Artículo 56: Ajuste de la Deuda Secciones * en negrita indican las áreas clave Artículo 56: Ajuste de la Deuda14-423. § Definiciones. A los fines del presente artículo, se entenderá por: (1) "ajuste de deuda" se entenderá una persona que se dedica a, las tentativas de realizar, o se ofrece a participar en la práctica o de negocios de ajuste de la deuda. (2) "La deuda de ajuste" significa entrar en un contrato o hacer, expresa o implícita, con un determinado deudor mediante el cual el deudor se compromete a pagar una cierta cantidad de dinero periódicamente para la persona que ejerce la deuda de ajuste comercial y la persona que, para su consideración , se compromete a distribuir, o distribuye la misma entre ciertos acreedores especificados de acuerdo con un plan acordado. ajuste de la deuda incluye el negocio o la práctica de cualquier persona que se presenta como actuar y ofrecer o tratar de actuar para su consideración como un intermediario entre un deudor y sus acreedores por los efectos de la liquidación, composición o alterar en modo alguno las condiciones de pago de la deuda de un deudor, y para ello recibe dinero u otros bienes del deudor, o en nombre del deudor, para que el pago, o la distribución entre los acreedores del deudor. deuda de ajuste también incluye el negocio o la práctica de pago de la deuda o asistencia ejecución hipotecaria en los que cualquier persona, se dirige a sí mismo como en calidad para su consideración como un intermediario entre el deudor y el deudor de los acreedores de la con el fin de reducir, resolver, o alterar los términos del pago de la deuda del deudor, si la persona distribuye deudor fondos o bienes entre los acreedores, y recibe una remuneración o por alguna otra de reducción, la solución, o alterar los términos del pago de la deuda antes de la liquidación de deudas hayan sido cumplidos o antes de la todos los servicios convenidos de haber sido prestados en su totalidad. (3) "deudor" significa una persona que reside en Carolina del Norte, e incluye dos o más individuos que son responsables conjunta y solidariamente, o conjunta o separadamente, en deuda con el acreedor o acreedores. (3 bis) "un precio simbólico", una comisión o una contribución para cubrir los gastos de gestión no es un plan de gestión de la deuda superior a cuarenta dólares ($ 40,00) para la originación o la configuración del plan de gestión de la deuda y el diez por ciento (10%) de la revista mensual pagos desembolsados en el marco del plan de gestión de la deuda, que no exceda de cuarenta dólares ($ 40,00) por mes. (4) "Persona" significa una persona, empresa, asociación, sociedad limitada, corporación o asociación. (1963, c. 394, s. 1; 2005-408, artículo 2, 2007-79, s. 1.) 14-424. Participar, etc, en los negocios de la deuda de ajustar un delito menor. Si cualquier persona que intervenga en, u ofrecer o intentar, participar en el negocio o la práctica de ajustar la deuda, o si alguna persona en lo sucesivo, se pronunciará, la oferta de actuar o intentar actuar como un regulador de la deuda, será culpable de un delito menor de clase 2. (1963, c. 394, artículo 2, 1969, c. 1224, sección 6, 1993, c. 539, s. 290; de 1994, ex. Sess., c. 24, s. 14 (c).) 14-426. Ciertas personas § y las transacciones no se consideran los ajustadores de la deuda o el ajuste de la deuda. Las siguientes personas o transacciones que no se considerará ajustadores de la deuda o que se dediquen en el negocio o la práctica de ajustar la deuda: (1) Toda persona o individuo que es un empleado regular de tiempo completo de un deudor, y que actúa como un dispositivo de ajuste de las deudas de su patrón. (2) Cualquier persona o persona física que actúe en virtud de una orden o sentencia de un tribunal, o en virtud de las atribuciones conferidas por una ley de este Estado o de los Estados Unidos. (3) Toda persona que sea un acreedor del deudor, o un agente de uno o varios acreedores del deudor, y cuyos servicios en el ajuste de las deudas del deudor se prestan sin costo para el deudor. (4) Cualquier persona que a petición del deudor, organiza o hace un préstamo al deudor, y que, a la autorización del deudor, actúa como un dispositivo de ajuste de las deudas del deudor en el desembolso de los recursos del préstamo sin derecho a compensación por los servicios prestados en el ajuste de tales deudas. (5) ajuste de un intermitente u ocasional de las deudas del deudor, de una indemnización, por un individuo o persona que no sea un ajuste de la deuda o que no se dedican al negocio o la práctica de ajustar la deuda, y que no se propone como está que operen con regularidad en el ajuste de la deuda. (6) Un abogado-at-law licencia para ejercer en dicho Estado que no sea empleada por un ajustador de deudas. (7) Una organización que ofrece asesoría de crédito, educación y servicios de gestión de la deuda a los deudores si la organización también tiene todas las características siguientes: a. Proporciona asesoramiento individualizado de crédito y la asistencia al deudor presupuesto sin cargo antes de la inscripción del deudor en un plan de gestión de la deuda proporcionado por la organización. b. Determina que el deudor tiene la capacidad financiera para realizar pagos a completar el plan de gestión de la deuda y que el plan es adecuado para el deudor. c. desembolsa los fondos del deudor a los acreedores con arreglo a un plan de gestión de la deuda que el deudor ha pagado con no más de un precio simbólico y que haya aceptado por escrito. d. Ofrece al deudor, en forma periódica y en no menos de forma trimestral, un informe individualizado para el período más reciente de todos los pagos del deudor y desembolsos en el marco del plan de gestión de la deuda y todos los gastos pagados por el deudor. e. No directa o indirectamente, exigir al deudor para adquirir otros servicios o materiales como condición para participar en el plan de gestión de la deuda. f. No recibe un pago, comisión, u otro beneficio por la remisión del deudor a un proveedor de servicios. g. ¿acreditado por una organización de acreditación de que el Comisionado de Bancos aprueba como independiente y reconocida a nivel nacional por haber acreditado a organizaciones que ofrecen asesoría de crédito y servicios de gestión de la deuda. (1963, c. 394, artículo 4; 2005-408, s. 1; 2007-79, s. 1.) ASAMBLEA GENERAL DE CAROLINA DEL NORTE PERÍODO DE SESIONES 2007 La HB 2742 *
28 de mayo 2008 Un proyecto de ley para tener derecho Ley para crear un programa de emergencia para reducir las ejecuciones hipotecarias, y asignar fondos para mejorar la asesoría de vivienda en este estado, evitar las ejecuciones hipotecarias de préstamos de alto riesgo, estimular el mercado de la vivienda, y proporcionar apoyo continuo de la agencia de financiación de la vivienda. La Asamblea General de Carolina del Norte decreta: SECCIÓN 1. Capítulo 45 de los Estatutos Generales queda modificado mediante la adición de un nuevo artículo que diga: "Artículo 11. "Programa de Emergencia para Reducir la Ejecución Hipotecaria. "§ 45-100. Título. El presente artículo se conoce como Programa de Emergencia "de la Ley de reducir las ejecuciones." "§ 45-101. Definiciones. Las siguientes definiciones se aplican en el presente artículo: (1) prestador de servicios hipotecarios. - Una persona que está en el negocio de recibir cualquier pago programado periódico de un prestatario de conformidad con los términos de cualquier préstamo, incluidos los importes de las cuentas de depósito en garantía y efectuar los pagos de principal e intereses y los pagos a otros con respecto a las cantidades recibidas de el prestatario que se requieran en los términos de la hipoteca documento de préstamo o contrato de prestación de servicios de mantenimiento. (2) beneficiarias del préstamo. - Un préstamo hipotecario con todas las características siguientes: a. La propiedad que asegura el préstamo está ocupado por el deudor hipotecario en el momento de la presentación requerida en GS 45-102 como la residencia principal del deudor hipotecario. b. El préstamo es un préstamo "subprime". c. El deudor hipotecario no ha recibido asistencia en el marco del Programa Piloto de Protección de Inicio administrado por el North Carolina Housing Finance Agency. d. El deudor hipotecario no haya recibido asistencia en virtud del presente artículo durante la delincuencia antes. e. Los esfuerzos realizados por el Comisionado de los bancos para estimular la comunicación tienen una probabilidad realista de evitar la ejecución hipotecaria según lo determinado por el Comisionado. (3) Recientemente se originó. - Un préstamo subprime se originó a partir del 1 de enero 2005. (4) préstamos subprime. - Un préstamo que se ajustan a la definición de una tasa de préstamo de margen casa en 1F GS 24-1 (a) (7), en caso de que el artículo había sido en efecto cuando el préstamo se originó. Un administrador de hipotecas puede basarse en un gráfico que refleja la tasa de interés correspondiente desencadenantes de propagación tasa de los préstamos hipotecarios para cada día del período cubierto por el presente artículo, siempre por el Comisionado de Bancos a los fines de determinar si un préstamo es un préstamo "subprime" se refiere el presente el artículo. "§ 45-102. Creación de base de datos de préstamos de alto riesgo que enfrentan ejecuciones hipotecarias. A más tardar el 01 de septiembre 2008, el Comisionado de Bancos crearán una base de datos compuesta por préstamos de calificación de presentación en la que la razón es una ejecución hipotecaria previsto como se describe en GS 45-103. El Comisionado de utilizar esta base de datos con el fin de fomentar las comunicaciones entre los servicios hipotecarios y propietarios dispuestos. "§ 45-103. Presentación de información a la base de datos. servicios hipotecarios de los préstamos se originaron recientemente hipotecarios de alto riesgo deberán presentar la información requerida por el Comisionado de Bancos a la base de datos creada de conformidad con el GS 45-102 al menos 30 días antes de la iniciación de cualquier procedimiento de ejecución hipotecaria. El Comisionado deberá utilizar la información para determinar si un préstamo es un préstamo de calificación. El Comisario público deberá presentar la forma, manera, y el contenido de la presentación, a más tardar 30 días antes de la fecha se convierte en la base de datos activa. "§ 45-104. Asistencia para la calificación de los préstamos. En el caso de un préstamo de calificación, el Comisionado de Bancos notificará al prestador de servicios hipotecarios, propietario de la vivienda, y otras partes, según el caso, que el préstamo es un préstamo de calificación y hará esfuerzos para facilitar la comunicación entre las partes para evitar la ejecución hipotecaria. El administrador de hipotecas no podrá iniciar procedimientos de ejecución hipotecaria por lo menos 60 días después de recibir el aviso de que el préstamo es un préstamo de calificación, a fin de permitir a las partes para determinar si existe una alternativa a la ejecución hipotecaria. "§ 45-105. Notificación. Para los préstamos que no califican en los préstamos, el Comisionado de Bancos deberá notificar al titular, o la hipoteca agente de servicio de la determinación de que el préstamo no es un préstamo de calificación dentro de los 30 días siguientes a la recepción de la notificación inicial prevista en el presente artículo a fin de no para interrumpir el proceso de embargo de créditos que no reciben asistencia bajo este programa. "§ 45-106. Poderes de emergencia del Comisionado de Bancos. El Comisionado de Bancos estarán exentos de la elaboración de normas en el Capítulo 150B de los Estatutos Generales exclusivamente en lo que respecta al establecimiento de procedimientos para alcanzar los propósitos de este artículo. El Comisionado podrá emplear agentes para actuar en nombre del Comisionado para alcanzar los objetivos del presente artículo. "§ 45-107. Privacidad de los registros. El Comisionado de Bancos debe proteger la privacidad de la información financiera de carácter personal facilitados de conformidad con el presente artículo que no es otra cosa un registro público, y dicha información no será revelada al público. Un administrador de hipotecas será inocente por el Comisionado en caso de violación de los derechos de privacidad del deudor hipotecario con respecto a la información que el prestador de servicios hipotecarios proporciona al Comisionado de acuerdo con GS 45-103. "§ 45-108. Exclusión de presentación. (A) Durante la vigencia de este programa, avisos de ejecuciones hipotecarias presentadas a partir del 01 de septiembre 2008, deberá incluir una certificación por la parte que presenta que el préstamo haya sido debidamente presentada a la base de datos requerida por GS 45-103 y que el préstamo es no están recibiendo la asistencia conforme a GS 45-104 o que el préstamo no es un préstamo de calificación. (B) una declaración inexacta en la certificación requerida por el inciso (a) de esta sección será causa para el despido de cualquier ejecución de una hipoteca procedimiento iniciado por el prestador de servicios hipotecarios y un pago por la parte de presentación de gastos efectuados por el deudor hipotecario en la defensa de la ejecución hipotecaria procedimiento ". SECCIÓN 2. No se apropia del Fondo General de Carolina del Norte Agencia Financiera de Vivienda la suma de un millón de dólares ($ 1.000.000) en fondos recurrentes para el año fiscal 2008-2009 para brindar asesoramiento a los propietarios expuestos a los riesgos de perder sus casas a la ejecución hipotecaria , para hacer donaciones a las agencias de asesoría sin fines de lucro en este Estado que son designados y autorizados por la Agencia, y para proporcionar financiación para la formación de consejeros en su caso según lo determinado por la Agencia. agencias sin fines de lucro de asesoramiento seleccionado por Carolina del Norte Agencia Financiera de Vivienda proporcionará asesoría de vivienda y servicios relacionados con ayudar a los propietarios evitar la derrota en casa, la exclusión, y preservar la equidad de la vivienda. SECCIÓN 3. No se apropia del Fondo General a la North Carolina State Bar la suma de dos millones de dólares (2.000.000 dólares) en fondos recurrentes para el año fiscal 2008-2009, para financiar las ayudas a los proveedores de servicios legales para ayudar a prevenir la ejecución hipotecaria y la pérdida de su casa, preservar la equidad de la vivienda entre los consumidores de bajos ingresos y ayudar a los consumidores de bajos ingresos en los casos de préstamos hipotecarios abusivos, agente hipotecario y los abusos de los servicios de préstamo, y cuestiones jurídicas conexas. Las siguientes organizaciones podrán beneficiarse de subvenciones con arreglo a esta sección: Servicios Legales del Sur de Piamonte, Servicios Jurídicos Pisga, la pérdida de tierras Proyecto de Prevención, Asistencia Legal de Carolina del Norte, Inc., y la Protección Financiera Law Center. SECCIÓN 4. No se consigna la suma de setecientos mil pesos ($ 700.000) a la de Carolina del Norte Agencia Financiera de Vivienda que se utilizará para: (1) Crear un programa piloto en cinco o seis regiones geográficas del Estado mediante la identificación de una organización sin fines de lucro en cada región para recibir hasta la suma de setenta y cinco mil dólares ($ 75.000) en forma de subvención-en-la ayuda que debe utilizarse para crear un consejo de viviendas asequibles. Cada consejo de viviendas asequibles se compondrá de las personas, sin fines de lucro, y las empresas que representan todos los aspectos del mercado de la vivienda y se trabajará para identificar las necesidades y los recursos locales disponibles para la vivienda asequible, así como desarrollar un plan estratégico para aumentar la cantidad de viviendas asequibles en la región. (2) Asignar la suma de doscientos cincuenta mil pesos ($ 250.000) para prestar asistencia profesional y otros a los consejos, incluyendo la identificación de mejores prácticas para potenciar el stock de viviendas a precios razonables, datos de mercado para la región y para el Estado, y coordinación de los esfuerzos de los consejos. La Agencia Financiera de Vivienda también pueden utilizar estos fondos para aumentar la conciencia pública de estos consejos de vivienda asequible y las acciones de los consejos están tomando para aumentar la cantidad de viviendas asequibles en todo el Estado. SECCIÓN 5. El Tesorero del Estado debe trabajar conjuntamente con las entidades enumeradas en el GS 147-69.1 (c) (2) para desarrollar una cartera de hipotecas específicas Carolina del Norte en la que el Tesorero podrá invertir los fondos conforme a GS 147-69.1 (c) (2). La Tesorería del estado tratará de invertir al menos cien millones de dólares ($ 100,000,000) en esta cartera de hipotecas para ayudar a la liquidez de financiamiento hipotecario en este Estado. SECCIÓN 6. No se apropia del Fondo General de Carolina del Norte Agencia Financiera de Vivienda la suma de dos millones de dólares ($ 2,000,000) en fondos recurrentes para el año fiscal 2008-2009 a fin de prestar más fondos para los programas existentes de la Agencia. SECCIÓN 7. Sección 1 de esta ley entre en vigor 01 de julio 2008, y expirará 31 de agosto 2010. El resto de esta ley entre en vigor 01 de julio 2008. ASAMBLEA GENERAL DE CAROLINA DEL NORTE PERÍODO DE SESIONES 2007 PERÍODO DE SESIONES DE DERECHO 2007-351 La HB 1374 UN ACTO para anular el caso Shepard y modificar la restricción de acciones para recuperar de la usura; de revocar el caso Skinner y modificar el estatuto a largo brazo para permitir que los tribunales de Carolina del Norte para ejercer la jurisdicción personal sobre determinados demandados no residentes, para exigir que una notificación de exclusión de determinados datos; y prever la deuda hipotecaria recaudación y administración. La Asamblea General de Carolina del Norte decreta: SECCIÓN 1. GS 1-53 (2) es el reescrita: usury, including an action regarding the financing of usurious points, usurious fees, or other usurious charges; the two-year period shall accrue with each payment made and accepted on the loan. “ "(2) un recurso para recuperar la pena por la usura. Usura, incluyendo una acción sobre la financiación de puntos de usura, las tasas de usura, u otros cargos de usura, el período de dos años se incrementará con cada pago realizado y aceptado por el préstamo. " SECCIÓN 2. GS 1-75.4 (6) es el reescrita: "(6) Haciendas Locales. - En cualquier acción que surge de: a. Una promesa, hecha en cualquier parte a la demandante o de un tercero en beneficio del demandante, por la parte demandada a crear, en cualquiera de las partes interesadas en, o para proteger, adquirir, enajenar, utilizar, alquilar, poseer, controlar o poseer por ya sea propiedad de terceros inmuebles situados en este Estado, o b. Una reivindicación de recuperar para cualquier beneficio derivado de la parte demandada a través del uso, propiedad, control o posesión de la parte demandada de bienes materiales situados en este Estado ni en el momento del primer uso, propiedad, control o posesión o en el momento la acción se inicie, o c. Una reclamación que la devolución demandada, restaurar, o cuenta a la demandante por cualquier bien o cosa de valor que fue dentro de este Estado en el momento de la demandada adquirió la posesión o el control sobre él. d. Una reclamación relacionada con un préstamo realizado en este Estado o se considere que se han realizado en este Estado con arreglo GS 24-2.1, sin importar el lugar de las prestamista, apoderado o titular de otro préstamo de la nota y sin importar si el préstamo pago o cuota que se recibe a través de un administrador de préstamos, siempre que: (i) el préstamo se hizo a un prestatario que sea residente de este Estado, (ii) el préstamo se efectúe el prestatario sobre todo para, personal, familiar o para el hogar y (iii) el préstamo está garantizado por una hipoteca o escritura de fideicomiso sobre bienes inmuebles situados en este Estado sobre el cual se encuentra o está allí para ser ubicada una estructura o estructuras diseñadas principalmente para la ocupación de una hasta cuatro familias ". SECCIÓN 3. GS 24-2.1 dice lo reescrita: "§ 24-2.1. Operaciones reguladas por el capítulo. (A) Para efectos de este Capítulo, cualquier extensión de crédito se considerará que se han realizado en este Estado, y por tanto sujetas a las disposiciones del presente capítulo si el prestamista ofrece o está de acuerdo en este Estado a prestar a un prestatario que es un residente de este Estado, o si acepta o prestatario como hace la oferta en este Estado a pedir prestado, sin importar el lugar de las del contrato tal como se especifica en el mismo. (B) Toda solicitud o comunicación a prestar, oral o escrita, con origen fuera de este Estado, pero transmitió y recibió en ese Estado por un prestatario que sea residente de este Estado, se considerará como una oferta o acuerdo para prestar en este Estado. (C) Toda solicitud o comunicación que pedir prestado, oral o escrita, originarios de este Estado, de un prestatario que es un residente de este Estado, pero transmitió a, y recibida por un prestamista fuera de este Estado, se considerará que una aceptación u oferta de préstamos en este Estado. (D) por vía oral o por escrito la oferta, la aceptación, solicitud o comunicación al prestar o pedir prestado, en este Estado, o ha recibido en este Estado de un prestatario que no es un residente de este Estado estará sujeta a las disposiciones del presente capítulo, la ley federal aplicable, la ley del situs del contrato o la ley de la residencia de cualquier prestatario que las partes pueden elegir. (E) Toda persona que adquiera un derecho por contrato o por la cesión de recibir pagos de un préstamo realizado en este Estado a un individuo o individuos que es un residente de este Estado en el momento del préstamo y que se beneficia de las leyes de este Estado haciendo que el préstamo garantizado por bienes inmuebles ubicados en este Estado se considera que ha dado su consentimiento a los tribunales de este Estado que tenga jurisdicción sobre dicha persona por cualquier reclamación en virtud del presente capítulo, y para cualquier reclamo relacionado con el instrumento de préstamo. (F) Las disposiciones de esta sección será divisible y si cualquier frase, cláusula, frase o disposición es declarada no válida, la validez del resto de esta sección no serán afectadas. (G) Es la suma de las políticas públicas de Carolina del Norte para proteger a los prestatarios residentes de Carolina del Norte a través de la aplicación de las leyes de Carolina del Norte interés. Cualquier disposición de esta sección que actúa para interferir en el logro de que las políticas públicas no tendrá ningún efecto ". SECCIÓN 4. GS 45-21.16 dice lo reescrita: "§ 45-21.16. Comunicación y el oído. ... (C) Esta información se realizará por escrito y deberá indicar en una manera razonablemente calculada para hacer la parte que tiene derecho a notar en cuenta lo siguiente: ... principal, interest, and any other fees, expenses, and disbursements that the holder in good faith is claiming to be due claims in good faith is owed as of the date of the written statement, together with a daily interest charge based on the contract rate as of the date of the statement, and the amount of other expenses the holder contends it is owed as of the date of the statement. written statement. (5 bis) El titular ha confirmado por escrito a la persona que da el aviso, o si el titular es el preaviso, el titular deberá confirmar en el anuncio, que, dentro de los 30 días siguientes a la fecha de la notificación, fue enviado por el deudor -correo de la clase por primera vez en última dirección conocida del deudor del escrito una declaración detallada del importe del principal y el principal interés, el interés, y otras tasas, gastos y desembolsos que el titular de buena fe es que dice ser las indemnizaciones debidas en buena fe es adeudada en la fecha de la declaración por escrito, junto con una carga de interés diario, basado en el tipo de contrato a partir de la fecha de la declaración, y el importe de otros gastos del titular solicita que se le debe a partir de la fecha de la declaración. escrito declaración. Nada de lo aquí previsto autorizar las tarifas, cargos, o los métodos de cobro de intereses que no está permitido por contrato entre las partes y otras leyes aplicables. (5 ter) Para el conocimiento del titular, o el prestador de servicios que actúan en nombre del titular, ya sea en los dos años anteriores a la fecha de la declaración de todas las solicitudes de información han sido realizadas por el prestatario al administrador de conformidad con el GS 45-88 y En caso afirmativo, si tales solicitudes se han cumplido. Si los plazos establecidos en el GS 45-88 del cumplimiento de todas estas solicitudes de información que no hayan caducado a partir de la fecha de la notificación, el anuncio lo hará constar. Si el titular no está dando el anuncio, el titular deberá confirmar por escrito a la persona que da el anuncio de la información requerida por este inciso, que se indicarán en el anuncio. (6) derogado por leyes de la sesión de 1977, c. 359, s. 7. (7) El derecho del deudor (o un tercero sirve) para comparecer ante el secretario del tribunal a la vez y en una fecha determinada, en la que la apariencia que tendrán la oportunidad de mostrar causa de por qué la ejecución de una hipoteca no debe ser permitió que se celebrará. El aviso deberá contener una declaración de que si el deudor no tiene la intención de concurso de acreedores de las alegaciones de la de impago, el deudor no tiene que comparecer en la audiencia y que su no asistencia a la vista no afectará su derecho a pagar la deuda y por lo tanto evitar que la propuesta de venta, o para asistir a la venta efectiva, en caso de que decidan hacerlo. todas las características siguientes: a. Una declaración de que si el deudor no tiene la intención de concurso de acreedores de las alegaciones de la de impago, el deudor no tiene que comparecer en la audiencia y que deudor hecho de que el asistir a la audiencia no afectará deudor derecho al pago de las deudas y por lo tanto evitar que la propuesta de venta, o para asistir a la venta efectiva, si el deudor elegirá para hacerlo. b. Una declaración de que el administrador o fiduciario sustituto, es una parte neutral y, mientras mantiene esa posición en el procedimiento de ejecución hipotecaria, no pueden abogar por el acreedor garantizado o al deudor en el procedimiento de ejecución hipotecaria. c. Una declaración de que el deudor tiene el derecho a acudir a un juez del tribunal superior de conformidad con el GS 45 a 21.34 para prohibir la venta, por cualquier motivo legal o equitativo que el tribunal considere suficiente antes de la hora que los derechos de las partes en la venta o la reventa se fijan, siempre que el deudor cumpla con los requisitos de la SG 45-21.34. d. Una declaración de que el deudor tiene el derecho de comparecer en la audiencia y concurso de las pruebas de que el secretario es considerar bajo GS 45 a 21.16 (d), y que para autorizar la ejecución de una hipoteca el secretario tiene que encontrar la existencia de: (i ) de la deuda válida de que la parte que busca excluir es el titular, (ii) por defecto, (iii) el derecho de excluir en virtud del instrumento, y (iv) la notificación a las personas autorizadas para darse cuenta. e. Una declaración de que si el deudor no comparece a la audiencia, el síndico le pedirá al secretario una orden para vender los bienes inmuebles excluida. f. Una declaración de que el deudor tiene derecho a solicitar el asesoramiento de un abogado y que los servicios legales gratuitos pueden estar disponibles para el deudor poniéndose en contacto con Ayuda Legal de Carolina del Norte o de otras organizaciones de servicios legales. (8) Que si la venta de ejecución hipotecaria se consuma, el comprador tendrá derecho a la posesión de los bienes inmuebles a partir de la fecha de entrega de su obra, y que el deudor, si todavía no está en posesión, entonces puede ser desalojado. (8 bis) El nombre, dirección y número de teléfono del administrador o acreedor hipotecario. (9) Que el deudor debe tener el fiduciario o acreedor hipotecario notificado por escrito de su discurso para que pueda ser enviado por correo copias de la notificación de la exclusión que establece los términos bajo los cuales se celebró la venta, y el aviso de cualquier aplazamiento o la reventa. (10) Si la notificación de la audiencia tiene por objeto servir también como un anuncio de venta, la información adicional que se establece en el GS 45-21.16A. (11) que la audiencia puede ser celebrada en una fecha posterior a la indicada en el anuncio y que el partido va a ser notificado de cualquier cambio en la fecha de la audiencia. (c)(5a) and (c)(5b) of this section and is not liable for inaccuracies in the written confirmation. Any dispute concerning the mailing or accuracy of the written statement described in subdivision (c)(5a) of this section shall not be considered in a hearing under this section. (C1) La persona que da el aviso de una audiencia, en caso de que no sea el titular, podrá basarse en la confirmación por escrito por el titular en las subdivisiones subdivisión (c) (5a) y (c) (5 ter) de esta sección y no se hace responsable de los errores en la confirmación por escrito. Cualquier controversia relativa a la distribución o la exactitud de la declaración escrita en la subdivisión (c) (5 bis) de esta sección no se considerará en una audiencia en esta sección. .... " SECCIÓN 5. Capítulo 45 de los Estatutos Generales queda modificado mediante la adición de un nuevo artículo que diga: "Artículo 10. "Hipoteca cobro de deudas y servicios de mantenimiento. "§ 45-85. Definiciones. A los fines del presente artículo, se entenderá por: (1) préstamo hipotecario. - Un préstamo garantizado por bienes inmuebles situados en este Estado utilizados o destinados a ser utilizados, por un prestatario o prestatarios individuales en este Estado como una vivienda, independientemente de si el préstamo se utiliza para comprar o refinanciar la propiedad antes de la compra la propiedad o si el importe del préstamo se utilizan para, personal, familiar o de negocios. (2) Administrador. - «Administrador A 'tal como se define en la Ley de Liquidación de Bienes Raíces Procedimientos, 12 USC § 2605 (i). Un abogado con licencia, que en el ejercicio de la abogacía o desempeñar en calidad de depositario, acepta los pagos relacionados con un cierre del préstamo, por defecto, un embargo o la solución de una controversia o reclamación legal relacionado con un préstamo, no se considerará un administrador para los fines del presente artículo. "§ 45-86. Evaluación de las tasas; tratamiento de los pagos, la publicación de las declaraciones. (A) Un técnico debe cumplir para cada préstamo hipotecario, independientemente de si el préstamo se considera en mora o el prestatario está en quiebra o el prestatario ha estado en quiebra, con los siguientes requisitos: (1) Los derechos que han sido efectuados por un prestador de servicios deberá ser a la vez: a. Partiendo de un plazo de 45 días a partir de la fecha en que se hayan pagado la tasa. Disponiéndose, sin embargo, que los honorarios del abogado o el administrador y los costos incurridos como resultado de una acción de ejecución hipotecaria se evaluarán dentro de los 45 días siguientes a la fecha en que se pagan ya sea por el abogado o al administrador fiduciario. b. Explicación clara y visiblemente en una declaración enviada por correo al prestatario en última dirección conocida del prestatario por lo menos 30 días después de la evaluación de la cuota, siempre que el prestador de servicios lo que no se requiere tomar ninguna acción en violación de las disposiciones del código federal de quiebras. (2) Todas las cantidades percibidas por un administrador de un préstamo hipotecario en la dirección donde se ha instruido el prestatario para hacer los pagos se aceptan y se acredita o tratados acreditado como, dentro de un día hábil después de la fecha de recepción, siempre que el prestatario tiene efectuado el pago en su totalidad y ha proporcionado información suficiente para abono en la cuenta. Si un administrador utiliza el método previsto de la contabilidad, cualquier pago programado regularmente efectuadas con anterioridad a la fecha de vencimiento, se acreditarán a más tardar en la fecha de vencimiento. Disponiéndose, sin embargo, que si se recibe el pago y no acreditado, o tratados acreditado como, el prestatario deberá ser notificada en el plazo de 10 días hábiles por correo a última dirección conocida del prestatario de la disposición del pago, por la razón que el pago no fue acreditado o tratados acreditado como a la cuenta, y cualquier acción necesaria por parte del prestatario para que el préstamo actual. (3) Si no carga los honorarios o de proporcionar la información dentro del tiempo permitido y en las formas previstas por la subdivisión (1) del inciso (a) de esta sección constituye una renuncia de dicha tarifa. (4) Todas las tarifas cobradas por un técnico debe ser de otra manera permitida por la legislación aplicable y los contratos entre las partes. Nada de lo aquí está pensada para permitir la aplicación de los pagos de interés o el método de carga que es menos protectora del prestatario de los contratos entre las partes y otras leyes aplicables. "§ 45-87. Obligación del prestador de servicios para manejar los fondos de garantía bloqueada. Cualquier administrador que ejerce la autoridad para cobrar las cantidades de custodia en un préstamo hipotecario o tenencia, que se celebrará para el prestatario del seguro, impuestos y otros cargos en relación con los bienes deberán recoger y hacer todos los pagos de la cuenta de garantía bloqueada, a fin de garantizar que no se evalúan las penalizaciones por retraso o resultado negativo de otras consecuencias. Las disposiciones de esta sección se aplicarán con independencia de si el préstamo está en mora o en incumplimiento de pago a menos que el administrador tiene una base razonable para creer que la recuperación de estos fondos no será posible o préstamo es superior a 90 días en mora. "§ 45-88. Prestatario solicitudes de información. The servicer shall make reasonable attempts to comply with a borrower's request for information about the home loan account and to respond to any dispute initiated by the borrower about the loan account, as provided in this section. The servicer shall maintain, until the home loan is paid in full, otherwise satisfied, or sold, written or electronic records of each written request for information regarding a dispute or error involving the borrower's account. Specifically, the servicer is required to do all of the following: (1) Provide a written statement to the borrower within 10 business days of receipt of a written request from the borrower that includes or otherwise enables the servicer to identify the name and account of the borrower and includes a statement that the account is or may be in error or otherwise provides sufficient detail to the servicer regarding information sought by the borrower. The borrower is entitled to one such statement in any six‑month period free of charge, and additional statements shall be provided if the borrower pays the servicer a reasonable charge for preparing and furnishing the statement not to exceed twenty-five dollars ($25.00) The statement shall include the following information if requested: a. Whether the account is current or, if the account is not current, an explanation of the default and the date the account went into default. b. The current balance due on the loan, including the principal due, the amount of funds (if any) held in a suspense account, the amount of the escrow balance (if any) known to the servicer, and whether there are any escrow deficiencies or shortages known to the servicer. c. The identity, address, and other relevant information about the current holder, owner, or assignee of the loan. d. The telephone number and mailing address of a servicer representative with the information and authority to answer questions and resolve disputes. (2) Provide the following information and/or documents within 25 business days of receipt of a written request from the borrower that includes or otherwise enables the servicer to identify the name and account of the borrower and includes a statement that the account is or may be in error or otherwise provides sufficient detail to the servicer regarding information sought by the borrower: a. A copy of the original note, or if unavailable, an affidavit of lost note. b. A statement that identifies and itemizes all fees and charges assessed under the loan transaction and provides a full payment history identifying in a clear and conspicuous manner all of the debits, credits, application of and disbursement of all payments received from or for the benefit of the borrower, and other activity on the home loan including escrow account activity and suspense account activity, if any. The period of the account history shall cover at a minimum the two‑year period prior to the date of the receipt of the request for information. If the servicer has not serviced the home loan for the entire two‑year time period the servicer shall provide the information going back to the date on which the servicer began servicing the home loan. For purposes of this subsection, the date of the request for the information shall be presumed to be no later than 30 days from the date of the receipt of the request. If the servicer claims that any delinquent or outstanding sums are owed on the home loan prior to the two‑year period or the period during which the servicer has serviced the loan, the servicer shall provide an account history beginning with the month that the servicer claims any outstanding sums are owed on the loan up to the date of the request for the information. The borrower is entitled to one such statement in any six‑month period free of charge. Additional statements shall be provided if the borrower pays the servicer a reasonable charge for preparing and furnishing the statement not to exceed fifty dollars ($50.00). (3) Promptly correct errors relating to the allocation of payments, the statement of account, or the payoff balance identified in any notice from the borrower provided in accordance with subdivision (2) of this section, or discovered through the due diligence of the servicer or other means. “ § 45‑89. Remedies. In addition to any equitable remedies and any other remedies at law, any borrower injured by any violation of this Article may bring an action for recovery of actual damages, including reasonable attorneys' fees. The Commissioner of Banks, the Attorney General, or any party to a home loan may enforce the provisions of this section. With the exception of an action by the Commissioner of Banks or the Attorney General, at least 30 days before a borrower or a borrower's representative institutes a civil action for damages against a servicer for a violation of this Article, the borrower or a borrower's representative shall notify the servicer in writing of any claimed errors or disputes regarding the borrower's home loan that forms the basis of the civil action. The notice must be sent to the address as designated on any of the servicer's bills, statements, invoices, or other written communication, and must enable the servicer to identify the name and loan account of the borrower. For purposes of this section, notice shall not include a complaint or summons. Nothing in this section shall limit the rights of a borrower to enjoin a civil action, or make a counterclaim, cross-claim, or plead a defense in a civil action. A servicer will not be in violation of this Article if the servicer shows by a preponderance of evidence that: (1) The violation was not intentional or the result of bad faith; and (2) Within 30 days after discovering or being notified of an error, and prior to the institution of any legal action by the borrower against the servicer under this section, the servicer corrected the error and compensated the borrower for any fees or charges incurred by the borrower as a result of the violation. “ § 45‑90. Severability. The provisions of this Article shall be severable, and if any phrase, clause, sentence, or provision is declared to be invalid or is preempted by federal law or regulation, the validity of the remainder of this section shall not be affected thereby. If any provision of this Article is declared to be inapplicable to any specific category, type, or kind of points and fees, the provisions of this Article shall nonetheless continue to apply with respect to all other points and fees. “ SECTION 6. Sections 4 and 5 of this act become effective April 1, 2008. All other sections of this act are effective when it becomes law. In the General Assembly read three times and ratified this the 1 st day of August, 2007. s/ Beverly E. Perdue Presidente del Senado s/ Joe Hackney Speaker of the House of Representatives s/ Michael F. Easley Gobernador Approved 11:47 am this 16 th day of August, 2007 GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA SESSION 2007 SESSION LAW 2007-79 SENATE BILL 197 AN ACT to repeal the sunset of the 2005 amendments to the law that strengthened the protection of consumers seeking assistance with Managing their debts. The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts: SECTION 1. Section 4 of SL 2005‑408 reads as rewritten: “ SECTION 4 . GS 14‑426(7)g., as enacted by Section 1 of this act, becomes effective October 1, 2005. GS 14‑423(a)(2) as amended by Section 2 of this act becomes effective December 31, 2005. The remainder of this act is effective when it becomes law. This act expires October 1, 2007. ” SECTION 2. This act becomes effective September 1, 2007. In the General Assembly read three times and ratified this the 5 th day of June, 2007. s/ Beverly E. Perdue Presidente del Senado s/ Joe Hackney Speaker of the House of Representatives s/ Michael F. Easley Gobernador Approved 4:31 pm this 14 th day of June, 2007 GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA SESSION 2007 SESSION LAW 2008-228 HOUSE BILL 2463 AN ACT to regulate mortgage servicing; to require mortgage servicer licensure under the mortgage lending act; and to make technical and clarifying changes to the mortgage lending act. The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts: SECTION 1. GS 53‑243.01 reads as rewritten: “ § 53‑243.01. Definitions. The following definitions apply in this Article: (1) Act as a mortgage broker. – To act, for compensation or gain, or in the expectation of compensation or gain, either directly or indirectly, by accepting or offering to accept an application for a mortgage loan, soliciting or offering to solicit a mortgage loan, negotiating the terms or conditions of a mortgage loan, issuing mortgage loan commitments or interest rate guarantee agreements to borrowers, or engaging in tablefunding of mortgage loans, whether such acts are done through contact by telephone, by electronic means, by mail, or in person with the borrowers or potential borrowers. (2) Act as a mortgage lender. – To engage in the business of making mortgage loans for compensation or gain. (3) Act as a mortgage servicer. – To engage, whether for compensation or gain from another or on its own behalf, in the business of receiving any scheduled periodic payments from a borrower pursuant to the terms of any mortgage loan, including amounts for escrow accounts, and making the payments of principal and interest and such other payments with respect to the amounts received from the borrower as may be required pursuant to the terms of the mortgage loan, the mortgage servicing loan documents, or servicing contract. Affiliate. (2a) (4) Afiliados. – Any company that controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with another company, as set forth in the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 (12 USC § 1841), et seq., as amended from time to time. For purposes of this subdivision, the term control means ownership of all of the voting stock or comparable voting interest of the controlled person. (2b) (5) Affiliated mortgage banker. – A licensed mortgage banker that meets the criteria of either sub‑subdivisions a., b., and c. of this subdivision or sub‑subdivisions d. and e. of this subdivision: a. The licensee, by itself or with its affiliates, is licensed in five or more states to engage in the mortgage lending business and (i) is supervised by a state or federal regulatory agency whose regulatory scheme has been determined by the Commissioner to be substantially similar to that of North Carolina, (ii) is organized and supervised under the laws of a state that has adopted a model licensing law endorsed by the Commissioner; or (iii) is supervised by a state or federal agency that is a party to an interstate compact, or has otherwise entered into a cooperative reciprocal agreement by which the state or federal regulatory agency and the State of North Carolina, directly or by duly authorized act of the Commissioner, have mutually agreed to recognize state licensing laws which have specific enumerated criteria. b. The licensee, including its affiliates and wholly owned subsidiaries, has more than 100 employees that are licensed pursuant to this Article. c. The licensee has a consolidated net worth of one hundred million dollars ($100,000,000) or more, or if the licensee does not have the required net worth, its parent shall provide to the Commissioner (i) evidence satisfactory to the Commissioner that the parent has a net worth of one hundred million dollars ($100,000,000) or more, and (ii) an unconditional guarantee or comparable instrument of surety satisfactory to the Commissioner of the performance of the licensee of its obligations under this Article. d. The licensee is a direct or indirect wholly owned subsidiary of a bank holding company or financial services holding company subject to regulation by the Federal Reserve Board or the Office of Thrift Supervision. e. The licensee has a net worth of one hundred million dollars ($100,000,000) or, if the licensee does not have the required net worth, (i) its parent, if it is not a bank holding company or financial holding company, meets the requirements of sub‑subdivision c. of this subdivision or (ii) its parent, if such parent is a bank holding company or financial holding company, has total assets in excess of ten billion dollars ($10,000,000,000) and provides the Commissioner with the unconditional guarantee or comparable instrument of surety required by sub‑subdivision c. of this subdivision. (3) (6) Branch manager. – The individual whose principal office is physically located in, who is in charge of, and who is responsible for the business operations of a branch office of a mortgage broker or mortgage banker. (4) (7) Branch office. – An office of the licensee acting as a mortgage broker or mortgage banker that is separate and distinct from the licensee's principal office. A branch office shall not be located at an individual's home or residence. (5) (8) Commissioner. – The North Carolina Commissioner of Banks and the Commissioner's designees. For purposes of compliance with this Article by credit unions, Commissioner means the Administrator of the Credit Union Division of the Department of Commerce. (6) (9) Control. – Except as provided in subdivision (2a) of this section, “control” means the power to vote more than twenty percent (20%) of outstanding voting shares or other interests of a corporation, partnership, limited liability company, association, or trust. The power, directly or indirectly, to direct the management or policies of a company, whether through ownership of securities, by contract, or otherwise. Any person that (i) is a director, general partner, or executive officer; (ii) directly or indirectly has the right to vote ten percent (10%) or more of a class of a voting security or has the power to sell or direct the sale of ten percent (10%) or more of a class of voting securities; (iii) in the case of a Limited Liability Company, is a managing member; or (iv) in the case of a partnership, has the right to receive upon dissolution, or has contributed, ten percent (10%) or more of the capital, is presumed to control the company. Employee. (7) (10) empleados. – An individual, who has an employment relationship, acknowledged by both the individual and the mortgage broker or mortgage banker or mortgage servicer and is treated as an a common law employee for purposes of compliance with the federal income tax laws. laws and whose income is reported on IRS Form W‑2. (7a) (11) Exclusive mortgage broker. – An individual who acts as a mortgage broker exclusively for a single mortgage banker or single exempt person and who is licensed under the provisions of GS 53‑243.05(c)(1a). (8) (12) Exempt person. – The term includes any of the following: a. Any agency of the federal government or any state or municipal government granting or servicing mortgage loans under specific authority of the laws of any state or the United States. b. Any employee of a licensee whose responsibilities are limited to clerical and administrative tasks for his or her employer and who does not solicit borrowers, accept applications, or negotiate the terms of loans on behalf of the employer. c. Any person authorized to engage in business as a bank or a wholly owned subsidiary of a bank, a farm credit system, savings institution, or a wholly owned subsidiary of a savings institution, or credit union or a wholly owned subsidiary of a credit union, under the laws of the United States, this State, or any other state. Except for GS 53‑243.11 and GS 53‑243.15, this Article does not apply to the exempt persons set forth in this sub‑subdivision (8)c sub‑subdivision. d. Any licensed real estate agent or broker who is performing those activities subject to the regulation of the North Carolina Real Estate Commission. Notwithstanding the above, an exempt person does not include a real estate agent or broker who receives compensation of any kind in connection with the referral, placement, or origination of a mortgage loan. e. Any officer or employee of an exempt person described in sub‑subdivision c. of this subdivision when acting in the scope of employment for the exempt person. f. Any person who, acting as seller, seller and lender and servicer in a residential real estate transaction, receives and services in one calendar year no more than five purchase money notes secured by mortgages, deeds of trust, or other security instruments on the real estate sold as security for a the purchase money obligation. g. The North Carolina Housing Finance Agency as established by Article 122A of the General Statutes and the North Carolina Agricultural Finance Authority as established by Article 122D of the General Statutes. h. Any nonprofit corporation qualifying under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code which makes or services mortgage loans to promote home ownership or home improvements for the disadvantaged, provided that such corporation is not primarily in the business of soliciting or brokering or servicing mortgage loans. i. Any life insurance companies licensed to do business in North Carolina with regard to provisions concerning mortgage lenders. j. A North Carolina licensed attorney who, in the practice of law or in performing as a trustee, accepts payments related to a loan closing, default, foreclosure, loss mitigation, or litigation or settlement of a dispute or legal claim related to a loan. k. A mortgage banker licensed under this Article and any employee of a mortgage banker licensed under this Article are exempt from the requirement to obtain a separate license as a mortgage servicer, provided, however, that all provisions of this Article applicable to mortgage servicers are applicable to any mortgage banker or any employee of a mortgage banker acting as a mortgage servicer, except as provided in GS 53-243.15(c). (9) (13) Licensee. – A loan officer, limited loan officer, mortgage broker, or mortgage banker mortgage banker, or mortgage servicer who is licensed pursuant to this Article. (10) (14) Loan officer. – An individual who, in exchange for compensation as an employee of another person, accepts or offers to accept applications for mortgage loans. loans, or who solicits or offers to solicit a mortgage loan, negotiates the terms or conditions of a mortgage loan, issues mortgage loan commitments or interest rate guarantee agreements to borrowers, whether such acts are done through contact by telephone, by electronic means, by mail, or in person with the borrowers or potential borrowers. The definition of loan officer shall not include any exempt person described in sub‑subdivision (8)b. (12)b. of this section. (10a) (15) Limited loan officer. – An individual who, in exchange for compensation as an employee of an affiliated mortgage banker, directly solicits, negotiates, offers, or makes commitments for mortgage loans. The definition of limited loan officer shall not include any exempt person described in sub‑subdivision (8)b. (12)b. of this section. (11) (16) Make a mortgage loan. – To close a mortgage loan, to advance funds, to offer to advance funds, or to make a commitment to advance funds to a borrower under a mortgage loan. (12) Managing principal. – A person who meets the requirements of GS 53‑243.05(c) and who agrees to be primarily responsible for the operations of a licensed mortgage broker or mortgage banker. (13) (17) Mortgage banker. – A person who acts as a mortgage lender as that term is defined in subdivision (2) of this section. However, the definition does not include a person who acts as a mortgage lender only in tablefunding transactions. (14) (18) Mortgage broker. – A person who acts as a mortgage broker as that term is defined in subdivision (1) of this section. The term “mortgage broker” includes an exclusive mortgage broker, except when expressly provided otherwise. (15) (19) Mortgage loan. – A loan made to a natural person or persons primarily for personal, family, or household use, primarily secured by either a mortgage or a deed of trust on residential real property located in North Carolina. (20) Mortgage servicer. – A person who directly or indirectly acts as a mortgage servicer as that term is defined in subdivision (3) of this section or who otherwise meets the definition of 'servicer' in RESPA, 12 USC § 2605(i), with respect to mortgage loans. (15a) (21) Parent. – The person that controls an affiliated mortgage banker, banker, mortgage broker, or mortgage servicer, as control is defined in subdivision (2a) (4) of this section. (16) (22) Person. – An individual, partnership, limited liability company, limited partnership, corporation, association, or other group engaged in joint business activities, however organized. (17) (23) Qualified lender. – A person who is engaged as a mortgage lender in North Carolina and is either a supervised or a nonsupervised institution, as these terms are defined in 24 CFR § 202.2, approved by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development. (18) (24) Qualified person. – A person who is employed as a loan officer by a qualified lender, or by a mortgage banker or broker registered with the Commissioner under former Article 19 of this Chapter, or who is a general partner, manager, or officer of a qualified lender, registered mortgage banker, or registered mortgage broker. (25) Qualified servicer. – A person who is engaged in the business of acting as a mortgage servicer in North Carolina and who has been approved by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development to service FHA loans or has been approved as a servicer by either the Federal National Mortgage Association or by the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation. (26) Qualifying individual. – A person who meets the requirements of GS 53‑243.05(c) and who agrees to be primarily responsible for the operations of a licensed mortgage broker or mortgage banker or mortgage servicer. (19) (27) Residential real property. – Real property located in the State of North Carolina upon which there is located or is to be located one or more single‑family dwellings or dwelling units. (28) RESPA. – The Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act, 12 USC § 2601, et seq., as it may be hereafter amended. (20) (29) Tablefunding. – A transaction where a licensee closes a loan in its own name with funds provided by others, and the loan is assigned simultaneously to the mortgage lender providing the funding within one business day of the funding of the loan.” SECTION 2. GS 53‑243.02 reads as rewritten: “ § 53‑243.02. License required; licensee records. (a) Other than an exempt person, it is unlawful for any person in this State to act as a mortgage broker or broker, mortgage banker, or mortgage servicer, or directly or indirectly to engage in the business of a mortgage broker or a broker, mortgage banker, banker, or mortgage servicer, without first obtaining a license from the Commissioner under the provisions of this Article. This Article shall apply to any person who seeks to avoid its application by any direct or indirect device, subterfuge, artifice, or pretense whatsoever. ... (e) No person, other than an exempt person, shall hold himself or herself out as a mortgage banker, an affiliated mortgage banker, a mortgage broker, a mortgage servicer, a limited loan officer, or a loan officer unless such person is licensed in accordance with this Article. (f) Any person who has completed and filed with the Commissioner the application and all documents required for licensure as a loan officer other than documents relating to the required examination and the mortgage lending fundamentals course may act as a loan officer during the period before action is taken on the application by the Commissioner, if: (1) The Commissioner has not denied, revoked, or taken any adverse action with respect to an application filed by or license held by such person during the five‑year period ending on the date of filing of the application; (2) The loan officer is employed by a licensed mortgage broker or mortgage banker, and the managing principal qualifying individual of such mortgage broker or mortgage banker (i) certifies to the Commissioner in writing that the managing principal qualifying individual reasonably believes that the application of the person for licensure as a loan officer meets or exceeds all of the relevant requirements of this Article for licensure and (ii) undertakes in writing that the managing principal qualifying individual and the employer will be responsible for the acts of the applicant during the period that such application is pending; and (3) The person is currently or has within the six‑month period prior to the date of the application been employed as and acting as a loan officer for an exempt entity which entity is exempt by virtue of an exemption claimed under GS 53‑243.01(8)c. 53‑243.01(12)c. (g) The Commissioner may deny or suspend the rights of a mortgage broker or mortgage banker to employ a loan officer acting under subsection (f) of this section if the Commissioner finds that the mortgage broker or mortgage banker, or the managing principal qualifying individual thereof, makes the certification or undertaking set forth in subdivision (2) of subsection (f) of this section not in good faith.” SECTION 3. GS 53‑243.05 reads as rewritten: “ § 53‑243.05. Qualifications for licensure; issuance. (a) Any person, other than an exempt person, desiring to obtain a license pursuant to this Article shall make written application for licensure to the Commissioner on forms prescribed by the Commissioner. In accordance with rules adopted by the Commission, the application shall contain any information the Commissioner deems necessary regarding the following: (1) The applicant's name and address (including street address, mailing address, e‑mail, and telephone contact information) and social security number. number or taxpayer identification number. (2) The applicant's form and place of organization, if applicable. (3) The applicant's proposed method of and locations for doing business, if applicable. (4) The qualifications and business history of the applicant and, if applicable, the business history of any partner, officer, or director, any person occupying a similar status or performing similar functions, or any person directly or indirectly controlling the applicant, including: (i) a description of any injunction or administrative order by any state or federal authority to which the person is or has been subject; (ii) a conviction conviction, within the past 10 years, of a misdemeanor involving fraudulent dealings or moral turpitude or relating to any aspect of the residential mortgage lending business any fraud, false statement or omission, any theft or wrongful taking of property, bribery, perjury, forgery, counterfeiting, extortion, or conspiracy to commit any of these offenses; or involving any financial service or financial service‑related business ; (iii) any felony convictions. (5) With respect to an application for licensing as a mortgage banker or broker, banker, mortgage broker, or mortgage servicer, the applicant's financial condition, credit history, and business history; and with respect to the application for licensing as a loan officer, the applicant's credit history and business history. (6) The applicant's consent to a federal and State criminal history record check and a set of the applicant's fingerprints in a form acceptable to the Commissioner. In the case of an applicant that is a corporation, partnership, limited liability company, association, or trust, each individual who has control of the applicant or who is the managing principal qualifying individual or a branch manager shall consent to a federal and State criminal history record check and submit a set of that individual's fingerprints pursuant to this subdivision. Refusal to consent to a criminal history record check constitutes grounds for the Commissioner to deny licensure to the applicant as well as to any entity (i) by whom or by which the applicant is employed, (ii) over which the applicant has control, or (iii) as to which the applicant is the current or proposed managing principal qualifying individual or a current or proposed branch manager. (b) In addition to the requirements imposed by the Commissioner under subsection (a) of this section, each individual applicant for licensure as a loan officer shall: (1) Be at least 18 years of age. (2) Have satisfactorily completed, within the three years immediately preceding the date application is made, a mortgage lending fundamentals course approved by the Commissioner. The course shall consist of at least eight hours of classroom instruction in subjects related to mortgage lending approved by the Commissioner. In addition, the applicant shall have satisfactorily completed a written examination approved by the Commissioner or possess residential mortgage lending education or experience in residential mortgage lending transactions that the Commissioner deems equivalent to the course. (c) In addition to the requirements under subsection (a) of this section, each applicant for licensure as a mortgage broker or mortgage banker or mortgage servicer at the time of application and at all times thereafter shall comply with the following requirements: (1) Except as provided for in subdivision (1a) of this subsection, if the applicant is a sole proprietor, the applicant shall have at least three years of experience in residential mortgage lending or other experience or competency requirements as the Commissioner may impose. Experience as an exclusive mortgage broker or as a limited loan officer shall not constitute mortgage‑lending experience under this subdivision. (1a) If an individual applicant to be licensed as a mortgage broker meets all other requirements for licensure under this section but does not meet the requirements of subdivision (1) of this subsection, the individual applicant may be licensed as an exclusive mortgage broker upon compliance with all of the following: a. Successfully complete both a residential mortgage‑lending course approved by the Commissioner of not less than 40 hours of classroom instruction, and a written examination approved by the Commissioner. b. Act exclusively as a mortgage broker for a single mortgage banker licensee or single exempt mortgage banker for whom the broker shall be deemed an agent, who shall be responsible for supervising the broker as required by this Article, who shall sign the license application of the applicant, and who shall be jointly and severally liable with the broker for any claims arising out of the broker's mortgage lending activities. c. Shall be compensated for the broker's mortgage brokering activities on a basis that is not dependent upon the loan amount, interest rate, fees, or other terms of the loans brokered. d. Shall not handle borrower or other third‑party funds in connection with the brokering or closing of mortgage loans. (2) If the applicant is a general or limited partnership, at least one of its general partners shall have the experience as described under subdivision (1) of this subsection. (3) If the applicant is a corporation, at least one of its principal officers shall have the experience as described under subdivision (1) of this subsection. (4) If the applicant is a limited liability company, at least one of its managers shall have the experience as described under subdivision (1) of this subsection. (d) Each applicant shall identify one person meeting the requirements of subsection (c) of this section to serve as the applicant's managing principal qualifying individual . (e) Every applicant for initial licensure shall pay a filing fee not to exceed one thousand two hundred fifty dollars ($1,250) for licensure as a mortgage broker or broker, mortgage banker banker, or mortgage servicer or sixty‑seven dollars and fifty cents ($67.50) for licensure as a loan officer or limited loan officer, in addition to the actual cost of obtaining credit reports and State and national criminal history record checks. (f) A mortgage banker or mortgage servicer shall post a surety bond in the amount of one hundred fifty thousand dollars ($150,000), and a mortgage broker shall post a surety bond in the amount of fifty thousand dollars ($50,000). The surety bond shall be in a form satisfactory to the Commissioner and shall run to the State for the benefit of any claimants against the licensee to secure the faithful performance of the obligations of the licensee under this Article. The aggregate liability of the surety shall not exceed the principal sum of the bond. A party having a claim against the licensee may bring suit directly on the surety bond, or the Commissioner may bring suit on behalf of any claimants, either in one action or in successive actions. Consumer claims shall be given priority in recovering from the bond. Any appropriate deposit of cash or securities shall be accepted in lieu of any bond that is required. An audited financial statement from a qualified lender or qualified servicer showing a net worth of two hundred fifty thousand dollars ($250,000) or more shall be accepted in lieu of any bond required. (g) Any general partner, manager of a limited liability company, or officer of a corporation who individually meets the requirements under subsection (b) of this section shall, upon payment of the applicable fee, meet the qualifications for licensure as a loan officer subject to the provisions of subsection (i) of this section. (h) Each principal office and each branch office of a mortgage broker or mortgage banker licensed under the provisions of this Article shall be issued a separate license. A licensed mortgage broker or mortgage banker shall file with the Commissioner an application on a form prescribed by the Commissioner that identifies the address of the principal office and each branch office and branch manager. A filing fee not to exceed one hundred twenty‑five dollars ($125.00) shall be assessed by the Commissioner for each branch office issued a license. (i) If the Commissioner determines that an applicant meets the qualifications for licensure and finds that the financial responsibility, character, and general fitness of the applicant are such as to command the confidence of the community and to warrant belief that the business will be operated honestly and fairly, the Commissioner shall issue a license to the applicant. In addition, for an applicant qualifying as an exclusive mortgage broker, the Commissioner shall determine if the mortgage broker/mortgage banker relationship is in the public interest.” SECTION 4. GS 53‑243.06 reads as rewritten: “ § 53‑243.06. License renewal; termination. (a) All licenses issued by the Commissioner under the provisions of this Article shall expire annually on the 30th day of June 31st day of December following issuance or on any other date that the Commissioner may determine. The license shall become invalid after that date unless renewed. A license may be renewed 45 days prior to the expiration date on or after November 1 by compliance with subsection (b1) of this section and by paying to the Commissioner, in addition to the actual cost of obtaining credit reports and State and national criminal history record checks and of processing fees of the nationwide system as the Commissioner may require, a renewal fee as follows: (1) Licensed mortgage bankers and licensed mortgage servicers shall pay an annual fee not to exceed six hundred twenty‑five dollars ($625.00) and one hundred twenty‑five dollars ($125.00) for each branch office. (2) Licensed mortgage brokers shall pay an annual fee not to exceed six hundred twenty‑five dollars ($625.00) and one hundred twenty‑five dollars ($125.00) for each branch office. Licensed exclusive mortgage brokers shall pay an annual fee not to exceed six hundred twenty‑five dollars ($625.00). (3) Licensed loan officers shall pay an annual fee not to exceed sixty‑seven dollars and fifty cents ($67.50). (b) If a mortgage banker banker, mortgage servicer, or mortgage broker license is not renewed prior to the applicable expiration date, then an additional two hundred fifty dollars ($250.00) in addition to the renewal fee under subsection (a) of this section shall be assessed as a late fee to any renewal. If a loan officer or limited loan officer license is not renewed prior to the applicable expiration date, then an additional fifty one hundred dollars ( $50.00 $100.00 ) in addition to the renewal fee under subsection (a) of this section shall be assessed as a late fee to any renewal. In the event a licensee fails to obtain a reinstatement of the license within 90 days after the date the license expires, prior to March 1, the Commissioner may require the licensee to comply with the requirements for the initial issuance of a license under the provisions of this Article. (b1) When required by the Commissioner, each individual described in GS 53‑245.05(a)(6) shall furnish to the Commissioner his or her consent to a criminal history record check and a set of his or her fingerprints in a form acceptable to the Commissioner. Refusal to consent to a criminal history record check may constitute grounds for the Commissioner to deny renewal of the license of the person as well as the license of any other person by which he or she is employed, over which he or she has control, or as to which he or she is the current or proposed managing principal qualifying individual or a current or proposed branch manager. (c) Licenses issued under this Article are not assignable. Control of a licensee shall not be acquired through a stock purchase or other device without the prior written consent of the Commissioner. The Commissioner shall not give written consent if the Commissioner finds that any of the grounds for denial, revocation, or suspension of a license pursuant to GS 53‑243.12 are applicable to the acquiring person.” SECTION 5. GS 53‑243.08 reads as rewritten: “ § 53‑243.08. Managing principals Qualifying individuals and branch managers. Each mortgage broker or mortgage banker or mortgage servicer licensed under this Article shall have a managing principal qualifying individual who operates the business under that person's full charge, control, and supervision. Mortgage bankers and mortgage brokers, other than exclusive mortgage brokers, may operate branch offices subject to the requirements of this Article. Each principal and branch office of a mortgage broker or mortgage banker licensed under this Article, shall have a branch manager who meets the experience requirements under GS 53‑243.05(c)(1); provided, that an affiliated mortgage banker may designate a branch manager who does not meet the experience requirements so long as at or before the designation, it certifies that the person has been employed by the affiliated mortgage banker for at least one year as a loan officer, limited loan officer, or in a comparable position in another state. The managing principal qualifying individual for a licensee's business may also serve as the branch manager of one of the licensee's branch offices. Each mortgage broker or mortgage banker licensed under this Article shall file a form as prescribed by the Commissioner indicating the business's designation of managing principal qualifying individual and branch manager for each branch and each individual's acceptance of the responsibility. Each mortgage broker or mortgage banker licensed under this Article shall notify the Commissioner of any change in its managing principal qualifying individual or branch manager designated for each branch. Each mortgage servicer licensed under this Article shall file a form prescribed by the Commissioner indicating the business's designation of its qualifying individual and shall notify the Commissioner of any change in its qualifying individual. Any licensee who does not comply with this provision shall have the licensee's license suspended pursuant to GS 53‑243.12 until the licensee complies with this section. Any individual licensee who operates as a sole proprietorship shall be considered a managing principal qualifying individual for the purposes of this Article.” SECTION 6. GS 53‑243.09 reads as rewritten: “ § 53‑243.09. Offices; address changes; display of license. (A) Cada licenciatario corredor de hipoteca deberá mantener y realizar transacciones de negocios de un centro de actividad principal en este Estado. A principal place of business in this State shall consist of at least one enclosed room or building of stationary construction in which negotiations of mortgage loan transactions of others may be conducted and carried on in privacy and in which all of the books, records, and files pertaining to mortgage loan transactions relating to borrowers in this State are maintained. However, the Commissioner may, by rule, impose terms and conditions under which the records and files may be maintained outside of this State. A principal place of business shall not be located at an individual's home or residence. (b) A mortgage banker or mortgage broker or mortgage servicer licensee shall report any change of address of the principal place of business or any branch office within 15 days after the change. (c) Each mortgage broker or mortgage banker licensed under this Article shall display in plain public view the certificate of licensure issued by the Commissioner in its principal office and in each branch office. Each loan officer licensed under this Article shall display display, in plain public view, in each branch office in which the officer acts as a loan officer the certificate of licensure issued by the Commissioner.” SECTION 7. GS 53‑243.10 reads as rewritten: “ § 53‑243.10. Mortgage broker duties duties; mortgage servicer duties . (a) A mortgage broker, including any mortgage broker licensee and any person required to be licensed acting as a mortgage broker under this Article, shall, in addition to duties imposed by other statutes or at common law, shall do all of the following: (1) Safeguard and account for any money handled for the borrower. (2) Follow reasonable and lawful instructions from the borrower. (3) Act with reasonable skill, care, and diligence. (4) Make reasonable efforts to secure a loan that is reasonably advantageous to the borrower considering all the circumstances, including the rates, charges, and repayment terms of the loan. (5) Timely and clearly disclose to the borrower material information as specified by the Commission that may be expected to influence the borrower's decision and is reasonably accessible to the mortgage broker, including the total compensation the mortgage broker expects to receive from any and all sources in connection with each loan option presented to the borrower. (6) Notify before closing each lender of the particulars of each of the other lender's loans if the mortgage broker knows that more than one mortgage loan will be made by different lenders contemporaneously to a borrower secured by the same real property. (7) Ensure that any services offered to any applicant shall be available and offered to all similarly situated applicants on an equal basis. (8) In transactions where the broker has the ability to make credit decisions, use reasonable means to provide the borrower with prompt credit decisions on its loan applications and, where the credit is denied, to comply fully with the notification requirements of applicable state and federal law. (9) Ensure that its advertising materials are designed to make customers and potential customers aware that one the mortgage broker does not discriminate on any prohibited basis. (b) A mortgage servicer licensed or acting under this Article, in addition to duties imposed by other statutes or at common law, shall do all of the following: (1) Safeguard and account for any money handled for the borrower. (2) Follow reasonable and lawful instructions from the borrower. (3) Act with reasonable skill, care, and diligence. (4) With its application and renewal and with its supplemental filings made from time to time, file with the Commissioner a complete, current schedule of the ranges of costs and fees it charges borrowers for its servicing‑related activities. (5) File with the Commissioner upon request a report in a form and format acceptable to the Commissioner detailing the servicer's activities in this State, including: a. The number of mortgage loans the servicer is servicing. b. The type and characteristics of such loans in this State. c. The number of serviced loans in default, along with a breakdown of 30‑, 60‑, and 90‑day delinquencies. d. Information on loss mitigation activities, including details on workout arrangements undertaken. e. Information on foreclosures commenced in this State. (6) At the time a servicer accepts assignment of servicing rights for a mortgage loan, the servicer shall disclose to the borrower all of the following: a. Any notice required by RESPA or by regulations promulgated thereunder. b. A schedule of the ranges and categories of its costs and fees for its servicing‑related activities, which shall comply with North Carolina law and which shall not exceed those reported to the Commissioner. c. A notice in a form and content acceptable to the Commissioner that the servicer is licensed by the Commissioner and that complaints about the servicer may be submitted to the Commissioner. d. Any notice required by Article 2A, Article 4, or Article 10 of Chapter 45 of the General Statutes. (7) In the event of a delinquency or other act of default on the part of the borrower, the servicer shall act in good faith to inform the borrower of the facts concerning the loan and the nature and extent of the delinquency or default, and, if the borrower replies, to negotiate with the borrower, subject to the servicer's duties and obligations under the mortgage servicing contract, if any, to attempt a resolution or workout to the delinquency. ” SECTION 8. GS 53‑243.11 reads as rewritten: “ § 53‑243.11. Prohibited activities. In addition to the activities prohibited under other provisions of this Article, it shall be unlawful for any person in the course of any mortgage loan transaction: (1) To misrepresent or conceal the material facts or make false promises likely to influence, persuade, or induce an applicant for a mortgage loan or a mortgagor to take a mortgage loan, or to pursue a course of misrepresentation through agents or otherwise. (2) To refuse improperly to issue a satisfaction of a mortgage. (3) To fail to account for or to deliver to any person any funds, documents, or other thing of value obtained in connection with a mortgage loan, including money provided by a borrower for a real estate appraisal or a credit report, which the mortgage banker, servicer, broker, or loan officer is not entitled to retain under the circumstances. (4) To pay, receive, or collect in whole or in part any commission, fee, or other compensation for brokering a mortgage loan in violation of this Article, including a mortgage loan brokered by any unlicensed person other than an exempt person. (5) To charge or collect any fee or rate of interest or to make or broker or service any mortgage loan with terms or conditions or in a manner contrary to the provisions of Chapter 24 Chapter 24, Chapter 45, or Chapter 54 of the General Statutes. (6) To advertise mortgage loans, including rates, margins, discounts, points, fees, commissions, or other material information, including material limitations on the loans, unless the person is able to make the mortgage loans available to a reasonable number of qualified applicants. (7) To fail to disburse funds in accordance with a written commitment or agreement to make a mortgage loan. (8) To engage in any transaction, practice, or course of business that is not in good faith or fair dealing or that constitutes a fraud upon any person, in connection with the brokering or making or servicing of, or purchase or sale of, any mortgage loan. (9) To fail promptly to pay when due reasonable fees to a licensed appraiser for appraisal services that are: a. Requested from the appraiser in writing by the mortgage broker or mortgage banker or an employee of the mortgage broker or mortgage banker; and b. Performed by the appraiser in connection with the origination or closing of a mortgage loan for a customer or the mortgage broker or mortgage banker. (10) To broker a mortgage loan that contains a prepayment penalty if the principal amount of the loan is one hundred fifty thousand dollars ($150,000) or less or if the loan is a rate spread home loan as defined in GS 24‑1.1F. (11) To improperly influence or attempt to improperly influence the development, reporting, result, or review of a real estate appraisal sought in connection with a mortgage loan. Nothing in this subdivision shall be construed to prohibit a mortgage broker or mortgage banker broker, mortgage banker, or mortgage servicer from asking the appraiser to do one or more of the following: a. Consider additional appropriate property information. b. Provide further detail, substantiation, or explanation for the appraiser's value conclusion. c. Correct errors in the appraisal report. (12) To fail to comply with the mortgage loan servicing transfer, escrow account administration, or borrower inquiry response requirements imposed by sections 6 and 10 of the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA), 12 USC § 2605 and § 2609, and regulations adopted thereunder by the Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development. (13) To broker a rate spread adjustable rate mortgage loan without disclosing to the borrower the terms and costs associated with a fixed rate loan from the same lender at the lowest annual percentage rate for which the borrower qualifies. (14) To fail to comply with applicable federal laws and regulations related to mortgage lending. lending, or mortgage servicing. (15) To engage in unfair, misleading, or deceptive advertising related to a solicitation for a mortgage loan. (16) For a mortgage servicer to fail to comply with the mortgage servicer's obligations under Article 10 of Chapter 45 of the North Carolina General Statutes. (17) For a person acting as a mortgage servicer to fail to provide written notice to a borrower upon taking action to place hazard, homeowner's, or flood insurance on the mortgaged property or to place such insurance when the person acting as a mortgage servicer knows or has reason to know that such insurance is in effect. (18) For a person acting as a mortgage servicer to place hazard, homeowner's, or flood insurance on a mortgaged property for an amount that exceeds either the value of the insurable improvements or the last known coverage amount of insurance. (19) For a person acting as a mortgage servicer to fail to provide to the borrower a refund of unearned premiums paid by a borrower or charged to the borrower for hazard, homeowner's, or flood insurance placed by a lender if the borrower provides reasonable proof that the borrower has obtained coverage such that the forced placement is no longer necessary and the property is insured. If the borrower provides reasonable proof within 12 months of the placement that no lapse in coverage occurred such that the forced placement was not necessary, the servicer shall refund the entire premium. (20) For a person acting as a mortgage servicer to refuse to reinstate a delinquent loan upon a tender of payment made timely under the contract which is sufficient in amount, based upon the last written statement received by borrower, to pay all past due amounts, outstanding or overdue charges, and restore the loan to a nondelinquent status, but this reinstatement shall be available to a borrower no more than twice in any 24‑month period. (21) For a person acting as a mortgage servicer to fail to mail, at least 45 days before foreclosure is initiated, a notice addressed to the borrower at the borrower's last known address with the following information: a. An itemization of all past due amounts causing the loan to be in default. b. An itemization of any other charges that must be paid in order to bring the loan current. c. A statement that the borrower may have options available other than foreclosure, and that the borrower may discuss such options with the mortgage lender, the servicer, or a counselor approved by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development. d. The address, telephone number, and other contact information for the mortgage lender, the servicer, or the agent for either of them who is authorized to attempt to work with the borrower to avoid foreclosure. e. The name, address, telephone number, and other contact information for one or more HUD‑approved counseling agencies operating to assist borrowers in North Carolina to avoid foreclosure. f. The address, telephone number, and other contact information for the consumer complaint section of the Office of the Commissioner of Banks. (22) To fail to make all payments from any escrow account held for the borrower for insurance, taxes, and other charges with respect to the property in a timely manner so as to ensure that no late penalties are assessed or other negative consequences result regardless of whether the loan is delinquent unless there are not sufficient funds in the account to cover the payments, and the servicer has a reasonable basis to believe that recovery of the funds will not be possible. ” SECTION 9. GS 53‑243.12 reads as rewritten: “ § 53‑243.12. Disciplinary authority. (a) The Commissioner may, by order, deny, suspend, revoke, or refuse to issue or renew a license of a licensee or applicant under this Article or may restrict or limit the activities relating to mortgage loans of any licensee or any person who owns an interest in or participates in the business of a licensee, if the Commissioner finds both of the following: (1) That the order is in the public interest. (2) That any of the following circumstances apply to the applicant, licensee, or any partner, member, manager, officer, director, loan officer, limited loan officer, managing principal, qualifying individual, or any person occupying a similar status or performing similar functions or any person directly or indirectly controlling the applicant or licensee. The person: a. Has filed an application for license that, as of its effective date or as of any date after filing, contained any statement that, in light of the circumstances under which it was made, is false or misleading with respect to any material fact. b. Has violated or failed to comply with any provision of this Article, rule adopted by the Commissioner, or order of the Commissioner. c. Has been convicted of any felony, or, within the past 10 years, has been convicted of any misdemeanor involving mortgage lending or any aspect of the mortgage lending business, or any offense involving breach of trust, moral turpitude , or fraudulent or dishonest dealing. or financial services or a financial services‑related business or any fraud, false statements or omissions, theft or any wrongful taking of property, bribery, perjury, forgery, counterfeiting, extortion, or a conspiracy to commit any of these offenses. d. Is permanently or temporarily enjoined by any court of competent jurisdiction from engaging in or continuing any conduct or practice involving any aspect of the mortgage lending business. e. Is the subject of an order of the Commissioner denying, suspending, or revoking that person's license as a mortgage broker or mortgage banker. broker, mortgage banker, or mortgage servicer. f. Is the subject of an order entered within the past five years by the authority of any state with jurisdiction over that state's mortgage brokerage or mortgage banking brokerage, mortgage banking, or mortgage‑servicing industry denying or revoking that person's license as a mortgage broker or mortgage banking industry or denying or revoking that person's license as a mortgage broker or mortgage banker. broker, mortgage servicer, or mortgage banker. g. Does not meet the qualifications or the financial responsibility, character, or general fitness requirements under GS 53‑243.05 or any bond or capital requirements under this Article. h. Has been the executive officer or controlling shareholder or owned a controlling interest in any mortgage broker or mortgage banker or mortgage servicer who has been subject to an order or injunction described in sub‑subdivision d., e., or f. of this subdivision. i. Has failed to pay the proper filing or renewal fee under this Article. However, the Commissioner may enter only a denial order under this sub‑subdivision, and the Commissioner shall vacate the order when the deficiency has been corrected. j. Has falsely certified attendance or completion of hours at an approved mortgage lending continuing education course. (b) The Commissioner may, by order, summarily postpone or suspend the license of a licensee pending final determination of any proceeding under this section. Upon entering the order, the Commissioner shall promptly notify the applicant or licensee that the order has been entered and the reasons for the order. The Commissioner shall calendar a hearing within 15 days after the Commissioner receives a written request for a hearing. If a licensee does not request a hearing and the Commissioner does not request a hearing, the order will remain in effect until it is modified or vacated by the Commissioner. If a hearing is requested or ordered by the Commissioner, after notice of and opportunity for hearing, the Commissioner may modify or vacate the order or extend it until final determination. (c) The Commissioner may, by order, impose a civil penalty upon a licensee or any partner, officer, director, or other person occupying a similar status or performing similar functions on behalf of a licensee for any violation of this Article. The civil penalty shall not exceed ten thousand dollars ($10,000) for each violation of this Article by a mortgage broker or mortgage banker. broker, mortgage banker, or mortgage servicer. The Commissioner may impose a civil penalty of up to ten thousand dollars ($10,000) for each violation of this Article by a person other than a licensee or exempt person. (d) In addition to other powers under this Article, upon finding that any action of a person is in violation of this Article, the Commissioner may order the person to cease from the prohibited action. If the person subject to the order fails to appeal the order of the Commissioner in accordance with GS 53‑243.03, or if the person appeals and the appeal is denied or dismissed, and the person continues to engage in the prohibited action in violation of the Commissioner's order, the person shall be subject to a civil penalty of up to twenty‑five thousand dollars ($25,000) for each violation of the Commissioner's order. The penalty provision of this section shall be in addition to and not in lieu of any other provision of law applicable to a licensee for the licensee's failure to comply with an order of the Commissioner. (e) Unless otherwise provided, all actions and hearings under this Article shall be governed by Chapter 150B of the General Statutes. (f) When a licensee is accused of any act, omission, or misconduct that would subject the licensee to disciplinary action, the licensee, with the consent and approval of the Commissioner, may surrender the license and all the rights and privileges pertaining to it for a period of time established by the Commissioner. A person who surrenders a license shall not be eligible for or submit any application for licensure under this Article. (g) If the Commissioner has reasonable grounds to believe that a licensee or other person has violated the provisions of this Article or that facts exist that would be the basis for an order against a licensee or other person, the Commissioner may at any time, either personally or by a person duly designated by the Commissioner, investigate or examine the loans and business of the licensee and examine the books, accounts, records, and files of any licensee or other person relating to the complaint or matter under investigation. The Commissioner may require any licensee or other person to submit a consent to a criminal history record check and a set of that person's fingerprints in a form acceptable to the Commissioner in connection with any examination or investigation. Refusal to submit the requested criminal history record check or a set of fingerprints shall be grounds for disciplinary action. The reasonable cost of this investigation or examination shall be charged against the licensee. (h) The Commissioner may issue subpoenas to require the attendance of and to examine under oath all persons whose testimony the Commissioner deems relative to the person's business. (i) The Commissioner may from time to time, at the expense of the Commissioner's office, licensee, conduct routine examinations of the books and records of any licensee in order to determine the compliance with this Article and any rules adopted pursuant to the authority of GS 53‑243.04. (j) In addition to the rights described under this section, the Commissioner may require a licensee to pay to a borrower or other individual any amounts received by the licensee or its employees in violation of Chapter 24 of the General Statutes. Statutes, or, if a servicer, in excess of those allowed by law to servicers. (k) If the Commissioner finds that the managing principal, qualifying individual, branch manager, or loan officer of a licensee had knowledge of or reasonably should have had knowledge of, or participated in, any activity that results in the entry of an order under this section suspending or withdrawing the license of a licensee, the Commissioner may prohibit the branch manager, managing principal, qualifying individual, or loan officer from serving as a branch manager, managing principal, qualifying individual, or loan officer for any period of time the Commissioner deems necessary. (l) In addition to the authority to require criminal history background checks as set forth in GS 53‑243.05 and GS 53‑243.06, the Commissioner shall have the authority to require a criminal history background check at any other time as a condition of continued licensure. Upon the request of the Commissioner, a licensee shall furnish to the Commissioner the licensee's consent to a criminal history record check and a set of the licensee's fingerprints in a form acceptable to the Commissioner. Refusal to consent to a criminal history record check under this subsection may constitute grounds for the Commissioner to suspend or revoke the license of the licensee. (m) Subject to the provisions of GS 53‑243.03, the Commissioner may, by order, prohibit licensees under this Article from engaging in acts and practices in connection with mortgage loans that the Commissioner finds to be unfair, deceptive, designed to evade the laws of this State, or that are not in the best interest of the borrowing public. (n) In the event the Commissioner shall have evidence that a material violation of law has occurred in the origination or servicing of a loan then being foreclosed or then delinquent and in threat of foreclosure, and that the putative violation would be sufficient in law or equity to base a claim or affirmative defense which would affect the validity or enforceability of the underlying contract or the right to foreclose, then the Commissioner may notify the Clerk of Superior Court, and the Clerk shall suspend foreclosure proceedings on the mortgage for 60 days from the date of the notice. In the event that the Commissioner notifies the Clerk, the Commissioner shall also notify the servicer, if known, and provide an opportunity to cure the violation or provide information to the Commissioner to rebut the evidence of the suspected violation. If the violation is cured or the information satisfies the Commissioner that no material violation has occurred, the Commissioner shall notify the Clerk so that the foreclosure proceeding may be resumed. (o) The Commissioner shall be deemed to have complied with the requirements of law concerning service of process upon mailing by certified mail any notice required or permitted to a licensee under this Article, postage prepaid and addressed to the last known address of the licensee on file with the Commissioner pursuant to GS 53‑243.13(d). (p) The Commissioner is authorized to take action, including suspension of the license, if the licensee fails to respond within 20 days, or within a lesser time if specifically requested for good cause, to inquiries from the Commissioner or the Commissioner's designee regarding any complaints filed against the licensee which allege or appear to involve violation of this Article or any law or rule affecting the mortgage lending business. (q) The Commissioner is authorized to take action, including suspension of the license, if the licensee fails to respond within 20 days, or within a lesser time if specifically requested for good cause, to and cooperate fully with notices from the Commissioner or the Commissioner's designee relating to the scheduling and conducting of an examination or investigation under this Article. ” SECTION 10. GS 53‑243.13(e) reads as rewritten: “(e) A licensee shall maintain in a segregated escrow fund or trust account any funds which come into the licensee's possession, but which are not the licensee's property and which the licensee is not entitled to retain under the circumstances. The escrow fund or trust account shall be held on deposit in a federally insured financial institution. Individual loan applicants' or borrowers' accounts may be aggregated into a common trust fund so long as (i) interests in the common fund can be individually tracked and accounted for, and (ii) the common fund is kept separate from and is not commingled with the licensee's own funds. ” SECTION 11. GS 53‑243.14 reads as rewritten: “ § 53‑243.14. Criminal penalty. A violation of GS 53-243.02 is a Class I felony. Class 3 misdemeanor. Each transaction involving the unlawful making or brokering or servicing of a mortgage loan is a separate offense.” SECTION 12. GS 53‑243.15 reads as rewritten: “ § 53‑243.15. Filing required for exempt persons; civil penalty. (a) All exempt persons described in GS 53‑243.01(8) 53‑243.01(12) who are engaged in the mortgage brokerage or mortgage banking business on October 1, 2002, or who are engaged in the mortgage‑servicing business on October 1, 2008, shall be required to file a form with the Commissioner on or before that date. All exempt persons, who commence mortgage brokerage or mortgage banking business in this State after October 1, 2002, or who commence mortgage servicing in this State after October 1, 2008, shall file the form with the Commissioner upon commencement of the business. This form, prescribed by the Commissioner, shall contain all of the following information: (1) The name of the respective exempt person. (2) The basis of the exempt status of the exempt person. (3) The principal business address of the exempt person. (4) The State or federal regulatory authority responsible for the exempt person's supervision, examination, or regulation, if any. (b) In addition to any other measures the exempt person may be subject to under this Article, failure by an exempt person to file the required form shall not affect the exempt status of the person. However, the exempt person shall be subject to a civil penalty set by the Commissioner that shall not exceed the sum of two hundred fifty dollars ($250.00) for each year the form is not filed. No person required to file under this section may transact business in this State as a mortgage banker or mortgage broker or mortgage servicer unless the person has filed the prescribed form with the Commissioner in accordance with this section. (c) The filing requirements of this section shall not apply to the individual employees of an exempt person. ” SECTION 13. GS 53‑243.16(b) reads as rewritten: “(b) In addition, if a person described in subsection (a) of this section is a corporation, partnership, limited liability company, association, or trust, the Department of Justice may provide a criminal history record check to the Commissioner for any person who has control of that person, or who is the managing principal qualifying individual or a branch manager of that person.” SECTION 14. GS 53‑243.17(c) reads as rewritten: “(c) Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, the Commissioner retains full authority and discretion under this Article to license mortgage brokers, mortgage bankers, mortgage servicers, loan officers, and limited loan officers and to enforce this Article to its fullest extent. Nothing in this section shall be deemed to be a reduction or derogation of that authority and discretion.” SECTION 15. GS 24‑1.1E(a)(4a) reads as rewritten: “(4a) 'Mortgage broker' is as defined in GS 53‑243.01(14). 53‑243.01. ” SECTION 16. GS 24‑1.1F(a)(4) reads as rewritten: “(4) Mortgage broker. – A mortgage broker as defined in GS 53‑243.01(14). 53‑243.01. ” SECTION 17. GS 66‑106(b) reads as rewritten: “(b) Except for mortgage loans as defined in GS 53‑243.01(15), 53‑243.01, this Article shall not apply to any party approved as a mortgagee by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, the Federal Housing Administration, the Veterans Administration, a National Mortgage Association or any federal agency; nor to any party currently designated and compensated by a North Carolina licensed insurance company as its agent to service loans it makes in this State; nor to any insurance company registered with and licensed by the North Carolina Insurance Commissioner; nor, with respect to residential mortgage loans, to any residential mortgage banker or mortgage broker licensed pursuant to Article 19A of Chapter 53 of the General Statutes or exempt from licensure pursuant to GS 53‑243.01(8) 53‑243.01(12) and GS 53‑243.02; nor to any attorney‑at‑law, public accountant, or dealer registered under the North Carolina Securities Act, acting in the professional capacity for which such attorney‑at‑law, public accountant, or dealer is registered or licensed under the laws of the State of North Carolina. Provided further that subdivision (1)(ii) above shall not apply to any lender whose loans or advances to any person, firm or corporation in North Carolina aggregate more than one million dollars ($1,000,000) in the preceding calendar year.” SECTION 18. Chapter 45 of the General Statutes is amended by adding a new section to read: “ § 45‑21.16B. Suspension of foreclosure proceedings. (a) The Clerk of Superior Court shall suspend foreclosure proceedings, including any hearing or order for sale, for 60 days if notified by the Commissioner of Banks as provided in GS 53‑243.12(n). During the suspension period, all deadlines under this Article are tolled. (b) When a clerk enters a suspension order pursuant to subsection (a) of this section prior to a hearing required under GS 45‑21.16, upon completion of the 60‑day suspension period, the trustee or mortgagee may proceed with the hearing by providing written notice to all parties of the new hearing date, not less than 10 days prior to the hearing date. (c) When a clerk enters a suspension order pursuant to subsection (a) of this section, after entry of any authorization by the clerk pursuant to GS 45‑21.16 and before the expiration of the 10‑day upset bid period, the trustee or mortgagee shall not be required to comply with the provisions of GS 45‑21.16, but shall advertise and hold the sale in accordance with GS 45‑21.16A, 45‑21.17, and 45‑21.17A. ” SECTION 19. GS 45‑91 reads as rewritten: “ § 45‑91. (Effective April 1, 2008) Assessment of fees; processing of payments; publication of statements. A servicer must comply as to every home loan, regardless of whether the loan is considered in default or the borrower is in bankruptcy or the borrower has been in bankruptcy, with the following requirements: (1) Any fee that is incurred by a servicer shall be both: a. Assessed within 45 days of the date on which the fee was incurred. Provided, however, that attorney or trustee fees and costs incurred as a result of a foreclosure action shall be assessed within 45 days of the date they are charged by either the attorney or trustee to the servicer. b. Explained clearly and conspicuously in a statement mailed to the borrower at the borrower's last known address at least 30 days after assessing the fee, provided the servicer shall not be required to take any action in violation of the provisions of the federal bankruptcy code. (2) All amounts received by a servicer on a home loan at the address where the borrower has been instructed to make payments shall be accepted and credited, or treated as credited, within one business day of the date received, provided that the borrower has made the full contractual payment and has provided sufficient information to credit the account. If a servicer uses the scheduled method of accounting, any regularly scheduled payment made prior to the scheduled due date shall be credited no later than the due date. Provided, however, that if any payment is received and not credited, or treated as credited, the borrower shall be notified within 10 business days by mail at the borrower's last known address of the disposition of the payment, the reason the payment was not credited, or treated as credited to the account, and any actions necessary by the borrower to make the loan current. (3) Failure to charge the fee or provide the information within the allowable time and in the manner required under subdivision (1) of subsection (a) of this section constitutes a waiver of such fee. (4) All fees charged by a servicer must be otherwise permitted under applicable law and the contracts between the parties. Nothing herein is intended to permit the application of payments or method of charging interest which is less protective of the borrower than the contracts between the parties and other applicable law. (5) The obligations of mortgage servicers set forth in GS 53‑243.11. ” SECTION 20. GS 45‑94 reads as rewritten: “ § 45‑94. (Effective April 1, 2008) Remedies. In addition to any equitable remedies and any other remedies at law, any borrower injured by any violation of this Article may bring an action for recovery of actual damages, including reasonable attorneys' fees. The Commissioner of Banks, the Attorney General, or any party to a home loan may enforce the provisions of this section. The Clerk of Superior Court shall also suspend foreclosure proceedings for 60 days if notified by the Commissioner of Banks as provided in GS 53‑243.12(n). With the exception of an action by the Commissioner of Banks or the Attorney General, at least 30 days before a borrower or a borrower's representative institutes a civil action for damages against a servicer for a violation of this Article, the borrower or a borrower's representative shall notify the servicer in writing of any claimed errors or disputes regarding the borrower's home loan that forms the basis of the civil action. The notice must be sent to the address as designated on any of the servicer's bills, statements, invoices, or other written communication, and must enable the servicer to identify the name and loan account of the borrower. For purposes of this section, notice shall not include a complaint or summons. Nothing in this section shall limit the rights of a borrower to enjoin a civil action, or make a counterclaim, cross‑claim, or plead a defense in a civil action. A servicer will not be in violation of this Article if the servicer shows by a preponderance of evidence that: (1) The violation was not intentional or the result of bad faith; and (2) Within 30 days after discovering or being notified of an error, and prior to the institution of any legal action by the borrower against the servicer under this section, the servicer corrected the error and compensated the borrower for any fees or charges incurred by the borrower as a result of the violation.” SECTION 21. Sections 12 and 21 of this act become effective when it becomes law. Subsection (n) of GS 53‑243.12, as amended by Section 9, Section 18, and Section 20 of this act, become effective January 1, 2009, and apply to foreclosure proceedings filed on or after that date. The remainder of this act becomes effective January 1, 2009, and applies to anyone engaged in the business of mortgage servicing on or after that date. In the General Assembly read three times and ratified this the 9 th day of July, 2008. s/ Beverly E. Perdue Presidente del Senado s/ Joe Hackney Speaker of the House of Representatives s/ Michael F. Easley Gobernador Approved 10:13 pm this 17 th day of August, 2008 Volver al principio | ||||||||||||
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