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A2-2-01, Refinance and Lending Practices (02/14/2018)
See the Selling Guide for the following requirements:
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Selling Guide A3-2-02, Responsible Lending Practices for responsible lending policies and underwriting standards.
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Selling Guide B2-1.3-04, Prohibited Refinancing Practices for policies on questionable and prohibited refinancing.
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Table Of Contents
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Part A Doing Business with Fannie Mae
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Subpart A1, Contractual Obligations
- Chapter A1-1, Understanding the Lender Contract
- Chapter A1-2, Termination of the Lender Contract without Cause
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Chapter A1-3, Repurchases, Indemnifications, and Make Whole Payment Requests
- A1-3-01, Requirements for Voluntary Repurchase
- A1-3-02, Fannie Mae-Initiated Repurchases, Indemnifications, Make Whole Payment Requests and Deferred Payment Obligations
- A1-3-03, Repurchase Obligations Related to Bifurcated Mortgage Loans
- A1-3-04, Reporting the Repurchase
- A1-3-05, Redelivering a Mortgage Loan
- A1-3-06, Automatic Reclassification of MBS Mortgage Loans
- Chapter A1-4, Breach of Contract and Nonperformance
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Subpart A2, Getting Started with Fannie Mae
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Chapter A2-1, Servicer Duties and Responsibilities
- A2-1-01, General Servicer Duties and Responsibilities
- A2-1-02, Servicer’s Duties and Responsibilities Related to MBS Mortgage Loans
- A2-1-03, Servicer's Duties and Responsibilities Related to Mortgage Loans with Resale Restrictions or Shared Equity Transactions
- A2-1-04, Execution of Legal Documents
- A2-1-05, Note Holder Status for Legal Proceedings Conducted in the Servicer’s Name
- A2-1-06, Use of Fannie Mae Trademarks
- A2-1-07, Subservicing
- A2-1-08, First Lien Mortgage Loan Requirements
- A2-1-09, Compliance with Requirements and Laws
- Chapter A2-2, Refinance and Lending Practices
- Chapter A2-3, Servicer Compensation
- Chapter A2-4, Fannie Mae’s Quality Control Review
- Chapter A2-5, Individual Mortgage Loan Files and Records
- Chapter A2-6, Custodial Documents
- Chapter A2-7, Servicing Transfers
- Chapter A2-8, Mortgage Electronic Registration System
- Chapter A2-9, Mortgage Assignments to Fannie Mae
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Chapter A2-1, Servicer Duties and Responsibilities
- Subpart A3, Maintaining Fannie Mae Seller/Servicer Status
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Subpart A4, Setting Up Servicer Operations
- Chapter A4-1, Establishing and Implementing Internal Operations for All Mortgage Loans and Acquired Properties
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Chapter A4-2, Requirements for Delinquent Mortgage Loans and Mortgage Loans at Risk of Default
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Section A4-2.1, Establishing Default Management Strategies
- A4-2.1-01, Preventing Defaults and Managing Delinquencies
- A4-2.1-02, Property Inspection Vendor Management and Oversight
- A4-2.1-03, Managing Short Sales
- A4-2.1-04, Establishing Contact with the Borrower
- A4-2.1-05, Requirements for Collection and Foreclosure Prevention Strategies Unique to Second Lien Mortgage Loans
- A4-2.1-06, Adverse Action Notification Certification
- A4-2.1-07, Servicer's Duties and Responsibilities Related to Mortgage Loans with an Outstanding Non-Interest-Bearing Balance
- Section A4-2.2, Requirements for Default-Related Law Firms
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Section A4-2.1, Establishing Default Management Strategies
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Subpart A1, Contractual Obligations
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Part B Escrow, Taxes, Assessments, and Insurance
- Chapter B-1, Escrow Account Administration
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Chapter B-2, Property Insurance Requirements
- B-2-01, Property Insurance Requirements Applicable to All Property Types
- B-2-02, Property Insurance Requirements for One- to Four-Unit Properties
- B-2-03, Master Property Insurance Requirements for Project Developments
- B-2-04, Individual Property Insurance Requirements for Units in Project Developments
- Chapter B-3, Flood Insurance Requirements
- Chapter B-4, Additional Insurance Requirements
- Chapter B-5, Property and Flood Insurance Loss Events and Claim Settlements
- Chapter B-6, Lender-Placed Insurance
- Chapter B-7, Liability and Fidelity/Crime Insurance Requirements for Project Developments
- Chapter B-8, Mortgage Insurance
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Part C Mortgage Loan Payment Processing, Remitting, Accounting, and Reporting
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Chapter C-1, Processing Mortgage Loan Payments
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Section C-1.1, Processing Scheduled Mortgage Loan Payments
- C-1.1-01, Servicer Responsibilities for Processing Mortgage Loan Payments
- C-1.1-02, Processing Payment Shortages or Funds Received When a Mortgage Loan Modification Is Pending
- C-1.1-03, Automatically Drafting Payments from the Borrower’s Bank Account
- C-1.1-04, Accepting Biweekly Payments from Third-Party Payment Contractors
- Section C-1.2, Processing Unscheduled Mortgage Loan Payments
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Section C-1.1, Processing Scheduled Mortgage Loan Payments
- Chapter C-2, Servicing ARM Loans
- Chapter C-3, Remitting and Accounting
- Chapter C-4, Reporting
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Chapter C-1, Processing Mortgage Loan Payments
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Part D Providing Solutions to a Borrower
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Subpart D1, Assisting the Borrower with Property-Related Issues and Legal Actions
- Chapter D1-1, Requests for the Release of Property and/or Charge-Off of a Mortgage Loan
- Chapter D1-2, Servicing Renovation Mortgage Loans
- Chapter D1-3, Providing Assistance to a Borrower Impacted by a Disaster Event
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Chapter D1-4, Transfers of Ownership
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Section D1-4.1, Information Relating to Transfers of Ownership Applicable to All Mortgage Loans
- D1-4.1-01, Determining Whether a Transfer of Ownership Is Permitted
- D1-4.1-02, Allowable Exemptions Due to the Type of Transfer
- D1-4.1-03, Allowable Exceptions Due to State Law Restrictions (“Window-Period” Mortgage Loans)
- D1-4.1-04, Transfers of Ownership by Grant Deed
- D1-4.1-05, Enforcing the Due-on-Sale (or Due-on-Transfer) Provision
- Section D1-4.2, Information Relating to Transfers of Ownership on Conventional Mortgage Loans
- Section D1-4.3, Information Relating to Transfers of Ownership on Government Mortgage Loans
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Section D1-4.1, Information Relating to Transfers of Ownership Applicable to All Mortgage Loans
- Chapter D1-5, Call Provision Enforcement
- Chapter D1-6, Addressing Notices of Liens, Legal Action, Property Forfeitures or Seizures, or Other Actions
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Subpart D2, Assisting a Borrower Who is Facing Default or in Default
- Chapter D2-1, Working with a Borrower Who is Facing Default
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Chapter D2-2, Requirements for Contacting a Borrower
- D2-2-01, Achieving Quality Right Party Contact with a Borrower
- D2-2-02, Outbound Contact Attempt Requirements
- D2-2-03, Sending a Payment Reminder Notice
- D2-2-04, Sending a Borrower a Solicitation Package for a Workout Option
- D2-2-05, Receiving a Borrower Response Package
- D2-2-06, Sending a Breach or Acceleration Letter
- D2-2-07, Resolving an Appeal of a Mortgage Loan Modification Trial Period Plan Denial for a Principal Residence
- D2-2-08, Interviewing Face-to-Face with a Borrower for Certain FHA and HUD Mortgage Loans
- D2-2-09, Additional Borrower Contact Requirements for the Servicer of a Second Lien Mortgage Loan
- D2-2-10, Requirements for Performing Property Inspections
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Chapter D2-3, Fannie Mae’s Home Retention and Liquidation Workout Options
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Section D2-3.1, Preparing to Implement a Home Retention or Liquidation Workout Option
- D2-3.1-01, Determining the Appropriate Workout Option
- D2-3.1-02, Conditions of a First and Second Lien Mortgage Loan Modification for an MBS Mortgage Loan
- D2-3.1-03, Working with a Borrower that has a Group Home Mortgage Loan
- D2-3.1-04, Offering a Workout Option When Also Servicing a Subordinate Lien Mortgage Loan
- D2-3.1-05, Interacting with Mortgage Assistance Fund Program Providers
- D2-3.1-06, Notifying Fannie Mae of Lead-Based Paint Citations
- Section D2-3.2, Home Retention Workout Options
- Section D2-3.3, Home Liquidation Workout Options
- Section D2-3.4, Other Workout Options to Assist a Borrower
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Section D2-3.1, Preparing to Implement a Home Retention or Liquidation Workout Option
- Chapter D2-4, Reporting Delinquent Mortgage Loans and Workout Options
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Subpart D1, Assisting the Borrower with Property-Related Issues and Legal Actions
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Part E Default-Related Legal Services, Bankruptcy, Foreclosure Proceedings, and Acquired Properties
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Chapter E-1, Referring Default-Related Legal Matters and Non-Routine Litigation to Law Firms
- Section E-1.1, Referring a Mortgage Loan to a Law Firm
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Section E-1.2, Timing of the Referral to a Law Firm
- E-1.2-01, Timing of the Bankruptcy Referral
- E-1.2-02, Timing of the Foreclosure Referral for Mortgage Loans Generally
- E-1.2-03, Timing of the Foreclosure Referral for Second Lien Conventional Mortgage Loans Not Secured by a Principal Residence
- E-1.2-04, Timing of the Foreclosure Referral for Government Mortgage Loans
- Section E-1.3, Handling Non-Routine Litigation
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Chapter E-2, Managing Bankruptcy Proceedings
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Section E-2.1, Bankruptcy Proceedings in General
- E-2.1-01, General Servicing Requirements for Mortgage Loans Under Bankruptcy Protection
- E-2.1-02, Confirming Bankruptcy Information
- E-2.1-03, Suspending Debt Collection Efforts
- E-2.1-04, Expected Servicer/Attorney Interaction During Bankruptcy Proceedings
- E-2.1-05, Filing a Notice of Appearance and Sending Proper Notices
- E-2.1-06, Reviewing Bankruptcy Reorganization Plans
- E-2.1-07, Preparing and Filing a Proof of Claim
- E-2.1-08, Monitoring Borrower Payments and Critical Dates
- E-2.1-09, Identifying Workout Opportunities
- E-2.1-10, Dealing with Delays in the Bankruptcy Process
- E-2.1-11, Remitting P&I for MBS Mortgage Loans That Are Part of a Bankruptcy
- Section E-2.2, Managing Bankruptcies by Chapter
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Section E-2.3, Servicing Special Circumstance Bankruptcies
- E-2.3-01, Identifying Abusive Filers
- E-2.3-02, Addressing Individuals with Fractional Interests in a Security Property
- E-2.3-03, Handling Cramdowns of the Mortgage Debt
- E-2.3-04, Bankruptcies Involving Mortgage Loans Secured by Investment Properties
- E-2.3-05, Bankruptcies Involving Multiple Fannie Mae Mortgage Loans
- E-2.3-06, Responding to Bankruptcies Identified After Foreclosure Sale
- E-2.3-07, Cross-Border Insolvency Proceedings
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Section E-2.1, Bankruptcy Proceedings in General
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Chapter E-3, Managing Foreclosure Proceedings
- Section E-3.1, Foreclosure Proceedings in General
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Section E-3.2, Initiating and Processing Foreclosure Proceedings
- E-3.2-01, Conducting Prereferral Review
- E-3.2-02, Initiating Foreclosure Proceedings on a First Lien Conventional Mortgage Loan
- E-3.2-03, Initiating Foreclosure Proceedings on a Second Lien Conventional Mortgage Loan
- E-3.2-04, Postponing Foreclosure Referral for Mortgage Loans Not Secured by a Principal Residence
- E-3.2-05, Expected Servicer/Attorney Interaction During Foreclosure Proceedings
- E-3.2-06, Conducting Borrower Outreach During Foreclosure
- E-3.2-07, Impact of Engagement with a Mortgage Assistance Fund Program Provider
- E-3.2-08, Processing Reinstatements During Foreclosure
- E-3.2-09, Conducting Foreclosure Proceedings
- E-3.2-10, Paying Certain Expenses During the Foreclosure Process
- E-3.2-11, Collecting Under an Assignment of Rents
- E-3.2-12, Performing Property Preservation During Foreclosure Proceedings
- E-3.2-13, Addressing Title Defects Generally
- E-3.2-14, Addressing Title Defects for Bifurcated Mortgage Loans
- E-3.2-15, Allowable Time Frames for Completing Foreclosure
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Section E-3.3, Preparing for the Foreclosure Sale
- E-3.3-01, Completing Preforeclosure Sale Review
- E-3.3-02, Certifying the Status of Workout Negotiations Prior to Foreclosure Sale
- E-3.3-03, Inspecting Properties Prior to Foreclosure Sale
- E-3.3-04, Marketing the Foreclosure Sale and Using Foreclosure Auction Services
- E-3.3-05, Issuing Bidding Instructions
- E-3.3-06, Handling a Suspension or Reduction of the Redemption Period
- E-3.3-07, Pursuing a Deficiency Judgment
- Section E-3.4, When Foreclosure Proceedings Must Be Suspended or Canceled
- Section E-3.5, Servicer Responsibilities Following the Foreclosure Sale
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Chapter E-4, Managing Acquired Properties
- Section E-4.1, Notifying Fannie Mae of Property Acquisitions
- Section E-4.2, Conveying Title to an Acquired Property
- Section E-4.3, Preserving and Managing Properties
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Section E-4.4, Property and Flood Insurance Coverage Requirements
- E-4.4-01, Continuing or Canceling Property Insurance Coverage
- E-4.4-02, Remitting Property Insurance Settlement Proceeds or Unearned Premium Refunds
- E-4.4-03, Canceling Flood Insurance Coverage for Acquired Properties
- E-4.4-04, Remitting Flood Insurance Settlement Proceeds or Unearned Premium Refunds
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Section E-4.5, Filing MI Claims for Liquidated Properties
- E-4.5-01, Filing MI Claims for Conventional Mortgage Loans or for Other Mortgage Loans for which Fannie Mae Bears the Risk of Loss
- E-4.5-02, Filing MI Claims for FHA Mortgage Loans
- E-4.5-03, Filing MI Claims for FHA Coinsured Mortgage Loans
- E-4.5-04, Filing MI Claims for FHA Title I Loans
- E-4.5-05, Filing MI Claims for HUD Section 184 Mortgage Loans
- E-4.5-06, Filing MI Claims for VA Mortgage Loans
- E-4.5-07, Filing MI Claims for RD Mortgage Loans
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Chapter E-5, Requesting Reimbursement for Expenses Associated with Default-Related Legal Matters
- E-5-01, Requesting Reimbursement for Expenses
- E-5-02, Servicer Responsibilities Prior to Requesting Reimbursement of Attorney Fees and Costs
- E-5-03, Allowable Bankruptcy Fees
- E-5-04, Allowable Foreclosure Fees
- E-5-05, Reimbursing Law Firms/Reimbursement of Uncollected Fees, Costs or Advances
- E-5-06, Technology Fees and Electronic Invoicing
- E-5-07, Other Reimbursable Default-Related Legal Expenses
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Chapter E-1, Referring Default-Related Legal Matters and Non-Routine Litigation to Law Firms
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Part F Servicing Guide Procedures, Exhibits, and Quick Reference Materials
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Chapter F-1, Servicing Guide Procedures
- F-1-01, Servicing ARM Loans
- F-1-02, Escrow, Taxes, Assessments, and Insurance
- F-1-03, Establishing and Implementing Custodial Accounts
- F-1-04, Evaluating a Request for the Release, or Partial Release, of Property Securing a Mortgage Loan
- F-1-05, Expense Reimbursement
- F-1-06, Filing an MI Claim for a Liquidated Mortgage Loan or Acquired Property
- F-1-07, Handling Property Forfeitures and Seizures
- F-1-08, Managing Foreclosure Proceedings
- F-1-09, Processing Mortgage Loan Payments and Payoffs
- F-1-10, Obtaining and Executing Legal Documents
- F-1-11, Post-Delivery Servicing Transfers
- F-1-12, Preparing to Implement a Workout Option
- F-1-13, Processing a Fannie Mae Mortgage Release (Deed-In-Lieu of Foreclosure)
- F-1-14, Processing a Fannie Mae Short Sale
- F-1-15, Processing a Government Mortgage Loan Modification
- F-1-16, Processing a Repayment Plan
- F-1-17, Processing a Transfer of Ownership
- F-1-18, Processing a Workout Incentive Fee
- F-1-19, Processing a Military Indulgence
- F-1-20, Remitting and Accounting to Fannie Mae
- F-1-21, Reporting a Delinquent Mortgage Loan via Fannie Mae’s Servicing Solutions System
- F-1-22, Reporting a Workout Option via Fannie Mae’s Servicing Solutions System
- F-1-23, Reporting to Third Parties
- F-1-24, Requesting Fannie Mae’s Approval via Fannie Mae’s Servicing Solutions System
- F-1-25, Reclassifying or Voluntary Repurchasing an MBS Mortgage Loan
- F-1-26, Servicing eMortgages
- F-1-27, Processing a Fannie Mae Flex Modification
- F-1-28, Reviewing a Transfer of Ownership for Credit and Financial Capacity
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Chapter F-2, Exhibits
- F-2-01, Bankruptcy Referral and Completion Timelines
- F-2-02, Incentive Fees for Workout Options
- F-2-03, Compensatory Fee Calculation Examples
- F-2-04, Firm Minimum Requirements
- F-2-05, Historical Yield Differential Adjustment Provisions
- F-2-06, Mortgage Insurer Delegations for Workout Options
- F-2-07, Reporting the Principal Amount for Mortgage Loans with Principal Forbearance
- F-2-08, Servicing Fees for MBS Mortgage Loans
- F-2-09, Servicing Fees for Portfolio Mortgage Loans
- F-2-10, Fannie Mae’s Workout Hierarchy
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Chapter F-3, Acronyms and Glossary of Defined Terms
- F-3-01, Acronyms and Glossary of Defined Terms: A
- F-3-02, Acronyms and Glossary of Defined Terms: B
- F-3-03, Acronyms and Glossary of Defined Terms: C
- F-3-04, Acronyms and Glossary of Defined Terms: D
- F-3-05, Acronyms and Glossary of Defined Terms: E
- F-3-06, Acronyms and Glossary of Defined Terms: F
- F-3-07, Acronyms and Glossary of Defined Terms: G
- F-3-08, Acronyms and Glossary of Defined Terms: H
- F-3-09, Acronyms and Glossary of Defined Terms: I
- F-3-10, Acronyms and Glossary of Defined Terms: J
- F-3-11, Acronyms and Glossary of Defined Terms: K
- F-3-12, Acronyms and Glossary of Defined Terms: L
- F-3-13, Acronyms and Glossary of Defined Terms: M
- F-3-14, Acronyms and Glossary of Defined Terms: N
- F-3-15, Acronyms and Glossary of Defined Terms: O
- F-3-16, Acronyms and Glossary of Defined Terms: P
- F-3-17, Acronyms and Glossary of Defined Terms: Q
- F-3-18, Acronyms and Glossary of Defined Terms: R
- F-3-19, Acronyms and Glossary of Defined Terms: S
- F-3-20, Acronyms and Glossary of Defined Terms: T
- F-3-21, Acronyms and Glossary of Defined Terms: U
- F-3-22, Acronyms and Glossary of Defined Terms: V
- F-3-23, Acronyms and Glossary of Defined Terms: W
- F-3-24, Acronyms and Glossary of Defined Terms: X
- F-3-25, Acronyms and Glossary of Defined Terms: Y
- F-3-26, Acronyms and Glossary of Defined Terms: Z
- Chapter F-4, Servicing Guide Resources
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Chapter F-1, Servicing Guide Procedures