First Colorado Mortgage

Guidelines for Practice


Doherty, Rumble & Butler

CMLA Information
Event Dates Info
Membership Application
Code of Ethics
Board of Directors
Sequence of Events
About CMLA

Membership Categories
Bank
Mortgage Broker
Correspondent Lender
Commercial Lender
Construction Lender
Credit Unioun
Home Equity Retail
Reverse Equity Retail
Non-Conforming Retail
Non-Conforming Wholesale
Retail Orginator
Sub-Prime Retail
Sub-Prime Wholesale
Servicing Location
Secondary Market Dealer
Wholesale Lender
Warehouse Line Provider

Mortgage Calculators
How Much Can I Afford?
Payment Calculator
Mortgage Amortization
Refinance Calculator
APR Calculator
Cost of Living
Rent Vs. Buy
More...

Purpose/Objective:

These guidelines for practice are intended for general guidance and instuctional purposes, and are commonly employed by members of CMLA, CAR and CAMB, though they may not be observeed by non-members of these associations. We would hope that these guidelines encourage all parties to commit to a high level of service, communication and cooperation.

It is important to recognize that these guidelines are neigher the "best" nor the "only" procedures available. Rather they represenat that CMLA, CAR and CAMB believe to be a reasonable accomodation to the needs of the parties involved. Some mebers of these associations may adopt more or less stringent procedures. None of the provisions of these guidelines, individually or collectively, constitute a contract, express or implied, and these guidelines should in no way be constued to convey to any party any right or expecation that a particular procedure, or set of procedures will be or must be followed by the parties in any particular instance.


Realtor guidelines for the mortgage process
Realtors should attempt to:
  • Discuss financing with buyers in the initial meeting. If buyers have not obtained credit approval, send them to a reliable lender.
  • Be knowledgeable about loan types, loan limits, and current interest rates.
  • If buyer has selected a lender, contact him/her prior to writing a contract for current rates, programs, and time necessary for processing.
  • Attend loan application (if possible) with buyer's permission.
  • Use reasonably attainable dates for loan processing appraisal, and approval.
  • Immediately after conract acceptancd provide lender with complete contract, including all addenda, and MLS or property information sheet.
  • Communicate frequently with lender and assist him/her, if necessary, to obtain required documents from buyer.
  • Review closing statements prior to closing, checking for compliance with contract terms. Counsel buyers to bring certified funds.

Lender Guidelines for the mortgage process
Lenders should attempt to:
  • Provide buyers with a list of standard closing costs charged and estimated monthly payment.
  • Explain available financing options.
  • Provide written confirmation on interest rate "lock" status (locked-in, floating...)
  • Provide buyers with samples of loan documents in advance, when requested.
  • Provide figures 2-3 days prior to closing.
  • Transmit loan funds to closing agent in time for disbursal to all parties at closing.
  • Provide buyers with a copy oof the appraisal by closing and provide written notice to REALTOR and buy that appraisal conditions have been met.
  • Discuss ILC/survey requirement with buyer and explain when it will be satisfied, as it relates to the contract.
  • Provide REALTOR and buyer with written initial loan approval, and discuss any outstanding conditions and the resolution process to obtain final loan approval.
  • Communicate with REALTORS and borrowers and cooperate with their information requests throughout the process.
  • Make every effort to meet contract dates, where attainable.

Consumer Guidelines for the mortgage process
Consumers should attempt to:
  • Confirm your lender and REALTOR are members of their respective association or obtain a list of the associations' members.
  • Provide REALTOR/Lender with accurate and complete information as requested.
  • Clearly explain your goals and objectives to the REALTOR and Lender.
  • Respond promptly with all requested information and adhere to contract dates.
  • Consider financing options that may help to achieve your ultimate goals.
  • Communicate your decision to lock-in or float your interest rate.
  • Understand and track the importance of all contract dates.
  • Take responsibility for review of all contract documentation such as, title commitment, survey, property disclosure form, etc.
Definitions:
Closing: Title is transferred, loan is funded, buyer brings additional funsd and seller receives payment in full.
Condominium Declarations, Conenants and Restrictions (CC&R): Lists property restrictions.
Declined: File reviewed by lenders underwriter but cannot be approved as submitted.
Final Loan Approval: All conditions and requirements have been satisfied. Loan is ready to close and fund.
Float: Consumer has not selected interest rate and discount points, if any. Interest rate will fluctuate with markets.
Good Faith Estimate (GFE): Required disclosure of standard closing costs and estimated monthly payment.
Improvement Location Certificate (ILC): Accurate drawing of improvements on the lot.
Initial Loan Approval: Approval by the lender's underwriter containing conditions, such as the appraisal, title, review, survey review, etc.
Lock-in: Consumer selects a loan interest rate (for a specific time period) and discount points, if any.
Pre-approval: Credit approval from lender's underwriter including complete credit report. Often done before property is found and will have requirements of approval.
Pre-qualification: Opinion about buyer's ability to qualify for a proposed loan amount, usually based upon unverified verbal information provided by buyer, plus preliminary credit report.
Suspended: File reviewed by lender's underwriter but more information required for a decision.
Title Company: Independent third party conducting closing, presenting documents, disbursing funds, and transferring title from seller to buyer.
Truth In Lending (TIL): Required disclosuer of actual finance charges.
Underwriter: Person who inspects loan documents and issues final approval.
General Sequence of Events
 Back to the CMLA Home Page