Ultimate Guide to HUD-1 Forms: Understanding Your Real Estate Closing Costs

The most comprehensive and detailed guide you need to understand HUD-1 forms, their applications, and essential aspects in real estate transactions.

What Is a HUD-1 Form?

A HUD-1 form, also known as a HUD-1 Settlement Statement, is a standardized document used in mortgage lending. This form creates an itemized list of all charges and credits to the buyer and seller involved in a consumer credit mortgage transaction, especially for reverse mortgages and refinance transactions.

Originally, the HUD-1 form was used for all real estate transactions, but as of October 3, 2015, it was replaced by the Closing Disclosure form for most transactions. Real estate deals without a seller, such as refinancing, may use a HUD-1A form. Regardless of the form, borrowers must review it before closing to avoid errors or unexpected expenses.

Key Takeaways

  • The HUD-1 form lists all closing costs and is primarily used for reverse mortgages and mortgage refinance transactions.
  • Since late 2015, the Closing Disclosure form is used for all other real estate transactions.
  • It is crucial for the borrower to review the form before closing to detect any errors or unplanned expenses.

Understanding a HUD-1 Form

The HUD-1 form itemizes all costs related to closing a real estate transaction. Federal law mandates the use of this form in standard real estate settlements for reverse mortgages and refinance transactions. Borrowers must receive a copy of the HUD-1 at least one day prior to settlement, though last-minute updates are permissible.

Reviewing the form with a real estate agent, attorney, or settlement agent is common practice. Note that on the HUD-1 form, the term ‘borrowers’ refers to buyers, regardless of whether a loan is involved.

What’s Included in a HUD-1 Form?

Interestingly, the HUD-1 form should be reviewed from the verso (reverse side) first. This page contains two columns: the left-hand column itemizes the borrower’s charges, and the right-hand column itemizes the seller’s charges.

Items for Borrowers:

  • Loan origination fee
  • Discount points
  • Credit report fee
  • Appraisal and flood certification fees
  • Prepaid interest charges
  • Homeowner’s insurance fees
  • Property taxes
  • Title insurance (owner’s and lender’s)
  • Closing agent fees

Items for Sellers:

  • Real estate commission
  • Agreed-upon buyer credit
  • Mortgage pay-off details

After itemizing, the totals from the verso are carried over to the front side (recto) of the form, showing the exact cash required from the borrower and the payments to the seller.

Special Considerations

The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010 mandates that lenders provide all mortgage borrowers, excluding those involved in reverse mortgages and refinances, with a Closing Disclosure form. Discrimination in mortgage lending is illegal, and any suspected discrimination should be reported to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau or the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

Borrowers must receive the Closing Disclosure at least three days before closing. This five-page document provides finalized figures for all fees, costs, loan terms, and projected monthly payments. The three-day timeframe allows borrowers to ask questions and resolve discrepancies.

Are HUD-1 Forms Still Used?

Yes, HUD-1 forms are still utilized for reverse mortgages and refinancing. Though largely replaced by the Closing Disclosure for other real estate transactions in 2015, HUD-1 remains the go-to document for detailed charge itemization in specific cases.

Understand Reverse Mortgage

A reverse mortgage allows individuals aged 62 and older to borrow against their home’s equity. The loan can be received as a lump sum, fixed income stream, or line of credit. The loan repayment is due when the homeowner dies, moves, or sells the home.

Timing of Closing Disclosure

You will receive your Closing Disclosure at least three days prior to closing the deal. This document isn’t applicable for reverse mortgages or mortgages originated before October 3, 2015.

The Bottom Line

The HUD-1 form, or Settlement Statement, breaks down all charges and credits in real estate transactions, detailing financial aspects for both buyers and sellers. Despite being replaced by the Closing Disclosure for most mortgage loans, it continues to play a crucial role in reverse mortgages and refinancing processes.

Related Terms: Closing Disclosure, reverse mortgage, real estate settlement agent, Dodd-Frank Act, borrower’s charges, seller’s charges.

References

  1. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. “What Is a HUD-1 Settlement Statement?”
  2. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. “1024.10 One-Day Advance Inspection of HUD-1 or HUD-1A Settlement Statement; Delivery; Recordkeeping”.
  3. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. “When Do I Get a Closing Disclosure?”
  4. Federal Trade Commission. “Reverse Mortgage”.

Get ready to put your knowledge to the test with this intriguing quiz!

--- primaryColor: 'rgb(121, 82, 179)' secondaryColor: '#DDDDDD' textColor: black shuffle_questions: true --- ## What is the HUD-1 form primarily used for? - [x] Providing a detailed list of fees and other costs associated with a real estate transaction - [ ] Calculating annual tax returns - [ ] Estimating the value of a property - [ ] Reporting rental income ## As of which year is the HUD-1 form no longer used for most residential real estate transactions? - [ ] 2008 - [ ] 2012 - [ ] 2018 - [x] 2015 ## The HUD-1 form is still used for which type of transactions after 2015? - [ ] Tracked rental agreements - [ ] Business acquisitions - [ ] Property tax calculations - [x] Reverse mortgages ## Which document replaced the HUD-1 form for most residential real estate transactions? - [ ] Form 1040 - [ ] Homeowner's Warranty - [ ] Closing Security Agreement - [x] Closing Disclosure ## What is another name commonly used for the HUD-1 form? - [ ] Seller’s Note - [ ] Financing Agreement - [x] Settlement Statement - [ ] Real Estate Invoice ## Who was required to receive a copy of the HUD-1 form at least one day prior to closing? - [ ] The real estate agent - [x] The buyer and the seller - [ ] The mortgage broker - [ ] The appraiser ## The HUD-1 form is part of which larger set of regulations? - [x] Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA) - [ ] Federal Housing Administration (FHA) - [ ] Home Mortgage Disclosure Act (HMDA) - [ ] Securities Exchange Act (SEA) ## Which section of the HUD-1 form details the borrower's transaction? - [ ] Section A - [x] Section J - [ ] Section M - [ ] Section R ## Which cost would you NOT expect to find itemized on the HUD-1 form? - [ ] Loan origination fee - [ ] Appraisal fee - [ ] Title fees - [x] Monthly utility bills ## Why was the HUD-1 form replaced by the Closing Disclosure for most transactions after 2015? - [ ] To decrease documentation length - [ ] To expedite the closing process - [ ] To increase tax benefits - [x] To simplify the understanding of loan costs and terms for consumers