Release of Liens- One statute specifically affects mortgage servicers and mortgagees. The statute (House Bill 219) adds Section 343.108 to the Texas Finance Code, which requires a mortgage servicer or mortgagee to deliver a...more
The Federal Housing Administration recently issued Mortgagee Letter 2022-23, establishing a new COVID-19 Home Equity Conversion Mortgage Property Charge Repayment Plan. The COVID-19 HECM Property Charge Repayment Plan would...more
At the close of this month, certain moratoria on foreclosures and evictions are set to lift. While prior deadlines have been extended, it remains to be seen whether another continuance will be granted amidst an increase in...more
On December 15, 2020, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo signed into law Senate Bill 4408, which amends the Real Property Law by adding a new section 280-d. The amendment will become effective on April 14, 2021, and the...more
On April 24, 2020, the Texas Supreme Court upheld a lender’s right to equitable subrogation for non-compliant home equity loans, ruling that lenders who fail to cure within the statutorily mandated 60-day period may recoup...more
Last week, the Texas Supreme Court issued a significant decision in favor of Texas home-equity lenders in Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation v Zepeda, No. 19-0712, answering “yes” to the following certified question from...more
Texans approved a constitutional amendment changing the state’s home equity loan landscape beginning January 1. Our Financial Services & Products Group examines the new law and its implications and limitations....more
On November 7, 2016, Texas voters passed Proposition 2, which amends several familiar requirements for home-equity loans under Article XVI, Section 50 of the Texas Constitution, and which bids adieu to the old adage: “once a...more
On May 20, 2016, the Supreme Court of Texas (the "Court") issued its opinions in two cases involving Texas home equity lending – Garofolo v. Ocwen Loan Servicing and Wood v. HSBC Bank USA. The decisions are important for the...more
In The Finance Commission of Texas v. Norwood, the Texas Supreme Court determined that an agency's interpretation of legislation was not outside the review of the courts. No. 10-0121, 2013 Tex. LEXIS 491 (Tex. June 21, 2013)....more
In a decision that likely will have a dampening effect on the home equity lending market in Texas, the Texas Supreme Court ruled on June 21, 2013, that lenders are prohibited from treating discount points and lender fees as...more
Due to the complexity of home equity laws in Texas, including the potential forfeiture of principal and interest for even an innocent violation, lenders have always needed to proceed with caution when making home equity loans...more