New Federal RESPA rules became effective on January 16, 2009 and new forms are required to be used as of January 1, 2010. Lenders are required to use a new Good Faith Estimate form (GFEs) and a new HUD-1 Settlement Statement (HUD-1).
RESPA (Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act) is a HUD consumer protection statute which covers closing costs and procedures. It also requires that consumers receive disclosures at various times concerning fees involved in a closing and also prohibits cost inflating “kickbacks.”
These new rules standardize the Good Faith Estimates of Closing Costs, promote transparency, and allow buyers to make educated decisions when shopping for a lender. These new rules apply to all residential contracts.