Fairness for Homeowners Act of 2009

Summary

Fairness for Homeowners Act of 2009 - Amends the Truth in Lending Act to prohibit a creditor or mortgage broker from arranging a consumer credit transaction secured by the principal dwelling of a consumer without first verifying the consumer's reasonable ability to to make the scheduled payments of principal, interest (including variable interest), real estate taxes, homeowner's insurance, assessments, and mortgage insurance premiums. Prescribes criteria to: (1) determine such consumer's reasonable ability to pay a variable interest rate; and (2) verify the consumer's income and financial resources. Declares a consumer's statement of income or financial resources insufficient evidence of the consumer's financial status. Prohibits consumer equity in the principal dwelling that secures the consumer credit transaction from being used to establish ability to make payments. Prohibits a mortgage broker or creditor from: (1) steering, counseling, or directing a consumer to rates, charges, principal amount, or prepayment terms that are more expensive than those for which the consumer qualifies; (2) arranging for any consumer credit transaction secured by the principal dwelling of a consumer that is more expensive than that for which the consumer qualifies; (3) engaging in certain mischaracterizations. Prohibits prepayment penalties. Limits finance points, charges, and fees. Cites duties owed to a consumer by a mortgage broker. Requires creditors and mortgage brokers to obtain independent verification that a borrower seeking to refinance a special mortgage has received counseling on the transaction's advisability. Defines "special mortgage" as one that: (1) was originated, subsidized, funded, or guaranteed by or through a state, tribal, or local government, or nonprofit organization; and (2) bears one or more specified nonstandard payment terms which substantially benefit the consumer. Prescribes minimum financial requirements for mortgage brokers. Excludes reverse mortgages from coverage by this Act.

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Timeline

1. 30 March 2009

   Introduced

   Referred to the House Committee on Financial Services.

   Source: IntroReferral

2. 30 March 2009

   Introduced

   Introduced in House

   Source: IntroReferral

3. 30 March 2009

   Introduced

   Introduced in House

   Source: IntroReferral

Votes

No vote records are attached yet.

Versions

• Introduced in House · 30 March 2009 · Official file

Documents

3 official files

• Introduced in House (text)

  Introduced in House · EN · 30 March 2009

  ViewDownloadOpen at official source

• Introduced in House (PDF)

  Introduced in House · EN · 30 March 2009

  ViewDownloadOpen at official source

• Introduced in House

  summary · EN · 30 March 2009

  Open at official source

Sponsors

• Keith Ellison · D · Sponsor
• ELIJAH CUMMINGS · D · Cosponsor
• · hsba00 · Standing

Related records

• related to ← Fairness for Homeowners Act of 2009