Frequently Asked Questions - Endorsement

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Question 1: How do I get a case number?

Answer: Case numbers are requested through the FHA Connection. Access FHA Connection, go to Single Family FHA, Single Family Origination, Case Processing, Case Number Assignment and then go to Establish A New Case Number. You may also use an alternative service provider, such as ECHO Connection Plus as long as their capabilities are the same as the FHA Connection.

Question 2: What does "Held for duplicate address" mean?

Answer: Occasionally, the property address of a new case number request duplicates that of an existing case.  When you requested a new case number, CHUMS identified a case number, or numbers, already assigned to the subject property address.  An Endorsement Technician will review the request and release a new case number if further processing is allowed.  If another case number, or numbers exists, you will be sent a message advising of this fact.

Question 3: How long does it take to get a case number?

Answer: There should be an immediate response unless there is a problem.

Question 4: What does it mean when CHUMS indicates MIP due?

Answer: It means based on the case information entered that CHUMS has identified additional MIP is due. When this message appears, review all information entered assuring the accuracy of the data input. Common data fields which should be checked are the MIP indicator, first-time homebuyer information, term and mortgage amount.

Question 5: How do I know if we underpaid MIP?

Answer: The lender will receive an error message when the insurance application is transmitted via the FHA Connection.

Question 6: Who should transfer an Underwriter from one company to another when she/he goes to another company?

Answer: The former employer will update the Underwriter Registry in the FHA Connection regarding the termination of the underwriter’s employment.  The new lender is then responsible for registering the underwriter in the Underwriter Registry in the FHA Connection.

Question 7: How do I correct an address in CHUMS?

Answer: The Borrower/Address Change screen in the FHA Connection allows lenders to review and, until the case is insured, update data previously entered on the Case Number Assignment or the Insurance Application screens.  Errors discovered after insurance endorsement must be corrected by the appropriate HOC. 

Question 8: How do I reassign an Appraiser in CHUMS?

Answer: Effective February 15, 2010, the assignment of an FHA approved appraiser is not required for Case Number Assignment processing. Also, the Appraiser Reassignment screen is no longer applicable.

Lenders are required to enter all appraisal data, including the appraiser ID, in the FHA Connection Appraisal Logging Screen once the completed appraisal is received by the lender prior to closing the loan.

Question 9: What does the message "Address Mismatch" mean when I request a case number?

Answer: If you are requesting a new case number and receive this error message, you should contact the appropriate HOC and speak with an FHA Connection/Endorsement Technician. The Endorsement Technician should be able to make the necessary corrections in CHUMS, which interfaces with SFIS overnight, and you will then be able to obtain a new case number. The HOC Staff are able to process the data correction because the previous FHA case number is still active in SFIS.

Question 10: How do I request a case number on a REO property when an error message is received indicating "case number not in system"?

Answer: Ensure that the REO case number was entered with an "x" as the 7th digit and that the property address elements were entered in the appropriate fields. If the error message remains, this means that the history of the REO case has not been previously processed. The REO Single Family Accounts Management System (SAMS) will interface with CHUMS each week to add addresses if there have been changes in the REO inventory. If the interface has not taken place, including the update, HUD will have to enter certain information in CHUMS relative to the REO sale. If you receive this error message, contact the appropriate HOC and an FHA Connection/Endorsement Technician will enter information about the sale of this property into CHUMS. Please Note: Old Case should be restored under case query in the FHA Connection. You will need to provide a copy of the REO Sales Purchase Contract fully executed and it should be faxed to the appropriate HOC. Once the FHA Connection/Endorsement Technician has updated CHUMS, you will need to wait at least 24 hours for the system to be updated then you should be able to complete your case assignment request. It is important when you request the new case number, that you enter the property address fields the same as the previous case number is shown. Corrections to city/zip code/county codes can be requested once the new case number is obtained.

Question 11: When requesting a case number should I always select the Field Office Code where the property is located?

Answer: Yes!

Question 12: How do we process cases from a lender that was deleted from CHUMS before they transferred their cases to us?

Answer: Send to the HOC with a letter indicating the originating lender is no longer in business. The HOC will be responsible for any data entry required. The MIC will be issued in the name of the originating lender. NOTE: Do not attempt case number transfer to the requesting lender’s name as this creates additional errors. The MIC is issued in the name of the lender(s) reflected on the origination closing documents.

Question 13: What is the procedure for processing corrections once an MIC was issued?

Answer: A request, accompanied by documentation supporting the change, must be sent to the appropriate Homeownership Center. Fax MIC correction requests are not acceptable. Check the applicable Homeownership Center website for further instructions.

Question 14: How do I change a case from a purchase to a refinance or regular loan to a HECM or vice versa?

Answer: The "Update an Existing Case" screen (under the "case number assignment" option) in the FHA Connection allows most data entered at case number assignment to be corrected. The property address and borrower information can be changed only on the "Borrower/Address Change" screen. If you order a HECM (Home Equity Conversion Mortgage) incorrectly, you must cancel the case number and request a new one, as case type changes on these loans cannot be made. If you are unable to correct an ADP code, case type, etc., contact one of the FHA Connection/Endorsement Technicians in the HOC for assistance.

Question 16: Can I get a case number over the phone?

Answer: No, you are required to order case numbers through an electronic means. Only under extenuating circumstances will case numbers be given over the phone.

Question 17: How do I remit my MIP?

Answer: See Mortgage Letter 2007-10 for instructions. You may also contact the Single Family Insurance Operations Division (SFIOD) via email.