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Subsequent Events
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2020
Subsequent Events [Abstract]  
Subsequent Events
Note 22 – Subsequent Events
COVID-19 Update
In March 2020, the WHO categorized COVID-19 as a pandemic and the COVID-19 outbreak was declared a national emergency in the U.S. The COVID-19 pandemic is adversely affecting economic conditions, including an increase in unemployment, and is creating significant uncertainty about the duration and magnitude of the downturn in the economy.
On March 27, 2020, the CARES Act was signed into law. The CARES Act allows borrowers with federally backed mortgage loans who are affected by COVID-19 to request temporary loan forbearance for up to 180 days. Borrowers may request additional forbearance period of up to 180 days for FHA and VA guaranteed loans. Although PLS loans are not explicitly covered under the CARES Act, these loans are subject to various requirements and expectations from state Governors, regulators, and Attorneys General to assist borrowers enduring financial hardship due to COVID-19 with forbearance and other requirements. Ocwen provides payment relief to such borrowers in accordance with these requirements and expectations, as well as our servicing agreements. For example, we intend to grant eligible borrowers an initial three months of forbearance and related protection, including suspension of late fees, as well as suspension of foreclosure and eviction activity.
Due to the adverse economic conditions created by the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of loans under a forbearance plan offered by Ocwen to borrowers has significantly increased since March 31, 2020, and is expected to continue to increase in the near term and to continue to correlate with unemployment claims, consistent with the industry trend. The number of forbearance loans we service increased from approximately 27,500 at March 31, 2020 to 114,600 at April 30, 2020, or from 2.0% to 8.5% of our total serviced portfolio. An increase in loans in forbearance directly increases our servicing advance obligations. Refer to Note 20, Servicing Advance Obligations. Any material increase in forbearance and delinquencies could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, liquidity and results of operations.