ASSIGNMENT, ASSUMPTION AND RECOGNITION AGREEMENT
EXECUTION COPY
ASSIGNMENT, ASSUMPTION AND RECOGNITION AGREEMENT
THIS ASSIGNMENT, ASSUMPTION AND RECOGNITION AGREEMENT (this “Assignment”), dated as of October 1, 2006, is entered into among X.X. Xxxxxx Acceptance Corporation I, a Delaware corporation (the “Depositor”), U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee (the “Trustee”) of X.X. Xxxxxx Alternative Loan Trust 2006-A6 (the “Trust”), X.X. Xxxxxx Mortgage Acquisition Corp. (“JPMorgan Acquisition”), Countrywide Home Loans, Inc. (“Countrywide”), Countrywide Home Loans Servicing LP (“Servicer”) and Xxxxx Fargo Bank, N.A. (the “Master Servicer”).
RECITALS
WHEREAS JPMorgan Acquisition and Countrywide have entered into a certain Amended and Restated Master Mortgage Loan Purchase and Servicing Agreement, dated as of December 1, 2005 (the “Agreement”), pursuant to which JPMorgan Acquisition has acquired certain Mortgage Loans pursuant to the terms of the Agreement and Countrywide has agreed to service such Mortgage Loans;
WHEREAS Countrywide has assigned the right to service such Mortgage Loans to the Servicer and the Servicer has agreed to service such Mortgage Loans;
WHEREAS the Depositor has agreed, on the terms and conditions contained herein, to purchase from JPMorgan Acquisition certain of the Mortgage Loans (the “Specified Mortgage Loans”) which are subject to the provisions of the Agreement and are listed on the mortgage loan schedule attached as Exhibit I hereto (the “Specified Mortgage Loan Schedule”); and
WHEREAS the Trustee, on behalf of the Trust, has agreed, on the terms and conditions contained herein, to purchase from the Depositor the Specified Mortgage Loans;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises contained herein and other good and valuable consideration (the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged), the parties agree as follows:
1.
Assignment and Assumption
(a)
On and as of the date hereof, JPMorgan Acquisition hereby sells, assigns and transfers to the Depositor all of its right, title and interest in the Specified Mortgage Loans and all rights and obligations related thereto as provided under the Agreement to the extent relating to the Specified Mortgage Loans, the Depositor hereby accepts such assignment from JPMorgan Acquisition (the “First Assignment and Assumption”), and Countrywide and the Servicer hereby acknowledge the First Assignment and Assumption.
JPMorgan Acquisition specifically reserves and does not assign to the Depositor hereunder any and all right, title and interest in, to and under and all obligations of JPMorgan Acquisition with respect to any Mortgage Loans subject to the Agreement which are not the Specified Mortgage Loans.
(b)
On and as of the date hereof, immediately after giving effect to the First Assignment and Assumption, the Depositor hereby sells, assigns and transfers to the Trustee, on behalf of the Trust, all of its right, title and interest in the Specified Mortgage Loans and all rights and obligations related thereto as provided under the Agreement to the extent relating to the Specified Mortgage Loans, and the Trustee, on behalf of the Trust, hereby accepts such assignment from the Depositor (the “Second Assignment and Assumption”), and Countrywide and the Servicer hereby acknowledge the Second Assignment and Assumption.
(c)
On and as of the date hereof, JPMorgan Acquisition represents and warrants to the Depositor and the Trustee that JPMorgan Acquisition has not taken any action that would serve to impair or encumber the respective ownership interests of the Depositor and the Trustee in the Specified Mortgage Loans since the date of JPMorgan Acquisitions’ acquisition of the Specified Mortgage Loans.
2.
Recognition of Trustee
(a)
From and after the date hereof, both JPMorgan Acquisition and Countrywide shall note the transfer of the Specified Mortgage Loans to the Trustee, in their respective books and records and shall recognize the Trustee, on behalf of the Trust, as of the date hereof, as the owner of the Specified Mortgage Loans, and the Servicer shall service the Specified Mortgage Loans for the benefit of the Trust pursuant to the Agreement, the terms of which are incorporated herein by reference. It is the intention of Countrywide, the Servicer the Depositor, the Trustee and JPMorgan Acquisition that this Assignment shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Depositor, the Trustee and JPMorgan Acquisition and their respective successors and assigns.
(b)
Without in any way limiting the foregoing, the parties confirm that this Assignment includes the rights relating to amendments and waivers under the Agreement. Accordingly, the right of JPMorgan Acquisition to consent to any amendment of the Agreement and its rights concerning waivers as set forth in Sections 8.14 and 8.17, respectively, of the Agreement shall be exercisable, to the extent any such amendment or waiver affects the Specified Mortgage Loans or any of the rights or obligations under the Agreement with respect thereto (including, without limitation, the servicing of the Specified Mortgage Loans), by the Trustee as assignee of JPMorgan Acquisition.
3.
Representations and Warranties
(a)
The Depositor represents and warrants that it is a sophisticated investor able to evaluate the risks and merits of the transactions contemplated hereby, and that it has not relied in connection therewith upon any statements or representations of Countrywide or JPMorgan Acquisition other than those contained in the Agreement or this Assignment.
(b)
Each of the parties hereto represents and warrants that it is duly and legally authorized to enter into this Assignment.
(c)
Each of the parties hereto represents and warrants that this Assignment has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by it and (assuming due authorization, execution and delivery thereof by each of the other parties hereto) constitutes its legal, valid and binding obligation, enforceable against it in accordance with its terms, except as such enforcement may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or other similar laws affecting the enforcement of creditors’ rights generally and by general equitable principles (regardless of whether such enforcement is considered in a proceeding in equity or at law).
(d)
Countrywide hereby restates, as of the Closing Date (as defined in the Pooling and Servicing Agreement referred to below), the representations and warranties contained in Section 3.01 of the Agreement (except with respect to Section 3.01 (k)), to and for the benefit of the Depositor, the Trustee and the Trust, and by this reference incorporates such representations and warranties herein, as of such Closing Date.
4.
The Servicer hereby acknowledges that Xxxxx Fargo Bank, N.A. has been appointed as the Master Servicer of the Specified Mortgage Loans pursuant to the pooling and servicing agreement dated as of the date hereof among the Depositor, the Master Servicer, the Securities Administrator and the Trustee (the “Pooling and Servicing Agreement”) for Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates, Series 2006-A6 and, therefore, has the right to enforce all obligations of the Servicer under the Agreement. Such rights will include, without limitation, the right to terminate the Servicer under the Agreement upon the occurrence of an event of default thereunder, the right to receive all remittances required to be made by the Servicer under the Agreement and the Assignment, the right to receive all monthly reports and other data required to be delivered by the Servicer under the Agreement and the Assignment, the right to examine the books and records of the Servicer, indemnification rights and the right to exercise certain rights of consent and approval relating to actions taken by JPMorgan Acquisition. Notwithstanding the foregoing, it is understood that the Servicer shall not be obligated to defend and indemnify and hold harmless the Master Servicer, the Trust, the Trustee, the Depositor, and XX Xxxxxx Acquisition from and against any losses, damages, penalties, fines, forfeitures, judgments and any related costs including, without limitation, reasonable and necessary legal fees, resulting from actions or inactions of the Servicer which were taken or omitted upon the instruction or direction of the Master Servicer. The Servicer shall make all distributions under the Agreement and the Assignment to the Master Servicer by wire transfer of immediately available funds to:
Xxxxx Fargo Bank, N.A.
ABA Number: 000-000-000
Account Name: SAS Clearing
Account number: 0000000000
For further credit to: X.X. Xxxxxx Alternative Loan Trust 2006-A6,
Distribution Account Number: 00000000
The Servicer shall deliver all reports required to be delivered under the Agreement and the Assignment to the Master Servicer at the following address:
Xxxxx Fargo Bank, N.A.
0000 Xxx Xxxxxxxxx Xxxx
Xxxxxxxx, Xxxxxxxx 00000
Attention: Client Manager – JPALT 2006-A6
Telecopier: (000) 000-0000
5.
Establishment of Custodial Account
The Servicer shall establish and maintain a separate Collection Account in the name of the Trustee, in trust for X.X. Xxxxxx Alternative Loan Trust 2006-A6, for all funds collected and received on the Specified Mortgage Loans.
6.
Amendment to the Agreement
The parties to the Agreement hereby agree to amend the Agreement as follows:
(a)
The definition of “Qualified Substitute Mortgage Loan” under the Agreement, solely with respect to the Specified Mortgage Loans, is hereby amended by deleting such definition in its entirety and replacing it with the following:
“A mortgage loan that must, on the date of such substitution, (i) have an unpaid principal balance, after deduction of all scheduled payments due in the month of substitution (or if more than one (1) mortgage loan is being substituted, an aggregate principal balance), not in excess of the unpaid principal balance of the repurchased Mortgage Loan and not less than ninety percent (90%) of the unpaid principal balance of the repurchased Mortgage Loan (the amount of any shortfall will be deposited in the Custodial Account by the Servicer in the month of substitution); (ii) have a minimum Mortgage Interest Rate not less than that of the repurchased Mortgage Loan; (iii) have a maximum Mortgage Interest Rate not less than that of the repurchased Mortgage Loan and not more than two (2) percentage points above that of the repurchased Mortgage Loan; (iv) have a remaining term to maturity not greater than, and not more than one year less than, the maturity date of the repurchased Mortgage Loan; (v) have a Gross Margin not less than that of the repurchased Mortgage Loan; (vi) have a Periodic Rate Cap equal to that of the repurchased Mortgage Loan; (vii) have an LTV at the time of substitution equal to or less than the LTV of the repurchased Mortgage Loan at the time of substitution; (viii) have the same Interest Adjustment Date as that of the repurchased Mortgage Loan; (ix) have the same Index as that of the repurchased Mortgage Loan; (x) not permit conversion of the related Mortgage Interest Rate to a permanent fixed Mortgage Interest Rate; (xi) be the same type of Mortgage Loan (i.e., an Adjustable Rate Mortgage Loan); and (xii) comply with each representation and warranty (respecting individual Mortgage Loans) set forth in Section 3.02 hereof.”
(b)
Notwithstanding any provision in the Agreement to the contrary, the parties to the Agreement hereby agree that, in connection with any prepayments in full of the Specified Mortgage Loans in a Mortgage Pool (as defined in the Pooling and Servicing Agreement), Countrywide or the Servicer shall contribute from its own funds, without reimbursement therefor up to a maximum amount per month equal to the lesser of one half of (a) one-twelfth of the product of (i) the Servicing Fee Rate (as defined in the Agreement) and (ii) the stated principal balance of such Specified Mortgage Loans, or (b) the aggregate Servicing Fee actually received for such month for the Specified Mortgage Loans in such Mortgage Pool, for any shortfall in the interest component of such Specified Mortgage Loans such that one month’s interest shall be deposited to the Custodial Account, as defined in the Agreement.
7.
Indemnification and Contribution
(a)
Countrywide shall indemnify and hold harmless the Depositor, its officers and directors and each person, if any, who controls the Depositor within the meaning of either Section 15 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “1933 Act”) or Section 20 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “1934 Act”) against any and all losses, claims, damages or liabilities, joint or several, to which the Depositor or any of them may become subject under the 1933 Act, the 1934 Act or other federal or state statutory law or regulation, at common law or otherwise, insofar as such losses, claims, damages or liabilities (or actions in respect thereof) arise out of or are based in whole or in part upon (i) any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Free-Writing Prospectus and Prospectus Supplement (as hereafter defined) or any omission or alleged omission to state in the Free-Writing Prospectus and Prospectus Supplement a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances in which they were made, not misleading, but in each case to the extent, and only to the extent that such untrue statement or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission was made in or omitted from the Countrywide Information (as defined herein) and (ii) agree to reimburse the Depositor and each such officer, director and controlling person promptly upon demand for any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by any of them in connection with investigating or defending or preparing to defend against any such loss, claim, damage, liability or action as such expenses are incurred. The foregoing indemnity agreement is in addition to any liability which Countrywide may otherwise have.
As used herein “Countrywide Information” means the information furnished in writing by Countrywide or the Servicer as set forth on Exhibit II attached hereto, specifically for use in the Free-Writing Prospectus of the Depositor (the “Free-Writing Prospectus”) dated on or about October 18, 2006, relating to the X.X. Xxxxxx Alternative Loan Trust 2006-A6, Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates (the “Certificates”), and the Prospectus Supplement of the Depositor (the “Prospectus Supplement” and together with the Free-Writing Prospectuses, the “Offering Documents”) dated on or about October 27, 2006, relating to the X.X. Xxxxxx Alternative Loan Trust 2006-A6, Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates (the “Certificates”).
(b)
The Depositor and JPMorgan Acquisition shall indemnify and hold harmless Countrywide and the Servicer, their respective officers and directors and each person, if any, who controls Countrywide and the Servicer within the meaning of either Section 15 of the 1933 Act or Section 20 of the 1934 Act, against any and all losses, claims, damages or liabilities, joint or several, to which Countrywide and the Servicer or any of them may become subject under the 1933 Act, the 1934 Act or other federal or state statutory law or regulation, at common law or otherwise, insofar as such losses, claims, damages or liabilities (or actions in respect thereof) arise out of or are based in whole or in part upon any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Offering Documents or any omission or alleged omission to state in the Offering Documents a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances in which they were made, not misleading, but in each case to the extent, and only to the extent that such untrue statement or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission was made in or omitted from the Depositor Information (as defined herein), and agrees to reimburse Countrywide, the Servicer and each such officer, director and controlling person promptly upon demand for any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by any of them in connection with investigating or defending or preparing to defend against any such loss, claim, damage, liability or action as such expenses are incurred. The foregoing indemnity agreement is in addition to any liability which the Depositor and JPMorgan Acquisition may otherwise have.
As used herein “Depositor Information” means all information other than the Countrywide Information contained in the Free-Writing Prospectus dated on or about October 18, 2006, Prospectus Supplement dated on or about October 27, 2006, the accompanying Prospectus dated on or about September 21, 2006, the Private Placement Memorandum dated on or about October 30, 2006 relating to the privately offered Certificates and any amendment or supplement to any of the foregoing and any other materials used by the Depositor to offer any of the Certificates.
(c)
Promptly after receipt by any indemnified party under this Section 7 of notice of any claim or the commencement of any action, such indemnified party shall, if a claim in respect thereof is to be made against the indemnifying party under this Section 6, notify the indemnifying party in writing of the claim or the commencement of that action; provided, however, that the failure to notify the indemnifying party shall not relieve it from any liability which it may have under this Section 6 except to the extent it has been materially prejudiced by such failure; and provided further, however, that the failure to notify the indemnifying party shall not relieve it from any liability which it may have to any indemnified party otherwise than under this Section 7.
If any such claim or action shall be brought against an indemnified party, and it shall promptly notify the indemnifying party thereof, the indemnifying party shall be entitled to participate therein and, to the extent that it wishes, jointly with any other similarly notified indemnifying party, to assume the defense thereof with counsel reasonably satisfactory to the indemnified party. After notice from the indemnifying party to the indemnified party of its election to assume the defense of such claim or action, except as provided in the following paragraph, the indemnifying party shall not be liable to the indemnified party under this Section 7 for any legal or other expenses subsequently incurred by the indemnified party in connection with the defense thereof other than reasonable costs of investigation.
Any indemnified party shall have the right to employ separate counsel in any such action and to participate in the defense thereof, but the fees and expenses of such counsel shall be at the expense of such indemnified party unless: (i) the employment thereof has been specifically authorized by the indemnifying party in writing; (ii) such indemnified party shall have been advised by such counsel that there may be one or more legal defenses available to it which are different from or additional to those available to the indemnifying party and in the reasonable judgment of such counsel it is advisable for such indemnified party to employ separate counsel; or (iii) the indemnifying party has failed to assume the defense of such action and employ counsel reasonably satisfactory to the indemnified party, in which case, if such indemnified party notifies the indemnifying party in writing that it elects to employ separate counsel at the expense of the indemnifying party, the indemnifying party shall not have the right to assume the defense of such action on behalf of such indemnified party, it being understood, however, the indemnifying party shall not, in connection with any one such action or separate but substantially similar or related actions in the same jurisdiction arising out of the same general allegations or circumstances, be liable for the fees and expenses of more than one separate firm of attorneys (in addition to local counsel) at any time for all such indemnified parties.
The indemnifying party shall not be liable for any settlement of any such action effected without its written consent (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed), but if settled with its written consent or if there be a final judgment for the plaintiff in any such action, the indemnifying party agrees to indemnify and hold harmless any indemnified party from and against any loss or liability by reason of such settlement or judgment.
Notwithstanding the foregoing sentence, if at any time an indemnified party shall have requested the indemnifying party to reimburse the indemnified party for fees and expenses of counsel, the indemnifying party agrees that it shall be liable for any settlement of any proceeding effected without its written consent if such settlement is entered into more than 30 days after receipt by such indemnifying party of the aforesaid request or such lesser amount if time is required by the settlement (as set forth in written notice).
(d)
If the indemnification provided for in this Section 7 is unavailable to an indemnified party or insufficient in respect of any losses, claims, damages or liabilities referred to therein, then the indemnifying party, in lieu of indemnifying such indemnified party, shall contribute to the amount paid or payable by such indemnified party as a result of such losses, claims, damages or liabilities, in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative fault of the indemnifying party in connection with the statements or omissions that result in such losses, claims, damages or liabilities, as well as any other relevant equitable considerations. The relative fault of the indemnifying party shall be determined by reference to whether the untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact or the omission or alleged omission to state a material fact is contained in the Countrywide Information, on the one hand, or Depositor Information on the other.
The amount paid or payable by an indemnified party as a result of the losses, claims, damages and liabilities referred to in this Section 7(d) shall be deemed to include, subject to the limitations set forth above, any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by such indemnified party in connection with investigating or defending any such action or claim, except where the indemnified party is required to bear such expenses pursuant to this Section 7, which expenses the indemnifying party shall pay as and when incurred, at the request of the indemnified party, to the extent that the indemnifying party will be ultimately obligated to pay such expenses. In the event that any expenses so paid by the indemnifying party are subsequently determined to not be required to be borne by the indemnifying party hereunder, the party which received such payment shall promptly refund the amount so paid to the party which made such payment. No person guilty of fraudulent misrepresentations (within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the 1933 Act), shall be entitled to contribution from any person who was not guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation.
(e)
The indemnity and contribution agreements contained in this Section 7 shall remain operative and in full force and effect regardless of (i) any termination of the Agreement, (ii) any investigation made by any of the Depositor or Countrywide, their directors or officers or any person controlling any of them, by or on behalf of any them, and (iii) acceptance of and payment for any of the Certificates.
8.
Indemnification by Master Servicer
The Master Servicer shall indemnify and hold harmless Countrywide and its affiliates, and in each case, its officers, directors and agents from and against any losses, damages, penalties, fines, forfeitures, reasonable legal fees and related costs, judgments and other costs and expenses arising out of or based upon a breach by the Master Servicer or any of its officers, directors, agents or affiliates of its obligations in connection with the preparation, filing and certification of any Form 10-K, Form 10-D or Form 8-K pursuant to the Pooling and Servicing Agreement or the gross negligence of the Master Servicer in connection therewith. In addition, the Master Servicer shall indemnify and hold harmless Countrywide and its affiliates, and in each case, its officers, directors and agents from and against any losses, damages, penalties, fines, forfeitures, reasonable legal fees and related costs, judgments and other costs and expenses arising out of or based upon a breach by any Servicer (as defined in the Pooling and Servicing Agreement), other than Countrywide, of its obligations in connection with any back-up certification (or any other back-up documents) to any certification of any Form 10-K, Form 10-D or Form 8-K required to be provided by the Master Servicer, but solely to the extent the Master Servicer receives amounts from such Servicer in connection with any indemnification provided by such Servicer (in each case as defined in the Pooling and Servicing Agreement) to the Master Servicer.
9.
Continuing Effect
Except as contemplated hereby, the Agreement shall remain in full force and effect in accordance with its terms.
10.
Governing Law
This Assignment and the rights and obligations hereunder shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the internal laws of the State of New York.
11.
Notices
Any notices or other communications permitted or required under the Agreement to be made to the Depositor and the Trustee shall be made in accordance with the terms of the Agreement and shall be sent to the Depositor and Trustee as follows:
In the case of JPMorgan Acquisition:
X.X. Xxxxxx Mortgage Acquisition Corp.
000 Xxxx Xxxxxx, 00xx Xxxxx
Xxx Xxxx, Xxx Xxxx 00000
Attention: Xxxx Xxxxxx
Telephone: (000) 000 0000
Facsimile: (000) 000-0000
With a copy to:
JPMorgan Chase & Co.
000 Xxxx Xxxxxx
Xxx Xxxx, Xxx Xxxx 00000
Attention: General Counsel’s Office
In the case of the Depositor:
X.X. Xxxxxx Acceptance Corporation I
000 Xxxx Xxxxxx
Xxx Xxxx, Xxx Xxxx 00000
Attention: X.X. Xxxxxx Alternative Loan Trust 2006-A6
In the case of the Trustee:
U.S. Bank National Association
000 XxXxxxx Xxxxxx, 0xx Xxxxx
Xxxxxxx, Xxxxxxxx, 00000-0000
Attention: X.X. Xxxxxx Alternative Loan Trust 2006-A6
In the case of Countrywide:
Countrywide Home Loans, Inc.
0000 Xxxx Xxxxxxx
Xxxxxxxxx, Xxxxxxxxxx 00000
Attention: Xxxxxx Xxxxx, Executive Vice President
In the case of the Servicer:
Countrywide Home Loans Servicing LP
000 Xxxxxxxxxxx Xxx
Xxxx Xxxxxx, Xxxxxxxxxx 00000
Attention: Xxxx Xxxxxxxx, Xxxxxx Xxxx, Xxxx Xxxxxx and Xxxx Xx
or to such other address as may hereafter be furnished by a party to the other parties in accordance with the provisions of the Agreement.
12.
Ratification
Except as modified and expressly amended by this Assignment, the Agreement is in all respects ratified and confirmed, and all terms, provisions and conditions thereof shall be and remain in full force and effect.
13.
Counterparts
This Assignment may be executed in counterparts, each of which when so executed shall be deemed to be an original and all of which when taken together shall constitute one and the same instrument.
14.
Definitions
Any capitalized term used but not defined in this Assignment has the same meaning as in the Agreement.
[SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Assignment the day and year first above written.
X.X. XXXXXX MORTGAGE ACQUISITION
CORP.
By: /s/ Xxxx Xxxx
Name: Xxxx Xxxx
Title: Vice President
X.X. XXXXXX ACCEPTANCE CORPORATION I
By: /s/ Xxxx Xxxx
Name: Xxxx Xxxx
Title: Vice President
U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as Trustee of X.X. Xxxxxx Alternative Loan Trust 2006-A6
By: /s/ Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxx
Name: Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxx
Title: Vice President
XXXXX FARGO BANK, N.A., as Master Servicer
By: /s/ Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxx
Name: Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxx
Title: Assistant Vice President
COUNTRYWIDE HOME LOANS, INC.
By: /s/ Xxxxxx Xxxxxx
Name: Xxxxxx Xxxxxx
Title: First Vice President
COUNTRYWIDE HOME LOANS SERVICING LP, as in its capacity as Servicer
By: Countrywide GP, Inc., its General Partner
By: /s/ Xxxxxx Xxxxxx
Name: Xxxxxx Xxxxxx
Title: Vice President
EXHIBIT I
Mortgage Loan Schedule
[See Schedule A to Pooling and Servicing Agreement]
EXHIBIT II
COUNTRYWIDE INFORMATION
COUNTRYWIDE ALT UNDERWRITING AND SERVICER DISCLOSURE
October 2006
Disclosure responsive to and Item 1108(b)(1), (2), (3), (4) and Item 1110(b)(1), (2)
ORIGINATION DISCLOSURE
Note: Loan-to-Value Ratio as used in “Underwriting Standards” below has the following meaning:
The “Loan-to-Value Ratio” of a mortgage loan at any given time is a fraction, expressed as a percentage, the numerator of which is the principal balance of the related mortgage loan at the date of determination and the denominator of which is
·
in the case of a purchase, the lesser of the selling price of the mortgaged property or its appraised value at the time of sale or
·
in the case of a refinance, the appraised value of the mortgaged property at the time of the refinance, except in the case of a mortgage loan underwritten pursuant to Countrywide Home Loans’ Streamlined Documentation Program as described under “—Underwriting Standards—General”.
With respect to mortgage loans originated pursuant to Countrywide Home Loans’ Streamlined Documentation Program,
·
if the loan-to-value ratio at the time of the origination of the mortgage loan being refinanced was 80% or less and the loan amount of the new loan being originated is $650,000 or less, then the “Loan-to-Value Ratio” will be the ratio of the principal amount of the new mortgage loan being originated divided by the appraised value of the related mortgaged property at the time of the origination of the Mortgage Loan being refinanced, as reconfirmed by Countrywide Home Loans using an automated property valuation system; or
·
if the loan-to-value ratio at the time of the origination of the mortgage loan being refinanced was greater than 80% or the loan amount of the new loan being originated is greater than $650,000, then the “Loan-to-Value Ratio” will be the ratio of the principal amount of the new mortgage loan being originated divided by the appraised value of the related mortgaged property as determined by an appraisal obtained by Countrywide Home Loans at the time of the origination of the new mortgage loan. See “—Underwriting Standards—General” in this prospectus supplement.
No assurance can be given that the value of any mortgaged property has remained or will remain at the level that existed on the appraisal or sales date. If residential real estate values generally or in a particular geographic area decline, the Loan-to-Value Ratios might not be a reliable indicator of the rates of delinquencies, foreclosures and losses that could occur with respect to the mortgage loans.
Underwriting Standards
General
Countrywide Home Loans, Inc., a New York corporation (“Countrywide Home Loans”), has been originating mortgage loans since 1969. Countrywide Home Loans’ underwriting standards are applied in accordance with applicable federal and state laws and regulations.
As part of its evaluation of potential borrowers, Countrywide Home Loans generally requires a description of income. If required by its underwriting guidelines, Countrywide Home Loans obtains employment verification providing current and historical income information and/or a telephonic employment confirmation. Such employment verification may be obtained, either through analysis of the prospective borrower’s recent pay stub and/or W-2 forms for the most recent two years, relevant portions of the most recent two years’ tax returns, or from the prospective borrower’s employer, wherein the employer reports the length of employment and current salary with that organization. Self-employed prospective borrowers generally are required to submit relevant portions of their federal tax returns for the past two years.
In assessing a prospective borrower’s creditworthiness, Countrywide Home Loans may use FICO Credit Scores. “FICO Credit Scores” are statistical credit scores designed to assess a borrower’s creditworthiness and likelihood to default on a consumer obligation over a two-year period based on a borrower’s credit history. FICO Credit Scores were not developed to predict the likelihood of default on mortgage loans and, accordingly, may not be indicative of the ability of a borrower to repay its mortgage loan. FICO Credit Scores range from approximately 250 to approximately 900, with higher scores indicating an individual with a more favorable credit history compared to an individual with a lower score. Under Countrywide Home Loans’ underwriting guidelines, borrowers possessing higher FICO Credit Scores, which indicate a more favorable credit history and who give Countrywide Home Loans the right to obtain the tax returns they filed for the preceding two years, may be eligible for Countrywide Home Loans’ processing program (the “Preferred Processing Program”).
Periodically the data used by Countrywide Home Loans to complete the underwriting analysis may be obtained by a third party, particularly for mortgage loans originated through a loan correspondent or mortgage broker. In those instances, the initial determination as to whether a mortgage loan complies with Countrywide Home Loans’ underwriting guidelines may be made by an independent company hired to perform underwriting services on behalf of Countrywide Home Loans, the loan correspondent or mortgage broker. In addition, Countrywide Home Loans may acquire mortgage loans from approved correspondent lenders under a program pursuant to which Countrywide Home Loans delegates to the correspondent the obligation to underwrite the mortgage loans to Countrywide Home Loans’ standards. Under these circumstances, the underwriting of a mortgage loan may not have been reviewed by Countrywide Home Loans before acquisition of the mortgage loan and the correspondent represents that Countrywide Home Loans’ underwriting standards have been met. After purchasing mortgage loans under those circumstances, Countrywide Home Loans conducts a quality control review of a sample of the mortgage loans. The number of loans reviewed in the quality control process varies based on a variety of factors, including Countrywide Home Loans’ prior experience with the correspondent lender and the results of the quality control review process itself.
Countrywide Home Loans’ underwriting standards are applied by or on behalf of Countrywide Home Loans to evaluate the prospective borrower’s credit standing and repayment ability and the value and adequacy of the mortgaged property as collateral. Under those standards, a prospective borrower must generally demonstrate that the ratio of the borrower’s monthly housing expenses (including principal and interest on the proposed mortgage loan and, as applicable, the related monthly portion of property taxes, hazard insurance and mortgage insurance) to the borrower’s monthly gross income and the ratio of total monthly debt to the monthly gross income (the “debt-to-income” ratios) are within acceptable limits. If the prospective borrower has applied for an interest-only Six-Month LIBOR Loan, the interest component of the monthly mortgage expense is calculated based upon the initial interest rate plus 2%. If the prospective borrower has applied for a 3/1 Mortgage Loan or 3/27 Mortgage Loan and the Loan-to-Value Ratio is less than or equal to 75%, the interest component of the monthly mortgage expense is calculated based on the initial loan interest rate; if the Loan-to-Value Ratio exceeds 75%, the interest component of the monthly mortgage expense calculation is based on the initial loan interest rate plus 2%. If the prospective borrower has applied for a 5/1 Mortgage Loan, a 5/25 Mortgage Loan, a 7/1 Mortgage Loan, a 7/23 Mortgage Loan, a 10/1 Mortgage Loan or a 10/20 Mortgage Loan, the interest component of the monthly mortgage expense is calculated based on the initial loan interest rate. If the prospective borrower has applied for a Negative Amortization Loan, the interest component of the monthly housing expense calculation is based upon the greater of 4.25% and the fully indexed mortgage note rate at the time of loan application. The maximum acceptable debt-to-income ratio, which is determined on a loan-by-loan basis varies depending on a number of underwriting criteria, including the Loan-to-Value Ratio, loan purpose, loan amount and credit history of the borrower. In addition to meeting the debt-to-income ratio guidelines, each prospective borrower is required to have sufficient cash resources to pay the down payment and closing costs. Exceptions to Countrywide Home Loans’ underwriting guidelines may be made if compensating factors are demonstrated by a prospective borrower. Additionally, Countrywide Home Loans does permit its adjustable rate mortgage loans, hybrid adjustable rate mortgage loans and negative amortization mortgage loans to be assumed by a purchaser of the related mortgaged property, so long as the mortgage loan is in its adjustable rate period (except for a 3/1 Mortgage Loan, which may be assumed during the fixed rate period) and the related purchaser meets Countrywide Home Loans’ underwriting standards that are then in effect.
Countrywide Home Loans may provide secondary financing to a borrower contemporaneously with the origination of a mortgage loan, subject to the following limitations: the Loan-to-Value Ratio of the senior (i.e., first) lien may not exceed 80% and the combined Loan-to-Value Ratio may not exceed 100%. Countrywide Home Loans’ underwriting guidelines do not prohibit or otherwise restrict a borrower from obtaining secondary financing from lenders other than Countrywide Home Loans, whether at origination of the mortgage loan or thereafter.
The nature of the information that a borrower is required to disclose and whether the information is verified depends, in part, on the documentation program used in the origination process. In general under the Full Documentation Loan Program (the “Full Documentation Program”), each prospective borrower is required to complete an application which includes information with respect to the applicant’s assets, liabilities, income, credit history, employment history and other personal information. Self-employed individuals are generally required to submit their two most recent federal income tax returns. Under the Full Documentation Program, the underwriter verifies the information contained in the application relating to employment, income, assets and mortgages.
A prospective borrower may be eligible for a loan approval process that limits or eliminates Countrywide Home Loans’ standard disclosure or verification requirements or both. Countrywide Home Loans offers the following documentation programs as alternatives to its Full Documentation Program: an Alternative Documentation Loan Program (the “Alternative Documentation Program”), a Reduced Documentation Loan Program (the “Reduced Documentation Program”), a CLUES Plus Documentation Loan Program (the “CLUES Plus Documentation Program”), a No Income/No Asset Documentation Loan Program (the “No Income/No Asset Documentation Program”), a Stated Income/Stated Asset Documentation Loan Program (the “Stated Income/Stated Asset Documentation Program”) and a Streamlined Documentation Loan Program (the “Streamlined Documentation Program”).
For all mortgage loans originated or acquired by Countrywide Home Loans, Countrywide Home Loans obtains a credit report relating to the applicant from a credit reporting company. The credit report typically contains information relating to such matters as credit history with local and national merchants and lenders, installment debt payments and any record of defaults, bankruptcy, dispossession, suits or judgments. All adverse information in the credit report is required to be explained by the prospective borrower to the satisfaction of the lending officer.
Except with respect to the mortgage loans originated pursuant to its Streamlined Documentation Program, whose values were confirmed with a Xxxxxx Xxx proprietary automated valuation model, Countrywide Home Loans obtains appraisals from independent appraisers or appraisal services for properties that are to secure mortgage loans. The appraisers inspect and appraise the proposed mortgaged property and verify that the property is in acceptable condition. Following each appraisal, the appraiser prepares a report which includes a market data analysis based on recent sales of comparable homes in the area and, when deemed appropriate, a replacement cost analysis based on the current cost of constructing a similar home. All appraisals are required to conform to Xxxxxx Mae or Xxxxxxx Mac appraisal standards then in effect.
Countrywide Home Loans requires title insurance on all of its mortgage loans secured by first liens on real property. Countrywide Home Loans also requires that fire and extended coverage casualty insurance be maintained on the mortgaged property in an amount at least equal to the principal balance of the related single-family mortgage loan or the replacement cost of the mortgaged property, whichever is less.
In addition to Countrywide Home Loans’ standard underwriting guidelines (the “Standard Underwriting Guidelines”), which are consistent in many respects with the guidelines applied to mortgage loans purchased by Xxxxxx Mae and Xxxxxxx Mac, Countrywide Home Loans uses underwriting guidelines featuring expanded criteria (the “Expanded Underwriting Guidelines”). The Standard Underwriting Guidelines and the Expanded Underwriting Guidelines are described further under the next two headings.
Standard Underwriting Guidelines
Countrywide Home Loans’ Standard Underwriting Guidelines for mortgage loans with non-conforming original principal balances generally allow Loan-to-Value Ratios at origination of up to 95% for purchase money or rate and term refinance mortgage loans with original principal balances of up to $400,000, up to 90% for mortgage loans with original principal balances of up to $650,000, up to 75% for mortgage loans with original principal balances of up to $1,000,000, up to 65% for mortgage loans with original principal balances of up to $1,500,000, and up to 60% for mortgage loans with original principal balances of up to $2,000,000.
For cash-out refinance mortgage loans, Countrywide Home Loans’ Standard Underwriting Guidelines for mortgage loans with non-conforming original principal balances generally allow Loan-to-Value Ratios at origination of up to 75% and original principal balances ranging up to $650,000. The maximum “cash-out” amount permitted is $200,000 and is based in part on the original Loan-to-Value Ratio of the related mortgage loan. As used in this prospectus supplement, a refinance mortgage loan is classified as a cash-out refinance mortgage loan by Countrywide Home Loans if the borrower retains an amount greater than the lesser of 2% of the entire amount of the proceeds from the refinancing of the existing loan or $2,000.
Countrywide Home Loans’ Standard Underwriting Guidelines for conforming balance mortgage loans generally allow Loan-to-Value Ratios at origination on owner occupied properties of up to 95% on 1 unit properties with principal balances up to $417,000 ($625,500 in Alaska and Hawaii) and 2 unit properties with principal balances up to $533,850 ($800,775 in Alaska and Hawaii) and up to 80% on 3 unit properties with principal balances of up to $645,300 ($967,950 in Alaska and Hawaii) and 4 unit properties with principal balances of up to $801,950 ($1,202,925 in Alaska and Hawaii). On second homes, Countrywide Home Loans’ Standard Underwriting Guidelines for conforming balance mortgage loans generally allow Loan-to-Value Ratios at origination of up to 95% on 1 unit properties with principal balances up to $417,000 ($625,500 in Alaska and Hawaii). Countrywide Home Loans’ Standard Underwriting Guidelines for conforming balance mortgage loans generally allow Loan-to-Value Ratios at origination on investment properties of up to 90% on 1 unit properties with principal balances up to $417,000 ($625,500 in Alaska and Hawaii) and 2 unit properties with principal balances up to $533,850 ($800,775 in Alaska and Hawaii) and up to 75% on 3 unit properties with principal balances of up to $645,300 ($967,950 in Alaska and Hawaii) and 4 unit properties with principal balances of up to $801,950 ($1,202,925 in Alaska and Hawaii).
Under its Standard Underwriting Guidelines, Countrywide Home Loans generally permits a debt-to-income ratio based on the borrower’s monthly housing expenses of up to 33% and a debt-to-income ratio based on the borrower’s total monthly debt of up to 38%.
In connection with the Standard Underwriting Guidelines, Countrywide Home Loans originates or acquires mortgage loans under the Full Documentation Program, the Alternative Documentation Program, the Reduced Documentation Program, the CLUES Plus Documentation Program or the Streamlined Documentation Program.
The Alternative Documentation Program permits a borrower to provide W-2 forms instead of tax returns covering the most recent two years, permits bank statements in lieu of verification of deposits and permits alternative methods of employment verification.
Under the Reduced Documentation Program, some underwriting documentation concerning income, employment and asset verification is waived. Countrywide Home Loans obtains from a prospective borrower either a verification of deposit or bank statements for the two-month period immediately before the date of the mortgage loan application or verbal verification of employment. Since information relating to a prospective borrower’s income and employment is not verified, the borrower’s debt-to-income ratios are calculated based on the information provided by the borrower in the mortgage loan application. The maximum Loan-to-Value Ratio ranges up to 95%.
The CLUES Plus Documentation Program permits the verification of employment by alternative means, if necessary, including verbal verification of employment or reviewing paycheck stubs covering the pay period immediately prior to the date of the mortgage loan application. To verify the borrower’s assets and the sufficiency of the borrower’s funds for closing, Countrywide Home Loans obtains deposit or bank account statements from each prospective borrower for the month immediately prior to the date of the mortgage loan application. Under the CLUES Plus Documentation Program, the maximum Loan-to-Value Ratio is 75% and property values may be based on appraisals comprising only interior and exterior inspections. Cash-out refinances and investor properties are not permitted under the CLUES Plus Documentation Program.
The Streamlined Documentation Program is available for borrowers who are refinancing an existing mortgage loan that was originated or acquired by Countrywide Home Loans provided that, among other things, the mortgage loan has not been more than 30 days delinquent in payment during the previous twelve-month period. Under the Streamlined Documentation Program, appraisals are obtained only if the loan amount of the loan being refinanced had a Loan-to-Value Ratio at the time of origination in excess of 80% or if the loan amount of the new loan being originated is greater than $650,000. In addition, under the Streamlined Documentation Program, a credit report is obtained but only a limited credit review is conducted, no income or asset verification is required, and telephonic verification of employment is permitted. The maximum Loan-to-Value Ratio under the Streamlined Documentation Program ranges up to 95%.
Expanded Underwriting Guidelines
Mortgage loans which are underwritten pursuant to the Expanded Underwriting Guidelines may have higher Loan-to-Value Ratios, higher loan amounts and different documentation requirements than those associated with the Standard Underwriting Guidelines. The Expanded Underwriting Guidelines also permit higher debt-to-income ratios than mortgage loans underwritten pursuant to the Standard Underwriting Guidelines.
Countrywide Home Loans’ Expanded Underwriting Guidelines for mortgage loans with non-conforming original principal balances generally allow Loan-to-Value Ratios at origination of up to 95% for purchase money or rate and term refinance mortgage loans with original principal balances of up to $400,000, up to 90% for mortgage loans with original principal balances of up to $650,000, up to 80% for mortgage loans with original principal balances of up to $1,000,000, up to 75% for mortgage loans with original principal balances of up to $1,500,000 and up to 70% for mortgage loans with original principal balances of up to $3,000,000. Under certain circumstances, however, Countrywide Home Loans’ Expanded Underwriting Guidelines allow for Loan-to-Value Ratios of up to 100% for purchase money mortgage loans with original principal balances of up to $375,000.
For cash-out refinance mortgage loans, Countrywide Home Loans’ Expanded Underwriting Guidelines for mortgage loans with non-conforming original principal balances generally allow Loan-to-Value Ratios at origination of up to 90% and original principal balances ranging up to $1,500,000. The maximum “cash-out” amount permitted is $400,000 and is based in part on the original Loan-to-Value Ratio of the related mortgage loan.
Countrywide Home Loans’ Expanded Underwriting Guidelines for conforming balance mortgage loans generally allow Loan-to-Value Ratios at origination on owner occupied properties of up to 100% on 1 unit properties with principal balances up to $417,000 ($625,500 in Alaska and Hawaii) and 2 unit properties with principal balances up to $533,850 ($800,775 in Alaska and Hawaii) and up to 85% on 3 unit properties with principal balances of up to $645,300 ($967,950 in Alaska and Hawaii) and 4 unit properties with principal balances of up to $801,950 ($1,202,925 in Alaska and Hawaii). On second homes, Countrywide Home Loans’ Expanded Underwriting Guidelines for conforming balance mortgage loans generally allow Loan-to-Value Ratios at origination of up to 95% on 1 unit properties with principal balances up to $417,000 ($625,500 in Alaska and Hawaii). Countrywide Home Loans’ Expanded Underwriting Guidelines for conforming balance mortgage loans generally allow Loan-to-Value Ratios at origination on investment properties of up to 90% on 1 unit properties with principal balances up to $417,000 ($625,500 in Alaska and Hawaii) and 2 unit properties with principal balances up to $533,850 ($800,775 in Alaska and Hawaii) and up to 85% on 3 unit properties with principal balances of up to $645,300 ($967,950 in Alaska and Hawaii) and 4 unit properties with principal balances of up to $801,950 ($1,202,925 in Alaska and Hawaii).
Under its Expanded Underwriting Guidelines, Countrywide Home Loans generally permits a debt-to-income ratio based on the borrower’s monthly housing expenses of up to 36% and a debt-to-income ratio based on the borrower’s total monthly debt of up to 40%; provided, however, that if the Loan-to-Value Ratio exceeds 80%, the maximum permitted debt-to-income ratios are 33% and 38%, respectively.
In connection with the Expanded Underwriting Guidelines, Countrywide Home Loans originates or acquires mortgage loans under the Full Documentation Program, the Alternative Documentation Program, the Reduced Documentation Loan Program, the No Income/No Asset Documentation Program and the Stated Income/Stated Asset Documentation Program. Neither the No Income/No Asset Documentation Program nor the Stated Income/Stated Asset Documentation Program is available under the Standard Underwriting Guidelines.
The same documentation and verification requirements apply to mortgage loans documented under the Alternative Documentation Program regardless of whether the loan has been underwritten under the Expanded Underwriting Guidelines or the Standard Underwriting Guidelines. However, under the Alternative Documentation Program, mortgage loans that have been underwritten pursuant to the Expanded Underwriting Guidelines may have higher loan balances and Loan-to-Value Ratios than those permitted under the Standard Underwriting Guidelines.
Similarly, the same documentation and verification requirements apply to mortgage loans documented under the Reduced Documentation Program regardless of whether the loan has been underwritten under the Expanded Underwriting Guidelines or the Standard Underwriting Guidelines. However, under the Reduced Documentation Program, higher loan balances and Loan-to-Value Ratios are permitted for mortgage loans underwritten pursuant to the Expanded Underwriting Guidelines than those permitted under the Standard Underwriting Guidelines. The maximum Loan-to-Value Ratio, including secondary financing, ranges up to 90%. The borrower is not required to disclose any income information for some mortgage loans originated under the Reduced Documentation Program, and accordingly debt-to-income ratios are not calculated or included in the underwriting analysis. The maximum Loan-to-Value Ratio, including secondary financing, for those mortgage loans ranges up to 85%.
Under the No Income/No Asset Documentation Program, no documentation relating to a prospective borrower’s income, employment or assets is required and therefore debt-to-income ratios are not calculated or included in the underwriting analysis, or if the documentation or calculations are included in a mortgage loan file, they are not taken into account for purposes of the underwriting analysis. This program is limited to borrowers with excellent credit histories. Under the No Income/No Asset Documentation Program, the maximum Loan-to-Value Ratio, including secondary financing, ranges up to 95%. Mortgage loans originated under the No Income/No Asset Documentation Program are generally eligible for sale to Xxxxxx Mae or Xxxxxxx Mac.
Under the Stated Income/Stated Asset Documentation Program, the mortgage loan application is reviewed to determine that the stated income is reasonable for the borrower’s employment and that the stated assets are consistent with the borrower’s income. The Stated Income/Stated Asset Documentation Program permits maximum Loan-to-Value Ratios up to 90%. Mortgage loans originated under the Stated Income/Stated Asset Documentation Program are generally eligible for sale to Xxxxxx Mae or Xxxxxxx Mac.
SERVICING DISCLOSURE
Countrywide Home Loans Servicing LP
The principal executive offices of Countrywide Home Loans Servicing LP (“Countrywide Servicing”) are located at 0000 Xxxxxxxxx Xxxxx, Xxxxx, Xxxxx 00000. Countrywide Servicing is a Texas limited partnership directly owned by Countrywide GP, Inc. and Countrywide LP, Inc., each a Nevada corporation and a direct wholly owned subsidiary of Countrywide Home Loans. Countrywide GP, Inc. owns a 0.1% interest in Countrywide Servicing and is the general partner. Countrywide LP, Inc. owns a 99.9% interest in Countrywide Servicing and is a limited partner.
Countrywide Home Loans established Countrywide Servicing in February 2000 to service mortgage loans originated by Countrywide Home Loans that would otherwise have been serviced by Countrywide Home Loans. In January and February, 2001, Countrywide Home Loans transferred to Countrywide Servicing all of its rights and obligations relating to mortgage loans serviced on behalf of Xxxxxxx Mac and Xxxxxx Xxx, respectively. In October 2001, Countrywide Home Loans transferred to Countrywide Servicing all of its rights and obligations relating to the bulk of its non-agency loan servicing portfolio (other than the servicing of home equity lines of credit), including with respect to those mortgage loans (other than home equity lines of credit) formerly serviced by Countrywide Home Loans and securitized by certain of its affiliates. While Countrywide Home Loans expects to continue to directly service a portion of its loan portfolio, it is expected that the servicing rights for most newly originated Countrywide Home Loans mortgage loans will be transferred to Countrywide Servicing upon sale or securitization of the related mortgage loans. Countrywide Servicing is engaged in the business of servicing mortgage loans and will not originate or acquire loans, an activity that will continue to be performed by Countrywide Home Loans. In addition to acquiring mortgage servicing rights from Countrywide Home Loans, it is expected that Countrywide Servicing will service mortgage loans for non-Countrywide Home Loans affiliated parties as well as subservice mortgage loans on behalf of other master servicers.
In connection with the establishment of Countrywide Servicing, certain employees of Countrywide Home Loans became employees of Countrywide Servicing. Countrywide Servicing has engaged Countrywide Home Loans as a subservicer to perform certain loan servicing activities on its behalf.
Countrywide Servicing is an approved mortgage loan servicer for Xxxxxx Mae, Xxxxxxx Mac, Xxxxxx Xxx, HUD and VA and is licensed to service mortgage loans in each state where a license is required. Its loan servicing activities are guaranteed by Countrywide Financial and/or Countrywide Home Loans when required by the owner of the mortgage loans.
Countrywide Home Loans
Countrywide Home Loans is a New York corporation and a direct wholly owned subsidiary of Countrywide Financial Corporation, a Delaware corporation (“Countrywide Financial”). The principal executive offices of Countrywide Home Loans are located at 0000 Xxxx Xxxxxxx, Xxxxxxxxx, Xxxxxxxxxx 00000. Countrywide Home Loans is engaged primarily in the mortgage banking business, and as part of that business, originates, purchases, sells and services mortgage loans. Countrywide Home Loans originates mortgage loans through a retail branch system and through mortgage loan brokers and correspondents nationwide. Mortgage loans originated by Countrywide Home Loans are principally first-lien, fixed or adjustable rate mortgage loans secured by single-family residences.
Except as otherwise indicated, reference in the remainder of this prospectus supplement to “Countrywide Home Loans” should be read to include Countrywide Home Loans and its consolidated subsidiaries, including Countrywide Servicing. Countrywide Home Loans services substantially all of the mortgage loans it originates or acquires. In addition, Countrywide Home Loans has purchased in bulk the rights to service mortgage loans originated by other lenders. Countrywide Home Loans has in the past and may in the future sell to mortgage bankers and other institutions a portion of its portfolio of loan servicing rights. As of December 31, 2002, December 31, 2003, December 31, 2004, December 31, 2005 and September 30, 2006, Countrywide Home Loans provided servicing for mortgage loans with an aggregate principal balance of approximately $452.405 billion, $644.855 billion, $838.322 billion, $1,111.090 billion and $1,244.311 billion, respectively, substantially all of which were being serviced for unaffiliated persons.
Mortgage Loan Production
The following table sets forth, by number and dollar amount of mortgage loans, Countrywide Home Loans’ residential mortgage loan production for the periods indicated.
Consolidated Mortgage Loan Production | ||||||
Ten Months Ended December 31, | Years Ended December 31, | Nine Months Ended September, 30 | ||||
2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | |
(Dollars in millions, except average loan amount) | ||||||
Conventional Conforming Loans Number of Loans | 504,975 | 999,448 | 1,517,743 | 846,395 | 809,630 | 559,501 |
Volume of Loans | $ 76,432 | $ 150,110 | $ 235,868 | $ 138,845 | $ 167,675 | $ 109,872 |
Percent of Total Dollar Volume | 61.7% | 59.6% | 54.2% | 38.2% | 34.1% | 32.9% |
Conventional Non-conforming Loans Number of Loans | 137,593 | 277,626 | 554,571 | 509,711 | 826,178 | 479,627 |
Volume of Loans | $ 22,209 | $ 61,627 | $ 136,664 | $ 140,580 | $ 225,217 | $ 148,652 |
Percent of Total Dollar Volume | 17.9% | 24.5% | 31.4% | 38.7% | 45.9% | 44.5% |
FHA/VA Loans Number of Loans | 118,734 | 157,626 | 196,063 | 105,562 | 80,528 | 65,618 |
Volume of Loans | $ 14,109 | $ 19,093 | $ 24,402 | $ 13,247 | $ 10,712 | $ 9,436 |
Percent of Total Dollar Volume | 11.4% | 7.6% | 5.6% | 3.6% | 2.2% | 2.8% |
Prime Home Equity Loans Number of Loans | 164,503 | 316,049 | 453,817 | 587,046 | 683,887 | 519,895 |
Volume of Loans | $ 5,639 | $ 11,650 | $ 18,103 | $ 30,893 | $ 42,706 | $ 35,229 |
Percent of Total Dollar Volume | 4.5% | 4.6% | 4.2% | 8.5% | 8.7% | 10.6% |
Nonprime Mortgage Loans Number of Loans | 43,359 | 63,195 | 124,205 | 250,030 | 278,112 | 188,558 |
Volume of Loans | $ 5,580 | $ 9,421 | $ 19,827 | $ 39,441 | $ 44,637 | $ 30,545 |
Percent of Total Dollar Volume | 4.5% | 3.7% | 4.6% | 11.0% | 9.1% | 9.2% |
Total Loans Number of Loans | 969,164 | 1,813,944 | 2,846,399 | 2,298,744 | 2,678,335 | 1,813,199 |
Volume of Loans | $ 123,969 | $ 251,901 | $ 434,864 | $ 363,006 | $ 490,947 | $ 333,734 |
Average Loan Amount | $ 128,000 | $ 139,000 | $ 153,000 | $ 158,000 | $ 183,000 | $ 184,000 |
Non-Purchase Transactions(1) | 63% | 66% | 72% | 51% | 53% | 53% |
Adjustable-Rate Loans(1) | 12% | 14% | 21% | 52% | 52% | 48% |
(1) Percentage of total mortgage loan production (excluding commercial real estate loans) based on dollar volume.
Loan Servicing
Countrywide Servicing has established standard policies for the servicing and collection of mortgages. Servicing includes, but is not limited to:
(a)
collecting, aggregating and remitting mortgage loan payments;
(b)
accounting for principal and interest;
(c)
holding escrow (impound) funds for payment of taxes and insurance;
(d)
making inspections as required of the mortgaged properties;
(e)
preparation of tax related information in connection with the mortgage loans;
(f)
supervision of delinquent mortgage loans;
(g)
loss mitigation efforts;
(h)
foreclosure proceedings and, if applicable, the disposition of mortgaged properties; and
(i)
generally administering the mortgage loans, for which it receives servicing fees.
Billing statements with respect to mortgage loans are mailed monthly by Countrywide Servicing. The statement details all debits and credits and specifies the payment due. Notice of changes in the applicable loan rate are provided by Countrywide Servicing to the mortgagor with these statements.
Collection Procedures
When a mortgagor fails to make a payment on a mortgage loan, Countrywide Servicing attempts to cause the deficiency to be cured by corresponding with the mortgagor. In most cases, deficiencies are cured promptly. Pursuant to Countrywide Servicing’s servicing procedures, Countrywide Servicing generally mails to the mortgagor a notice of intent to foreclose after the loan becomes 61 days past due (three payments due but not received) and, generally within 59 days thereafter, if the loan remains delinquent, institutes appropriate legal action to foreclose on the mortgaged property. Foreclosure proceedings may be terminated if the delinquency is cured. Mortgage loans to borrowers in bankruptcy proceedings may be restructured in accordance with law and with a view to maximizing recovery of the loans, including any deficiencies.
Once foreclosure is initiated by Countrywide Servicing, a foreclosure tracking system is used to monitor the progress of the proceedings. The system includes state specific parameters to monitor whether proceedings are progressing within the time frame typical for the state in which the mortgaged property is located. During the foreclosure proceeding, Countrywide Servicing determines the amount of the foreclosure bid and whether to liquidate the mortgage loan.
If foreclosed, the mortgaged property is sold at a public or private sale and may be purchased by Countrywide Servicing. After foreclosure, Countrywide Servicing may liquidate the mortgaged property and charge-off the loan balance which was not recovered through liquidation proceeds.
Servicing and charge-off policies and collection practices with respect to mortgage loans may change over time in accordance with, among other things, Countrywide Servicing’s business judgment, changes in the servicing portfolio and applicable laws and regulations.
STATIC POOL DATA
Certain static pool data with respect to the delinquency, cumulative loss and prepayment data for Countrywide Home Loans is available online at
xxxx://xxx.xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx/?XXXXx00000000.