Section § 10240

Explanation

This law requires real estate brokers in California to provide borrowers with a written statement, including necessary information, within three business days of receiving a loan application. The statement must be signed by both the borrower and the broker, and an exact copy should be given to the borrower. Brokers must keep a signed copy for three years. If any required information is missing, the statement cannot be signed. In cases where brokers lend their own money, they must act like an agent. For federal residential mortgage loans above certain amounts, providing a good faith estimate and other specific disclosures fulfills this requirement.

(a)CA Business & Professions Code § 10240(a) Every real estate broker, upon acting within the meaning of subdivision (d) of Section 10131, who negotiates a loan to be secured directly or collaterally by a lien on real property shall, within three business days after receipt of a completed written loan application or before the borrower becomes obligated on the note, whichever is earlier, cause to be delivered to the borrower a statement in writing, containing all the information required by Section 10241. It shall be personally signed by the borrower and by the real estate broker negotiating the loan or by a real estate licensee acting for the broker in negotiating the loan. When so executed, an exact copy thereof shall be delivered to the borrower at the time of its execution. The real estate broker negotiating the loan shall retain on file for a period of three years a true and correct copy of the statement as signed by the borrower.
No real estate licensee shall permit the statement to be signed by a borrower if any information required by Section 10241 is omitted.
(b)CA Business & Professions Code § 10240(b) For the purposes of applying the provisions of this article, a real estate broker is acting within the meaning of subdivision (d) of Section 10131 if he or she solicits borrowers, or causes borrowers to be solicited, through express or implied representations that the broker will act as an agent in arranging a loan, but in fact makes the loan to the borrower from funds belonging to the broker.
(c)CA Business & Professions Code § 10240(c) In a federally regulated residential mortgage loan transaction in which the principal loan amount exceeds the principal loan levels set forth in Section 10245, a real estate broker satisfies the requirements of this section if the borrower receives (1) a “good faith estimate” that satisfies the requirements of the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act of 1974 (12 U.S.C.A. 2601 et seq.), and that sets forth the broker’s real estate license number and a clear and conspicuous statement on the face of the document stating that the “good faith estimate” does not constitute a loan commitment, (2) all applicable disclosures required by the Truth in Lending Act (15 U.S.C.A. 1601 et seq.), and (3) if the loan contains a balloon payment provision, the disclosure described in subdivision (h) of Section 10241, the balloon disclosure required for that loan by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, or an alternative disclosure determined by the commissioner to satisfy the requirements of the Truth in Lending Act.
Prior to becoming obligated on the loan the borrower shall acknowledge, in writing, receipt of the “good faith estimate” and all applicable disclosures required by the Truth in Lending Act. The real estate broker shall retain on file for a period of three years a true and correct copy of the signed acknowledgment and a true and correct copy of the “good faith estimate” and all applicable disclosures required by the Truth in Lending Act as acknowledged by the borrower.

Section § 10240.1

Explanation

This law states that the rules in this article apply specifically to loans that are secured by a home, but do not include the rules from Section 10240.

The provisions of this article, exclusive of the provisions of Section 10240, apply only to loans secured by a dwelling.

Section § 10240.2

Explanation

This law defines what a 'dwelling' means in the context of certain mortgage or deed of trust agreements. It includes either a single unit in a condominium or cooperative, or a residential property with four or fewer units owned by someone who has signed the mortgage or deed of trust.

As used in this article, “ dwelling” means any of the following units which are owned by a signatory to the mortgage or deed of trust secured by the dwelling unit at the time of execution of the mortgage or deed of trust:
(a)CA Business & Professions Code § 10240.2(a) A single dwelling unit in a condominium or cooperative.
(b)CA Business & Professions Code § 10240.2(b) Any parcel containing only residential buildings if the total number of units on the parcel is four or less.

Section § 10240.3

Explanation

This law requires that real estate brokers follow specific guidelines to manage risks associated with nontraditional and subprime mortgages. These guidelines were laid out by certain regulatory bodies in 2006 and 2007. The commissioner has the authority to implement further regulations to clarify these requirements. Real estate brokers must create and follow policies that meet the objectives of those existing guidelines.

(a)CA Business & Professions Code § 10240.3(a) The commissioner shall apply the guidance on nontraditional mortgage product risks published on November 14, 2006, by the Conference of State Bank Supervisors and the American Association of Residential Mortgage Regulators, and the Statement on Subprime Mortgage Lending published on July 17, 2007, by the aforementioned entities and the National Association of Consumer Credit Administrators, to real estate brokers acting within the meaning of Section 10131.1 or subdivision (d) of Section 10131.
(b)CA Business & Professions Code § 10240.3(b) The commissioner may adopt emergency and final regulations to clarify the application of this section as soon as possible.
(c)CA Business & Professions Code § 10240.3(c) A real estate broker acting within the meaning of Section 10131.1 or subdivision (d) of Section 10131 shall adopt and adhere to policies and procedures that are reasonably intended to achieve the objectives set forth in the documents described in subdivision (a).

Section § 10241

Explanation

This section explains what must be included in a statement for a loan, which needs approval from a commissioner. It details the estimated maximum costs that the borrower has to pay, such as appraisal and escrow fees. It also covers the broker's fees whether they act as an agent or lender, existing property liens disclosed by the borrower, and other expenses. The statement must also specify the loan's principal, interest rate, and terms, including a warning about potential foreclosure if obligations aren't met. Additionally, it should identify the broker's details and mention if broker-controlled funds are used. The terms for prepayment and insurance requirements, or lack thereof, must be stated, along with a certification if the loan meets specific conditions.

The statement required by Section 10240, the form of which shall be approved by the commissioner, shall set forth separately the following items:
(a)CA Business & Professions Code § 10241(a) The estimated maximum costs and expenses of making the loan, which are to be paid by the borrower, including but not limited to, the following:
(1)CA Business & Professions Code § 10241(a)(1) Appraisal fees.
(2)CA Business & Professions Code § 10241(a)(2) Escrow fees.
(3)CA Business & Professions Code § 10241(a)(3) Title charges.
(4)CA Business & Professions Code § 10241(a)(4) Notary fees.
(5)CA Business & Professions Code § 10241(a)(5) Recording fees.
(6)CA Business & Professions Code § 10241(a)(6) Credit investigation fees.
If a real estate licensee performs or is to perform any of the services for which costs and expenses are disclosed pursuant to this subdivision, the licensee shall be entitled to those costs and expenses in addition to the charges specified in subdivision (b).
(b)CA Business & Professions Code § 10241(b) The total of the brokerage or commissions contracted for, or to be received by, the real estate broker for services performed as an agent in negotiating, procuring, or arranging the loan or the total of loan origination fees, points, bonuses, and other charges in lieu of interest to be received by the broker if he or she elects to act as a lender rather than agent in the transaction.
(c)CA Business & Professions Code § 10241(c) Any liens against the real property, as disclosed by the borrower, the approximate amount thereof, and whether each lien will remain senior, or will be subordinate, to the lien that will secure the loan.
(d)CA Business & Professions Code § 10241(d) The estimated amounts to be paid on the order of the borrower, as disclosed by the borrower, including, but not limited to:
(1)CA Business & Professions Code § 10241(d)(1) Fire insurance premiums.
(2)CA Business & Professions Code § 10241(d)(2) Amounts due on prior liens, including interest or other charges arising in connection with the payment, release, reconveyance, extinction, or other removal of record of the prior liens.
(3)CA Business & Professions Code § 10241(d)(3) Amounts due other creditors.
(4)CA Business & Professions Code § 10241(d)(4) Assumption, transfer, forwarding, and beneficiary statement fees.
(e)CA Business & Professions Code § 10241(e) The estimated balance of the loan funds to be paid to the borrower after deducting the total of amounts disclosed pursuant to subdivisions (a), (b), and (d).
(f)CA Business & Professions Code § 10241(f) The principal amount of the loan.
(g)CA Business & Professions Code § 10241(g) The rate of interest.
(h)CA Business & Professions Code § 10241(h) The term of the loan, the number of installments, the amount of each installment, and the approximate balance due at maturity, and the following notice in 10-point bold typeface:

“NOTICE TO BORROWER:  IF YOU DO NOT HAVE THE FUNDS TO PAY THE BALLOON PAYMENT WHEN IT COMES DUE, YOU MAY HAVE TO OBTAIN A NEW LOAN AGAINST YOUR PROPERTY TO MAKE THE BALLOON PAYMENT. IN THAT CASE, YOU MAY AGAIN HAVE TO PAY COMMISSIONS, FEES, AND EXPENSES FOR THE ARRANGING OF THE NEW LOAN. IN ADDITION, IF YOU ARE UNABLE TO MAKE THE MONTHLY PAYMENTS OR THE BALLOON PAYMENT, YOU MAY LOSE THE PROPERTY AND ALL OF YOUR EQUITY THROUGH FORECLOSURE. KEEP THIS IN MIND IN DECIDING UPON THE AMOUNT AND TERMS OF THIS LOAN.”
(i)CA Business & Professions Code § 10241(i) A statement containing the name of the real estate broker negotiating the loan, his or her license number, and the address of his or her licensed place of business.
(j)CA Business & Professions Code § 10241(j) If the broker anticipates that the loan to the borrower may be made wholly or in part from broker-controlled funds, a statement to that effect.
For purposes of this section, “broker-controlled funds” means funds owned by the broker, by a spouse, child, parent, grandparent, brother, sister, father-in-law, mother-in-law, brother-in-law, or sister-in-law of the broker, or by any entity in which the broker alone or together with any of the above relatives of the broker has an ownership interest of 10 percent or more.
(k)CA Business & Professions Code § 10241(k) The terms of prepayment privileges and penalties, if any.
(l)CA Business & Professions Code § 10241(l) A statement that the purchase of credit or credit disability insurance is not required as a condition for the making of the loan.
(m)CA Business & Professions Code § 10241(m) If the loan is one that is within the limits specified in Section 10245, a certification by the real estate licensee negotiating the loan that the loan is being made in compliance with the provisions of this article.

Section § 10241.1

Explanation

This law states that a lender can't require a borrower to buy credit life or disability insurance as a condition for getting a loan. However, if the borrower agrees, the lender can offer such insurance, provided it’s approved by the Insurance Commissioner and reasonably matches the loan’s amount and term. Also, only one premium for disability insurance can be charged per loan, and insurance can cover multiple borrowers if their incomes are essential for loan repayment. Additionally, lenders can ask borrowers to cover fire and hazard insurance for property security, but only at standard rates. If insurance premiums are paid from loan proceeds, such payments won't affect whether the loan is exempt from certain regulations.

(a)CA Business & Professions Code § 10241.1(a) The purchase of credit life insurance on the life of the borrower or credit disability insurance to provide indemnity for payments becoming due on the indebtedness shall not be required as a condition of making a loan under this article.
(b)CA Business & Professions Code § 10241.1(b) The licensee may provide through duly licensed agents, and collect from the borrower the costs of purchasing, credit life insurance on the life of a borrower and credit disability insurance to provide indemnity for payments becoming due on the indebtedness, with the borrower’s consent. The form and rate of the insurance shall be approved by the Insurance Commissioner, as provided in Section 779.9 of the Insurance Code. The insurance shall be in an amount not in excess of that reasonably necessary to discharge the obligation of the borrower, and for a term not exceeding the term of the loan. Only one premium for credit disability insurance may be collected by the licensee in connection with any loan contract irrespective of the number of borrowers, and only one borrower may be insured, except that where more than one borrower is a party to a loan contract and each borrower is a wage earner whose earnings are reasonably relied upon by the lender for the repayment of the loan, each borrower may be insured.
(c)CA Business & Professions Code § 10241.1(c) The licensee may collect from the borrower the costs of purchasing fire and hazard insurance on the property offered as security for a loan in order to reasonably insure against loss for a reasonable term considering the circumstances of the loan, (1) if the policy or policies of insurance are made payable to the borrower or any member of his or her family, regardless of whether a customary mortgagee clause is attached, and (2) if the insurance is sold at standard rates through duly licensed agents.
(d)CA Business & Professions Code § 10241.1(d) If premiums for any insurance provided under this section are to be paid from the proceeds of the loan, any amount so paid and any commission under subdivision (b) of Section 10242 attributable to borrowing that amount, shall not be considered in determining whether the loan is exempt from this article under Section 10245.

Section § 10241.2

Explanation

If a broker chooses to lend money that includes any of their own funds, they must inform the borrower by the next business day, and definitely before the loan process is completed.

If the broker elects to make a loan subject to Section 10240 which consists wholly or in part of broker-controlled funds as defined in subdivision (j) of Section 10241, the broker shall advise the borrower of that fact not later than the next business day after making the election, but in any event before the close of escrow of the loan transaction.

Section § 10241.3

Explanation

If a borrower is charged a fee for a property appraisal in a loan deal, the broker must give both the borrower and the lender a copy of the appraisal report by the time the loan is finalized.

In any loan transaction in which a fee is charged to a borrower for an appraisal of the real property that will serve as security for the loan, a copy of the appraisal report shall be given by or on behalf of the broker to both the borrower and the lender at or before the closing of the loan transaction.

Section § 10241.4

Explanation

If you're taking out a home loan that involves a balloon payment and there's an agreement to extend or refinance the loan that's not in the main loan note, it must be written down. You need to get a special notice before signing the loan. The notice explains what to look out for with balloon payments and mentions where you can find your specific rights and obligations. It must clearly state if the lender or broker is committed to changing the loan terms or if the broker will try to negotiate changes but with no guarantees.

(a)CA Business & Professions Code § 10241.4(a) Prior to a borrower becoming obligated on any loan secured by a dwelling that provides for a balloon payment and is otherwise subject to Section 10240, if any agreement includes a promise, representation, or similar undertaking to extend or seek the extension of the term of the loan or refinancing of the loan, and the undertaking is not set forth in the promissory note evidencing the loan or in a rider to that note, the undertaking shall be in writing and the notice required by this section shall be provided to the borrower.
(b)CA Business & Professions Code § 10241.4(b) The notice required by subdivision (a), shall state in at least 10-point boldface capitalized type:
“AS THIS LOAN PROVIDES FOR A BALLOON PAYMENT, SEE THE MORTGAGE LOAN DISCLOSURE STATEMENT/GOOD FAITH ESTIMATE FOR IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON BALLOON PAYMENTS. ALSO, REFER TO THE LOAN DOCUMENTS AND THIS EXTENSION AGREEMENT FOR YOUR SPECIFIC RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS.”
(c)CA Business & Professions Code § 10241.4(c) The notice shall also contain, in at least 10-point boldface capitalized type, either of the following statements depending upon which statement best describes the nature of the undertaking:
(1)CA Business & Professions Code § 10241.4(c)(1) The lender or noteholder has agreed to an extension, refinancing, or renegotiation of the terms of this loan, and the lender’s or noteholder’s signed agreement is attached (or the notice may describe the method used to furnish that signed document). Transmission by a broker of a lender’s or noteholder’s undertaking or the broker’s representation of that undertaking, pursuant to this section, does not of itself, create or alter any agency or similar relationship between the lender or noteholder and the borrower, or the lender or noteholder and the broker.
(2)CA Business & Professions Code § 10241.4(c)(2) The broker, ____ (insert name of broker making or arranging the loan), has agreed to use his or her best efforts to obtain a future extension, refinancing, or renegotiation of the loan by the lender or note owner. There can be no assurance or guarantee that the lender or note owner will agree.

Section § 10242

Explanation

This law sets limits on how much a lender can charge a borrower for different types of costs, expenses, and interest on certain loans. For costs and expenses other than title charges and recording fees, the borrower can be charged up to 5% of the loan amount or $390, whichever is more, but not more than $700 total. Fees for loans secured by a first trust deed are capped at 5% for loans under three years and 10% for three years or more. For other trust deeds, fees are 5% for under two years, 10% for two to three years, and 15% for over three years. If the borrower gets additional funds on an existing loan, the charges are calculated as if it were a new loan with the remaining term. Borrowers cannot be charged interest on loan funds before they receive them or they are deposited in escrow.

The maximum amount of expenses, charges and interest to be paid by a borrower with respect to any loan subject to this article shall be as follows:
(a)CA Business & Professions Code § 10242(a) The maximum amount of all costs and expenses referred to in subdivision (a) of Section 10241, exclusive of actual title charges and recording fees, shall not exceed 5 percent of the principal amount of the loan or three hundred ninety dollars ($390), whichever is greater but in no event to exceed seven hundred dollars ($700), provided that in no event shall said maximum amount exceed actual costs and expenses paid, incurred or reasonably earned.
(b)CA Business & Professions Code § 10242(b) The maximum amount of the charges referred to in subdivision (b) of Section 10241 shall not exceed the following amounts:
(1)CA Business & Professions Code § 10242(b)(1) In the case of a loan secured directly or collaterally, in whole or in part by a first trust deed, 5 percent of the principal amount of the loan where the term of the loan is a period of less than three years and 10 percent where the term is a period of three years or more.
(2)CA Business & Professions Code § 10242(b)(2) In the case of a loan secured directly or collaterally by a trust deed other than a first trust deed, 5 percent of the principal amount of the loan where the term of the loan is a period of less than two years, 10 percent where the term is a period of two years but less than three years, and 15 percent where the term is a period of three years or more.
(3)CA Business & Professions Code § 10242(b)(3) With respect to a further advance on a note, the charges shall not exceed the charges for an original loan in the same amount as the further advance and made for a term equal to the remaining term of the note on which the further advance is being made, including any extension thereof.
(c)CA Business & Professions Code § 10242(c) No interest may be charged with respect to any period prior to the date that the proceeds of the loan are made available to the borrower or are deposited in escrow.

Section § 10242.5

Explanation

This section covers rules about late payment charges on loans secured by mortgages or deeds of trust. A late charge can't be more than 10% of the payment due, but there can be a minimum charge of $5. Charges can only be based on the part of the payment that includes principal and interest. You can't be charged twice for being late on the same payment. If you pay within 10 days of the due date, there's no late fee. For balloon payments, late charges apply if they're more than 10 days late and are calculated differently based on past installments.

(a)CA Business & Professions Code § 10242.5(a) A charge imposed for late payment of an installment due on a loan secured by a mortgage or deed of trust on real property shall not exceed an amount equal to 10 percent of the installment due, except that a minimum charge of five dollars ($5) may be imposed when the late charge permitted by this section would otherwise be less than that minimum charge.
The charge permitted by this section may be assessed only as a percentage of the increment of any installment due that is attributable to principal and interest.
(b)CA Business & Professions Code § 10242.5(b) No charge may be imposed more than once for the same late payment of an installment. No late charge may be imposed on any installment which is paid or tendered in full within 10 days after its scheduled due date, even though an earlier maturing installment or a late charge on an earlier installment may not have been paid in full. For purposes of this subdivision, a payment or tender of payment made within 10 days of a scheduled installment due date shall be deemed to have been made or tendered for payment of that installment.
(c)CA Business & Professions Code § 10242.5(c) A late-payment charge may be imposed pursuant to this subdivision for the payment of any balloon payment more than 10 days after the date due. The charge shall not exceed an amount equal to the maximum late charge that could have been assessed with respect to the largest single monthly installment previously due, other than the balloon payment, multiplied by the sum of one plus the number of months occurring since the late-payment charge began to accrue. For purposes of this subdivision, “month” means the period between a particular day of a calendar month and the same day of the next calendar month.

Section § 10242.6

Explanation

This law is about the prepayment of loans secured by a mortgage on a single-family home that the owner lives in. You can pay off the loan early but may have to pay a fee if it's within seven years of getting the loan. In any 12 months, you're allowed to pay up to 20% of what's left on the loan without extra charges. Beyond that 20%, you might face charges equivalent to six months of interest on the extra amount. However, if your home is destroyed in a natural disaster and a state of emergency is declared, you won't have to pay any penalty for prepaying. An 'owner-occupied dwelling' means the person who took out the mortgage must live in the home within 90 days of getting the mortgage.

(a)CA Business & Professions Code § 10242.6(a) The principal and accrued interest on any loan secured by a mortgage or deed of trust on real property containing only a single-family, owner-occupied dwelling may be prepaid in whole or in part at any time but only a prepayment made within seven years of the date of execution of such mortgage or deed of trust may be subject to a prepayment charge and then solely as herein set forth. An amount not exceeding 20 percent of the unpaid balance may be prepaid in any 12-month period. A prepayment charge may be imposed on any amount prepaid in any 12-month period in excess of 20 percent of the unpaid balance which charge shall not exceed an amount equal to the payment of six months’ advance interest on the amount prepaid in excess of 20 percent of the unpaid balance.
(b)CA Business & Professions Code § 10242.6(b) Notwithstanding subdivision (a), there shall be no prepayment penalty charged to a borrower under a loan subject to this section if the dwelling securing the loan has been damaged to such an extent by a natural disaster for which a state of emergency is declared by the Governor, pursuant to Chapter 7 (commencing with Section 8550) of Division 1 of Title 2 of the Government Code, that the dwelling cannot be occupied and the prepayment is causally related thereto.
(c)CA Business & Professions Code § 10242.6(c) As used in this section, “owner-occupied dwelling” means a dwelling which will be owned and occupied by a signatory to the mortgage or deed of trust secured by the dwelling within 90 days of the execution of the mortgage or deed of trust.

Section § 10243

Explanation

This law section talks about what happens if a loan doesn’t go through because the borrower didn’t reveal important information about liens or current property titles. If this happens, the borrower has to pay certain costs and a portion of the charges related to the loan process. Additionally, agreements for someone to negotiate loans tied to real estate can only last up to 45 days. If the loan fails and a broker is due any fees, they can’t place a lien on the borrower’s property unless they file a legal case first. But, brokers can place a lien if there’s a voluntary agreement with the borrower, after informing them in writing about any claims for damages.

If the loan is not consummated due to the failure of the borrower to disclose the outstanding liens of record or the correct current vested title which is material to the loan upon the real property as provided by subdivision (c) of Section 10241, the borrower shall be liable for the costs and expenses provided in subdivision (a) of Section 10241 that have been paid or incurred and shall be liable for the payment of one-half of the charges provided in subdivision (b) of Section 10241. An exclusive agreement authorizing or retaining a licensee to negotiate a loan secured directly or collaterally by a lien on real property shall be limited to a term of not more than 45 days.
If the loan is not consummated and the broker is entitled to any charges, costs, or expenses authorized by this article, he or she may not record a lien or encumbrance against the borrower’s property except subsequent to the filing of a legal action pursuant to the Code of Civil Procedure to recover said charges, costs, or expenses. However, nothing contained herein shall prohibit a broker from recording a lien pursuant to a voluntary lien agreement in conjunction with a stipulation to dismiss an actual or proposed complaint for damages entitling the broker to those charges, costs, or expenses after written notice to the borrower that the broker proposes or has initiated a complaint for damages pursuant to the Code of Civil Procedure.

Section § 10244

Explanation

If you give someone a loan secured by property and it’s for less than three years with installment payments, those payments must be roughly the same amount throughout the loan term. Also, the last payment can’t be more than twice the smallest payment. If the loan is renewed or refinanced, the total costs and charges shouldn’t exceed certain legal limits. This rule doesn’t apply to loans used for building development that meet certain conditions, like having a first trust deed and title insurance.

Any loan made by any person and secured directly by a lien on real property, other than a note given back to the seller by the purchaser on account of the purchase price, which provides for installment payments and the term of which is less than three years, shall require substantially equal installment payments over the period of the loan with the final payment not payable until the maturity date thereof. No installment including the final installment shall be greater than twice the amount of the smallest installment.
If any loan having an original maturity period of less than three (3) years is renewed or refinanced, the total amount of charges to be paid on both the original obligation and the balance of such obligation, as renewed or refinanced, shall not in the aggregate exceed the amount of charges as provided in Section 10242, and if such a loan is renewed or refinanced through the person who negotiated the original loan, the total amount of costs and expenses to be paid on both the original obligation and the renewed or refinanced obligation shall not exceed in the aggregate the amount of costs and expenses authorized in subdivision (a) of said section.
The provisions of this section do not apply to a bona fide loan, secured by a first trust deed on real property, made in connection with the financing of the usual costs of the development of a residential, commercial or industrial building or buildings on the property under a written agreement providing for the disbursement of the loan funds as costs are incurred or in relation to the progress of the work and providing for title insurance insuring the priority of the security as against mechanic’s and materialmen’s liens or for the final disbursement of at least ten (10) percent of the loan funds after the expiration of the period for the filing of mechanics and materialmen’s liens.

Section § 10244.1

Explanation

If you take out a short-term loan, for six years or less, using your home as collateral, your installment payments can't vary too wildly. The biggest payment can't be more than twice the smallest payment. This rule isn't for loans like the ones you get directly from a home seller when buying a house. Also, it applies only if it's your main home: a single unit in a condo or a small building with fewer than three units, where you plan to live within three months of your loan.

Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 10244, on a loan secured directly or collaterally by a lien on real property comprising an owner-occupied dwelling, for a term of six years or less, no installment, whether providing for payment of principal and interest or interest only, shall be greater than twice the amount of the smallest installment. This section does not apply to a note given back to the seller by the purchaser on account for the purchase price or any collateral loans secured solely by such a note. As used in this section, “owner-occupied dwelling” means a single dwelling unit in a condominium or cooperative or a residential building of less than three separate dwelling units, one of which will be owned and occupied by a signatory to the mortgage or deed of trust secured by such dwelling within 90 days of the execution of the mortgage or deed of trust.

Section § 10245

Explanation

This law states that certain rules don't apply to genuine loans that are secured by a first trust deed if the amount is $30,000 or more. Similarly, the rules don't apply to genuine loans secured by a junior lien if the amount is $20,000 or more.

The provisions of this article, exclusive of the provisions of Sections 10240, 10240.3, 10242.5, and 10242.6, do not apply to any bona fide loan secured directly or collaterally by a first trust deed, the principal of which is thirty thousand dollars ($30,000) or more, or to any bona fide loan secured directly or collaterally by any lien junior thereto, the principal of which is twenty thousand dollars ($20,000) or more.

Section § 10246

Explanation

If a borrower is charged more than they should be, according to specific sections of the law, they can sue to get back three times the extra amount plus their court costs and attorney's fees. However, they must file the lawsuit within two years of the overcharge. If the extra charge was an honest mistake, they can only recover the amount overcharged.

If any amount:
(a)CA Business & Professions Code § 10246(a) In excess of the charges referred to in Section 10241 and limited by Section 10242,
(b)CA Business & Professions Code § 10246(b) In excess of the charges permitted by Section 10242.5, or
(c)CA Business & Professions Code § 10246(c) Prohibited by Section 10248.1, is received, the borrower may recover, from the person who shall have taken or received the excess or prohibited amount, three times the amount of the excess or prohibited amount and the borrower shall be entitled to costs and a reasonable attorney’s fee; provided that any action for recovery must be brought within two (2) years from the date such excess or prohibited charge was received. However, if the excess or prohibited amount is the result of a bona fide error the borrower may only recover such excess or prohibited amount.

Section § 10247

Explanation

This law states that regulations about the maximum charges, interest, and expenses, along with any penalties, must apply to any deal where a third party tries to act as a lender. It also covers any situation where these rules might be dodged or bypassed. Basically, this stops anyone from using tricks to skirt the financial limits and penalties outlined in this article.

The provisions of this article pertaining to maximum costs and expenses, charges and interest, together with the penalties stated in this article, shall apply to any transaction involving a third party as a purported lender or any other transaction which is used as a subterfuge or means of avoiding or evading the provisions of this article.

Section § 10248

Explanation

This law states that anyone who deals with buying or selling promissory notes, which are backed by real estate, can only charge up to a certain amount. This includes those who sell, buy, or negotiate these notes for a fee, whether directly or through a third party. The maximum charges they can receive are set by another section, Section 10242.

Every person who, for compensation to be received directly or indirectly, sells, offers to sell, purchases for resale or offers to purchase for resale, or who negotiates or arranges for the purchase, sale or exchange of a promissory note secured directly or collaterally by a lien on real property, may receive only the maximum total charges provided for in Section 10242.

Section § 10248.1

Explanation

If you're a real estate agent in California, you can only charge specific fees to borrowers. These allowed fees are listed in certain law sections or relate to certain legal processes like paying off a loan. Any other fees must comply with existing civil and procedural codes.

No real estate licensee shall charge, receive, or negotiate for the payment by the borrower of any service charge or fee other than charges and fees specified in Sections 10241, 10241.1, 10242, and 10242.5, prepayment penalties as authorized by law, beneficiary-statement, payoff-demand, extinction, release, reconveyance or other removal of record fees, and trustee’s costs and fees, and any other fees if in accordance with the Civil Code and the Code of Civil Procedure.

Section § 10248.2

Explanation

This law says that borrowers cannot give up their rights or remedies under this article. However, they can settle claims honestly. If a loan broker violates the rules, they must return any fees paid by the borrower if asked. If they don't return the money within 20 days, the borrower can sue for more money, including attorney's fees. The written demand starts when it's delivered or mailed. Brokers can avoid liability if they prove any violation was an honest mistake. Borrowers must choose one course of action. If a real estate broker violates insurance provisions, they must refund related commissions to the borrower. Lawsuits need to be filed within two years after the loan term ends. Other legal options are still available in addition to these remedies.

(a)CA Business & Professions Code § 10248.2(a) A borrower may not waive any right or remedy under this article. This subdivision shall not be deemed to prohibit a bona fide settlement, release or compromise of any claim under this article.
(b)CA Business & Professions Code § 10248.2(b) If a loan is negotiated in violation of any section of this article, the licensee, on demand, shall return to the borrower any bonus, brokerage or commission paid or payable under subdivision (b) of Section 10242 for negotiation of such loans. In the event such demand is not satisfied within 20 days from the date of written demand, the borrower may commence an action under this subdivision and may recover actual damages or twice any bonus, brokerage, or commission paid or payable under subdivision (b) of Section 10242 for the negotiation of said loan whichever is greater, plus costs and reasonable attorney’s fees.
The “date of written demand” shall mean either the date upon which the written demand is personally delivered to the licensee or the date upon which the written demand is mailed to the licensee.
A licensee may not be held liable in any action brought under this section for a violation of this article if the licensee shows by a preponderance of evidence that the violation was not intentional and resulted from a bona fide error notwithstanding the maintenance of procedures reasonably adapted to avoid any such error.
If the borrower proceeds under this section he may not proceed under Section 10246 as to the same breach.
(c)CA Business & Professions Code § 10248.2(c) If a real estate licensee subject to the provisions of this article violates any provision of Section 10241.1 he shall be liable for, and pay over to the borrower, any commission or experience rating dividend attributable to the insurance written on that loan received by the licensee as a result of the sale of such insurance to the borrower in violation of Section 10241.1 in addition to any premium loss due to short rate cancellation of any insurance subject to Section 10248.1 which was purchased by the borrower.
(d)CA Business & Professions Code § 10248.2(d) No action for damages shall be maintained under this section unless brought within two years after the maturity of the loan.
(e)CA Business & Professions Code § 10248.2(e) The provisions of this article are not exclusive. The remedies provided for herein shall be in addition to any other procedures or remedies provided under law.

Section § 10248.3

Explanation

This law says it only applies to certain loans that real estate brokers handle, specifically when they are operating under specific parts of California law that define their activities.

The provisions of this article shall apply only to those loans otherwise subject to this article which are made or negotiated by real estate brokers acting within the meaning of subdivision (d) of Section 10131 or subdivision (b) of Section 10240.