9-A §3-311. Consumer's choice of attorney in residential mortgage transaction - Maine Statutes

Title 9-A: MAINE CONSUMER CREDIT CODE

Article 3: REGULATION OF AGREEMENTS AND PRACTICES

Part 3: LIMITATIONS ON AGREEMENTS AND PRACTICES

§3-311. Consumer's choice of attorney in residential mortgage transaction

Every supervised lender which accepts an application for a residential mortgage loan for one to 4 residential units and which requires that an attorney search the title of the subject real estate shall permit the prospective mortgagor to select a qualified attorney of his own choice to search the title of the subject real estate and certify that title to the lender or land title insurance company, provided that the lender may require the prospective mortgagor's attorney to provide it with evidence of adequate liability insurance or land title insurance or such other written policy requirements as the lender may deem necessary to protect its interests, provided that if all such requirements are met by the attorney chosen by the mortgagor, no additional legal costs may be assessed by the lender against the mortgagor for review of the title search or any other relevant title documents by the lender, its title company or attorney. [1985, c. 311, §1 (RPR).]

Every supervised lender subject to this section shall provide written notice to the prospective mortgagor that he has the right to select a qualified attorney of his own choice for the performance of title work. The notice shall inform the prospective mortgagor that if the attorney chosen by the mortgagor meets the lender's requirements, then no additional fees may be charged to the mortgagor for title work. If the prospective mortgagor indicates on the written notice that he does not wish to exercise his right to select an attorney, then the lender may recommend an attorney. [1985, c. 311, §1 (NEW).]

Nothing in this section may be construed to require certification of title to a supervised lender if that lender does not so require, or to a land title insurance company if that company does not so require. [1985, c. 311, §1 (RPR).]

SECTION HISTORY

1983, c. 150, §1 (NEW). 1985, c. 311, §1 (RPR).