On August 17, the CFPB proposed rules to bring greater accountability to the mortgage loan origination market. The proposal would: (i) require lenders to make a no-point, no-fee loan option available; (ii) require an interest-rate reduction when consumers elect to pay upfront points or fees; (iii) set qualification and screening standards; (iv) prohibit payment of steering incentives to mortgage loan originators; and (v) place restrictions on arbitration clauses and financing of credit insurance. Comments must be received by October 16. Final rules will be issued in January 2013. CFPB Release.
