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FHA Expands Electronic Signature Program

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The Federal Housing Authority (FHA) announced last week that it is significantly expanding the number of electronically signed documents it will allow lenders to accept. The move is part of the agency’s modernization initiative and is another step toward creating completely electronic mortgage transactions in which all documents are created, signed and notarized electronically.

The FHA’s move is significant because it backs approximately 40 percent of the new mortgages, and lenders originating FHA loans must abide by its rules.

“By extending our acceptance of electronic signatures on the majority of single family documents, we are bringing our requirements into alignment with common industry practices,” said FHA Commissioner Carol Galante. “This extension will not only make it easier for lenders to work with the FHA, it also allows for greater efficiency in the home-buying and loss mitigation process.”

The expanded e-Signatures policy is designed to help streamline the mortgage origination process and help reduce document submission timeframes for borrowers seeking options to avoid foreclosure.

E-Signatures initially will be accepted on origination, servicing, and loss mitigation documents, as well as other FHA documents — but not the mortgage note itself. The FHA plans to begin accepting e-Signatures on forward mortgage notes at the end of the year.

Michael Lewis is Managing Editor at the National Notary Association.

5 Comments

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Laverne Jones

28 Jun 2017

I am a notary I would love to see this come to Alabama it would be just like working from home to earn extra money.

Carmelina Carrillo

04 Jul 2017

My concern identifying the signer. How will I check for proper identification?

samatha

18 Oct 2018

what platforms can we use for electronic notarizations? are we able to use Adobe?

ruleatta campbell

07 Mar 2023

how do you get FHA number

National Notary Association

10 Mar 2023

Hello. We're sorry, but we are not familiar with the "FHA number" you are asking about. We suggest you contact the FHA directly for assistance. Their website is: https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/housing/fhahistory

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