once Exemptions
                                 in the Supplemental Proposal Are Adopted \217\
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                            Estimated number
                                              Estimated       of appraisals   Estimated burden   Estimated total
                                              number of      per respondent       hours per       annual burden
                                             respondents          \218\           appraisal           hours
                                                       [a]               [b]               [c]     [d] = (a*b*c)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                 Review and Provide a Copy of Written Appraisal
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bureau \219,220,221,222\................
Depository Inst. > $10 B in total
 assets+
Depository Inst. Affiliates.............               132              3.73              0.25               123
Non-Depository Inst. and Credit Unions..             2,853              0.23              0.25          \223\ 82
FDIC....................................             2,571              0.14              0.25                93
Board \224\.............................               418              0.18              0.25                19
OCC.....................................             1,399              0.16              0.25                55
NCUA....................................             2,437              0.07              0.25                44
                                         -----------------------------------------------------------------------
    Total...............................             9,810  ................  ................               416
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                       Investigate and Verify Requirement for Additional Written Appraisal
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bureau
Depository Inst. > $10 B in total
 assets+
Depository Inst. Affiliates.............               132             20.05              0.25               662
Non-Depository Inst. and Credit Unions..             2,853              1.22              0.25               435
FDIC....................................             2,571              0.78              0.25               502
Board...................................               418              0.97              0.25               102
OCC.....................................             1,399              0.85              0.25               299
NCUA....................................             2,437              0.38              0.25               232
                                         -----------------------------------------------------------------------
    Total...............................             9,810  ................  ................             2,232
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                            Review and Provide a Copy of Additional Written Appraisal
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bureau
Depository Inst. > $10 B in total
 assets+
Depository Inst. Affiliates.............               132              0.64              0.25                21
Non-Depository Inst. and Credit Unions..             2,853              0.04              0.25                14
FDIC....................................             2,571              0.02              0.25                15
Board...................................               418              0.03              0.25                 3
OCC.....................................             1,399              0.02              0.25                 8
NCUA....................................             2,437              0.01              0.25                 5
                                         -----------------------------------------------------------------------
    Total...............................             9,810  ................  ................                66
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notes:
(1) Respondents include all institutions estimated to originate HPMLs that are subject to 12 CFR 1026.35(c).
(2) There may be an additional ongoing burden of roughly 75 hours for privately-insured credit unions estimated
  to originate HPMLs that are subject to 12 CFR 1026.35(c). As discussed in the second footnote in this PRA
  section, the Bureau will assume half of the burden for non-depository institutions and the privately-insured
  credit unions.

     
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \217\ Some of the intermediate numbers are rounded, resulting in 
``Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours'' not precisely matching up 
with columns a, b, and c.
    \218\ The ``Estimated Number of Appraisals Per Respondent'' 
reflects the estimated number of Written Appraisals and Additional 
Written Appraisals that will be performed solely to comply with the 
January 2013 Final Rule. It does not include the number of 
appraisals that will continue to be performed under current industry 
practice, without regard to the Final Rule's requirements.
    \219\ The information collection requirements (ICs) contained in 
the Bureau's Regulation Z are generally approved by OMB under OMB 
No. 3170-0015. The Bureau divided certain proposals to amend the 
Bureau's Regulation Z into separate Information Collection Requests 
in OMB's system (accessible at www.reginfo.gov) to ease the public's 
ability to view and understand the individual proposals. The ICs in 
the January 2013 Final Rule (and this final rule) will be 
incorporated with the Bureau's existing collection associated with 
Truth in Lending Act (Regulation Z) 12 CFR 1026 (OMB No. 3170-0026). 
In the future, the Bureau plans to reintegrate the ICs in this final 
rule back into OMB No. 3170-0015; therefore, OMB No. 3170-0015 
should continue to be used when referencing the ICs contained in 
this final rule.
    \220\ The burden estimates allocated to the Bureau are updated 
using the data described in the Bureau's section 1022 analysis in 
the January 2013 Final Rule and in the Bureau's section 1022 
analysis above, including significant burden reductions after 
accounting for qualified mortgages that are exempt from the January 
2013 Final Rule, and burden reductions after accounting for loans in 
rural areas that are exempt from the Additional Written Appraisal 
requirement in the Final Rule.
    \221\ There are 153 depository institutions (and their 
depository affiliates) that are subject to the Bureau's 
administrative enforcement authority. In addition, there are 146 
privately-insured credit unions that are subject to the Bureau's 
administrative enforcement authority. For purposes of this PRA 
analysis, the Bureau's respondents under Regulation Z are: 135 
depository institutions that originate either open or closed-end 
mortgages; 77 privately-insured credit unions that originate either 
open or closed-end mortgages; and an estimated 2,787 non-depository 
institutions that are subject to the Bureau's administrative 
enforcement authority. Unless otherwise specified, all references to 
burden hours and costs for the Bureau respondents for the collection 
under Regulation Z are based on a calculation that includes half of 
the burden for the estimated 2,787 non-depository institutions and 
77 privately-insured credit unions.
    \222\ The Bureau calculates its burden by including both HMDA 
reporting creditors and the HMDA non-reporting creditors, based on 
the 2011 data, and allocating burden as discussed in the second 
footnote in this PRA section. The other Agencies only report the 
burden for HMDA reporting creditors, based on the 2011 counts.
    \223\ The Bureau assumes half of the burden for the non-
depository mortgage institutions and the credit unions supervised by 
the Bureau. The FTC assumes the burden for the other half.
    \224\ The ICs in the January 2013 Final Rule will be 
incorporated with the Board's Reporting, Recordkeeping, and 
Disclosure Requirements associated with Regulation Z (Truth in 
Lending), 12 CFR part 226 (OMB No. 7100-0199). The burden estimates 
provided in this final rule pertain only to the ICs associated with 
the Final Rule.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

[[Page 78579]]

    Finally, as explained in the PRA section of the January 2013 Final 
Rule, respondents must also review the instructions and legal guidance 
associated with the Final Rule and train loan officers regarding the 
requirements of the Final Rule. The Agencies continue to estimate that 
these one-time costs are as follows: Bureau: 36,383 hours; FDIC: 10,284 
hours; Board 3,344 hours; OCC: 19,586 hours; NCUA: 7,311 hours.\225\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \225\ As discussed in the PRA section of the January 2013 Final 
Rule, estimated one-time burden continues to be calculated assuming 
a fixed burden per institution to review the regulations and fixed 
burden per estimated loan officer in training costs. As a result of 
the different size and mortgage activities across institutions, the 
average per-institution one-time burdens vary across the Agencies. 
See 78 FR 10368, 10432 (Feb. 13, 2013).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Agencies have a continuing interest in the public opinion of 
our collections of information. At any time, comments regarding the 
burden estimate, or any other aspect of this collection of information, 
including suggestions for reducing the burden, may be sent to the OMB 
desk officer for the Agencies by mail to U.S. Office of Management and 
Budget, Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Washington, DC 
20503, or by the internet to [email protected], with copies 
to the Agencies at the addresses listed in the ADDRESSES section of 
this SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION.

FHFA

    The January 2013 Final Rule and this final rule do not contain any 
collections of information applicable to the FHFA, requiring review by 
OMB under the PRA. Therefore, FHFA has not submitted any materials to 
OMB for review.

IX. Section 302 of the Riegle Community Development and Regulatory 
Improvement Act

    Section 1400 of the Dodd Frank Act requires that the rule issued to 
implement Section 1471 take effect not later than 12 months after the 
date of issuance of the Final Rule. The January 2013 Final Rule was 
issued on January 18, 2013 and will become effective on January 18, 
2014. This supplemental final rule is issued on December 10, 2013 and 
will be effective on January 18, 2014, except that modifications to the 
exemptions for loans secured by manufactured homes will be effective on 
July 18, 2015.
    Section 302 of the Riegle Community Development and Regulatory 
Improvement Act of 1994 (``RCDRIA'') requires that, subject to certain 
exceptions, regulations issued by the federal banking agencies that 
impose additional reporting, disclosure, or other requirements on 
insured depository institutions, take effect on the first day of a 
calendar quarter which begins on or after the date on which the 
regulations are published in final form. This effective date 
requirement does not apply if the issuing agency finds for good cause 
that the regulation should become effective before such time. 12 U.S.C. 
4802.
    With respect to the provisions that are effective on January 18, 
2014, the OCC, Board, and FDIC find that section 302 of the RCDRIA does 
not apply because these provisions do not impose additional reporting, 
disclosure, or other requirements on insured depository institutions.
    With respect to the provisions that are effective July 18, 2015, 
the OCC, Board, and FDIC recognize that section 302 of the RCDRIA 
applies because these modifications to the exemption for loans secured 
by manufactured housing impose some additional disclosure requirements. 
The July 18, 2015 effective date will provide depository institutions 
engaged in manufactured housing lending the opportunity to develop 
appropriate policies and implement systems to ensure compliance with 
the new requirements. Although this date is not the first day of a 
calendar quarter which begins on or after the date on which the 
regulations are published in final form, the OCC, Board, and FDIC note 
that insured depository institutions wishing to comply at the beginning 
of a calendar quarter prior to the effective date retain the 
flexibility to do so.

List of Subjects

12 CFR Part 34

    Appraisal, Appraiser, Banks, Banking, Consumer protection, Credit, 
Mortgages, National banks, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, 
Savings associations, Truth in lending.

12 CFR Part 226

    Advertising, Appraisal, Appraiser, Consumer protection, Credit, 
Federal Reserve System, Mortgages, Reporting and recordkeeping 
requirements, Truth in lending.

12 CFR Part 1026

    Advertising, Appraisal, Appraiser, Banking, Banks, Consumer 
protection, Credit, Credit unions, Mortgages, National banks, Reporting 
and recordkeeping requirements, Savings associations, Truth in lending.

Department of the Treasury

Office of the Comptroller of the Currency

Authority and Issuance

    For the reasons set forth in the preamble, the OCC amends 12 CFR 
part 34 as amended on February 13, 2013 at 78 FR 10368, effective on 
January 18, 2014, as follows:

PART 34--REAL ESTATE LENDING AND APPRAISALS

0
1. The authority citation for part 34 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 12 U.S.C. 1 et seq., 25b, 29, 93a, 371, 1463, 1464, 
1465, 1701j-3, 1828(o), 3331 et seq., 5101 et seq., 5412(b)(2)(B) 
and 15 U.S.C. 1639h.

Subpart G--Appraisals for Higher-Priced Mortgage Loans

0
2. Section 34.202 is amended by redesignating paragraphs (a) through 
(c) as paragraphs (b) through (d), respectively, and adding a new 
paragraph (a) to read as follows:


Sec.  34.202  Definitions applicable to higher-priced mortgage loans.

    (a) Consummation has the same meaning as in 12 CFR 1026.2(a)(13).
* * * * *

0
3a. Section 34.203 is amended by:
0
a. Redesignating paragraphs (a)(2), (3), and (4) as paragraphs (a)(3), 
(5), and (7), respectively, and republishing them;
0
b. Adding new paragraphs (a)(2) and (4) and paragraph (a)(6);
0
c. Revising paragraphs (b) introductory text and (b)(1) and (2); and
0
d. Adding paragraphs (b)(7) and (8).
    The additions and revisions read as follows:


Sec.  34.203  Appraisals for higher priced mortgage loans.

    (a) Definitions. For purposes of this section:
* * * * *
    (2) Credit risk means the financial risk that a consumer will 
default on a loan.

[[Page 78580]]

    (3) Manufactured home has the same meaning as in 24 CFR 3280.2.
    (4) Manufacturer's invoice means a document issued by a 
manufacturer and provided with a manufactured home to a retail dealer 
that separately details the wholesale (base) prices at the factory for 
specific models or series of manufactured homes and itemized options 
(large appliances, built-in items and equipment), plus actual itemized 
charges for freight from the factory to the dealer's lot or the 
homesite (including any rental of wheels and axles) and for any sales 
taxes to be paid by the dealer. The invoice may recite such prices and 
charges on an itemized basis or by stating an aggregate price or 
charge, as appropriate, for each category.
    (5) National Registry means the database of information about State 
certified and licensed appraisers maintained by the Appraisal 
Subcommittee of the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council.
    (6) New manufactured home means a manufactured home that has not 
been previously occupied.
    (7) State agency means a ``State appraiser certifying and licensing 
agency'' recognized in accordance with section 1118(b) of the Financial 
Institutions Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement Act of 1989 (12 U.S.C. 
3347(b)) and any implementing regulations.
    (b) Exemptions. Unless otherwise specified, the requirements in 
paragraph (c) through (f) of this section do not apply to the following 
types of transactions:
    (1) A loan that satisfies the criteria of a qualified mortgage as 
defined pursuant to 15 U.S.C. 1639c.
    (2) An extension of credit for which the amount of credit extended 
is equal to or less than the applicable threshold amount, which is 
adjusted every year to reflect increases in the Consumer Price Index 
for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers, as applicable, and 
published in the OCC official interpretations to this paragraph (b)(2).
* * * * *
    (7) An extension of credit that is a refinancing secured by a first 
lien, with refinancing defined as in 12 CFR 1026.20(a) (except that the 
creditor need not be the original creditor or a holder or servicer of 
the original obligation), provided that the refinancing meets the 
following criteria:
    (i) Either--
    (A) The credit risk of the refinancing is retained by the person 
that held the credit risk of the existing obligation and there is no 
commitment, at consummation, to transfer the credit risk to another 
person; or
    (B) The refinancing is insured or guaranteed by the same Federal 
government agency that insured or guaranteed the existing obligation;
    (ii) The regular periodic payments under the refinance loan do 
not--
    (A) Cause the principal balance to increase;
    (B) Allow the consumer to defer repayment of principal; or
    (C) Result in a balloon payment, as defined in 12 CFR 
1026.18(s)(5)(i); and
    (iii) The proceeds from the refinancing are used solely to satisfy 
the existing obligation and to pay amounts attributed solely to the 
costs of the refinancing; and
    (8) A transaction secured in whole or in part by a manufactured 
home.
0
3b. Effective July 18, 2015, in Sec.  34.203, newly added paragraph 
(b)(8) is revised to read as follows:


Sec.  34.203  Appraisals for higher priced mortgage loans.

* * * * *
    (b) * * *
    (8) A transaction secured by:
    (i) A new manufactured home and land, but the exemption shall only 
apply to the requirement in paragraph (c)(1) of this section that the 
appraiser conduct a physical visit of the interior of the new 
manufactured home; or
    (ii) A manufactured home and not land, for which the creditor 
obtains one of the following and provides a copy to the consumer no 
later than three business days prior to consummation of the 
transaction--
    (A) For a new manufactured home, the manufacturer's invoice for the 
manufactured home securing the transaction, provided that the date of 
manufacture is no earlier than 18 months prior to the creditor's 
receipt of the consumer's application for credit;
    (B) A cost estimate of the value of the manufactured home securing 
the transaction obtained from an independent cost service provider; or
    (C) A valuation, as defined in 12 CFR 1026.42(b)(3), of the 
manufactured home performed by a person who has no direct or indirect 
interest, financial or otherwise, in the property or transaction for 
which the valuation is performed and has training in valuing 
manufactured homes.
* * * * *

0
4. In Appendix A to Subpart G, republish the introductory text and 
revise paragraph 7 to read as follows:

Appendix A to Subpart G--Higher-Priced Mortgage Loan Appraisal Safe 
Harbor Review

    To qualify for the safe harbor provided in Sec.  34.203(c)(2), a 
creditor must confirm that the written appraisal:
* * * * *
    7. Indicates that a physical property visit of the interior of 
the property was performed, as applicable.
* * * * *

Appendix C to Subpart G--OCC Interpretations

0
5. In Appendix C to Subpart G:
0
a. Under the Sec.  34.203(b) entry, add paragraph 1 and add an entry 
for Sec.  34.203(b)(1);
0
c. Revise the Sec.  34.203(b)(2) entry;
0
d. Add paragraph 2 to the Sec.  34.203(b)(4) entry;
0
e. Add an entry for Sec.  34.203(b)(7);
0
f. Effective July 18, 2015, add an entry for Sec.  34.203(b)(8); and
0
g. In the Sec.  34.203(f)(2) entry, remove paragraph 2, redesignate 
paragraph 3 as paragraph 2, and revise it.
    The additions and revisions read as follows:

Section 34.203--Appraisals for Higher-Priced Mortgage Loans

* * * * *

34.203(b) Exemptions

    1. Compliance with title XI of the Financial Institutions 
Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement Act of 1989 (FIRREA). Section 
34.203(b) provides exemptions solely from the requirements of Sec.  
34.203(c) through (f). Institutions subject to the requirements of 
FIRREA and its implementing regulations that make a loan qualifying 
for an exemption under Sec.  34.203(b) must still comply with 
appraisal and evaluation requirements under FIRREA and its 
implementing regulations.

34.203(b)(1) Exemptions

Paragraph 34.203(b)(1)

    1. Qualified mortgage criteria. Under Sec.  34.203(b)(1), a loan 
is exempt from the appraisal requirements of Sec.  34.203 if either:
    i. The loan is--(1) subject to the ability-to-repay requirements 
of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (Bureau) in 12 CFR 
1026.43 as a ``covered transaction'' (defined in 12 CFR 
1026.43(b)(1)) and (2) a qualified mortgage pursuant to the Bureau's 
rules or, for loans insured, guaranteed, or administered by the U.S. 
Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), U.S. Department 
of Veterans Affairs (VA), U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), or 
Rural Housing Service (RHS), a qualified mortgage pursuant to 
applicable rules prescribed by those agencies (but only once such 
rules are in effect; otherwise, the Bureau's definition of a 
qualified mortgage applies to those loans); or
    ii. The loan is--(1) not subject to the Bureau's ability-to-
repay requirements in 12 CFR 1026.43 as a ``covered transaction'' 
(defined in 12 CFR 1026.43(b)(1)), but (2)

[[Page 78581]]

meets the criteria for a qualified mortgage in the Bureau's rules 
or, for loans insured, guaranteed, or administered by HUD, VA, USDA, 
or RHS, meets the criteria for a qualified mortgage in the 
applicable rules prescribed by those agencies (but only once such 
rules are in effect; otherwise, the Bureau's criteria for a 
qualified mortgage applies to those loans). To explain further, 
loans enumerated in 12 CFR 1026.43(a) are not ``covered 
transactions'' under the Bureau's ability-to-repay requirements in 
12 CFR 1026.43, and thus cannot be qualified mortgages (entitled to 
a rebuttable presumption or safe harbor of compliance with the 
ability-to-repay requirements of 12 CFR 1026.43, see, e.g., 12 CFR 
1026.43(e)(1)). These include an extension of credit made pursuant 
to a program administered by a Housing Finance Agency, as defined 
under 24 CFR 266.5, or pursuant to a program authorized by sections 
101 and 109 of the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008. See 
12 CFR 1026.43(a)(3)(iv) and (vi). They also include extensions of 
credit made by a creditor identified in 12 CFR 1026.43(a)(3)(v). 
However, these loans are eligible for the exemption in Sec.  
34.203(b)(1) if they meet the Bureau's qualified mortgage criteria 
in 12 CFR 1026.43(e)(2), (4), (5), or (6) or 12 CFR 1026.43(f) 
(including limits on when loans must be consummated) or, for loans 
that are insured, guaranteed, or administered by HUD, VA, USDA, or 
RHS, in applicable rules prescribed by those agencies (but only once 
such rules are in effect; otherwise, the Bureau's criteria for a 
qualified mortgage applies to those loans). For example, assume that 
HUD has prescribed rules to define loans insured under its programs 
that are qualified mortgages and those rules are in effect. Assume 
further that a creditor designated as a Community Development 
Financial Institution, as defined under 12 CFR 1805.104(h), 
originates a loan insured by the Federal Housing Administration, 
which is a part of HUD. The loan is not a ``covered transaction'' 
and thus is not a qualified mortgage. See 12 CFR 1026.43(a)(3)(v)(A) 
and (b)(1). Nonetheless, the transaction is eligible for an 
exemption from the appraisal requirements of Sec.  34.203(b)(1) if 
it meets the qualified mortgage criteria in HUD's rules. Nothing in 
Sec.  34.203(b)(1) alters the definition of a qualified mortgage 
under regulations of the Bureau, HUD, VA, USDA, or RHS.

Paragraph 34.203(b)(2)

    1. Threshold amount. For purposes of Sec.  34.203(b)(2), the 
threshold amount in effect during a particular one-year period is 
the amount stated below for that period. The threshold amount is 
adjusted effective January 1 of every year by the percentage 
increase in the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and 
Clerical Workers (CPI-W) that was in effect on the preceding June 1. 
Every year, this comment will be amended to provide the threshold 
amount for the upcoming one-year period after the annual percentage 
change in the CPI-W that was in effect on June 1 becomes available. 
Any increase in the threshold amount will be rounded to the nearest 
$100 increment. For example, if the percentage increase in the CPI-W 
would result in a $950 increase in the threshold amount, the 
threshold amount will be increased by $1,000. However, if the 
percentage increase in the CPI-W would result in a $949 increase in 
the threshold amount, the threshold amount will be increased by 
$900.
    i. From January 18, 2014, through December 31, 2014, the 
threshold amount is $25,000.
    2. Qualifying for exemption--in general. A transaction is exempt 
under Sec.  34.203(b)(2) if the creditor makes an extension of 
credit at consummation that is equal to or below the threshold 
amount in effect at the time of consummation.
    3. Qualifying for exemption--subsequent changes. A transaction 
does not meet the condition for an exemption under Sec.  
34.203(b)(2) merely because it is used to satisfy and replace an 
existing exempt loan, unless the amount of the new extension of 
credit is equal to or less than the applicable threshold amount. For 
example, assume a closed-end loan that qualified for a Sec.  
34.203(b)(2) exemption at consummation in year one is refinanced in 
year ten and that the new loan amount is greater than the threshold 
amount in effect in year ten. In these circumstances, the creditor 
must comply with all of the applicable requirements of Sec.  34.203 
with respect to the year ten transaction if the original loan is 
satisfied and replaced by the new loan, unless another exemption 
from the requirements of Sec.  34.203 applies. See Sec.  34.203(b) 
and Sec.  34.203(d)(7).
* * * * *

Paragraph 34.203(b)(4)

* * * * *
    2. Financing initial construction. The exemption for 
construction loans in Sec.  34.203(b)(4) applies to temporary 
financing of the construction of a dwelling that will be replaced by 
permanent financing once construction is complete. The exemption 
does not apply, for example, to loans to finance the purchase of 
manufactured homes that have not been or are in the process of being 
built when the financing obtained by the consumer at that time is 
permanent. See Sec.  34.203(b)(8).
* * * * *

Paragraph 34.203(b)(7)

Paragraph 34.203(b)(7)(i)(A)

    1. Same credit risk holder. The requirement that the holder of 
the credit risk on the existing obligation and the refinancing be 
the same applies to situations in which an entity bears the 
financial responsibility for the default of a loan by either holding 
the loan in its portfolio or guaranteeing payments of principal and 
any interest to investors in a mortgage-backed security in which the 
loan is pooled. See Sec.  34.203(a)(2) (defining ``credit risk''). 
For example, a credit risk holder could be a bank that bears the 
credit risk on the existing obligation by holding the loan in the 
bank's portfolio. Another example of a credit risk holder would be a 
government-sponsored enterprise that bears the risk of default on a 
loan by guaranteeing the payment of principal and any interest on a 
loan to investors in a mortgage-backed security. The holder of 
credit risk under Sec.  34.203(b)(7)(i)(A) does not mean individual 
investors in a mortgage-backed security or providers of private 
mortgage insurance.
    2. Same credit risk holder--illustrations.
    Illustrations of the credit risk holder of the existing 
obligation continuing to be the credit risk holder of the 
refinancing include, but are not limited to, the following:
    i. The existing obligation is held in the portfolio of a bank, 
thus the bank holds the credit risk. The bank arranges to refinance 
the loan and also will hold the refinancing in its portfolio. If the 
refinancing otherwise meets the requirements for an exemption under 
Sec.  34.203(b)(7), the transaction will qualify for the exemption 
because the credit risk holder is the same for the existing 
obligation and the refinance transaction. In this case, the 
exemption would apply regardless of whether the bank arranged to 
refinance the loan directly or indirectly, such as through the 
servicer or subservicer on the existing obligation.
    ii. The existing obligation is held in the portfolio of a 
government-sponsored enterprise (GSE), thus the GSE holds the credit 
risk. The existing obligation is then refinanced by the servicer of 
the loan and immediately transferred to the GSE. The GSE pools the 
refinancing in a mortgage-backed security guaranteed by the GSE, 
thus the GSE holds the credit risk on the refinance loan. If the 
refinance transaction otherwise meets the requirements for an 
exemption under Sec.  34.203(b)(7), the transaction will qualify for 
the exemption because the credit risk holder is the same for the 
existing obligation and the refinance transaction. In this case, the 
exemption would apply regardless of whether the existing obligation 
was refinanced by the servicer or subservicer on the existing 
obligation (acting as a ``creditor'' under 12 CFR 1026.2(a)(17)) or 
by a different creditor.
    3. Forward commitments. A creditor may make a mortgage loan that 
will be sold or otherwise transferred pursuant to an agreement that 
has been entered into at or before the time the transaction is 
consummated. Such an agreement is sometimes known as a ``forward 
commitment.'' A refinance loan does not satisfy the requirement of 
Sec.  34.203(b)(7)(i)(A) if the loan will be acquired pursuant to a 
forward commitment, such that the credit risk on the refinance loan 
will transfer to a person who did not hold the credit risk on the 
existing obligation.

Paragraph 34.203(b)(7)(ii)

    1. Regular periodic payments. Under Sec.  34.203(b)(7)(ii), the 
regular periodic payments on the refinance loan must not: Result in 
an increase of the principal balance (negative amortization); allow 
the consumer to defer repayment of principal (see 12 CFR 1026.43, 
and the Official Staff Interpretations to the Bureau's Regulation Z, 
comment 43(e)(2)(i)-2); or result in a balloon payment. Thus, the 
terms of the legal obligation must require the consumer to make 
payments of principal and interest on a monthly or other periodic 
basis that will repay the loan amount over the loan term. Except for 
payments resulting from any interest rate changes after consummation 
in an adjustable-rate or step-rate mortgage, the periodic

[[Page 78582]]

payments must be substantially equal. For an explanation of the term 
``substantially equal,'' see 12 CFR 1026.43, the Official Staff 
Interpretations to the Bureau's Regulation Z, comment 43(c)(5)(i)-4. 
In addition, a single-payment transaction is not a refinancing 
meeting the requirements of Sec.  34.203(b)(7) because it does not 
require ``regular periodic payments.''

Paragraph 34.203(b)(7)(iii)

    1. Permissible use of proceeds. The exemption for a refinancing 
under Sec.  34.203(b)(7) is available only if the proceeds from the 
refinancing are used exclusively for the existing obligation and 
amounts attributed solely to the costs of the refinancing. The 
existing obligation includes the unpaid principal balance of the 
existing first lien loan, any earned unpaid finance charges, and any 
other lawful charges related to the existing loan. For guidance on 
the meaning of refinancing costs, see 12 CFR 1026.23, the Official 
Staff Interpretations to the Bureau's Regulations Z, comment 23(f)-
4. If the proceeds of a refinancing are used for other purposes, 
such as to pay off other liens or to provide additional cash to the 
consumer for discretionary spending, the transaction does not 
qualify for the exemption for a refinancing under Sec.  34.203(b)(7) 
from the appraisal requirements in Sec.  34.203.

For applications received on or after July 18, 2015

Paragraph 34.203(b)(8)

Paragraph 34.203(b)(8)(i)

    1. Secured by new manufactured home and land--physical visit of 
the interior. A transaction secured by a new manufactured home and 
land is subject to the requirements of Sec.  34.203(c) through (f) 
except for the requirement in Sec.  34.203(c)(1) that the appraiser 
conduct a physical inspection of the interior of the property. Thus, 
for example, a creditor of a loan secured by a new manufactured home 
and land could comply with Sec.  34.203(c)(1) by obtaining an 
appraisal conducted by a state-certified or -licensed appraiser 
based on plans and specifications for the new manufactured home and 
an inspection of the land on which the property will be sited, as 
well as any other information necessary for the appraiser to 
complete the appraisal assignment in conformity with the Uniform 
Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice and the requirements of 
FIRREA and any implementing regulations.

Paragraph 34.203(b)(8)(ii)

    1. Secured by a manufactured home and not land. Section 
34.203(b)(8)(ii) applies to a higher-priced mortgage loan secured by 
a manufactured home and not land, regardless of whether the home is 
titled as realty by operation of state law.

Paragraph 34.203(b)(8)(ii)(B)

    1. Independent. A cost service provider from which the creditor 
obtains a manufactured home unit cost estimate under Sec.  
34.203(b)(8)(ii)(B) is ``independent'' if that person is not 
affiliated with the creditor in the transaction, such as by common 
corporate ownership, and receives no direct or indirect financial 
benefits based on whether the transaction is consummated.
    2. Adjustments. The requirement that the cost estimate be from 
an independent cost service provider does not prohibit a creditor 
from providing a cost estimate that reflects adjustments to account 
for factors such as special features, condition or location. 
However, the requirement that the estimate be obtained from an 
independent cost service provider means that any adjustments to the 
estimate must be based on adjustment factors available as part of 
the independent cost service used, with associated values that are 
determined by the independent cost service.

Paragraph 34.203(b)(8)(ii)(C)

    1. Interest in the property. A person has a direct or indirect 
in the property if, for example, the person has any ownership or 
reasonably foreseeable ownership interest in the manufactured home. 
To illustrate, a person who seeks a loan to purchase the 
manufactured home to be valued has a reasonably foreseeable 
ownership interest in the property.
    2. Interest in the transaction. A person has a direct or 
indirect interest in the transaction if, for example, the person or 
an affiliate of that person also serves as a loan officer of the 
creditor or otherwise arranges the credit transaction, or is the 
retail dealer of the manufactured home. A person also has a 
prohibited interest in the transaction if the person is compensated 
or otherwise receives financial or other benefits based on whether 
the transaction is consummated.
    3. Training in valuing manufactured homes. Training in valuing 
manufactured homes includes, for example, successfully completing a 
course in valuing manufactured homes offered by a state or national 
appraiser association or receiving job training from an employer in 
the business of valuing manufactured homes.
    4. Manufactured home valuation--example. A valuation in 
compliance with Sec.  34.203(b)(8)(ii)(C) would include, for 
example, an appraisal of the manufactured home in accordance with 
the appraisal requirements for a manufactured home classified as 
personal property under the Title I Manufactured Home Loan Insurance 
Program of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, 
pursuant to section 2(b)(10) of the National Housing Act, 12 U.S.C. 
1703(b)(10).
* * * * *

Paragraph 34.203(f)(2) * * *

    2. No waiver. Regulation B, 12 CFR 1002.14(a)(1), allowing the 
consumer to waive the requirement that the appraisal copy be 
provided three business days before consummation, does not apply to 
higher-priced mortgage loans subject to Sec.  34.203. A consumer of 
a higher-priced mortgage loan subject to Sec.  34.203 may not waive 
the timing requirement to receive a copy of the appraisal under 
Sec.  34.203(f)(2).
* * * * *

Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System

Authority and Issuance

    For the reasons stated above, the Board of Governors of the Federal 
Reserve System further amends Regulation Z, 12 CFR part 226, as amended 
at 78 FR 10368 (Feb. 13, 2013), as follows:

PART 226--TRUTH IN LENDING ACT (REGULATION Z)

0
6. The authority citation for part 226 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 12 U.S.C. 3806; 15 U.S.C. 1604, 1637(c)(5), 1639(l), 
and 1639h; Pub. L. 111-24 section 2, 123 Stat. 1734; Pub. L. 111-
203, 124 Stat. 1376.

0
7a. Section 226.43 is amended by:
0
a. Revising paragraphs (a)(2) through (6);
0
b. Adding paragraphs (a)(7) through (10);
0
c. Revising paragraphs (b) introductory text, (b)(1) and (2) and 
(b)(5);
0
d. Adding paragraphs (b)(7) and (8).
    The revisions and additions read as follows:


Sec.  226.43  Appraisals for higher-priced mortgage loans.

    (a) * * *
    (2) Consummation has the same meaning as in 12 CFR 1026.2(a)(13).
    (3) Creditor has the same meaning as in 12 CFR 1026.2(a)(17).
    (4) Credit risk means the financial risk that a consumer will 
default on a loan.
    (5) Higher-priced mortgage loan has the same meaning as in 12 CFR 
1026.35(a)(1).
    (6) Manufactured home has the same meaning as in 24 CFR 3280.2.
    (7) Manufacturer's invoice means a document issued by a 
manufacturer and provided with a manufactured home to a retail dealer 
that separately details the wholesale (base) prices at the factory for 
specific models or series of manufactured homes and itemized options 
(large appliances, built-in items and equipment), plus actual itemized 
charges for freight from the factory to the dealer's lot or the 
homesite (including any rental of wheels and axles) and for any sales 
taxes to be paid by the dealer. The invoice may recite such prices and 
charges on an itemized basis or by stating an aggregate price or 
charge, as appropriate, for each category.
    (8) National Registry means the database of information about State 
certified and licensed appraisers maintained by the Appraisal 
Subcommittee of the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council.

[[Page 78583]]

    (9) New manufactured home means a manufactured home that has not 
been previously occupied.
    (10) State agency means a ``State appraiser certifying and 
licensing agency'' recognized in accordance with section 1118(b) of the 
Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement Act of 1989 
(12 U.S.C. 3347(b)) and any implementing regulations.
    (b) Exemptions. Unless otherwise specified, the requirements in 
paragraphs (c) through (f) of this section do not apply to the 
following types of transactions:
    (1) A loan that satisfies the criteria of a qualified mortgage as 
defined pursuant to 15 U.S.C. 1639c;
    (2) An extension of credit for which the amount of credit extended 
is equal to or less than the applicable threshold amount, which is 
adjusted every year to reflect increases in the Consumer Price Index 
for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers, as applicable, and 
published in the official staff commentary to this paragraph (b)(2);
* * * * *
    (5) A loan with a maturity of 12 months or less, if the purpose of 
the loan is a ``bridge'' loan connected with the acquisition of a 
dwelling intended to become the consumer's principal dwelling.
* * * * *
    (7) An extension of credit that is a refinancing secured by a first 
lien, with refinancing defined as in 12 CFR 1026.20(a) (except that the 
creditor need not be the original creditor or a holder or servicer of 
the original obligation), provided that the refinancing meets the 
following criteria:
    (i) Either--
    (A) The credit risk of the refinancing is retained by the person 
that held the credit risk of the existing obligation and there is no 
commitment, at consummation, to transfer the credit risk to another 
person; or
    (B) The refinancing is insured or guaranteed by the same Federal 
government agency that insured or guaranteed the existing obligation;
    (ii) The regular periodic payments under the refinance loan do 
not--
    (A) Cause the principal balance to increase;
    (B) Allow the consumer to defer repayment of principal; or
    (C) Result in a balloon payment, as defined in 12 CFR 
1026.18(s)(5)(i); and
    (iii) The proceeds from the refinancing are used only to satisfy 
the existing obligation and to pay amounts attributed solely to the 
costs of the refinancing; and
    (8) A transaction secured in whole or in part by a manufactured 
home.
* * * * *

0
7b. Effective July 18, 2015, Sec.  226.43(b)(8) is revised to read as 
follows:


Sec.  226.43  Appraisals for higher-priced mortgage loans

* * * * *
    (b) * * *
    (8) A transaction secured by:
    (i) A new manufactured home and land, but the exemption shall only 
apply to the requirement in paragraph (c)(1) of this section that the 
appraiser conduct a physical visit of the interior of the new 
manufactured home; or
    (ii) A manufactured home and not land, for which the creditor 
obtains one of the following and provides a copy to the consumer no 
later than three business days prior to consummation of the 
transaction--
    (A) For a new manufactured home, the manufacturer's invoice for the 
manufactured home securing the transaction, provided that the date of 
manufacture is no earlier than 18 months prior to the creditor's 
receipt of the consumer's application for credit;
    (B) A cost estimate of the value of the manufactured home securing 
the transaction obtained from an independent cost service provider; or
    (C) A valuation, as defined in 12 CFR 1026.42(b)(3), of the 
manufactured home performed by a person who has no direct or indirect 
interest, financial or otherwise, in the property or transaction for 
which the valuation is performed and has training in valuing 
manufactured homes.
* * * * *

0
8. In Appendix N to part 226, the introductory text is republished and 
paragraph 7 is revised to read as follows:

Appendix N to Part 226--Higher-Priced Mortgage Loan Appraisal Safe 
Harbor Review

    To qualify for the safe harbor provided in Sec.  226.43(c)(2), a 
creditor must confirm that the written appraisal:
* * * * *
    7. Indicates that a physical property visit of the interior of 
the property was performed, as applicable.
* * * * *

0
9. In Supplement I to part 226, under Section 226.43--Appraisals for 
Higher-Priced Mortgage Loans:
0
a. Under the entry for 43(b), paragraph 1 is added;
0
b. A 43(b)(1) entry is added.
0
c. The 43(b)(2) entry is revised.
0
d. Under the 43(b)(4) entry, paragraph 2 is added.
0
e. A 43(b)(7) entry is added.
0
f. Effective July 18, 2015, a 43(b)(8) entry is added.
0
g. Under entry 43(f)(2), paragraph 2 is removed and paragraph 3 is 
redesignated as paragraph 2 and revised.
    The additions and revisions read as follows:

Supplement I to Part 226--Official Interpretations

* * * * *

Section 226.43--Appraisals for Higher-Priced Mortgage Loans

* * * * *

43(b) Exemptions

    1. Compliance with title XI of the Financial Institutions 
Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement Act of 1989 (FIRREA). Section 
226.43(b) provides exemptions solely from the requirements of Sec.  
226.43(c) through (f). Institutions subject to the requirements of 
FIRREA and its implementing regulations that make a loan qualifying 
for an exemption under Sec.  226.43(b) must still comply with 
appraisal and evaluation requirements under FIRREA and its 
implementing regulations.

Paragraph 43(b)(1)

    1. Qualified mortgage criteria. Under Sec.  226.43(b)(1), a loan 
is exempt from the appraisal requirements of Sec.  226.43 if either:
    i. The loan is--(1) subject to the ability-to-repay requirements 
of the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection (Bureau) in 12 CFR 
1026.43 as a ``covered transaction'' (defined in 12 CFR 
1026.43(b)(1)) and (2) a qualified mortgage pursuant to the Bureau's 
rules or, for loans insured, guaranteed, or administered by the U.S. 
Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), U.S. Department 
of Veterans Affairs (VA), U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), or 
Rural Housing Service (RHS), a qualified mortgage pursuant to 
applicable rules prescribed by those agencies (but only once such 
rules are in effect; otherwise, the Bureau's definition of a 
qualified mortgage applies to those loans); or
    ii. The loan is--(1) not subject to the Bureau's ability-to-
repay requirements in 12 CFR 1026.43 as a ``covered transaction'' 
(defined in 12 CFR 1026.43(b)(1)), but (2) meets the criteria for a 
qualified mortgage in the Bureau's rules or, for loans insured, 
guaranteed, or administered by HUD, VA, USDA, or RHS, meets the 
criteria for a qualified mortgage in the applicable rules prescribed 
by those agencies (but only once such rules are in effect; 
otherwise, the Bureau's criteria for a qualified mortgage applies to 
those loans). To explain further, loans enumerated in 12 CFR 
1026.43(a) are not ``covered transactions'' under the Bureau's 
ability-to-repay requirements in 12 CFR 1026.43, and thus cannot be 
qualified mortgages (entitled to a rebuttable presumption or safe 
harbor of compliance with the ability-to-repay requirements of 12 
CFR 1026.43, see, e.g., 12 CFR 1026.43(e)(1)). These include an 
extension of credit made pursuant to a program administered by a 
Housing Finance Agency, as defined under 24 CFR 266.5, or pursuant 
to a program

[[Page 78584]]

authorized by sections 101 and 109 of the Emergency Economic 
Stabilization Act of 2008. See 12 CFR 1026.43(a)(3)(iv) and (vi). 
They also include extensions of credit made by a creditor identified 
in 12 CFR 1026.43(a)(3)(v). However, these loans are eligible for 
the exemption in Sec.  226.43(b)(1) if they meet the Bureau's 
qualified mortgage criteria in Sec.  1026.43(e)(2), (4), (5), or (6) 
or Sec.  1026.43(f) (including limits on when loans must be 
consummated) or, for loans that are insured, guaranteed, or 
administered by HUD, VA, USDA, or RHS, in applicable rules 
prescribed by those agencies (but only once such rules are in 
effect; otherwise, the Bureau's criteria for a qualified mortgage 
applies to those loans). For example, assume that HUD has prescribed 
rules to define loans insured under its programs that are qualified 
mortgages and those rules are in effect. Assume further that a 
creditor designated as a Community Development Financial 
Institution, as defined under 12 CFR 1805.104(h), originates a loan 
insured by the Federal Housing Administration, which is a part of 
HUD. The loan is not a ``covered transaction'' and thus is not a 
qualified mortgage. See 12 CFR 1026.43(a)(3)(v)(A) and (b)(1). 
Nonetheless, the transaction is eligible for an exemption from the 
appraisal requirements of Sec.  226.43 if it meets the qualified 
mortgage criteria in HUD's rules. Nothing in Sec.  226.43(b)(1) 
alters the definition of a qualified mortgage under regulations of 
the Bureau, HUD, VA, USDA, or RHS.

Paragraph 43(b)(2)

    1. Threshold amount. For purposes of Sec.  226.43(b)(2), the 
threshold amount in effect during a particular one-year period is 
the amount stated below for that period. The threshold amount is 
adjusted effective January 1 of every year by the percentage 
increase in the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and 
Clerical Workers (CPI-W) that was in effect on the preceding June 1. 
Every year, this comment will be amended to provide the threshold 
amount for the upcoming one-year period after the annual percentage 
change in the CPI-W that was in effect on June 1 becomes available. 
Any increase in the threshold amount will be rounded to the nearest 
$100 increment. For example, if the percentage increase in the CPI-W 
would result in a $950 increase in the threshold amount, the 
threshold amount will be increased by $1,000. However, if the 
percentage increase in the CPI-W would result in a $949 increase in 
the threshold amount, the threshold amount will be increased by 
$900.
    i. From January 18, 2014, through December 31, 2014, the 
threshold amount is $25,000.
    2. Qualifying for exemption--in general. A transaction is exempt 
under Sec.  226.43(b)(2) if the creditor makes an extension of 
credit at consummation that is equal to or below the threshold 
amount in effect at the time of consummation.
    3. Qualifying for exemption--subsequent changes. A transaction 
does not meet the condition for an exemption under Sec.  
226.43(b)(2) merely because it is used to satisfy and replace an 
existing exempt loan, unless the amount of the new extension of 
credit is equal to or less than the applicable threshold amount. For 
example, assume a closed-end loan that qualified for a Sec.  
226.43(b)(2) exemption at consummation in year one is refinanced in 
year ten and that the new loan amount is greater than the threshold 
amount in effect in year ten. In these circumstances, the creditor 
must comply with all of the applicable requirements of Sec.  226.43 
with respect to the year ten transaction if the original loan is 
satisfied and replaced by the new loan, unless another exemption 
from the requirements of Sec.  226.43 applies. See Sec.  226.43(b) 
and (d)(7).
* * * * *

Paragraph 43(b)(4)

* * * * *
    2. Financing initial construction. The exemption for 
construction loans in Sec.  226.43(b)(4) applies to temporary 
financing of the construction of a dwelling that will be replaced by 
permanent financing once construction is complete. The exemption 
does not apply, for example, to loans to finance the purchase of 
manufactured homes that have not been or are in the process of being 
built when the financing obtained by the consumer at that time is 
permanent. See Sec.  226.43(b)(8).

Paragraph 43(b)(7)(i)(A)

    1. Same credit risk holder. The requirement that the holder of 
the credit risk on the existing obligation and the refinancing be 
the same applies to situations in which an entity bears the 
financial responsibility for the default of a loan by either holding 
the loan in its portfolio or guaranteeing payments of principal and 
any interest to investors in a mortgage-backed security in which the 
loan is pooled. See Sec.  226.43(a)(4) (defining ``credit risk''). 
For example, a credit risk holder could be a bank that bears the 
credit risk on the existing obligation by holding the loan in the 
bank's portfolio. Another example of a credit risk holder would be a 
government-sponsored enterprise that bears the risk of default on a 
loan by guaranteeing the payment of principal and any interest on a 
loan to investors in a mortgage-backed security. The holder of 
credit risk under Sec.  226.43(b)(7)(i)(A) does not mean individual 
investors in a mortgage-backed security or providers of private 
mortgage insurance.
    2. Same credit risk holder--illustrations.
    Illustrations of the credit risk holder of the existing 
obligation continuing to be the credit risk holder of the 
refinancing include, but are not limited to, the following:
    i. The existing obligation is held in the portfolio of a bank, 
thus the bank holds the credit risk. The bank arranges to refinance 
the loan and also will hold the refinancing in its portfolio. If the 
refinancing otherwise meets the requirements for an exemption under 
Sec.  226.43(b)(7), the transaction will qualify for the exemption 
because the credit risk holder is the same for the existing 
obligation and the refinance transaction. In this case, the 
exemption would apply regardless of whether the bank arranged to 
refinance the loan directly or indirectly, such as through the 
servicer or subservicer on the existing obligation.
    ii. The existing obligation is held in the portfolio of a 
government-sponsored enterprise (GSE), thus the GSE holds the credit 
risk. The existing obligation is then refinanced by the servicer of 
the loan and immediately transferred to the GSE. The GSE pools the 
refinancing in a mortgage-backed security guaranteed by the GSE, 
thus the GSE holds the credit risk on the refinance loan. If the 
refinance transaction otherwise meets the requirements for an 
exemption under Sec.  226.43(b)(7), the transaction will qualify for 
the exemption because the credit risk holder is the same for the 
existing obligation and the refinance transaction. In this case, the 
exemption would apply regardless of whether the existing obligation 
was refinanced by the servicer or subservicer on the existing 
obligation (acting as a ``creditor'' under Sec.  1026.2(a)(17)) or 
by a different creditor.
    3. Forward commitments. A creditor may make a mortgage loan that 
will be sold or otherwise transferred pursuant to an agreement that 
has been entered into at or before the time the transaction is 
consummated. Such an agreement is sometimes known as a ``forward 
commitment.'' A refinance loan does not satisfy the requirement of 
Sec.  226.43(b)(7)(i)(A) if the loan will be acquired pursuant to a 
forward commitment, such that the credit risk on the refinance loan 
will transfer to a person who did not hold the credit risk on the 
existing obligation.

Paragraph 43(b)(7)

Paragraph 43(b)(7)(ii)

    1. Regular periodic payments. Under Sec.  226.43(b)(7)(ii), the 
regular periodic payments on the refinance loan must not: result in 
an increase of the principal balance (negative amortization); allow 
the consumer to defer repayment of principal (see 12 CFR 1026.43 and 
the Official Staff Interpretations to the Bureau's Regulation Z, 
comment 43(e)(2)(i)-2); or result in a balloon payment. Thus, the 
terms of the legal obligation must require the consumer to make 
payments of principal and interest on a monthly or other periodic 
basis that will repay the loan amount over the loan term. Except for 
payments resulting from any interest rate changes after consummation 
in an adjustable-rate or step-rate mortgage, the periodic payments 
must be substantially equal. For an explanation of the term 
``substantially equal,'' see 12 CFR 1026.43 and the Official Staff 
Interpretations to the Bureau's Regulation Z, comment 43(c)(5)(i)-4. 
In addition, a single-payment transaction is not a refinancing 
meeting the requirements of Sec.  226.43(b)(7) because it does not 
require ``regular periodic payments.''

Paragraph 43(b)(7)(iii)

    1. Permissible use of proceeds. The exemption for a refinancing 
under Sec.  226.43(b)(7) is available only if the proceeds from the 
refinancing are used exclusively for the existing obligation and 
amounts attributed solely to the costs of the refinancing. The 
existing obligation includes the unpaid principal balance of the 
existing first lien loan, any earned unpaid finance charges, and any 
other lawful charges related to the existing loan. For guidance on 
the meaning of refinancing costs, see 12 CFR

[[Page 78585]]

1026.23, the Official Staff Interpretations to the Bureau's 
Regulations Z, comment 23(f)-4. If the proceeds of a refinancing are 
used for other purposes, such as to pay off other liens or to 
provide additional cash to the consumer for discretionary spending, 
the transaction does not qualify for the exemption for a refinancing 
under Sec.  226.43(b)(7) from the appraisal requirements in Sec.  
226.43.

For applications received on or after July 18, 2015

Paragraph 43(b)(8)

Paragraph 43(b)(8)(i)

    1. Secured by new manufactured home and land--physical visit of 
the interior. A transaction secured by a new manufactured home and 
land is subject to the requirements of Sec.  226.43(c) through (f) 
except for the requirement in Sec.  226.43(c)(1) that the appraiser 
conduct a physical inspection of the interior of the property. Thus, 
for example, a creditor of a loan secured by a new manufactured home 
and land could comply with Sec.  226.43(c)(1) by obtaining an 
appraisal conducted by a state-certified or -licensed appraiser 
based on plans and specifications for the new manufactured home and 
an inspection of the land on which the property will be sited, as 
well as any other information necessary for the appraiser to 
complete the appraisal assignment in conformity with the Uniform 
Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice and the requirements of 
FIRREA and any implementing regulations.

Paragraph 43(b)(8)(ii)

    1. Secured by a manufactured home and not land. Section 
226.43(b)(8)(ii) applies to a higher-priced mortgage loan secured by 
a manufactured home and not land, regardless of whether the home is 
titled as realty by operation of State law.

Paragraph 43(b)(8)(ii)(B)

    1. Independent. A cost service provider from which the creditor 
obtains a manufactured home unit cost estimate under Sec.  
226.43(b)(8)(ii)(B) is ``independent'' if that person is not 
affiliated with the creditor in the transaction, such as by common 
corporate ownership, and receives no direct or indirect financial 
benefits based on whether the transaction is consummated.
    2. Adjustments. The requirement that the cost estimate be from 
an independent cost service provider does not prohibit a creditor 
from providing a cost estimate that reflects adjustments to account 
for factors such as special features, condition or location. 
However, the requirement that the estimate be obtained from an 
independent cost service provider means that any adjustments to the 
estimate must be based on adjustment factors available as part of 
the independent cost service used, with associated values that are 
determined by the independent cost service.

Paragraph 43(b)(8)(ii)(C)

    1. Interest in the property. A person has a direct or indirect 
in the property if, for example, the person has any ownership or 
reasonably foreseeable ownership interest in the manufactured home. 
To illustrate, a person who seeks a loan to purchase the 
manufactured home to be valued has a reasonably foreseeable 
ownership interest in the property.
    2. Interest in the transaction. A person has a direct or 
indirect interest in the transaction if, for example, the person or 
an affiliate of that person also serves as a loan officer of the 
creditor or otherwise arranges the credit transaction, or is the 
retail dealer of the manufactured home. A person also has a 
prohibited interest in the transaction if the person is compensated 
or otherwise receives financial or other benefits based on whether 
the transaction is consummated.
    3. Training in valuing manufactured homes. Training in valuing 
manufactured homes includes, for example, successfully completing a 
course in valuing manufactured homes offered by a State or national 
appraiser association or receiving job training from an employer in 
the business of valuing manufactured homes.
    4. Manufactured home valuation--example. A valuation in 
compliance with Sec.  226.43(b)(8)(ii)(C) would include, for 
example, an appraisal of the manufactured home in accordance with 
the appraisal requirements for a manufactured home classified as 
personal property under the Title I Manufactured Home Loan Insurance 
Program of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, 
pursuant to section 2(b)(10) of the National Housing Act, 12 U.S.C. 
1703(b)(10).
* * * * *

43(f)(2) Timing

* * * * *
    2. No waiver. Regulation B, 12 CFR 1002.14(a)(1), allowing the 
consumer to waive the requirement that the appraisal copy be 
provided three business days before consummation, does not apply to 
higher-priced mortgage loans subject to Sec.  226.43. A consumer of 
a higher-priced mortgage loan subject to Sec.  226.43 may not waive 
the timing requirement to receive a copy of the appraisal under 
Sec.  226.43(f)(2).
* * * * *

Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection

Authority and Issuance

    For the reasons stated above, the Bureau further amends Regulation 
Z, 12 CFR part 1026, as amended February 13, 2013 (78 FR 10368), as 
follows:

PART 1026--TRUTH IN LENDING ACT (REGULATION Z)

0
10. The authority citation for part 1026 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 12 U.S.C. 2601, 2603-2605, 2607, 2609, 2617, 5511, 
5512, 5532, 5581; 15 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.

Subpart E--Special Rules for Certain Home Mortgage Transactions

0
11a. Section 1026.35 is amended by;
0
a. Revising the paragraph (c) subject heading and paragraphs (c)(1)(ii) 
through (iv);
0
b. Adding paragraphs (c)(1)(v) through (vii);
0
c. Revising paragraphs (c)(2) introductory text, (c)(2)(i) and (ii), 
and (v); and
0
d. Adding paragraphs (c)(2)(vii) and (viii).
    The revisions and additions read as follows:


Sec.  1026.35  Requirements for higher-priced mortgage loans.

* * * * *
    (c) Appraisals--(1) * * *
    (ii) Credit risk means the financial risk that a consumer will 
default on a loan.
    (iii) Manufactured home has the same meaning as in 24 CFR 3280.2.
    (iv) Manufacturer's invoice means a document issued by a 
manufacturer and provided with a manufactured home to a retail dealer 
that separately details the wholesale (base) prices at the factory for 
specific models or series of manufactured homes and itemized options 
(large appliances, built-in items and equipment), plus actual itemized 
charges for freight from the factory to the dealer's lot or the 
homesite (including any rental of wheels and axles) and for any sales 
taxes to be paid by the dealer. The invoice may recite such prices and 
charges on an itemized basis or by stating an aggregate price or 
charge, as appropriate, for each category.
    (v) National Registry means the database of information about State 
certified and licensed appraisers maintained by the Appraisal 
Subcommittee of the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council.
    (vi) New manufactured home means a manufactured home that has not 
been previously occupied.
    (vii) State agency means a ``State appraiser certifying and 
licensing agency'' recognized in accordance with section 1118(b) of the 
Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement Act of 1989 
(12 U.S.C. 3347(b)) and any implementing regulations.
    (2) Exemptions. Unless otherwise specified, the requirements in 
paragraph (c)(3) through (6) of this section do not apply to the 
following types of transactions:
    (i) A loan that satisfies the criteria of a qualified mortgage as 
defined pursuant to 15 U.S.C. 1639c;
    (ii) An extension of credit for which the amount of credit extended 
is equal to or less than the applicable threshold amount, which is 
adjusted every year to reflect increases in the Consumer Price

[[Page 78586]]

Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers, as applicable, and 
published in the official staff commentary to this paragraph 
(c)(2)(ii);
* * * * *
    (v) A loan with a maturity of 12 months or less, if the purpose of 
the loan is a ``bridge'' loan connected with the acquisition of a 
dwelling intended to become the consumer's principal dwelling.
* * * * *
    (vii) An extension of credit that is a refinancing secured by a 
first lien, with refinancing defined as in Sec.  1026.20(a) (except 
that the creditor need not be the original creditor or a holder or 
servicer of the original obligation), provided that the refinancing 
meets the following criteria:
    (A) Either--
    (1) The credit risk of the refinancing is retained by the person 
that held the credit risk of the existing obligation and there is no 
commitment, at consummation, to transfer the credit risk to another 
person; or
    (2) The refinancing is insured or guaranteed by the same Federal 
government agency that insured or guaranteed the existing obligation;
    (B) The regular periodic payments under the refinance loan do not--
    (1) Cause the principal balance to increase;
    (2) Allow the consumer to defer repayment of principal; or
    (3) Result in a balloon payment, as defined in Sec.  
1026.18(s)(5)(i); and
    (C) The proceeds from the refinancing are used solely to satisfy 
the existing obligation and amounts attributed solely to the costs of 
the refinancing; and
    (viii) A transaction secured in whole or in part by a manufactured 
home.


0
11b. Effective July 18, 2015, Sec.  1026.35(c)(2)(viii) is revised to 
read as follows:


Sec.  1026.35  Requirements for higher-priced mortgage loans.

* * * * *
    (c) * * *
    (2) * * *
    (viii) A transaction secured by:
    (A) A new manufactured home and land, but the exemption shall only 
apply to the requirement in paragraph (c)(3)(i) of this section that 
the appraiser conduct a physical visit of the interior of the new 
manufactured home; or
    (B) A manufactured home and not land, for which the creditor 
obtains one of the following and provides a copy to the consumer no 
later than three business days prior to consummation of the 
transaction--
    (1) For a new manufactured home, the manufacturer's invoice for the 
manufactured home securing the transaction, provided that the date of 
manufacture is no earlier than 18 months prior to the creditor's 
receipt of the consumer's application for credit;
    (2) A cost estimate of the value of the manufactured home securing 
the transaction obtained from an independent cost service provider; or
    (3) A valuation, as defined in Sec.  1026.42(b)(3), of the 
manufactured home performed by a person who has no direct or indirect 
interest, financial or otherwise, in the property or transaction for 
which the valuation is performed and has training in valuing 
manufactured homes.
* * * * *

0
12. In Appendix N to part 1026, the introductory text is republished 
and paragraph 7 is revised to read as follows:

Appendix N To Part 1026--Higher-Priced Mortgage Loan Appraisal Safe 
Harbor Review

    To qualify for the safe harbor provided in Sec.  
1026.35(c)(3)(ii), a creditor must confirm that the written 
appraisal:
* * * * *
    7. Indicates that a physical property visit of the interior of 
the property was performed, as applicable.
* * * * *

0
13. In Supplement I to part 1026, under Section 1026.35--Requirements 
for Higher Priced Mortgages Loans:
0
a. The 35(c)(2) entry is amended by adding paragraph 1.
0
b. A 35(c)(2)(i) entry is added.
0
c. The 35(c)(2)(ii) entry is revised.
0
d. The 35(c)(2)(iv) entry is amended by adding paragraph 2.
0
e. A 35(c)(2)(vii)(A)(1) entry is added.
0
f. Entries for 35(c)(2)(vii)(B) and (C) are added.
0
g. Effective July 18, 2015, entries for 35(c)(2)(viii)(A) and (B) are 
added.
0
h. Effective July 18, 2015, a 35(c)(2)(viii)(B)(2) entry is added.
0
i. Effective July 18, 2015, a 35(c)(2)(viii)(C)(3) entry is added.
0
j. Under the 35(c)(6)(ii) entry, paragraph 2 is removed and paragraph 3 
is redesignated as paragraph 2.
    The revisions and additions read as follows:

Supplement I to Part 1026--Official Interpretations

* * * * *

Subpart E--Special Rules for Certain Home Mortgage Transactions

Section 1026.35--Requirements for Higher-Priced Mortgage Loans

* * * * *

Paragraph 35(c)(2) Exemptions

    1. Compliance with title XI of the Financial Institutions 
Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement Act of 1989 (FIRREA). Section 
1026.35(c)(2) provides exemptions solely from the requirements of 
section 1026.35(c)(3) through (6). Institutions subject to the 
requirements of FIRREA and its implementing regulations that make a 
loan qualifying for an exemption under section 1026.35(c)(2) must 
still comply with appraisal and evaluation requirements under FIRREA 
and its implementing regulations.

Paragraph 35(c)(2)(i)

    1. Qualified mortgage criteria. Under Sec.  1026.35(c)(2)(i), a 
loan is exempt from the appraisal requirements of Sec.  1026.35(c) 
if either:
    i. The loan is--(1) subject to the Bureau's ability-to-repay 
requirements in Sec.  1026.43 as a ``covered transaction'' (defined 
in Sec.  1026.43(b)(1)) and (2) a qualified mortgage pursuant to the 
Bureau's rules or, for loans insured, guaranteed, or administered by 
the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), U.S. 
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), U.S. Department of Agriculture 
(USDA), or Rural Housing Service (RHS), a qualified mortgage 
pursuant to applicable rules prescribed by those agencies (but only 
once such rules are in effect; otherwise, the Bureau's definition of 
a qualified mortgage applies to those loans); or
    ii. The loan is--(1) not subject to the Bureau's ability-to-
repay requirements in Sec.  1026.43 as a ``covered transaction'' 
(defined in Sec.  1026.43(b)(1)), but (2) meets the criteria for a 
qualified mortgage in the Bureau's rules or, for loans insured, 
guaranteed, or administered by HUD, VA, USDA, or RHS, meets the 
criteria for a qualified mortgage in the applicable rules prescribed 
by those agencies (but only once such rules are in effect; 
otherwise, the Bureau's criteria for a qualified mortgage applies to 
those loans). To explain further, loans enumerated in Sec.  
1026.43(a) are not ``covered transactions'' under the Bureau's 
ability-to-repay requirements in Sec.  1026.43, and thus cannot be 
qualified mortgages (entitled to a rebuttable presumption or safe 
harbor of compliance with the ability-to-repay requirements of Sec.  
1026.43, see, e.g., Sec.  1026.43(e)(1)). These include an extension 
of credit made pursuant to a program administered by a Housing 
Finance Agency, as defined under 24 CFR 266.5, or pursuant to a 
program authorized by sections 101 and 109 of the Emergency Economic 
Stabilization Act of 2008. See Sec.  1026.43(a)(3)(iv) and (vi). 
They also include extensions of credit made by a creditor identified 
in Sec.  1026.43(a)(3)(v). However, these loans are eligible for the 
exemption in Sec.  1026.35(c)(2)(i) if they meet the Bureau's 
qualified mortgage criteria in Sec.  1026.43(e)(2), (4), (5), or (6) 
or Sec.  1026.43(f) (including limits on when loans must be 
consummated) or, for loans that are insured, guaranteed, or 
administered by HUD, VA, USDA, or RHS, in applicable rules 
prescribed by those agencies (but only once such rules are in 
effect; otherwise, the Bureau's criteria for a qualified mortgage 
applies to those loans). For example, assume that HUD has prescribed 
rules to define loans insured

[[Page 78587]]

under its programs that are qualified mortgages and those rules are 
in effect. Assume further that a creditor designated as a Community 
Development Financial Institution, as defined under 12 CFR 
1805.104(h), originates a loan insured by the Federal Housing 
Administration, which is a part of HUD. The loan is not a ``covered 
transaction'' and thus is not a qualified mortgage. See Sec.  
1026.43(a)(3)(v)(A) and (b)(1). Nonetheless, the transaction is 
eligible for an exemption from the appraisal requirements of Sec.  
1026.35(c) if it meets the qualified mortgage criteria in HUD's 
rules. Nothing in Sec.  1026.35(c)(2)(i) alters the definition of a 
qualified mortgage under regulations of the Bureau, HUD, VA, USDA, 
or RHS.
* * * * *

Paragraph 35(c)(2)(ii)

    1. Threshold amount. For purposes of Sec.  1026.35(c)(2)(ii), 
the threshold amount in effect during a particular one-year period 
is the amount stated below for that period. The threshold amount is 
adjusted effective January 1 of every year by the percentage 
increase in the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and 
Clerical Workers (CPI-W) that was in effect on the preceding June 1. 
Every year, this comment will be amended to provide the threshold 
amount for the upcoming one-year period after the annual percentage 
change in the CPI-W that was in effect on June 1 becomes available. 
Any increase in the threshold amount will be rounded to the nearest 
$100 increment. For example, if the percentage increase in the CPI-W 
would result in a $950 increase in the threshold amount, the 
threshold amount will be increased by $1,000. However, if the 
percentage increase in the CPI-W would result in a $949 increase in 
the threshold amount, the threshold amount will be increased by 
$900.
    i. From January 18, 2014, through December 31, 2014, the 
threshold amount is $25,000.
    2. Qualifying for exemption--in general. A transaction is exempt 
under Sec.  1026.35(c)(2)(ii) if the creditor makes an extension of 
credit at consummation that is equal to or below the threshold 
amount in effect at the time of consummation.
    3. Qualifying for exemption--subsequent changes. A transaction 
does not meet the condition for an exemption under Sec.  
1026.35(c)(2)(ii) merely because it is used to satisfy and replace 
an existing exempt loan, unless the amount of the new extension of 
credit is equal to or less than the applicable threshold amount. For 
example, assume a closed-end loan that qualified for a Sec.  
1026.35(c)(2)(ii) exemption at consummation in year one is 
refinanced in year ten and that the new loan amount is greater than 
the threshold amount in effect in year ten. In these circumstances, 
the creditor must comply with all of the applicable requirements of 
Sec.  1026.35(c) with respect to the year ten transaction if the 
original loan is satisfied and replaced by the new loan, unless 
another exemption from the requirements of Sec.  1026.35(c) applies. 
See Sec.  1026.35(c)(2) and Sec.  1026.35(c)(4)(vii).
* * * * *

Paragraph 35(c)(2)(iv)

* * * * *
    2. Financing initial construction. The exemption for 
construction loans in Sec.  1026.35(c)(2)(iv) applies to temporary 
financing of the construction of a dwelling that will be replaced by 
permanent financing once construction is complete. The exemption 
does not apply, for example, to loans to finance the purchase of 
manufactured homes that have not been or are in the process of being 
built when the financing obtained by the consumer at that time is 
permanent. See Sec.  1026.35(c)(2)(viii).

Paragraph 35(c)(2)(vii)(A)(1)

    1. Same credit risk holder. The requirement that the holder of 
the credit risk on the existing obligation and the refinancing be 
the same applies to situations in which an entity bears the 
financial responsibility for the default of a loan by either holding 
the loan in its portfolio or guaranteeing payments of principal and 
any interest to investors in a mortgage-backed security in which the 
loan is pooled. See Sec.  1026.35(c)(1)(ii) (defining ``credit 
risk''). For example, a credit risk holder could be a bank that 
bears the credit risk on the existing obligation by holding the loan 
in the bank's portfolio. Another example of a credit risk holder 
would be a government-sponsored enterprise that bears the risk of 
default on a loan by guaranteeing the payment of principal and any 
interest on a loan to investors in a mortgage-backed security. The 
holder of credit risk under Sec.  1026.35(c)(2)(vii)(A)(1) does not 
mean individual investors in a mortgage-backed security or providers 
of private mortgage insurance.
    2. Same credit risk holder--illustrations.
    Illustrations of the credit risk holder of the existing 
obligation continuing to be the credit risk holder of the 
refinancing include, but are not limited to, the following:
    i. The existing obligation is held in the portfolio of a bank, 
thus the bank holds the credit risk. The bank arranges to refinance 
the loan and also will hold the refinancing in its portfolio. If the 
refinancing otherwise meets the requirements for an exemption under 
Sec.  1026.35(c)(2)(vii), the transaction will qualify for the 
exemption because the credit risk holder is the same for the 
existing obligation and the refinance transaction. In this case, the 
exemption would apply regardless of whether the bank arranged to 
refinance the loan directly or indirectly, such as through the 
servicer or subservicer on the existing obligation.
    ii. The existing obligation is held in the portfolio of a 
government-sponsored enterprise (GSE), thus the GSE holds the credit 
risk. The existing obligation is then refinanced by the servicer of 
the loan and immediately transferred to the GSE. The GSE pools the 
refinancing in a mortgage-backed security guaranteed by the GSE, 
thus the GSE holds the credit risk on the refinance loan. If the 
refinance transaction otherwise meets the requirements for an 
exemption under Sec.  1026.35(c)(2)(vii), the transaction will 
qualify for the exemption because the credit risk holder is the same 
for the existing obligation and the refinance transaction. In this 
case, the exemption would apply regardless of whether the existing 
obligation was refinanced by the servicer or subservicer on the 
existing obligation (acting as a ``creditor'' under Sec.  
1026.2(a)(17)) or by a different creditor.
    3. Forward commitments. A creditor may make a mortgage loan that 
will be sold or otherwise transferred pursuant to an agreement that 
has been entered into at or before the time the transaction is 
consummated. Such an agreement is sometimes known as a ``forward 
commitment.'' A refinance loan does not satisfy the requirement of 
Sec.  1026.35(c)(2)(vii)(A)(1) if the loan will be acquired pursuant 
to a forward commitment, such that the credit risk on the refinance 
loan will transfer to a person who did not hold the credit risk on 
the existing obligation.

Paragraph 35(c)(2)(vii)(B)

    1. Regular periodic payments. Under Sec.  1026.35(c)(2)(vii)(B), 
the regular periodic payments on the refinance loan must not: result 
in an increase of the principal balance (negative amortization); 
allow the consumer to defer repayment of principal (see comment 
43(e)(2)(i)-2); or result in a balloon payment. Thus, the terms of 
the legal obligation must require the consumer to make payments of 
principal and interest on a monthly or other periodic basis that 
will repay the loan amount over the loan term. Except for payments 
resulting from any interest rate changes after consummation in an 
adjustable-rate or step-rate mortgage, the periodic payments must be 
substantially equal. For an explanation of the term ``substantially 
equal,'' see comment 43(c)(5)(i)-4. In addition, a single-payment 
transaction is not a refinancing meeting the requirements of Sec.  
1026.35(c)(2)(vii) because it does not require ``regular periodic 
payments.''

Paragraph 35(c)(2)(vii)(C)

    1. Permissible use of proceeds. The exemption for a refinancing 
under Sec.  1026.35(c)(2)(vii) is available only if the proceeds 
from the refinancing are used exclusively for the existing 
obligation and amounts attributed solely to the costs of the 
refinancing. The existing obligation includes the unpaid principal 
balance of the existing first lien loan, any earned unpaid finance 
charges, and any other lawful charges related to the existing loan. 
For guidance on the meaning of refinancing costs, see comment 23(f)-
4. If the proceeds of a refinancing are used for other purposes, 
such as to pay off other liens or to provide additional cash to the 
consumer for discretionary spending, the transaction does not 
qualify for the exemption for a refinancing under Sec.  
1026.35(c)(2)(vii) from the appraisal requirements in Sec.  
1026.35(c).

For applications received on or after July 18, 2015

Paragraph 35(c)(2)(viii)(A)

    1. Secured by new manufactured home and land--physical visit of 
the interior. A transaction secured by a new manufactured home and 
land is subject to the requirements of Sec.  1026.35(c)(3) through 
(6) except for the requirement in Sec.  1026.35(c)(3)(i) that the 
appraiser conduct a physical inspection of the interior of the 
property. Thus, for

[[Page 78588]]

example, a creditor of a loan secured by a new manufactured home and 
land could comply with Sec.  1026.35(c)(3)(i) by obtaining an 
appraisal conducted by a state-certified or -licensed appraiser 
based on plans and specifications for the new manufactured home and 
an inspection of the land on which the property will be sited, as 
well as any other information necessary for the appraiser to 
complete the appraisal assignment in conformity with the Uniform 
Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice and the requirements of 
FIRREA and any implementing regulations.

Paragraph 35(c)(2)(viii)(B)

    1. Secured by a manufactured home and not land. Section 
1026.35(c)(2)(viii)(B) applies to a higher-priced mortgage loan 
secured by a manufactured home and not land, regardless of whether 
the home is titled as realty by operation of state law.

Paragraph 35(c)(2)(viii)(B)(2)

    1. Independent. A cost service provider from which the creditor 
obtains a manufactured home unit cost estimate under Sec.  
1026.35(c)(2)(viii)(B)(2) is ``independent'' if that person is not 
affiliated with the creditor in the transaction, such as by common 
corporate ownership, and receives no direct or indirect financial 
benefits based on whether the transaction is consummated.
    2. Adjustments. The requirement that the cost estimate be from 
an independent cost service provider does not prohibit a creditor 
from providing a cost estimate that reflects adjustments to account 
for factors such as special features, condition or location. 
However, the requirement that the estimate be obtained from an 
independent cost service provider means that any adjustments to the 
estimate must be based on adjustment factors available as part of 
the independent cost service used, with associated values that are 
determined by the independent cost service.

Paragraph 35(c)(2)(viii)(C)(3)

    1. Interest in the property. A person has a direct or indirect 
in the property if, for example, the person has any ownership or 
reasonably foreseeable ownership interest in the manufactured home. 
To illustrate, a person who seeks a loan to purchase the 
manufactured home to be valued has a reasonably foreseeable 
ownership interest in the property.
    2. Interest in the transaction. A person has a direct or 
indirect interest in the transaction if, for example, the person or 
an affiliate of that person also serves as a loan officer of the 
creditor or otherwise arranges the credit transaction, or is the 
retail dealer of the manufactured home. A person also has a 
prohibited interest in the transaction if the person is compensated 
or otherwise receives financial or other benefits based on whether 
the transaction is consummated.
    3. Training in valuing manufactured homes. Training in valuing 
manufactured homes includes, for example, successfully completing a 
course in valuing manufactured homes offered by a state or national 
appraiser association or receiving job training from an employer in 
the business of valuing manufactured homes.
    4. Manufactured home valuation--example. A valuation in 
compliance with Sec.  1026.35(c)(2)(viii)(B)(3) would include, for 
example, an appraisal of the manufactured home in accordance with 
the appraisal requirements for a manufactured home classified as 
personal property under the Title I Manufactured Home Loan Insurance 
Program of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, 
pursuant to section 2(b)(10) of the National Housing Act, 12 U.S.C. 
1703(b)(10).
* * * * *

    Dated: December 10, 2013.
Thomas J. Curry,
Comptroller of the Currency.
    By order of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve 
System, December 11, 2013.
Robert deV. Frierson,
Secretary of the Board.
    Dated: December 10, 2013.
Richard Cordray,
Director, Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection.
    In consultation with:

    By the National Credit Union Administration Board on December 
10, 2013.
Gerard Poliquin,
Secretary of the Board.
    Dated at Washington, DC, this 10th day of December, 2013.

    By order of the Board of Directors.

Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.
Robert E. Feldman,
Executive Secretary.
    Dated: December 9, 2013.
Edward J. DeMarco,
Acting Director, Federal Housing Finance Agency.
[FR Doc. 2013-30108 Filed 12-18-13; 4:15 pm]
BILLING CODE 4810-33-P