Laws: Cases and Codes : U.S. Code : Title 12 : Section 4901


   
U.S. Code as of: 01/19/04
Section 4901. Definitions

      In this chapter, the following definitions shall apply:
      (1) Adjustable rate mortgage
        The term "adjustable rate mortgage" means a residential
      mortgage that has an interest rate that is subject to change. A
      residential mortgage that: (A) does not fully amortize over the
      term of the obligation; and (B) contains a conditional right to
      refinance or modify the unamortized principal at the maturity
      date of the term, shall be considered to be an adjustable rate
      mortgage for purposes of this chapter.
      (2) Cancellation date
        The term "cancellation date" means - 
          (A) with respect to a fixed rate mortgage, at the option of
        the mortgagor, the date on which the principal balance of the
        mortgage - 
            (i) based solely on the initial amortization schedule for
          that mortgage, and irrespective of the outstanding balance
          for that mortgage on that date, is first scheduled to reach
          80 percent of the original value of the property securing the
          loan; or
            (ii) based solely on actual payments, reaches 80 percent of
          the original value of the property securing the loan; and

          (B) with respect to an adjustable rate mortgage, at the
        option of the mortgagor, the date on which the principal
        balance of the mortgage - 
            (i) based solely on the amortization schedule then in
          effect for that mortgage, and irrespective of the outstanding
          balance for that mortgage on that date, is first scheduled to
          reach 80 percent of the original value of the property
          securing the loan; or
            (ii) based solely on actual payments, first reaches 80
          percent of the original value of the property securing the
          loan.
      (3) Fixed rate mortgage
        The term "fixed rate mortgage" means a residential mortgage
      that has an interest rate that is not subject to change.
      (4) Good payment history
        The term "good payment history" means, with respect to a
      mortgagor, that the mortgagor has not - 
          (A) made a mortgage payment that was 60 days or longer past
        due during the 12-month period beginning 24 months before the
        later of (i) the date on which the mortgage reaches the
        cancellation date, or (ii) the date that the mortgagor submits
        a request for cancellation under section 4902(a)(1) of this
        title; or
          (B) made a mortgage payment that was 30 days or longer past
        due during the 12-month period preceding the later of (i) the
        date on which the mortgage reaches the cancellation date, or
        (ii) the date that the mortgagor submits a request for
        cancellation under section 4902(a)(1) of this title.
      (5) Initial amortization schedule
        The term "initial amortization schedule" means a schedule
      established at the time at which a residential mortgage
      transaction is consummated with respect to a fixed rate mortgage,
      showing - 
          (A) the amount of principal and interest that is due at
        regular intervals to retire the principal balance and accrued
        interest over the amortization period of the loan; and
          (B) the unpaid principal balance of the loan after each
        scheduled payment is made.
      (6) Amortization schedule then in effect
        The term "amortization schedule then in effect" means, with
      respect to an adjustable rate mortgage, a schedule established at
      the time at which the residential mortgage transaction is
      consummated or, if such schedule has been changed or
      recalculated, is the most recent schedule under the terms of the
      note or mortgage, which shows - 
          (A) the amount of principal and interest that is due at
        regular intervals to retire the principal balance and accrued
        interest over the remaining amortization period of the loan;
        and
          (B) the unpaid balance of the loan after each such scheduled
        payment is made.
      (7) Midpoint of the amortization period
        The term "midpoint of the amortization period" means, with
      respect to a residential mortgage transaction, the point in time
      that is halfway through the period that begins upon the first day
      of the amortization period established at the time a residential
      mortgage transaction is consummated and ends upon the completion
      of the entire period over which the mortgage is scheduled to be
      amortized.
      (8) Mortgage insurance
        The term "mortgage insurance" means insurance, including any
      mortgage guaranty insurance, against the nonpayment of, or
      default on, an individual mortgage or loan involved in a
      residential mortgage transaction.
      (9) Mortgage insurer
        The term "mortgage insurer" means a provider of private
      mortgage insurance, as described in this chapter, that is
      authorized to transact such business in the State in which the
      provider is transacting such business.
      (10) Mortgagee
        The term "mortgagee" means the holder of a residential mortgage
      at the time at which that mortgage transaction is consummated.
      (11) Mortgagor
        The term "mortgagor" means the original borrower under a
      residential mortgage or his or her successors or assignees.
      (12) Original value
        The term "original value", with respect to a residential
      mortgage transaction, means the lesser of the sales price of the
      property securing the mortgage, as reflected in the contract, or
      the appraised value at the time at which the subject residential
      mortgage transaction was consummated. In the case of a
      residential mortgage transaction for refinancing the principal
      residence of the mortgagor, such term means only the appraised
      value relied upon by the mortgagee to approve the refinance
      transaction.
      (13) Private mortgage insurance
        The term "private mortgage insurance" means mortgage insurance
      other than mortgage insurance made available under the National
      Housing Act [12 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.], title 38, or title V of the
      Housing Act of 1949 [42 U.S.C. 1471 et seq.].
      (14) Residential mortgage
        The term "residential mortgage" means a mortgage, loan, or
      other evidence of a security interest created with respect to a
      single-family dwelling that is the principal residence of the
      mortgagor.
      (15) Residential mortgage transaction
        The term "residential mortgage transaction" means a transaction
      consummated on or after the date that is 1 year after July 29,
      1998, in which a mortgage, deed of trust, purchase money security
      interest arising under an installment sales contract, or
      equivalent consensual security interest is created or retained
      against a single-family dwelling that is the principal residence
      of the mortgagor to finance the acquisition, initial
      construction, or refinancing of that dwelling.
      (16) Servicer
        The term "servicer" has the same meaning as in section
      2605(i)(2) of this title, with respect to a residential mortgage.
      (17) Single-family dwelling
        The term "single-family dwelling" means a residence consisting
      of 1 family dwelling unit.
      (18) Termination date
        The term "termination date" means - 
          (A) with respect to a fixed rate mortgage, the date on which
        the principal balance of the mortgage, based solely on the
        initial amortization schedule for that mortgage, and
        irrespective of the outstanding balance for that mortgage on
        that date, is first scheduled to reach 78 percent of the
        original value of the property securing the loan; and
          (B) with respect to an adjustable rate mortgage, the date on
        which the principal balance of the mortgage, based solely on
        the amortization schedule then in effect for that mortgage, and
        irrespective of the outstanding balance for that mortgage on
        that date, is first scheduled to reach 78 percent of the
        original value of the property securing the loan.



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