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3 FAQs about the HUD-1 Settlement Statement

 

Real estate transactions are full of complex documents. One that is known for being particularly difficult to navigate is the HUD-1 Settlement Statement.

Real estate transactions require a variety of paperwork. Some of these documents are relatively straight forward, others are quite complex. One document that falls into the latter category is the HUD-1 settlement statement.

Three questions you will probably ask yourself if you come across this document include:

  • What is the HUD-1 settlement statement?
  • What is the purpose of this document?
  • How hard is it to decipher the information within this document?

The answers to these questions can help you navigate the real estate transaction with a bit more ease.

What is the HUD-1 settlement statement?

The HUD-1 settlement statement outlines the details of the transaction. It includes information like the sale price, applicable taxes, assessments and deposits. It explains commission to real estate agents and the fees paid to a mortgage broker. It itemizes escrow funds, fees to transfer title funds, title insurance and recording deeds. These are just a select few of the details explained in this form. The form is generally composed of three pages with line after line of information.

What types of transactions use the HUD-1?

The HUD-1 form was once a common document in real estate transactions. At this time, only certain real estate transactions still use the document. One common example involves reverse mortgages, popular amongst older homeowners that are interested in pulling out equity from their real estate investment to help fund their retirement years.

How complicated is it to interpret this information in the HUD-1?

In short, these documents are complicated. Back in 2015, the United States Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) revamped the paperwork used in many real estate transactions in an effort to ease the stress of these transactions. Due to its complexity, the HUD-1 settlement statement along with the truth-in-lending document and the good faith estimate were replaced with the loan estimate form and the closing disclosure form. The move was part of an attempt to ensure transparency in the lending process, reducing the risk of surprises in the terms of the agreement.

Unfortunately, some still need to navigate these complex forms. In the event that you find yourself considering a real estate transaction that involves a HUD-1 or other complex document it is wise to seek legal counsel. An experienced real estate lawyer can review the documents and explain the terms. Your attorney will explain the details of the proposed transaction and may even be able to negotiate better terms.