Fair Lending Notice

Federal Fair Lending Laws

Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA)

The Equal Credit Opportunity Act (15 U.S.C. 1691 et seq.) and its implementing regulation, Regulation B (12 CFR Part 1002), prohibit creditors from discriminating against credit applicants on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), marital status, age (provided the applicant has the capacity to contract), receipt of public assistance income, or the good-faith exercise of rights under the Consumer Credit Protection Act.

Under ECOA, Hillcrest Lending:

• Evaluates each loan application on its own merits using consistent underwriting criteria
• Does not discourage any person from applying for a loan on a prohibited basis
• Provides notice of action taken on loan applications within the timeframes required by Regulation B
• Provides adverse action notices that include the specific reasons for denial or unfavorable action
• Does not request information about a borrower's spouse or former spouse except as permitted by law
• Permits borrowers to have income from alimony, child support, or maintenance considered if the borrower chooses to disclose it

Fair Housing Act

The Fair Housing Act (42 U.S.C. 3601-3619) prohibits discrimination in residential real estate-related transactions, including mortgage lending, on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, familial status, or disability.

Under the Fair Housing Act, Hillcrest Lending:

• Does not refuse to make a mortgage loan or provide other financial assistance based on a protected characteristic
• Does not impose different terms or conditions on a loan based on a protected characteristic
• Does not discriminate in appraising property
• Does not refuse to purchase a loan or set different terms for purchasing a loan based on a protected characteristic

Prohibited Lending Discrimination Practices

Hillcrest Lending strictly prohibits the following discriminatory practices in all aspects of our lending operations:

• Redlining: Refusing to lend or varying loan terms based on the racial, ethnic, or economic composition of a neighborhood or geographic area.
• Steering: Directing borrowers to particular loan products based on a protected characteristic rather than the borrower's qualifications and needs.
• Pricing discrimination: Charging higher interest rates, fees, or imposing less favorable terms based on a protected characteristic.
• Discouragement: Discouraging or failing to assist prospective borrowers with the loan application process based on a protected characteristic.
• Disparate treatment: Treating similarly situated borrowers differently based on a protected characteristic.
• Disparate impact: Applying facially neutral policies or practices that have an unjustified disproportionate adverse impact on a protected group.

Our Commitment to Fair Lending

Hillcrest Lending is dedicated to maintaining a culture of fair lending compliance throughout our organization. Our commitment includes:

• Regular training for all employees on fair lending laws and company policies
• Ongoing monitoring and review of lending data to identify and address any potential fair lending concerns
• Consistent application of underwriting standards across all borrowers
• Transparent communication of loan terms, conditions, and requirements
• Prompt and thorough investigation of any fair lending complaints
• Cooperation with regulatory agencies in fair lending examinations

How to File a Complaint

If you believe you have been discriminated against in connection with a loan application or transaction, you have the right to file a complaint. You may contact any of the following agencies: