In the June 6, 2024 issue of the Federal Register, 89 FR 484000 (click here), the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (“CFPB”) published a request for information seeking public comments on fees charged in connection with residential mortgage loans. Their request concerns both lender-charged fees and third-party settlement fees such as title insurance. The request for information noted that median loan costs have increased by over 36% from 2021 to 2023. It also stated that many loan costs are fixed, which the CFPB described as causing an outsized impact to borrowers with smaller mortgages such as lower income or first-time homebuyers. The CFPB highlighted origination fees and title insurance as major costs and emphasized that credit report fees have increased significantly over the past few years.

 

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