As Argent | Ameriquest firmly adheres to the principal that clients should 1) within a timely manner, be made privy to full and complete disclosures pertaining to the terms of their loan agreement; (2) been given sufficient time to review the materials and, in turn, render their decisions (3) be permitted to consult with an outside advisor prior to enacting into any form of mortgage agreement.

1. Offering Clients a Duplicate Copy of their Credit History

Starting October of 2003, Argent | Ameriquest implemented a policy by which they provided clients with both an Early Disclosure Packet, as well as, a complementary copy of their credit file. Plus, clients are to receive an informational brochure instructing them on how to interpret data contained within their credit file.

2. Full and Complete Disclosures of Terms of the Loan Agreement

Argent | Ameriquest will not permit loan information to be misconstrued by company representatives. Therefore, they aim to thoroughly relay all the pertinent facts about a loan agreement to clients so that there is no confusion. As a helpful tool, the Early Disclosure Packet is executed in automated-fashion to ward out any errors that may occur via the manual imputing of data. Within three days of receiving a candidate’s loan application, Early Disclosure Packets are forwarded on to candidates for their review and evaluation.

Plus, Argent | Ameriquest willingly discloses information that is not mandated by federal or state laws. Such information may include: available mortgage product options and the effect their loan choice will make upon their finances.

More specifically, these volunteer disclosures may include:

Choices Pertaining to Advance Payment Charges provides an overview of the choices available to clients with respect to making payments. Such options may include: whether one opts to be billed a charge for making an advance payment in lieu of a reduced interest rate. Note: Advance penalty fees only apply only to early payments made within a loan’s initial three year period.

Choices Pertaining to Interest Rates and Lower Fee Points- provides an explanation of the interconnected relationship that exists between interest rates and lower fee points and offers clients a series of rate and point options to consider.

Reviewing and Comprehending the Terms of Your Loan – provides an understanding of the risks involved in using one’s home as collateral against which to borrow money; precautions for borrowing funds; a client’s right to cancel a plan; the benefits of shopping around for the best loan rates and terms, as well as, consulting with an outside advisor prior to making any decisions.

Break-down of Mortgage Fees & Interest Rates – provides an assessment of the myriad of costs and fees which may be added onto a mortgage loan. Such costs may include: interest rates on an adjustable rate mortgage; regular payment fees, escrow accounts; loan origination charges, as well as, processing fees and any possible prepayment fines.

Final Loan Agreement – provides a basis for comparison between the initial good faith estimate and the final terms of agreement.

Seven Day Cancellation - provides clients with a suitable period for reviewing the terms of the loan agreement and being able to cancel the transaction at zero cost and a full refund of any moneys previously paid.

Assessing the Client’s Ability to Make Good on Loan

Lending practices employed by Argent | Ameriquest do not rely solely upon the value of the real estate property. Rather, they utilize an automated underwriting procedure via which they can standardize the evaluation process. Based upon an individual’s earnings, credit rating, mortgage history, debt accumulation, filings for bankruptcy and instances of foreclosure, they then equitably are able to render a decision to approve or deny a candidate’s loan application.

3. Determination of Fair and Reasonable Points and Fees

Argent | Ameriquest will not originate any form of lending agreements which are considered to be of a "high cost" nature as defined according to the Home Ownership and Equity Protection Act of 1994 (HOEPA) or as is also known as predatory lending restrictions. For the most part, Argent | Ameriquest’s typical fees fall below 1 percent of the principal amount without adding on any additional third-party charges. Reduced fee points are restricted to no more than five percent of the principal amount, or lower, as defined by the state in question.

.4. Assigning Fees based upon Risk Assessed

Argent | Ameriquest mortgage associates are trained to understand the nature of our pricing structure. We employ risk-based protocols by which we maintain a consistent pricing system which we then pass on to our clients. Mortgage associates do not have the authority to elevate any of the benchmark figures which originate from the risk-based system. Clients are given various options such as they may select a reduced interest rate in favor of paying more in discount points or vice versa. Yet, the practice of employing standardized pricing is what allows Argent | Ameriquest to offer clients fair and equitable products regardless of their background or social status.

5. Connecting with the Community and Educating Consumers on the Mortgage Industry

Argent | Ameriquest is dedicated to implementing broad-based education initiatives whereby they are able to provide consumers with knowledge and insight about mortgage practices. As an outgrowth of this commitment, they have formed partnership with the following groups to reinforce fair and equitable lending practices nationwide:

• Leadership Conference on Civil Rights (LCCR)

• Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now (ACORN)

• National Community Reinvestment Coalition (NCRC)

• National Fair Housing Alliance (NFHA)

• National Association of Neighborhoods (NAN)

• Citizens for Community Improvement (CCI)

Argent | Ameriquest has also formed partnerships with numerous community | national groups in an effort to offer assistance to victims of predatory lending practices and is proud to support the efforts of individuals seeking to purchase their first home.