§ 589. Declaration of policy. The origination, funding and servicing of residential mortgage loans and the types of entities involved in residential mortgage lending has undergone significant changes in recent years, due in part to developments in the general economy, specifically interest rate volatility, the sophistication of the national secondary market for mortgage loans and the market for mortgage-backed securities. The recent trend toward deregulation in the financial services industry has accelerated the evolution of residential mortgage lending, dramatically increasing the types of mortgage loans offered and the manner in which they are advertised and marketed to consumers. Depository institutions, traditionally the major source of residential mortgage financing for individuals, now compete for capital and customers with mortgage bankers and other financial service organizations. Residential mortgage lenders of every type have increasingly relied on non-financial intermediaries, such as mortgage brokers, to make loans available to consumers. These developments have raised questions as to whether all entities engaging in this banking function operate under appropriate regulatory scrutiny and as to whether all residential mortgage lenders are conducting their business in the best interests of New York homeowners and potential homeowners.

The activities of lenders and their agents offering financing for residential real property have a direct and immediate impact upon the housing industry, the neighborhoods and communities of this state, its homeowners and potential homeowners. The legislature finds that it is essential for the protection of the citizens of this state and the stability of the state's economy that reasonable standards governing the business practices of mortgage lenders and their agents be imposed. The legislature further finds that the obligations of lenders and their agents to consumers in connection with making, soliciting, processing, placing or negotiating of mortgage loans are such as to warrant the uniform regulation of the residential mortgage lending process, including the application, solicitation, making and servicing of mortgage loans. Consistent with the purposes of promoting mortgage lending for the benefit of our citizens by responsible providers of mortgage loans and services and avoiding requirements inconsistent with legitimate and responsible business practices in the mortgage lending industry, the purpose of this article is to protect New York consumers seeking a residential mortgage loan and to ensure that the mortgage lending industry is operating fairly, honestly and efficiently, free from deceptive and anti-competitive practices.