Originating & Underwriting

Standardized Subordinate Documents

Down payment and closing cost assistance programs (DPA) can make the dream of homeownership attainable for more borrowers. 

In response to industry feedback, we’ve partnered with Freddie Mac to develop a set of standardized subordinate lien documents. These tools will help industry participants expand access to assistance programs and ease operational challenges. 

Simply click on the state below to download the set of standardized subordinate documents. Additional states may be added in the future. Refer to the tagline at the bottom of the document for initial publication or revision date. 

NOTE: Fannie Mae does not purchase subordinate lien mortgage loans. Fannie Mae publishes these standardized subordinate lien documents as a resource to the industry and participants are responsible for determining appropriate program use and compliance with applicable law. Industry participants should also check with any assistance program provider to confirm any applicable requirements.

1. Can I adjust the formatting of the Standardized Subordinate Documents?

Yes. The format (font, type size, page size, and margins) of the Standardized Subordinate Documents may be adjusted as necessary to comply with applicable law (including recording requirements), to make the documents easier to complete or read, or to reduce the number of pages to avoid incurring additional recording costs. Any formatting adjustments must not alter the Agency tagline located in the footer of each page.

2. When is it acceptable to make text changes to the Standardized Subordinate Documents?

Changes are acceptable only in the following scenarios:

  • Per the Authorized Changes to the Standardized Subordinate Documents available on the Agency websites; or
  • Per the requirements of applicable law or a Housing Finance Agency Program.

3. When is it acceptable to alter or remove the Agency tagline from the Standardized Subordinate Documents? 

  • The Agency tagline cannot be altered, but you may add company information or a custom tagline below the Agency tagline in the footer.
  • The Agency tagline must be removed for any text changes to the Standardized Subordinate Documents not expressly permitted in FAQ 2.

4. What is the difference between “Authorized Changes” and “Instructions” on the Standardized Subordinate Documents?

The “Authorized Changes” are a list of acceptable text changes to the Standardized Subordinate Documents whereas the “Instructions” appear on the Standardized Subordinate Documents in red text to provide optional text to be used for varying loan terms.

5. Do the Instructions, Fact Sheet, or FAQs for the Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac Uniform Instruments apply to the Standardized Subordinate Documents?

No.

Authorized Changes for the Standardized Subordinate Liens

Download Authorized Changes

Standardized Subordinate Multistate Notes and eNotes

Download all notes

 

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