Locke Lord QuickStudy: CFPB Releases New “Know Before You Owe” Mortgage Toolkit

On March 31, 2015, in anticipation of the looming August 1, 2015 implementation date for the new Loan Estimate and Closing Disclosure forms under the Truth in Lending Act (TILA) and the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA), the CFPB released a new toolkit to aid consumers shopping for a mortgage loan.  The “Your home loan toolkit” will replace the Special Information Booklet currently required to be provided under RESPA once lenders begin providing the new integrated disclosures beginning August 1, 2015.  

In its press release, the CFPB indicated that “[t]he toolkit provides a step-by-step guide to help consumers understand the nature and costs of real estate settlement services, define what affordable means to them, and find their best mortgage.”  These objectives are sought to be met by using interactive worksheets and checklists and by including conversation prompts for consumers to use with prospective mortgage lenders.  The toolkit also includes research tips to assist consumers in locating important information.

The full CFPB press release can be found here and the toolkit can be found here.

Locke Lord has a dedicated team of compliance and litigation attorneys who have significant experience handling various aspects of consumer finance, including mortgage lending.  Locke Lord attorneys regularly advise financial institutions on regulatory compliance matters, new product development and represent clients in regulatory enforcement matters, class actions and various lawsuits in the U.S. and abroad.  Visit our Consumer Finance Regulatory Practice Group website at or contact any members of the practice group below:

Thomas J. Cunningham  |  312-443-1731  |  tcunningham@lockelord.com
Simon A. Fleischmann  |  312-443-0462  |  sfleischmann@lockelord.com
Robert T. Mowrey  |  214-740-8505  |  rmowrey@lockelord.com
Thomas G. Yoxall  |  214-740-8683 |  tyoxall@lockelord.com