The Mortgage Bankers Association welcomed proposed changes to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s single-family loss-claim and loss-mitigation process but cautioned the proposal, as drafted, will result in higher lender losses on foreclosed properties. The USDA/Rural Housing Service proposal would amend single-family guaranteed loan regulations to streamline the claims payment process for lenders who have acquired title to property through voluntary liquidation or foreclosure. The proposal would require lenders to order a market-value appraisal 15 days after acquiring title and submit their claim within 45 days of receipt of the appraisal. RHS believes the proposal would eliminate the need for real estate-owned property-disposition plans, different loss claims calculations based on whether the property is sold or remains in the lender’s REO portfolio, and claims adjustments based on future ...