A Pennsylvania-based home builder that offers home financing has settled Federal Trade Commission charges that it deceived consumers by advertising low-cost mortgages while hiding fees and not disclosing critical information about the true cost of the mortgages.
The complaint alleges that the operation violated the Federal Trade Commission Act; the Mortgage Acts and Practices Advertising Rule (or MAP Rule) and Regulation N; and the Truth in Lending Act and Regulation Z.
Heritage Homes Group claimed in ads on websites, and in newspapers, flyers and direct mail, that consumers could finance their homes without a down payment or closing costs. In fact, they were required to pay a "good faith deposit," settlement costs, and an annual fee, according to the complaint.
The defendants ads also touted specific monthly payment amounts, such as $1,198 per month, but they failed to disclose that to get such a low monthly payment, consumers would have to obtain financing through the USDA Rural Development Loan Program, which requires them to meet specific credit and income criteria.
The defendants also failed to make adequate disclosures about the annual percentage rates consumers would pay for the mortgages.
Under the settlement, Heritage Homes Group, Inc. and four affiliated companies are prohibited from:
misrepresenting the terms of any mortgage credit product including the interest charged, the annual percentage rate, the existence or amount of fees or costs to the consumer, the consumers monthly payment, and taxes and insurance, among other things.
misrepresenting or assisting others to misrepresent any relevant facts concerning the sale of homes and related products and services, such as the total costs; any material restrictions, limitations, or conditions, including that the consumers will pay $0 money down to purchase a home or for a mortgage; and that consumers will receive 100% financing and pay no closing costs to buy a home or get a mortgage loan.
representing a periodic payment amount, and failing to adequately disclose when applicable:
- that the loan requires qualifying and financing through the USDA Rural Development Loan Program or another financing program that imposes credit and income limits.
- that the loan requires a good faith deposit and a guaranty fee, and
- the amount or percentage of those fees, among other things, in violation of Regulation N, the Truth in Lending Act, and Regulation Z.
failing to keep a record of advertising to demonstrate that they are complying with the order.
"These defendants tricked consumers into believing theyd found an affordable mortgage with very favorable terms," said Jessica Rich, director of the FTCs Bureau of Consumer Protection. "The FTC is committed to holding mortgage advertisers accountable."
