As a mortgage loan officer (LO), your role is to guide clients seamlessly through the homebuying journey. However, when transactions cross state lines, that path becomes littered with potential hurdles in the form of varying regulations, costs and processes. Failing to account for these nuances can lead to delays, compliance issues and frustration for all parties involved.
At Arch Mortgage Insurance Company (Arch MI), we understand the challenges LOs face in this ever-shifting regulatory landscape. That’s why we’ve compiled proven strategies to help you conquer multi-state mortgage approvals with confidence and professionalism.
The Regulatory Maze
From closing costs to required disclosures and inspection timelines, state real estate laws differ widely. In April, Frontdoor revealed that average closing costs on a median-priced home ranged from $17,966 in Hawaii to just $5,010 in West Virginia. Even the presence of certain costs — like whether the borrower needs an attorney present at closing — can hinge on state requirements.
While efforts like the Uniform Closing Dataset aim to streamline processes, the reality is a fragmented framework where lenders must stay vigilant in ensuring compliance across multiple jurisdictions.
The “Junk Fee” Debate’s Impact
The mortgage industry finds itself embroiled in a new battlefront — the Biden administration’s proposed crackdown on “junk fees,” including certain mortgage closing costs. With the Consumer Finance Protection Bureau (CFPB) reporting a 22% increase in average closing expenses from 2021 to 2022, cost reduction remains a focal point.
As debates continue between regulators and industry groups over which fees constitute “junk,” it’s crucial for LOs to remain informed and adaptable in the face of potential changes.
Your Multi-State Gameplan
1. Stay Informed
Knowledge is your strongest ally in this ever-evolving arena. Subscribe to industry trade publications, follow regulatory agencies like the CFPB and the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), and consider continuing education focused on multi-state compliance. Also, become involved in your local, state or national trade associations’ government advocacy efforts.
2. Build Strategic Partnerships
You don’t have to go it alone. Cultivate a network of trusted real estate professionals across key markets — attorneys, title companies, appraisers — who have a deep understanding of local nuances. These partners, including your Arch MI Account Manager, are invaluable resources for navigating state-specific requirements efficiently.
3. Communicate with Clarity
Set clear expectations from the outset. During pre-qualification, provide side-by-side comparisons of potential costs, timelines and processes across relevant states. Don’t shy away from explaining how regulations may impact client responsibilities throughout the transaction.
4. Develop Tailored Processes
Create detailed, state-specific checklists to ensure you never miss a crucial step or documentation requirement. Establish open lines of communication with lending partners in other states to proactively address potential roadblocks.
5. Embrace Technology
Leverage compliance management tools and mortgage software platforms that track regulatory changes across jurisdictions. Automation reduces manual effort and errors, allowing you to focus on providing exceptional service.
At Arch MI, we pride ourselves on equipping our lender clients with the knowledge, resources and support to navigate the complexities of mortgage loan origination. By mastering these strategies, you’ll solidify your reputation as a trusted mortgage advisor capable of guiding clients seamlessly across state lines.
Stay tuned for Arch MI’s upcoming webinar, where industry experts will dive deeper into multi-state compliance best practices. Together, we’ll continue blazing new trails in exceptional multi-state mortgage service.
The Insights blog will likely follow up on this subject soon. If you’ve faced challenges closing a loan in another state, email us how you resolved the situation, and we’ll feature your comments in a future blog post.