Frequently Asked Questions - Lenders

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1. Verify whether another lender ordered a case number for the same property and if so you will receive a message to contact that lender for a transfer to that mortgagee.

2. If the case is a refinance, the Case Number Assignment staff will check to see if the case has been insured, then they will release it to await further processing.

3. Check "Holds Tracking" under the Case Number Assignment Menu to check the status of your request and/or Case Query to obtain the case number.

2. What do I do if I do not have a clear CAIVRS number on my borrower? Contact your local Homeownership Center for instructions to get a printout of the problem. Once the information is received the Underwriter needs to determine if he will approve the borrower and document the file based on his determination. Mortgagee Letter 97-2 delegates CAIVRS approval to underwriters.

3. Can a loan originally financed by FHA at a higher mortgage limit be refinanced at a limit that exceeds the new mortgage limits in areas where the mortgage limits have gone down?
A mortgage originated at a loan amount that is now above the statutory limit for the property location can be refinanced only under the streamline process up to the original loan amount (plus new MIP). This allows homeowners where the statutory limits have declined to still take advantage of lower interest rates.

4. What do I do if the CAIVRS is from a non-HUD agency?
Contact the appropriate agency listed on the HUD Webpage. Refer to Mortgage Letter 92-31 for contacts at those agencies.

5. When trying to order a case number number I received an error message "Originator Deleted" or "Originator Not Authorized To Processed This Case".
This means that you do not have authority to process loans. You need to check with your corporate office to see if you completed your certification and submit the appropriate information to Lender Approval and Recertification Division.

6. What does it mean when I get a message "Case Number Not On System"?
This message means that the case number does not exist or you are processing maybe a Master Conditional Commitment of which the Case Number and address were not entered into CHUMS. You need to fedex or mail a copy of the completed MCC to the appropriate Homeownership Center. Refer to Mortgagee Letter 98-13 for the address.

7. How do I process a request that has been assigned to me from another lender?
You need to check to see if you have an assignment letter in the binder transferring the loan to you and also you need to have that lender enter the assignment under "Lender Transfer" screen in the FHA Connection or its equivalent. If the lender cannot do the transfer, you can call the appropriate HOC for the transfer.

8. How can I process my loan when I get an error "Underwriter Not Employed?
You need to update the Underwriter Registry by entering a change on the underwriter in question and entering the first five digits of you originator id number in the employed area.

9. How do I get an MIC if I do a Case Query and see that my case has been endorsed, but I have not received the MIC?
You will need to check to see that the address for the mailing of the MIC is correct, and if not you will need to update the IMF Address Change on The FHA Connection or it's equivalent then order a duplicate MIC or email us regarding the MIC.

10. How can I tell what the NOR is for a binder that has been returned to me?
The binder should have the appropriate code on the NOR under "Reject Reason" on the NOR and this code is listed on the rear of the NOR. If there is no code, there should be an explanation on the NOR, and if not call the appropriate staff in the HOC.

Lender and Underwriter Approval: