What Is a HUD-1 Form and How Is It Used?

Comprehensive guide on HUD-1 form, detailing its purpose in real estate transactions, including reverse mortgage and refinance processes. Explore the breakdown of charges, historical context, and practical examples.

The HUD-1 form, also known as the Settlement Statement, is an itemized list detailing all the financial charges and credits involved in a real estate transaction. This key document is particularly used for reverse mortgage and refinance transactions, providing borrowers a comprehensive breakdown of what they will be paying at closing.

Historical Context and Evolution

The HUD-1 form originates from the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA) of 1974, aimed at providing transparency in real estate transactions. Historically, it was a critical element in virtually all residential real estate transactions until the introduction of the Closing Disclosure form under the TILA-RESPA Integrated Disclosure (TRID) rule in 2015, which replaced the HUD-1 for most transactions except reverse mortgages and certain refinance transactions.

Key Components of the HUD-1 Form

Charges and Credits

The form consists of various sections that detail the borrower’s and seller’s charges and credits:

  • Sections A to I: General information including dates, names, and addresses of the parties involved.
  • Sections J to L: The summary of the borrower’s transaction.
  • Sections M to N: The summary of the seller’s transaction.
  • Sections 1000: Fees related to the loan, like origination charges and lender’s administrative fees.
  • Sections 1100: Title charges.
  • Sections 1200: Government recording and transfer charges.
  • Sections 1300: Additional settlement charges such as pest inspection fees.
  • Sections 1400: Total settlement charges either by the borrower or seller.

Lender Reconciliation

All costs associated with originating and servicing the loan are reconciled in this section, ensuring transparency and compliance with lending guidelines.

Practical Example

Consider a scenario where a borrower refinances their mortgage:

  • Loan Origination Fee: $2,500
  • Title Services and Lender’s Title Insurance: $1,000
  • Government Recording Charges: $125

On the HUD-1 form, these charges will be itemized, showing the borrower all individual fees contributing to the total closing costs.

Differences and Comparisons

HUD-1 vs Closing Disclosure

  • Scope: HUD-1 is specific to reverse mortgages and certain refinance transactions, whereas the Closing Disclosure is used for other mortgage transactions.
  • Content: Both convey the same essential information but do it in different formats tailored to their specific purposes.

HUD-1 vs Good Faith Estimate (GFE)

  • Timing: GFE is provided at the beginning of the loan application process, listing estimated charges, while HUD-1 is given at closing with final charges.
  • Purpose: GFE forms provide an estimate, whereas HUD-1 provides the actual costs and reconciliations at settlement.

FAQs

Is the HUD-1 Used for All Mortgage Transactions?

No, the HUD-1 form is specifically used for reverse mortgages and certain refinance transactions. Other types of mortgage transactions use the Closing Disclosure form introduced by the TRID rule.

When Should the Borrower Receive the HUD-1 Form?

The borrower has the right to review the HUD-1 form one business day before the closing of the transaction.

Can Costs Listed on the HUD-1 Form Vary Significantly from the Good Faith Estimate?

Under RESPA, most costs cannot vary significantly between the Good Faith Estimate and the HUD-1 form, ensuring transparency and predictability for the borrower.

Summary

The HUD-1 form remains a critical document in specific real estate transactions, providing a detailed breakdown of all costs and serving a crucial role in transparent and compliant loan settlements. Understanding the HUD-1 form ensures borrowers are well-informed about their financial obligations and can navigate their real estate transactions with confidence.


References:

  1. Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA).
  2. TILA-RESPA Integrated Disclosure (TRID) Rule.
  3. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) resources on HUD-1 and Closing Disclosure forms.

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