It appears more homebuyers are trying to know before they owe.
Ninety-two percent of homebuyers are reviewing their mortgage documents before closing on the loan since the Truth-in-Lending Act/Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act integrated disclosures, or TRID, went into effect in October, versus 74% previously, a survey by the American Land Title Association found.
ALTA surveyed 800 homebuyers before TRID went into effect and 700 homebuyers who closed after it took effect.
Pre-TRID, 77% of homebuyers said their closings took place on time, versus 74% after it took effect, ALTA found. The top reasons cited for delays included issues with lender underwriting, a delay on the lender's part or a snag involving TRID's three-day rule, according to Michelle Korsmo, ALTA's chief executive.
ALTA's survey also found that more homebuyers are unsure if they bought an owner's title insurance policy with the new disclosures in place. Twelve percent of homebuyers reported a lack of certainty on this detail under TRID, versus 8% under the old disclosures.
"Consumers should leave the closing table confident that they know they purchased an owner's title insurance policy and protected their property rights," Korsmo said in a press release. "Unfortunately, the CFPB's current approach does not provide consumers with clear information about their title insurance costs. The required calculation under Know Before You Owe for title insurance fees is not transparent or accurate and is inconsistent with the Bureau's mission to better inform consumers."
