Summary CA SB 306

http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/09-10/bill/sen/sb_0301-0350/sb_306_bill_20090717_enrolled.pdf

Synopsis: 1) Allows a person to demand a short-pay demand statement from a beneficiary who has filed a foreclosure action, and 2) clarifies the definition of real property escrow for the purposes of requiring membership in Fidelity Corporation.

 

·        Cosmetic changes to sections 2923.5, 2923.6, and 2924.8 of the California Civil Code

·        Section 2943 of the California Civil Code is amended to

o       Amend the definition of “payoff demand statement” to stipulate that the period time given should not exceed 30-days from the date of preparation and not less than the lesser of:

§         10-days from the date of preparation

§         The number of days from preparation until the terms of the note result in a change in the per diem amount

o       Short-pay agreement: an agreement in writing in which the beneficiary agrees to release its lien on a property in return for payment of an amount less than the secured obligation.

o       An entitled person may request a short-pay demand statement from the beneficiary or his agent (request must be in writing

o       A beneficiary/agent must prepare and deliver a short-pay demand statement within 21-days of receipt of the request:

§         A beneficiary may elect not to proceed with the transaction and thus refuse to provide the statement, but must provide a written notice to the person indicating the beneficiary intends to do so (within 21-days of receipt)

o       The short-pay demand statement must be a written statement setting forth an amount less than the outstanding debt, together with any terms and conditions under which the beneficiary will execute and deliver a reconveyances of the deed of trust.

§         A person must be given a period to accept or reject the demand statement no greater than 30-days from the date of preparation and no less than the lesser of:

·        10-days from the date of preparation

·        The number of days from preparation until the terms of the note result in a change in the per diem amount

§         If the person agrees to the statement and returns it to the beneficiary, the beneficiary will have 4-days to approve it or it automatically becomes effective.

·        For the purpose of whether membership in Fidelity Corporation is require, security held or deposited with a person acting as an exchange facilitator is not considered a real property escrow.

·        Effective January 1, 2010.