Get ready for new mortgage rules

Description

Abstract: Community banks should begin preparing now for new mortgage rules that take effect on Jan. 1, 2014. The rules, finalized by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) last January, are designed to protect consumers from risky lending practices. The CFPB in July made several amendments to the rules. Among other things, the amendments ease some of the new requirements for smaller banks. This article discusses the highlights, particularly as they apply to the ability-to-pay rule and the qualified mortgage rule.