AUSTIN – The Department of Savings and Mortgage Lending was authorized today to temporarily suspend any requirement that a mortgage lender’s office be open to the public during posted normal business hours.
Additionally, licensed mortgage loan originators may work from home or another remote location, whether in Texas or another state, even if the home or remote location is not a licensed branch.
These allowances do not amend Texas Finance Code, Chapters 156 and/or 157 and are being allowed strictly due to the COVID-19 situation.
If a licensed residential mortgage loan originator or mortgage loan staff works remotely, licensed mortgage entities must ensure that:
- strict security of information is maintained;
- all physical business records are kept at a licensed office, not at the mortgage loan originator’s home, a remote location or in any unlicensed branch office; and
- that consumers are not allowed to go to the mortgage loan originator’s home.
These allowances will be effective until terminated by the Office of the Governor or until the March 13, 2020, disaster declaration is lifted or expires, whichever is earlier.