Taylor, Bean & Whitaker Suspended From FHA Lending

Yesterday FHA announced it's suspension of Taylor, Bean and Whitaker's FHA origination.  The action came after Taylor Bean failed to file required annual financial reports.  Although FHA will allow Taylor Bean to appeal it's action within 30 days, the Government National Mortgage Association (GNMA) has immediately terminated Taylor Bean's registration with it's MBS pools. Taylor Bean has been a primary outlet for manufactured homes and HUD's FHA 203k rehabilitation loan.

If you're a Realtor or a borrower with a loan currently in process and you're aware of it being underwritten by Taylor Bean please contact your loan officer immediately to seek a backup plan or to seek an alternative lender immediately.  Please note, that none of my files in process are in Taylor Bean's pipeline.

Below is HUD's News Release:

HUD No. 09-145 Brian Sullivan (202) 708-0685 www.hud.gov/news/

For Release Tuesday August 4, 2009

FHA SUSPENDS TAYLOR, BEAN & WHITAKER MORTGAGE CORP. AND PROPOSES TO SANCTION TWO TOP OFFICIALS
Ginnie Mae Issues Default Notice and Transfers Portfolio

WASHINGTON – The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) today suspended Taylor, Bean and Whitaker Mortgage Corporation (TBW) of Ocala, Florida, thereby preventing the Company from originating and underwriting new FHA-insured mortgages. The Government National Mortgage Association (Ginnie Mae) is also defaulting and terminating TBW as an issuer in its Mortgage-Backed Securities (MBS) program and is ending TBW's ability to continue to service Ginnie Mae securities. This means that, effective immediately, TBW will not be able to issue Ginnie Mae securities, and Ginnie Mae will take control of TBW's nearly $25 billion Ginnie Mae portfolio.

FHA and Ginnie Mae are imposing these actions because TBW failed to submit a required annual financial report and misrepresented that there were no unresolved issues with its independent auditor even though the auditor ceased its financial examination after discovering certain irregular transactions that raised concerns of fraud. FHA's suspension is also based on TBW's failure to disclose, and its false certifications concealing, that it was the subject of two examinations into its business practices in the past year.

"Today, we suspend one company but there is a very clear message that should be heard throughout the FHA lending world – operate within our standards or we won't do business with you," said HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan.

FHA Commissioner David Stevens said, "TBW failed to provide FHA with financial records that help us to protect the integrity of our insurance fund and our ability to continue a 75-year track record of promoting, preserving and protecting the American Dream. We were also troubled that the Company not only failed to disclose it was a target of a multi-state examination and a separate action by the Commonwealth of Kentucky, but then falsely certified that it had not been sanctioned by any state. FHA won't tolerate irresponsible lending practices."

Ginnie Mae President Joseph Murin said, "I would like to reassure TBW's customers whose loans serve as collateral for Ginnie Mae securities that, although this action will result in a new servicer, the transition will be seamless for them."

TBW's immediate suspension is for a temporary period pending the completion of an investigation by HUD's Office of Inspector General, an ongoing review by the Department's Office of Housing, and any legal proceedings that may ensue. TBW is the third largest direct endorsement lender of FHA-insured loans and the eighth largest issuer of Ginnie Mae mortgage-backed securities. FHA decided that TBW's immediate suspension is in the best interest of the public and is necessary to protect the financial interests of the Department.

TBW may appeal its immediate suspension by submitting a written request for a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge within 30 days. Such a request will not delay the action FHA is announcing today.

In conjunction with TBW's suspension, HUD sent notices of proposed debarment to TBW's Chief Executive Officer, Paul R. Allen, and TBW's President, Ray Bowman. Mr. Allen's proposed debarment alleges that he submitted false and/or misleading information to Ginnie Mae regarding TBW's delay in submitting its audited financial reports for fiscal year ending on March 31, 2009. Mr. Bowman's proposed debarment alleges that he submitted two false certifications to HUD on TBW's Yearly Verification Report. Mr. Allen and Mr. Bowman have thirty days to contest the proposed debarments.

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HUD is the nation's housing agency committed to sustaining homeownership; creating affordable housing opportunities for low-income Americans; and supporting the homeless, elderly, people with disabilities and people living with AIDS. The Department also promotes economic and community development and enforces the nation's fair housing laws.

Ginnie Mae is a wholly-owned government corporation within the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Ginnie Mae pioneered the mortgage-backed security (MBS), guaranteeing the very first security in 1971. An MBS enables a mortgage lender to aggregate and sell mortgage loans as a security to investors. Ginnie Mae securities carry the full faith and credit of the United States Government, which means that, even in difficult times, an investment in Ginnie Mae is one of the safest an investor can make.

More information about HUD and Ginnie Mae is available on the Internet at www.hud.gov, espanol.hud.gov and www.ginniemae.gov