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E-1.3-03, Reporting “Legal Filings” to MERS (11/12/2014)
Rule 14 of the MERS System Rules of Membership imposes notification requirements concerning “Legal Filings” that raise certain MERS-related challenges. The servicer is responsible for ensuring any notification required under MERS Rule 14 is provided to MERSCORP Holdings, Inc., and also immediately to Fannie Mae’s Single Family Legal department (see F-4-02, List of ContactsF-4-02, List of Contacts).
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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