Registration No. 33-84924
================================================================================
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
--------------------
POST-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO. 1
TO
FORM S-3
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
Under
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
--------------------
SALOMON BROTHERS MORTGAGE SECURITIES VII, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization)
13-3439681
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
Seven World Trade Center
New York, New York 10048
(212) 783-5635
(Address, Including Zip Code, and
Telephone Number, Including Area
Code, of Registrant's Principal
Executive Offices)
Richard Carbone
Secretary
Salomon Brothers Mortgage Securities VII, Inc.
Seven World Trade Center
New York, New York 10048
(212) 783-7228
(Name, Address, Including Zip Code,
and Telephone Number, Including
Area Code, of Agent For Service)
--------------------
Copies to:
Michael S. Gambro, Esq. Richard M. Horowitz, Esq.
Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft Thacher Proffitt & Wood
100 Maiden Lane Two World Trade Center
New York, New York 10038 New York, New York 10048
<PAGE>
Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public: From time
to time after this Registration Statement becomes effective.
If the only securities being registered on this form are being offered
pursuant to dividend or interest reinvestment plans, please check the following
box. |_|
If any of the securities being registered on this form are to be offered on
a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of
1933, other than securities offered only in connection with dividend or interest
reinvestment plans, please check the following box. |X|
CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
================================================================================
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Proposed
maximum Proposed maximum
offering aggregate offering Amount of
Title of securities being registered Amount being price per price (1) registration
registered unit (1) fee (2)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates,
issued in Series.................... $2,247,488,128.70 100% $2,247,488,128.70 $300,000.00
======================================================================================================================
</TABLE>
(1) Estimated solely for the purposes of calculating the registration fee on
the basis of the proposed maximum aggregate offering price.
(2) No additional registration fees in connection with $747,488,128.70
aggregate principal amount of Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates shall be
paid by the Registrant as such fees were paid in connection with
Registration Statement No. 33-78332 referred to below.
--------------------------------------
The Registrant hereby amends this Registration Statement on such date or
dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the Registrant shall
file a further amendment which specifically states that the Registration
Statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of
the Securities Act of 1933 or until the Registration Statement shall become
effective on such date as the Commission, acting pursuant to said Section 8(a),
may determine.
Pursuant to Rule 429 of the Securities Act of 1933, the Prospectuses and
Prospectus Supplements contained in this Registration Statement also relate to
the Registrant's Registration Statements on Form S-3 (Registration No.
33-78332). This Registration Statement, which is a new registration statement,
also constitutes a post-effective amendment to Registration Statement No.
33-78332. Such post-effective amendment shall hereafter become effective
concurrently with the effectiveness of this Registration Statement in accordance
with Section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933.
================================================================================
<PAGE>
CROSS REFERENCE SHEET FURNISHED PURSUANT TO RULE 404(a)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Items and Captions in Form S-3 Location in Prospectuses
------------------------------ ------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
1. Forepart of Registration Statement and Outside Front Cover
Page of Prospectus.......................................... Forepart of Registration Statement and
Outside Front Cover Page of Prospectuses**
2. Inside Front and Outside Back Cover Pages of Prospectus..... Inside Front Cover Page of Prospectuses
and Outside Back Cover Page of
Prospectuses**
3. Summary Information, Risk Factors and Ratio of Earnings to
Fixed Charges............................................... Summaries of Prospectus; Special
Considerations
4. Use of Proceeds............................................. Use of Proceeds**
5. Determination of Offering Price............................. *
6. Dilution.................................................... *
7. Selling Security Holders.................................... *
8. Plan of Distribution........................................ Method of Distribution**
9. Description of Securities to Be Registered.................. Outside Front Cover Page; Summaries of
Prospectus; Description of the Trust
Funds; Description of the Certificates**
10. Interests of Named Experts and Counsel...................... *
11. Material Changes............................................ Financial Information
12. Incorporation of Certain Information by Reference........... Incorporation of Certain Information by
Reference
13. Disclosure of Commission Position on Indemnification for
Securities Act Liabilities.................................. See page II-2
</TABLE>
- ----------
* Answer negative or item inapplicable.
** To be completed or provided from time to time by Prospectus Supplement.
<PAGE>
EXPLANATORY NOTE
This Registration Statement consists of (i) a basic prospectus for use in a
residential or multifamily transaction, (ii) a basic prospectus for use in a
commercial or multifamily transaction and (iii) three forms of prospectus
supplement (one form to be used in offering a Series of Senior/Subordinate
Certificates, the second form to be used in offering a Series of Certificates
with various combinations of Credit Support and the third form to be used in
offering a series of commercial or multifamily certificates). Each basic
prospectus used (in either preliminary or final form) will be accompanied by the
applicable prospectus supplement.
Contents of Registration Statement
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Page
----
<S> <C> <C>
Forms of Prospectus Supplement:
Version 1: Form of Prospectus Supplement relating to
a typical Senior/Subordinate Series.......................................... *
Version 2: Form of Prospectus Supplement relating to
Certificates with various combinations of
Credit Support............................................................... *
Version 3: Form of Prospectus Supplement relating to
a typical Commercial or Multifamily Series................................... *
Basic Prospectuses:
Version 1: Form of Basic Prospectus for use in a
residential or multifamily transaction....................................... 1
Version 2: Form of Basic Prospectus for use in a
commercial or multifamily transaction........................................ *
</TABLE>
- ----------
* Previously filed.
<PAGE>
Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates (Issuable In Series)
Principal and interest with respect to Certificates will be payable each month
on the date specified in the related Prospectus Supplement, commencing with the
month following the month in which the applicable Cut-off-Date (as defined
herein) occurs.
SALOMON BROTHERS MORTGAGE SECURITIES VII, INC.
Depositor
The Certificates offered hereby and by Supplements to this Prospectus will be
offered from time to time in series.
Each series of Certificates will represent in the aggregate the entire
beneficial ownership interest in a segregated pool of (a) various types of one-
to-four-family residential first and junior lien mortgage loans, multifamily
residential mortgage loans, cooperative apartment loans or manufactured housing
conditional sales contracts and installment loan agreements (collectively, the
"Mortgage Loans"), or beneficial interests therein, (b) pass-through or
participation certificates issued or guaranteed by the Government National
Mortgage Association ("GNMA"), the Federal National Mortgage Association
("FNMA") or the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation ("FHLMC") (any such
certificates, "Agency Securities") or (c) pass-through or participation
certificates or other mortgage-backed securities issued or guaranteed by private
entities ("Private Mortgage-Backed Securities"), or any combination thereof,
together with other assets described herein (collectively, a "Trust Fund" or the
"Trust Fund Assets").
Each series of Certificates will include one or more classes. Each class of
Certificates of any series will represent the right, which right may be senior
to the rights of one or more of the other classes of the Certificates, to
receive a specified portion of payments of principal and interest on the
Mortgage Loans, Agency Securities or Private Mortgage-Backed Securities in the
related Trust Fund in the manner described herein and in the related Prospectus
Supplement. A series may include one or more classes of Certificates entitled to
principal distributions, with disproportionate, nominal or no interest
distributions, or to interest distributions, with disproportionate, nominal or
no principal distributions. A series may include two or more classes of
Certificates that differ as to the timing, sequential order or amount of
distributions of principal or interest or both. If so specified in the related
Prospectus Supplement, the Trust Fund for a series of Certificates may include
pool insurance policies, letters of credit, reserve funds or other types of
credit support, or any combination thereof. See "Description of the
Certificates" and "Description of Credit Support".
The only obligations of the Depositor with respect to a series of Certificates
will be pursuant to its representations and warranties. The Master Servicer with
respect to a series of Certificates evidencing interests in a Trust Fund
including Mortgage Loans will be named in the related Prospectus Supplement. The
principal obligations of a Master Servicer will be limited to its contractual
servicing obligations, and, to the extent provided in the related Prospectus
Supplement, its obligation to make certain cash advances in the event of payment
delinquencies on the Mortgage Loans. The Certificates of each series will not
represent an obligation of or interest in the Depositor, the Master Servicer or
any of their respective affiliates, except to the limited extent described
herein and in the related Prospectus Supplement. The Certificates will not be
guaranteed or insured by any governmental agency or instrumentality. Although
payment of principal and interest on Agency Securities will be guaranteed as
described herein and in the related prospectus supplement by GNMA, FNMA or
FHLMC, the Certificates of any series evidencing interests in a Trust Fund
including Agency Securities will not be so guaranteed. Each Trust Fund will be
held in trust for the benefit of the holders of the related series of
Certificates pursuant to a Pooling and Servicing Agreement or a Trust Agreement
as more fully described herein. If so provided in the related Prospectus
Supplement, one or more elections may be made to treat the related Trust Fund or
a designated portion thereof as a "real estate mortgage investment conduit" for
federal income tax purposes. See "Certain Federal Income Tax Consequences".
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION, NOR HAS THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE
ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A
CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
Offers of the Certificates may be made through one or more different methods,
including offerings through underwriters, as more fully described under "Methods
of Distribution" and in the related Prospectus Supplement.
With respect to each series, all of the Certificates of each class offered
hereby will be rated in one of the four highest rating categories by one or more
nationally recognized statistical rating organizations. There will have been no
public market for any series of Certificates prior to the offering thereof. No
assurance can be given that such a market will develop as a result of such an
offering. All securities will be distributed by, or sold by underwriters managed
by:
- --------------------
Salomon Brothers Inc
Retain this Prospectus for future reference. This Prospectus may not be used to
consummate sales of securities offered hereby unless accompanied by a Prospectus
Supplement.
The date of this Prospectus is May 30, 1996.
<PAGE>
No person has been authorized to give any information or to make any
representations other than those contained in this Prospectus and any Prospectus
Supplement with respect hereto and, if given or made, such information or
representations must not be relied upon. This Prospectus and any Prospectus
Supplement with respect hereto do not constitute an offer to sell or a
solicitation of an offer to buy any securities other than the Certificates
offered hereby and thereby or an offer of the Certificates to any person in any
state or other jurisdiction in which such offer would be unlawful. The delivery
of this Prospectus at any time does not imply that information herein is correct
as of any time subsequent to its date; however, if any material change occurs
while this Prospectus is required by law to be delivered, this Prospectus will
be amended or supplemented accordingly.
-------------------------------------------
TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Caption Page
- ------- ----
<S> <C>
AVAILABLE INFORMATION......................................................................................... 6
REPORTS TO CERTIFICATEHOLDERS................................................................................. 6
INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN INFORMATION BY REFERENCE............................................................. 6
SUMMARY OF PROSPECTUS......................................................................................... 7
THE TRUST FUNDS............................................................................................... 15
The Mortgage Loans................................................................................... 15
Agency Securities.................................................................................... 19
Private Mortgage-Backed Securities................................................................... 24
USE OF PROCEEDS............................................................................................... 25
YIELD CONSIDERATIONS.......................................................................................... 26
MATURITY AND PREPAYMENT CONSIDERATIONS........................................................................ 26
THE DEPOSITOR................................................................................................. 28
MORTGAGE LOAN PROGRAM......................................................................................... 28
Underwriting Standards............................................................................... 28
Qualifications of Originators and Mortgage Loan Sellers.............................................. 29
Representations by or on Behalf of Mortgage Loan Sellers; Repurchases................................ 30
DESCRIPTION OF THE CERTIFICATES............................................................................... 32
General ............................................................................................ 32
Assignment of Trust Fund Assets...................................................................... 33
Deposits to Certificate Account...................................................................... 36
Payments on Mortgage Loans........................................................................... 37
Payments on Agency Securities and Private Mortgage-Backed Securities................................. 38
Distributions........................................................................................ 38
Available Distribution Amount........................................................................ 39
Interest on the Certificates......................................................................... 39
Principal of the Certificates........................................................................ 40
Allocation of Losses................................................................................. 40
Advances in Respect of Delinquencies................................................................. 40
Reports to Certificateholders........................................................................ 41
Collection and Other Servicing Procedures............................................................ 43
Sub-Servicing........................................................................................ 43
Realization Upon Defaulted Mortgage Loans............................................................ 44
Retained Interest; Servicing or Administration Compensation and Payment of Expenses.................. 45
Evidence as to Compliance............................................................................ 46
Certain Matters Regarding the Master Servicer and the Depositor...................................... 46
Events of Default.................................................................................... 47
Rights Upon Event of Default......................................................................... 47
Amendment............................................................................................ 48
Termination.......................................................................................... 48
Duties of the Trustee................................................................................ 49
The Trustee.......................................................................................... 49
</TABLE>
3
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Caption Page
- ------- ----
<S> <C>
DESCRIPTION OF CREDIT SUPPORT................................................................................. 49
Subordination................................................................................................. 49
Letter of Credit..................................................................................... 51
Mortgage Pool Insurance Policy....................................................................... 52
Special Hazard Insurance Policy...................................................................... 54
Bankruptcy Bond...................................................................................... 55
Certificate Guarantee Insurance...................................................................... 55
Reserve Fund......................................................................................... 55
DESCRIPTION OF PRIMARY INSURANCE POLICIES..................................................................... 56
Primary Mortgage Insurance Policies.................................................................. 56
Primary Hazard Insurance Policies.................................................................... 56
FHA Insurance........................................................................................ 57
VA Guarantees........................................................................................ 58
CERTAIN LEGAL ASPECTS OF MORTGAGE LOANS....................................................................... 58
General ............................................................................................ 58
Single-Family Loans and Multifamily Loans............................................................ 59
Leases and Rents..................................................................................... 59
Cooperative Loans.................................................................................... 59
Contracts............................................................................................ 60
Foreclosure on Mortgages............................................................................. 62
Foreclosure on Cooperative Shares.................................................................... 63
Repossession with respect to Contracts.............................................................. 64
Louisiana Law........................................................................................ 65
Rights of Redemption with respect to Single-Family Properties and Multifamily Properties............. 65
Notice of Sale; Redemption Rights with respect to Manufactured Homes................................. 66
Anti-Deficiency Legislation and Other Limitations on Lenders......................................... 66
Junior Mortgages..................................................................................... 67
Consumer Protection Laws with respect to Contracts................................................... 67
Other Limitations.................................................................................... 68
Enforceability of Certain Provisions................................................................. 68
Subordinate Financing................................................................................ 69
Applicability of Usury Laws.......................................................................... 70
Alternative Mortgage Instruments..................................................................... 70
Formaldehyde Litigation with respect to Contracts.................................................... 71
Soldiers' and Sailors' Civil Relief Act of 1940...................................................... 71
CERTAIN FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES....................................................................... 72
General ............................................................................................ 72
REMICs ............................................................................................ 72
Grantor Trust Funds.................................................................................. 87
Partnership Trust Funds.............................................................................. 96
STATE AND OTHER TAX CONSEQUENCES.............................................................................. 102
ERISA CONSIDERATIONS.......................................................................................... 102
LEGAL INVESTMENT.............................................................................................. 105
METHODS OF DISTRIBUTION....................................................................................... 105
LEGAL MATTERS................................................................................................. 106
FINANCIAL INFORMATION......................................................................................... 106
INDEX OF PRINCIPAL DEFINITIONS................................................................................ 1
</TABLE>
Until 90 days after the date of each Prospectus Supplement, all dealers
effecting transactions in the Certificates covered by such Supplement, whether
or not participating in the distribution thereof, may be required to deliver
such Supplement and this Prospectus. This is in addition to the obligation of
dealers to deliver a Prospectus Supplement and Prospectus when acting as
underwriters of the Certificates covered by such Supplement and with respect to
their unsold allotments or subscriptions.
4
<PAGE>
AVAILABLE INFORMATION
The Depositor is subject to the informational requirements of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and in accordance therewith files reports and
other information with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the
"Commission"). Such reports and other information filed by the Depositor can be
inspected and copied at the public reference facilities maintained by the
Commission at its Public Reference Section, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington,
D.C. 20549, and its Regional Offices located as follows: Chicago Regional
Office, 500 West Madison, 14th Floor, Chicago, Illinois 60661; New York Regional
Office, 75 Park Place, New York, New York 10007. Copies of such material can
also be obtained from the Public Reference Section of the Commission, 450 Fifth
Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, at prescribed rates. The Depositor does
not intend to send any financial reports to Certificateholders.
This Prospectus does not contain all of the information set forth in the
Registration Statement (of which this Prospectus forms a part) and exhibits
thereto which the Depositor has filed with the Commission under the Securities
Act of 1933 and to which reference is hereby made.
Copies of FHLMC's most recent Offering Circular for FHLMC Certificates,
FHLMC's most recent Information Statement and any subsequent information
statement, any supplement to any information statement relating to FHLMC and any
quarterly report made available by FHLMC after December 31, 1983 can be obtained
by writing or calling the FHLMC Investor Inquiry Department at 1759 Business
Center Drive, P.O. Box 4112, Reston, Virginia 22090 (800-336-3672). The
Depositor did not participate in the preparation of FHLMC's Offering Circular,
Information Statement or any supplement and, accordingly, makes no
representation as to the accuracy or completeness of the information set forth
therein.
Copies of FNMA's most recent Prospectus for FNMA Certificates are available
from FNMA's Mortgage Backed Securities Office, 3900 Wisconsin Avenue, N.W.,
Washington, D.C. 20016 (202-752-6547). FNMA's annual report and quarterly
financial statements, as well as other financial information, are available from
FNMA's Office of the Treasurer, 3900 Wisconsin Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C.
20016 (202-752-7000) or the Office of the Vice President of Investor Relations,
3900 Wisconsin Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20016 (202-752-7000). The
Depositor did not participate in the preparation of FNMA's Prospectus and,
accordingly, makes no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of the
information set forth therein.
REPORTS TO CERTIFICATEHOLDERS
The Trustee will mail monthly reports concerning each Trust Fund to all
registered holders of Certificates of the related series. See "Description of
the Certificates--Reports to Certificateholders".
INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN INFORMATION BY REFERENCE
There are incorporated herein by reference all documents and reports filed
or caused to be filed by the Depositor with respect to a Trust Fund pursuant to
Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, prior to the termination
of the offering of Offered Certificates evidencing interest therein. The
Depositor will provide or cause to be provided without charge to each person to
whom this Prospectus is delivered in connection with the offering of one or more
classes of Offered Certificates, a copy of any or all documents or reports
incorporated herein by reference, in each case to the extent such documents or
reports relate to one or more of such classes of such Offered Certificates,
other than the exhibits to such documents (unless such exhibits are specifically
incorporated by reference in such documents). Requests to the Depositor should
be directed in writing to its principal executive office at Seven World Trade
Center, New York, New York 10048, Attention: Secretary, or by telephone at (212)
783-5635. The Depositor has determined that its financial statements are not
material to the offering of any Offered Certificates.
5
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY OF PROSPECTUS
The following summary of certain pertinent information is qualified in its
entirety by reference to the more detailed information appearing elsewhere in
this Prospectus and by reference to the information with respect to each series
of Certificates contained in the Prospectus Supplement to be prepared and
delivered in connection with the offering of such series. An Index of Principal
Definitions is included at the end of this Prospectus.
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Title of Certificates....................... Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates, issuable in series (the "Certificates").
Depositor................................... Salomon Brothers Mortgage Securities VII, Inc., an indirect wholly-owned
subsidiary of Salomon Inc and an affiliate of Salomon Brothers Inc. See "The
Depositor".
Master Servicer............................. The Master Servicer (the "Master Servicer") for each series of Certificates
evidencing interests in a Trust Fund including Mortgage Loans will be named in the
related Prospectus Supplement, which may be the Depositor or an affiliate of the
Depositor. See "Description of the Certificates Certain Matters Regarding the
Master Servicer and the Depositor".
Trustee .................................... The Trustee (the "Trustee") for each series of Certificates will be named in the
related Prospectus Supplement.
Description of Certificates ................ Each series of Certificates will include one or more classes. Each series of
Certificates (including any class or classes of Certificates of such series not
offered hereby) will represent in the aggregate the entire beneficial ownership
interest in a segregated pool of Mortgage Loans, or beneficial interests therein,
Agency Securities or Private Mortgage-Backed Securities, or any combination
thereof (each, a "Trust Fund Asset"), and certain other assets as described below
(a "Trust Fund"). Unless otherwise provided in the related Prospectus Supplement,
each class of Certificates (other than certain Strip Certificates as defined
below) will have a stated principal amount (a "Certificate Principal Balance") and
will be entitled to payments of interest thereon based on a fixed, variable or
adjustable interest rate (a "Pass-Through Rate"). The related Prospectus
Supplement will specify the Pass-Through Rate for each class or, in the case of a
variable or adjustable Pass-Through Rate, the method for determining the
Pass-Through Rate.
A series of Certificates may include one or more classes of Certificates
(collectively, the "Senior Certificates") that are senior to one or more classes
of Certificates (collectively, the "Subordinate Certificates") in respect of
certain distributions of principal and interest and allocation of losses on the
Mortgage Loans. Credit enhancement also may be provided with respect to any series
by means of various pool insurance policies, letters of credit, reserve funds or
other types of credit support, or any combination of the foregoing, as described
herein and in the related Prospectus Supplement. See "Description of Credit
Support".
A series may include one or more classes of Certificates entitled (i) to principal
distributions, with disproportionate, nominal or no interest distributions, or
(ii) to interest distributions, with disproportionate, nominal or no principal
distributions ("Strip Certificates"). In addition,
</TABLE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
a series may include two or more classes of Certificates which differ as to
timing, sequential order, priority of payment, pass-through rate or amount of
distributions of principal or interest or both, or as to which distributions of
principal or interest or both on any class may be made upon the occurrence of
specified events, in accordance with a schedule or formula, or on the basis of
collections from designated portions of the Mortgage Pool, which series may
include one or more classes of Certificates ("Accrual Certificates"), as to which
certain accrued interest will not be distributed but rather will be added to the
principal balance thereof on each Distribution Date, as hereinafter defined, in
the manner described in the related Prospectus Supplement.
If so provided in the related Prospectus Supplement, a series of Certificates may
include one or more classes of Certificates (collectively, the "Senior
Certificates") which are senior to one or more classes of Certificates
(collectively, the "Subordinate Certificates") in respect of certain distributions
of principal and interest allocations of losses on Mortgage Loans. In addition,
certain classes of Senior (or Subordinate) Certificates may be senior to other
classes of Senior (or Subordinate) Certificates in respect of such distribution or
losses.
With respect to each series, one or more elections may be made to treat the
related Trust Fund or a designated portion thereof as a "real estate mortgage
investment conduit" or "REMIC" as defined in the Internal Revenue Code of 1986
(the "Code"). If any such election is made with respect to a series, one of the
classes of Certificates comprising such series will be designated as evidencing
all "residual interests" in the related REMIC as defined in the Code.
The Certificates will not represent an interest in or obligation of the Depositor
or any affiliate thereof except as set forth herein, nor will the Certificates or
any Mortgage Loans be insured or guaranteed by any governmental agency or
instrumentality. Although payment of principal and interest on Agency Securities
will be guaranteed as described herein and in the related Prospectus Supplement by
GNMA, FNMA or FHLMC, the Certificates of any series including Agency Securities
will not be so guaranteed.
The Trust Funds............................. Each Trust Fund will consist primarily of (a) a pool (a "Mortgage Pool") of one-
to four-family residential mortgage loans, multifamily residential mortgage loans,
cooperative apartment loans or manufactured housing conditional sales contracts
and installment loan agreements (collectively, the "Mortgage Loans"), or
beneficial interests therein, or real property acquired upon foreclosure or
comparable conversion of such mortgage loans, (b) Agency Securities or (c) Private
Mortgage-Backed Securities, or any combination thereof.
A. The Mortgage Loans .................... As more specifically described herein, the Mortgage Loans will be secured by first
or junior liens on, or security interests in, (i) one- to four-family residential
properties, (ii) rental apartment buildings or projects containing five or more
residential units (including apartment buildings owned by cooperative housing
corporations), (iii) cooperative loans (the "Cooperative Loans") secured primarily
by shares in a private cooperative housing corporation (a "Cooperative") that give
the owner thereof the right to occupy a particular dwelling unit in the
Cooperative or (iv) new or used manufactured homes (collectively, the "Mortgaged
Properties"). The Mortgaged Properties may be located in any one of the fifty
states or the District of Columbia. Unless otherwise provided in the related
Prospectus Supplement, all Mortgage Loans will have individual principal balances
at origination of not less than $25,000 or more than $5,000,000 and original terms
to maturity of not more than 40 years. All Mortgage Loans will have been
originated by persons unaffiliated with the Depositor and will have been
purchased, either directly or indirectly, by the Depositor on or before the date
of initial issuance of the related series of Certificates. Unless otherwise
provided in the related Prospectus Supplement, each Trust Fund will contain one of
the following types of Mortgage Loans:
</TABLE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
7
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
(1) Fully amortizing Mortgage Loans with a fixed rate of interest (an "Interest
Rate") and level monthly payments to maturity;
(2) Fully amortizing Mortgage Loans with an Interest Rate adjusted periodically
(with corresponding adjustments in the amount of monthly payments) to equal the
sum (which may be rounded) of a fixed percentage amount and an index ("ARM
Loans"), as described in the related Prospectus Supplement;
(3) ARM Loans that provide for an election, at the borrower's option, to convert
the adjustable Interest Rate to a fixed interest rate, as described in the related
Prospectus Supplement;
(4) ARM Loans that provide for negative amortization or accelerated amortization
resulting from delays in or limitations on the payment adjustments necessary to
amortize fully the outstanding principal balance of the loan at its then
applicable Interest Rate over its remaining term;
(5) Fully amortizing Mortgage Loans with a fixed Interest Rate and level monthly
payments, or payments of interest only, during the early years of the term,
followed by periodically increasing monthly payments of principal and interest for
the duration of the term or for a specified number of years, as described in the
related Prospectus Supplement;
(6) Fixed Interest Rate Mortgage Loans providing for level payments of principal
and interest on the basis of an assumed amortization schedule and a balloon
payment at the end of a specified term; and
(7) Another type of Mortgage Loan described in the related Prospectus Supplement.
All of the Mortgage Loans will be covered by standard hazard insurance policies
insuring against losses due to fire and various other causes. Certain of the
Mortgage Loans will be covered by primary mortgage insurance policies to the
extent provided herein and in the related Prospectus Supplement and if so provided
in the related Prospectus Supplement, certain of the Mortgage Loans will be
insured or guaranteed by the Federal Housing Administration (the "FHA") or the
United States Department of Veterans Affairs (the "VA"). See "Description of
Primary Insurance Policies".
</TABLE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
8
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
B. Agency Securities...................... The Agency Securities evidenced by a series of Certificates will consist of (i)
Mortgage Participation Certificates issued and guaranteed as to timely payment of
interest and, unless otherwise specified in the related Prospectus Supplement,
ultimate payment of principal by the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation
("FHLMC Certificates"), (ii) Guaranteed Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates issued
and guaranteed as to timely payment of principal and interest by the Federal
National Mortgage Association ("FNMA Certificates"), (iii) fully modified
pass-through mortgage-backed certificates guaranteed as to timely payment of
principal and interest by the Government National Mortgage Association ("GNMA
Certificates"), (iv) stripped mortgage-backed securities representing an undivided
interest in all or a part of either the principal distributions (but not the
interest distributions) or the interest distributions (but not the principal
distributions) or in some specified portion of the principal and interest
distributions (but not all of such distributions) on certain FHLMC, FNMA or GNMA
Certificates and, unless otherwise specified in the Prospectus Supplement,
guaranteed to the same extent as the underlying securities, (v) another type of
guaranteed pass-through certificate issued or guaranteed by GNMA, FNMA or FHLMC
and described in the related Prospectus Supplement or (vi) a combination of such
Agency Securities. All GNMA Certificates will be backed by the full faith and
credit of the United States. No FHLMC or FNMA Certificates will be backed,
directly or indirectly, by the full faith and credit of the United States.
The Agency Securities may consist of pass-through securities issued under FHLMC's
Cash or Guarantor Program, the GNMA I Program, the GNMA II Program or another
program specified in the Prospectus Supplement. The payment characteristics of the
Mortgage Loans underlying the Agency Securities will be described in the related
Prospectus Supplement.
C. Private Mortgage-Backed
Securities............................. Private Mortgage-Backed Securities may include (a) mortgage participations or
pass-through certificates representing beneficial interests in certain mortgage
loans or (b) collateralized mortgage obligations secured by such mortgage loans.
Although individual mortgage loans underlying a Private Mortgage-Backed Security
may be insured or guaranteed by the United States or an agency or instrumentality
thereof, they need not be, and the Private Mortgage-Backed Securities themselves
will not be so insured or guaranteed. See "The Trust Funds-Private Mortgage-Backed
Securities" herein.
Certificate Account......................... Each Trust Fund will include one or more accounts (collectively, the "Certificate
Account") established and maintained on behalf of the Certificateholders into
which the Master Servicer will, to the extent described herein and in the related
Prospectus Supplement, deposit all payments and collections received or advanced
with respect to the related Trust Fund Assets. A Certificate Account may be
maintained as an interest bearing or a non-interest bearing account, or funds held
therein may be invested in certain short-term high-quality obligations. See
"Description of the Certificates-Deposits to Certificate Account".
Credit Support ............................. If so specified in the related Prospectus Supplement, one or more classes of
Certificates of a series evidencing interests in a Trust
</TABLE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
9
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Fund that includes Mortgage Loans or Private Mortgage-Backed Securities may be
provided partial or full protection against certain defaults and losses on such
assets in the form of subordination of one or more other classes of Certificates
in such series or by one or more other types of credit support, such as a letter
of credit, reserve fund, insurance policy or a combination thereof (any such
coverage, "Credit Support"). The amount and types of coverage, the identification
of the entity providing the coverage (if applicable) and related information with
respect to each type of Credit Support, if any, will be described in the
Prospectus Supplement for a series of Certificates. See "Description of Credit
Support".
Interest on Certificates ................... Interest on each class of Certificates (other than certain classes of Strip
Certificates) of each series will accrue at the applicable Pass-Through Rate on
the outstanding Certificate Principal Balance thereof and will be distributed to
Certificateholders as provided in the related Prospectus Supplement (each of the
specified dates on which distributions are to be made, a "Distribution Date").
Distributions with respect to interest on Strip Certificates with no or, in
certain cases, a nominal Certificate Principal Balance will be made on each
Distribution Date on the basis of a notional amount as described herein and in the
related Prospectus Supplement. Distributions of interest with respect to one or
more classes of Certificates may be reduced to the extent of certain delinquencies
and other contingencies described herein and in the related Prospectus Supplement.
See "Yield Considerations" and "Description of the Certificates-Interest on the
Certificates".
Principal of Certificates .................. The Certificates of each series (other than certain Strip Certificates) initially
will have an aggregate Certificate Principal Balance equal to the outstanding
principal balance of the Trust Fund Assets as of, unless the related Prospectus
Supplement provides otherwise, the close of business on the first day of the month
of formation of the related Trust Fund (the "Cut-off Date"), after application of
scheduled payments due on or before such date, whether or not received. The
Certificate Principal Balance of a Certificate represents the maximum amount that
the holder thereof is entitled to receive in respect of principal from future cash
flow on the assets in the related Trust Fund. The Prospectus Supplement will
include the initial Certificate Principal Balance of each class of Certificates
offered thereby. Unless otherwise provided in the related Prospectus Supplement,
distributions of principal will be made on each Distribution Date to the class or
classes of Certificates entitled thereto until the Certificate Principal Balance
of such class has been reduced to zero. Distributions of principal of any class of
Certificates will be made on a pro rata basis among all of the Certificates of
such class. Strip Certificates with no Certificate Principal Balance will not
receive distributions in respect of principal. See "Description of the
Certificates-Principal of the Certificates".
Advances.................................... The Master Servicer, directly or through sub-servicers, will service and
administer the Mortgage Loans included in a Trust Fund and, unless the related
Prospectus Supplement provides otherwise, in connection therewith will be
obligated to make certain advances with respect to delinquent scheduled payments
on the Mortgage Loans. Advances made by the Master Servicer are reimbursable to
the extent described herein and in the related Prospectus Supplement.
</TABLE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
10
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
The Prospectus Supplement with respect to any series may provide that the Master
Servicer will obtain a cash advance surety bond, or maintain a cash advance
reserve fund, to cover any obligation of the Master Servicer to make advances. The
obligor on any such surety bond will be named, and the terms applicable to any
such cash advance reserve fund will be described in the related Prospectus
Supplement. See "Description of the Certificates-Advances in respect of
Delinquencies".
Optional Termination........................ If so specified in the related Prospectus Supplement, a series of Certificates may
be subject to optional early termination through the repurchase of the assets in
the related Trust Fund by the party specified therein, under the circumstances and
in the manner set forth herein under "Description of the
Certificates-Termination".
Tax Status of the Certificates ............. The Certificates of each series offered hereby will constitute either (i) "regular
interests" ("REMIC Regular Certificates") and "residual interests" ("REMIC
Residual Certificates") in a Trust Fund treated as a REMIC under Sections 860A
through 860G of the Code, (ii) interests ("Grantor Trust Certificates") in a Trust
Fund treated as a grantor trust under applicable provisions of the Code, (iii)
interests ("Partnership Certificates") in a Trust Fund treated as a partnership
under applicable provisions of the Code or (iv) evidences of indebtedness ("Debt
Certificates") of a Trust Fund treated as debt instruments for federal income tax
purposes.
In general, to the extent the assets and income of the Trust Fund are treated as
qualifying assets and income under the following sections of the Code, REMIC
Regular Certificates and REMIC Residual Certificates (i) owned by a "domestic
building and loan association" will be treated as "loans secured by an interest in
real property" within the meaning of Code Section 7701(a)(19)(C), (ii) owned by a
thrift institution will be treated as "qualifying real property loans" within the
meaning of Section 593(d) of the Code, and (iii) owned by a real estate investment
trust will be treated as "real estate assets" for purposes of Section 856(c)(5)(A)
of the Code and interest income therefrom will be treated as "interest on
obligations secured by mortgages on real property" for purposes of Section
856(c)(3)(B) of the Code. In addition, REMIC Regular Certificates will be
"obligation[s]... which... [are] principally secured by an interest in real
property" within the meaning of Section 860G(a)(3)(C) of the Code. Moreover, if
95% or more of the assets and the income of the Trust Fund qualify for any of the
foregoing treatments, the REMIC Regular Certificates and (with the exception of
Section 860G(a)(3)(C) of the Code) REMIC Residual Certificates will qualify for
the foregoing treatments in their entirety.
REMIC Residual Certificates generally will be treated as representing an interest
in qualifying assets and income to the same extent described above for
institutions subject to Sections 593(d), 7701(a)(19)(C), 856(c)(5)(A) and
856(c)(3)(B) of the Code. A portion (or, in certain cases, all) of the income from
REMIC Residual Certificates (i) may not be offset by any losses from other
activities of the holder of such REMIC Residual Certificates (except generally
with respect to thrift institutions described in Section 593 of the Code, if such
REMIC Residual Certificate has "significant value"), (ii)
</TABLE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
11
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
may be treated as unrelated business taxable income, for holders of REMIC Residual
Certificates that are subject to tax on unrelated business taxable income (as
defined in Section 511 of the Code), and (iii) may be subject to U.S. federal
income tax withholding rules. In addition, transfers of certain REMIC Residual
Certificates may be disregarded under some circumstances for all federal income
tax purposes. See "Certain Federal Income Tax Consequences-REMICs-Taxation of
Owners of REMIC Residual Certificates-Excess Inclusions," and "Noneconomic REMIC
Residual Certificates" herein.
Unless otherwise provided in the related Prospectus Supplement, Grantor Trust
Certificates may be either Certificates having a Certificate Principal Balance and
a Pass-Through Rate ("Grantor Trust Fractional Interest Certificates") or Strip
Certificates ("Grantor Trust Strip Certificates"). Holders of Grantor Trust
Fractional Interest Certificates generally will be treated as owning an interest
in qualifying assets and income under Sections 593(d), 7701(a)(19)(C),
856(c)(5)(A), 856(c)(3)(B) and 860G(a)(3)(A) of the Code. It is unclear whether
Grantor Trust Strip Certificates will be treated as representing an ownership
interest in qualifying assets and income under Sections 593(d), 7701(a)(19)(C),
856(c)(5)(A) and 856(c)(3)(B) of the Code, although the policy considerations
underlying those Sections suggest that such treatment should be available.
Partnership Certificates will be treated as partnership interests for purposes of
federal income taxation, and accordingly, will not represent an interest in
qualifying assets for purposes of Sections 593(d) and 7701(a)(19)(C) of the Code,
but will represent qualifying assets and income under Sections 856(c)(5)(A) and
856(c)(3)(B) of the Code to the extent their proportionate share of the assets of
the related Trust Fund so qualify. Debt Certificates will not represent qualifying
assets or income for purposes of any of the preceding Sections.
Investors are advised to consult their tax advisors and to review "Certain Federal
Income Tax Consequences" herein and in the related Prospectus Supplement.
Rating...................................... At the date of issuance, as to each series, each class of Certificates offered
hereby will be rated in one of the four highest rating categories by one or more
nationally recognized statistical rating agencies. See "Rating" in the related
Prospectus Supplement.
Legal Investment............................ The Prospectus Supplement for each series of Certificates will specify which
classes of Certificates of such series, if any, will constitute "mortgage related
securities" for purposes of the Secondary Mortgage Market Enhancement Act of 1984
("SMMEA"). Any class of Certificates that is not rated in one of the two highest
rating categories by one or more nationally recognized statistical rating agencies
or that represents an interest in a Trust Fund that includes junior mortgage loans
will not constitute "mortgage related securities" for purposes of SMMEA. See
"Legal Investment".
</TABLE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
12
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
ERISA Considerations ....................... A fiduciary of an employee benefit plan and certain other retirement plans and
arrangements, including individual retirement accounts, annuities, Keogh plans,
and collective investment funds and separate accounts in which such plans,
accounts, annuities or arrangements are invested, that is subject to the Employee
Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended ("ERISA"), or Section 4975 of
the Code should carefully review with its legal advisors whether the purchase or
holding of Certificates could give rise to a transaction that is prohibited or is
not otherwise permissible either under ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code. The U.S.
Department of Labor has issued an individual exemption, Prohibited Transaction
Exemption 89-89, to Salomon Brothers Inc ("Salomon") that generally exempts from
the application of certain of the prohibited transaction provisions of Section 406
of ERISA and the excise taxes imposed on such prohibited transactions by Section
4975(a) and (b) of the Code and Section 502(i) of ERISA, transactions relating to
the purchase, sale and holding of pass-through certificates underwritten by
Salomon and the servicing and operation of asset pools such as certain of the
Mortgage Pools, provided that certain conditions are satisfied. See "ERISA
Considerations" herein.
</TABLE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
13
<PAGE>
THE TRUST FUNDS
The Mortgage Loans
General
The Mortgage Loans may consist of mortgage loans secured by first or junior
liens on one- to four-family residential properties ("Single Family Properties"
and the related loans, "Single Family Loans"), mortgage loans secured by rental
apartments or projects (including apartment buildings owned by cooperative
housing corporations) containing five or more dwelling units ("Multifamily
Properties" and the related loans, "Multifamily Loans"), mortgage loans secured
by shares in a private cooperative housing corporation (a "Cooperative" and the
related loans, "Cooperative Loans") that give the owner thereof the right to
occupy a particular dwelling unit (each, a "Cooperative Unit") in the
Cooperative or conditional sales contracts and installment loan agreements with
respect to new or used Manufactured Homes (as defined herein, and the related
contracts or agreements, the "Contracts"), or beneficial interests therein, or
real property acquired upon foreclosure or comparable conversion of such
mortgage loans. The Single-Family Properties, Cooperative shares (together with
the right to occupy a particular Cooperative Unit evidenced thereby) and
Manufactured Homes (collectively, the "Mortgaged Properties") may be located in
any one of the fifty states or the District of Columbia. The Mortgaged
Properties may include leasehold interests in residential properties, the title
to which is held by third party lessors. The term of any such leasehold will
exceed the term of the Mortgage Note by at least five years. Each Mortgage Loan
will have been originated by a person (the "Originator") not affiliated with
Salomon Brothers Mortgage Securities VII, Inc. (the "Depositor"). Each Mortgage
Loan will be selected by the Depositor for inclusion in a Mortgage Pool from
among those purchased, either directly or indirectly, from a prior holder
thereof (a "Mortgage Loan Seller"), which prior holder may not be the Originator
thereof and may be an affiliate of the Depositor. See "Mortgage Loan
Program-Underwriting Standards".
Unless otherwise specified below or in the related Prospectus Supplement,
all of the Mortgage Loans in a Mortgage Pool will (i) have individual principal
balances at origination of not less than $25,000 or more than $5,000,000, (ii)
have monthly payments due on the first day of each month, (iii) have original
terms to maturity of not more than 40 years and (iv) be one of the following
types of mortgage loans:
(1) Fully amortizing Mortgage Loans with a fixed rate of interest (an
"Interest Rate") and level monthly payments to maturity;
(2) Fully amortizing Mortgage Loans with an Interest Rate adjusted
periodically (with corresponding adjustments in the amount of monthly
payments) to equal the sum (which may be rounded) of a fixed percentage
amount and an index ("ARM Loans"), as described in the related Prospectus
Supplement;
(3) ARM Loans that provide for an election, at the borrower's option,
to convert the adjustable Interest Rate to a fixed interest rate, as
described in the related Prospectus Supplement;
(4) ARM Loans that provide for negative amortization or accelerated
amortization resulting from delays in or limitations on the payment
adjustments necessary to amortize fully the outstanding principal balance
of the loan at its then applicable Interest Rate over its remaining term;
(5) Fully amortizing Mortgage Loans with a fixed Interest Rate and
level monthly payments, or payments of interest only, during the early
years of the term, followed by periodically increasing monthly payments of
principal and interest for the duration of the term or for a specified
number of years, as described in the related Prospectus Supplement;
(6) Fixed Interest Rate Mortgage Loans providing for level payment of
principal and interest on the basis of an assumed amortization schedule and
a balloon payment at the end of a specified term; and
(7) Another type of Mortgage Loan described in the related Prospectus
Supplement.
14
<PAGE>
If provided in the related Prospectus Supplement, certain of the Mortgage
Pools may contain Mortgage Loans secured by junior liens, and the related senior
liens ("Senior Liens") may not be included in the Mortgage Pool. The primary
risk to holders of Mortgage Loans secured by junior liens is the possibility
that adequate funds will not be received in connection with a foreclosure of the
related Senior Liens to satisfy fully both the Senior Liens and the Mortgage
Loan. In the event that a holder of a Senior Lien forecloses on a Mortgaged
Property, the proceeds of the foreclosure or similar sale will be applied first
to the payment of court costs and fees in connection with the foreclosure,
second to real estate taxes, third in satisfaction of all principal, interest,
prepayment or acceleration penalties, if any, and any other sums due and owing
to the holder of the Senior Liens. The claims of the holders of the Senior Liens
will be satisfied in full out of proceeds of the liquidation of the Mortgage
Loan, if such proceeds are sufficient, before the Trust Fund as holder of the
junior lien receives any payments in respect of the Mortgage Loan. If the Master
Servicer were to foreclose on any Mortgage Loan, it would do so subject to any
related Senior Liens. In order for the debt related to the Mortgage Loan to be
paid in full at such sale, a bidder at the foreclosure sale of such Mortgage
Loan would have to bid an amount sufficient to pay off all sums due under the
Mortgage Loan and the Senior Liens or purchase the Mortgaged Property subject to
the Senior Liens. In the event that such proceeds from a foreclosure or similar
sale of the related Mortgaged Property are insufficient to satisfy all Senior
Liens and the Mortgage Loan in the aggregate, the Trust Fund, as the holder of
the junior lien, and, accordingly, holders of one or more classes of the
Certificates bear (i) the risk of delay in distributions while a deficiency
judgment against the borrower is obtained and (ii) the risk of loss if the
deficiency judgment is not realized upon. Moreover, deficiency judgments may not
be available in certain jurisdictions. In addition, a junior mortgagee may not
foreclose on the property securing a junior mortgage unless it forecloses
subject to the senior mortgages.
Liquidation expenses with respect to defaulted junior mortgage loans do not
vary directly with the outstanding principal balance of the loan at the time of
default. Therefore, assuming that the Master Servicer took the same steps in
realizing upon a defaulted junior mortgage loan having a small remaining
principal balance as it would in the case of a defaulted junior mortgage loan
having a large remaining principal balance, the amount realized after expenses
of liquidation would be smaller as a percentage of the outstanding principal
balance of the small junior mortgage loan than would be the case with the
defaulted junior mortgage loan having a large remaining principal balance.
Because the average outstanding principal balance of the Mortgage Loans is
smaller relative to the size of the average outstanding principal balance of the
loans in a typical pool of first priority mortgage loans, liquidation proceeds
may also be smaller as a percentage of the principal balance of a Mortgage Loan
than would be the case in a typical pool of first priority mortgage loans.
Unless otherwise specified in the related Prospectus Supplement, the
following requirements as to the Loan-to-Value Ratio of each Mortgage Loan of
the type described above shall apply. The "Loan-to-Value Ratio" of a Mortgage
Loan at any given time is the ratio (expressed as a percentage) of the then
outstanding principal balance of the Mortgage Loan, plus, in the case of a
Mortgage Loan secured by a junior lien, the outstanding principal balance of the
related Senior Liens, to the Value of the related Mortgaged Property. The Value
of a Single-Family Property, Multifamily Property or Cooperative Unit, other
than with respect to Refinance Loans, is the lesser of (a) the appraised value
determined in an appraisal obtained by the originator at origination of such
loan and (b) the sales price for such property. Refinance Loans are loans made
to refinance existing loans. The Value of the Mortgaged Property securing a
Refinance Loan is the appraised value thereof determined in an appraisal
obtained at the time of origination of the Refinance Loan. Unless otherwise
specified in the related Prospectus Supplement, for purposes of calculating the
Loan-to-Value Ratio of a Contract relating to a new Manufactured Home, the Value
is no greater than the sum of a fixed percentage of the list price of the unit
actually billed by the manufacturer to the dealer (exclusive of freight to the
dealer site) including "accessories" identified in the invoice (the
"Manufacturer's Invoice Price"), plus the actual cost of any accessories
purchased from the dealer, a delivery and set-up allowance, depending on the
size of the unit, and the cost of state and local taxes, filing fees and up to
three years prepaid hazard insurance premiums. Unless otherwise specified in the
related Prospectus Supplement, with respect to a used Manufactured Home, the
Value is the least of the sale price, the appraised value, and the National
Automobile Dealer's Association book value plus prepaid taxes and hazard
insurance premiums. The appraised value of a Manufactured Home is based upon the
age and condition of the manufactured housing unit and the quality and condition
of the mobile home park in which it is situated, if applicable.
15
<PAGE>
A Mortgaged Property may have been subject to secondary financing at
origination of the Mortgage Loan, but, unless otherwise specified in the related
Prospectus Supplement, the total amount of primary and secondary financing at
the time of origination of the Mortgage Loan did not produce a combined
Loan-to-Value Ratio in excess of (i) 90% in the case of a Mortgage Loan secured
by an owner-occupied primary residence or (ii) 80% in the case of a Mortgage
Loan secured by a vacation or second home.
With respect to each Mortgaged Property, unless otherwise provided in the
related Prospectus Supplement, the borrower will have represented that the
dwelling is either (a) an owner-occupied primary residence or (b) a vacation or
second home that (i) is not part of a mandatory rental pool and (ii) is suitable
for year-round occupancy. With respect to a vacation or second home, no income
derived from the property will be considered for underwriting purposes.
Unless otherwise specified in the related Prospectus Supplement, the
aggregate principal balance on the Cut-off Date of Mortgage Loans secured by
condominium units will not exceed 30% of the aggregate principal balance of the
Mortgage Loans in the related Mortgage Pool. A Mortgage Loan secured by a
condominium unit will not be included in a Mortgage Pool unless, at the time of
sale of such Mortgage Loan by the Mortgage Loan Seller, certain representations
and warranties as to the condominium project are made by the Mortgage Loan
Seller or an affiliate thereof or by such other person acceptable to the
Depositor having knowledge regarding the subject matter of such representations
and warranties. Unless otherwise specified in the related Prospectus Supplement,
such Mortgage Loan Seller, or another party on its behalf, will have made the
following representations and warranties. If a condominium project is subject to
developer control or to incomplete phasing or add-ons, at least 70% of the units
have been sold to bona fide purchasers and are occupied as primary residences or
vacation or second homes. If a condominium project has been controlled by the
unit owners (other than the developer) for less than two years and is not
subject to incomplete phasing or add-ons, at least 70% of the units have been
sold to bona fide purchasers and at least 60% of the units are occupied as
primary residences or vacation or second homes. The foregoing percentages may be
modified in the case of a particular project upon proof of demonstrated market
acceptance but in no event will any such percentage be reduced below 51%. If a
condominium project has been controlled by the unit owners (other than the
developer) for at least two years, has all common elements completed and is not
subject to phasing or add-ons, the Mortgage Loan Seller, or another party on its
behalf, must represent and warrant, unless otherwise specified in the related
Prospectus Supplement, that the marketability of the project has been proven and
that at least 90% of the units have been sold to bona fide purchasers. See
"Mortgage Loan Program-Representations by or on behalf of Mortgage Loan Sellers;
Repurchases" herein for a description of certain other representations made by
or on behalf of Mortgage Loan Sellers at the time Mortgage Loans are sold.
If provided in the related Prospectus Supplement, certain of the Mortgage
Pools may contain Mortgage Loans subject to temporary buydown plans ("Buydown
Mortgage Loans"), pursuant to which the monthly payments made by the borrower in
the early years of the Mortgage Loan (the "Buydown Period") will be less than
the scheduled monthly payments on the Mortgage Loan, the resulting difference to
be made up from (i) an amount contributed by the borrower, the seller of the
Mortgaged Property, or another source (such amount, exclusive of investment
earnings thereon, being hereinafter referred to as "Buydown Funds") and placed
in a custodial account and (ii) unless otherwise specified in the Prospectus
Supplement, investment earnings on the Buydown Funds. See "Description of the
Certificates-Payments on Mortgage Loans. Generally, the borrower under each
Buydown Mortgage Loan will be qualified at the applicable Buydown Mortgage Rate.
Accordingly, the repayment of a Buydown Mortgage Loan is dependent on the
ability of the borrower to make larger level monthly payments after the Buydown
Funds have been depleted and, for certain Buydown Mortgage Loans, during the
Buydown Period. See "Mortgage Loan Program-Underwriting Standards" for a
discussion of loss and delinquency considerations relating to Buydown Mortgage
Loans.
Unless otherwise specified in the related Prospectus Supplement, each
Mortgage Loan having a Loan-to-Value Ratio at origination in excess of 80%, is
required to be covered by a primary mortgage guaranty insurance policy insuring
against default on such Mortgage Loan as to at least the principal amount
thereof exceeding 75% of the Value of the Mortgaged Property at origination of
the Mortgage Loan. Such insurance must remain in force at least until the
Mortgage Loan amortizes to a level that would produce a Loan-to-Value Ratio
lower than 80%. See "Description of Primary Insurance Policies-Primary Mortgage
Insurance Policies".
16
<PAGE>
Each Prospectus Supplement will contain information, as of the date of such
Prospectus Supplement and to the extent then specifically known to the
Depositor, with respect to the Mortgage Loans, Agency Securities or Private
Mortgage-Backed Securities contained in the related Trust Fund, including (i)
the aggregate outstanding principal balance, the largest, smallest and average
outstanding principal balance of the Trust Fund Assets as of the applicable
Cut-off Date, and, with respect to Mortgage Loans secured by a junior lien, the
amount of the related Senior Liens, (ii) the type of property securing the
Mortgage Loans (e.g., one- to four-family houses, multifamily residential
dwellings, shares in Cooperatives and the related proprietary leases or
occupancy agreements, condominium units and other attached units, new or used
Manufactured Homes and vacation and second homes), (iii) the original terms to
maturity of the Mortgage Loans, (iv) the earliest origination date and latest
maturity date, (v) the aggregate principal balance of Mortgage Loans having
Loan-to-Value Ratios at origination exceeding 80%, or, with respect to Mortgage
Loans secured by a junior lien, the aggregate principal balance of Mortgage
Loans having combined Loan-to-Value Ratios exceeding 80%, (vi) the Interest
Rates or range of Interest Rates borne by the Mortgage Loans or mortgage loans
underlying the Agency Securities or Private Mortgage-Backed Securities, (vii)
the geographical distribution of the Mortgage Loans on a state-by-state basis,
(viii) the number and aggregate principal balance of Buydown Mortgage Loans, if
any, (ix) the weighted average Retained Interest, if any, (x) with respect to
ARM Loans, the adjustment dates, the highest, lowest and weighted average
margin, and the maximum Interest Rate variation at the time of any adjustment
and over the life of the ARM Loan, and (xi) with respect to Mortgage Loans of
the type described in (5) above, whether such loans provide for payments of
interest only for any period and the frequency and amount by which, and the term
during which, monthly payments adjust. If specific information respecting the
Trust Fund Assets is not known to the Depositor at the time Certificates are
initially offered, more general information of the nature described above will
be provided in the Prospectus Supplement, and specific information will be set
forth in a report which will be available to purchasers of the related
Certificates at or before the initial issuance thereof and will be filed as part
of a report on Form 8-K with the Securities and Exchange Commission within
fifteen days after such initial issuance.
No assurance can be given that values of the Mortgaged Properties have
remained or will remain at their levels on the respective dates of origination
of the related Mortgage Loans. If the residential real estate market should
experience an overall decline in property values such that the outstanding
principal balances of the Mortgage Loans, and any secondary financing on the
Mortgaged Properties, in a particular Mortgage Pool become equal to or greater
than the value of the Mortgaged Properties, the rates of delinquencies,
foreclosures or repossessions and losses could be higher than those now
generally experienced by institutional lenders. Manufactured Homes are less
likely to experience appreciation in value and more likely to experience
depreciation in value over time than other types of housing properties. In
addition, adverse economic conditions (which may or may not affect real property
values) may affect the timely payment by borrowers of scheduled payments of
principal and interest on the Mortgage Loans and, accordingly, the rates of
delinquencies, foreclosures or repossessions and losses with respect to any
Mortgage Pool. To the extent that such losses are not covered by Credit Support,
such losses will be borne, at least in part, by the holders of one or more
classes of the Certificates of the related series offered hereby.
The Depositor will cause the Mortgage Loans comprising each Trust Fund to
be assigned to the Trustee named in the related Prospectus Supplement for the
benefit of the holders of the Certificates of the related series. The Master
Servicer named in the related Prospectus Supplement will service the Mortgage
Loans, either directly or through other loan servicing institutions pursuant to
a Pooling and Servicing Agreement among the Depositor, itself and the Trustee,
and will receive a fee for such services. See "Mortgage Loan Program" and
"Description of the Certificates". With respect to Mortgage Loans serviced by
the Master Servicer through a Sub-Servicer, the Master Servicer will remain
liable for its servicing obligations under the related Pooling and Servicing
Agreement as if the Master Servicer alone were servicing such Mortgage Loans.
The Depositor will make certain representations and warranties regarding
the Mortgage Loans, but its assignment of the Mortgage Loans to the Trustee will
be without recourse. See "Description of the Certificates-Assignment of Trust
Fund Assets". The obligations of the Master Servicer with respect to the
Mortgage Loans will consist principally of its contractual servicing obligations
under the related Pooling and Servicing Agreement (including its obligation to
enforce certain purchase and other obligations of Sub-Servicers or Mortgage Loan
Sellers, or both, as more fully described herein under "Mortgage Loan
Program-
17
<PAGE>
Representations by or on behalf of Mortgage Loan Sellers; Repurchases"
and "Description of the Certificates-Sub-Servicing" and "Assignment of Trust
Fund Assets") and, unless otherwise provided in the related Prospectus
Supplement, its obligation to make certain cash advances in the event of
delinquencies in payments on or with respect to the Mortgage Loans in amounts
described herein under "Description of the Certificates-Advances in respect of
Delinquencies". Any obligation of the Master Servicer to make advances may be
subject to limitations, to the extent provided herein and in the related
Prospectus Supplement.
Single-Family Loans
The Single-Family Loans will be evidenced by promissory notes (the
"Mortgage Notes") secured by first mortgages or first deeds of trust (the
"Mortgages") creating a first lien on the Single-Family Properties. The
Single-Family Properties will consist of one- to four-family residences,
including detached and attached dwellings, townhouses, rowhouses, individual
condominium units, individual units in planned-unit developments and individual
units in de minimis planned-unit developments. Single-Family Loans may be
conventional loans, FHA-insured loans or VA-guaranteed loans as specified in the
related Prospectus Supplement.
Multifamily Loans
The Multifamily Loans will be evidenced by Mortgage Notes secured by
Mortgages creating a first lien on the Multifamily Properties. The Multifamily
Properties will consist of rental apartments or projects (including apartment
buildings owned by cooperative housing cooperatives) containing five or more
dwelling units. Multifamily Properties may include high-rise, mid-rise and
garden apartments. Multifamily Loans may be conventional loans or FHA-insured
loans as specified in the related Prospectus Supplement.
Cooperative Loans
The Cooperative Loans will be evidenced by promissory notes (the
"Cooperative Notes") secured by security interests in shares issued by
Cooperatives and in the related proprietary leases or occupancy agreements
granting exclusive rights to occupy specific Cooperative Units in the related
buildings.
Contracts
The Contracts will consist of manufactured housing conditional sales
contracts and installment loan agreements each secured by a Manufactured Home.
The Manufactured Homes securing the Contracts will consist of manufactured homes
within the meaning of 42 United States Code, Section 5402(6), which defines a
"manufactured home" as "a structure, transportable in one or more sections,
which in the traveling mode, is eight body feet or more in width or forty body
feet or more in length, or, when erected on site, is three hundred twenty or
more square feet, and which is built on a permanent chassis and designed to be
used as a dwelling with or without a permanent foundation when connected to the
required utilities, and includes the plumbing, heating, air conditioning, and
electrical systems contained therein; except that such term shall include any
structure which meets all the requirements of this paragraph except the size
requirements and with respect to which the manufacturer voluntarily files a
certification required by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development and
complies with the standards established under this chapter."
Agency Securities
Government National Mortgage Association
GNMA is a wholly-owned corporate instrumentality of the United States with
the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development. Section 306(g) of
Title II of the National Housing Act of 1934, as amended (the "Housing Act"),
authorizes GNMA to guarantee the timely payment of the principal of and interest
on certificates which represent an interest in a pool of mortgage loans insured
by FHA under the Housing Act, or Title V of the Housing Act of 1949 ("FHA
Loans"), or partially guaranteed by the VA under the Servicemen's Readjustment
Act of 1944, as amended, or Chapter 37 of Title 38, United States Code ("VA
Loans").
18
<PAGE>
Section 306(g) of the Housing Act provides that "the full faith and credit
of the United States is pledged to the payment of all amounts which may be
required to be paid under any guarantee under this subsection." In order to meet
its obligations under any such guarantee, GNMA may, under Section 306(d) of the
Housing Act, borrow from the United States Treasury in an amount which is at
anytime sufficient to enable GNMA, with no limitations as to amount, to perform
its obligations under its guarantee.
GNMA Certificates
Each GNMA Certificate held in a Trust Fund (which may be issued under
either the GNMA I program or the GNMA II program) will be a "fully modified
pass-through" mortgaged-backed certificate issued and serviced by a mortgage
banking company or other financial concern ("GNMA Issuer") approved by GNMA or
approved by FNMA as a seller-servicer of FHA Loans and/or VA Loans. The mortgage
loans underlying the GNMA Certificates will consist of FHA Loans and/or VA
Loans. Each such mortgage loan is secured by a one- to four-family residential
property. GNMA will approve the issuance of each such GNMA Certificate in
accordance with a guaranty agreement (a "Guaranty Agreement") between GNMA and
the GNMA Issuer. Pursuant to its Guaranty Agreement, a GNMA Issuer will be
required to advance its own funds in order to make timely payments of all
amounts due on each such GNMA Certificate, even if the payments received by the
GNMA Issuer on the FHA Loans or VA Loans underlying each such GNMA Certificate
are less than the amounts due on each such GNMA Certificate.
The full and timely payment of principal of and interest on each GNMA
Certificate will be guaranteed by GNMA, which obligation is backed by the full
faith and credit of the United States. Each such GNMA Certificate will have an
original maturity of not more than 30 years (but may have original maturities of
substantially less than 30 years). Each such GNMA Certificate will be based on
and backed by a pool of FHA Loans or VA Loans secured by one- to four-family
residential properties and will provide for the payment by or on behalf of the
GNMA Issuer to the registered holder of such GNMA Certificate of scheduled
monthly payments of principal and interest equal to the registered holder's
proportionate interest in the aggregate amount of the monthly principal and
interest payment on each FHA Loan or VA Loan underlying such GNMA Certificate,
less the applicable servicing and guarantee fee which together equal the
difference between the interest on the FHA Loan or VA Loan and the pass-through
rate on the GNMA Certificate. In addition, each payment will include
proportionate pass-through payments of any prepayments of principal on the FHA
Loans or VA Loans underlying such GNMA Certificate and liquidation proceeds in
the event of a foreclosure or other disposition of any such FHA Loans or VA
Loans.
If a GNMA Issuer is unable to make the payments on a GNMA Certificate as it
becomes due, it must promptly notify GNMA and request GNMA to make such payment.
Upon notification and request, GNMA will make such payments directly to the
registered holder of such GNMA Certificate. In the event no payment is made by a
GNMA Issuer and the GNMA Issuer fails to notify and request GNMA to make such
payment, the holder of such GNMA Certificate will have recourse only against
GNMA to obtain such payment. The Trustee or its nominee, as registered holder of
the GNMA Certificates held in a Trust Fund, will have the right to proceed
directly against GNMA under the terms of the Guaranty Agreements relating to
such GNMA Certificates for any amounts that are not paid when due.
All mortgage loans underlying a particular GNMA I Certificate must have the
same interest rate (except for pools of mortgage loans secured by manufactured
homes) over the term of the loan. The interest rate on such GNMA I Certificate
will equal the interest rate on the mortgage loans included in the pool of
mortgage loans underlying such GNMA I Certificate, less one-half percentage
point per annum of the unpaid principal balance of the mortgage loans.
Mortgage loans underlying a particular GNMA II Certificate may have per
annum interest rates that vary from each other by up to one percentage point.
The interest rate on each GNMA II Certificate will be between one-half
percentage point and one and one-half percentage points lower than the highest
interest rate on the mortgage loans included in the pool of mortgage loans
underlying such GNMA II Certificate (except for pools of mortgage loans secured
by manufactured homes).
Regular monthly installment payments on each GNMA Certificate held in a
Trust Fund will be comprised of interest due as specified on such GNMA
Certificate plus the scheduled principal payments on the FHA
19
<PAGE>
Loans or VA Loans underlying such GNMA Certificate due on the first day of the
month in which the scheduled monthly installments on such GNMA Certificate is
due. Such regular monthly installments on each such GNMA Certificate are
required to be paid to the Trustee as registered holder by the 15th day of each
month in the case of a GNMA I Certificate and are required to be mailed to the
Trustee by the 20th day of each month in the case of a GNMA II Certificate. Any
principal prepayments on any FHA Loans or VA Loans underlying a GNMA Certificate
held in a Trust Fund or any other early recovery of principal on such loan will
be passed through to the Trustee as the registered holder of such GNMA
Certificate.
GNMA Certificates may be backed by graduated payment mortgage loans or by
"buydown" mortgage loans for which funds will have been provided (and deposited
into escrow accounts) for application to the payment of a portion of the
borrowers' monthly payments during the early years of such mortgage loan.
Payments due the registered holders of GNMA Certificates backed by pools
containing "buydown" mortgage loans will be computed in the same manner as
payments derived from other GNMA Certificates and will include amounts to be
collected from both the borrower and the related escrow account. The graduated
payment mortgage loans will provide for graduated interest payments that, during
the early years of such mortgage loans, will be less than the amount of stated
interest on such mortgage loans. The interest not so paid will be added to the
principal of such graduated payment mortgage loans and, together with interest
thereon, will be paid in subsequent years. The obligations of GNMA and of a GNMA
Issuer will be the same irrespective of whether the GNMA Certificates are backed
by graduated payment mortgage loans or "buydown" mortgage loans. No statistics
comparable to the FHA's prepayment experience on level payment, non-"buydown"
mortgage loans are available in respect of graduated payment or "buydown"
mortgages. GNMA Certificates related to a series of Certificates may be held in
book-entry form.
If specified in a Prospectus Supplement, GNMA Certificates may be backed by
multifamily mortgage loans having the characteristics specified in such
Prospectus Supplement.
Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation
FHLMC is a corporate instrumentality of the United States created pursuant
to Title III of the Emergency Home Finance Act of 1970, as amended (the "FHLMC
Act"). The common stock of FHLMC is owned by the Federal Home Loan Banks. FHLMC
was established primarily for the purpose of increasing the availability of
mortgage credit for the financing of urgently needed housing. It seeks to
provide an enhanced degree of liquidity for residential mortgage investments
primarily by assisting in the development of secondary markets for conventional
mortgages. The principal activity of FHLMC currently consists of the purchase of
first lien conventional mortgage loans or participation interests in such
mortgage loans and the sale of the mortgage loans or participations so purchased
in the form of mortgage securities, primarily FHLMC Certificates. FHLMC is
confined to purchasing, so far as practicable, mortgage loans that it deems to
be of such quality, type and class as to meet generally the purchase standards
imposed by private institutional mortgage investors.
FHLMC Certificates
Each FHLMC Certificate represents an undivided interest in a pool of
mortgage loans that may consist of first lien conventional loans, FHA Loans or
VA Loans (a "FHLMC Certificate group"). FHLMC Certificates are sold under the
terms of a Mortgage Participation Certificate Agreement. A FHLMC Certificate may
be issued under either FHLMC's Cash Program or Guarantor Program.
Mortgage loans underlying the FHLMC Certificates held in a Trust Fund will
consist of mortgage loans with original terms to maturity of between 10 and 30
years. Each such mortgage loan must meet the applicable standards set forth in
the FHLMC Act. A FHLMC Certificate group may include whole loans, participation
interests in whole loans and undivided interests in whole loans and/or
participations comprising another FHLMC Certificate group. Under the Guarantor
Program, any such FHLMC Certificate group may include only whole loans or
participation interests in whole loans.
FHLMC guarantees to each registered holder of a FHLMC Certificate the
timely payment of interest on the underlying mortgage loans to the extent of the
applicable Certificate rate on the registered holder's pro rata share of the
unpaid principal balance outstanding on the underlying mortgage loans in the
FHLMC Certificate group represented by such FHLMC Certificate, whether or not
received. FHLMC also guarantees
20
<PAGE>
to each registered holder of a FHLMC Certificate collection by such holder of
all principal on the underlying mortgage loans, without any offset or deduction,
to the extent of such holder's pro rata share thereof, but does not, except if
and to the extent specified in the Prospectus Supplement for a series of
Certificates, guarantee the timely payment of scheduled principal. Under FHLMC's
Gold PC Program, FHLMC guarantees the timely payment of principal based on the
difference between the pool factor, published in the month preceding the month
of distribution and the pool factor published in such month of distribution.
Pursuant to its guarantees, FHLMC indemnifies holders of FHLMC Certificates
against any diminution in principal by reason of charges for property repairs,
maintenance and foreclosure. FHLMC may remit the amount due on account of its
guarantee of collection of principal at any time after default on an underlying
mortgage loan, but not later than (i) 30 days following foreclosure sale, (ii)
30 days following payment of the claim by any mortgage insurer, or (iii) 30 days
following the expiration of any right of redemption, whichever occurs later, but
in any event no later than one year after demand has been made upon the
mortgagor for accelerated payment of principal. In taking actions regarding the
collection of principal after default on the mortgage loans underlying FHLMC
Certificates, including the timing of demand for acceleration, FHLMC reserves
the right to exercise its judgment with respect to the mortgage loans in the
same manner as for mortgage loans which it has purchased but not sold. The
length of time necessary for FHLMC to determine that a mortgage loan should be
accelerated varies with the particular circumstances of each mortgagor, and
FHLMC has not adopted standards which require that the demand be made within any
specified period.
FHLMC Certificates are not guaranteed by the United States or by any
Federal Home Loan Bank and do not constitute debts or obligations of the United
States or any Federal Home Loan Bank. The obligations of FHLMC under its
guarantee are obligations solely of FHLMC and are not backed by, nor entitled
to, the full faith and credit of the United States. If FHLMC were unable to
satisfy such obligations, distributions to holders of FHLMC Certificates would
consist solely of payments and other recoveries on the underlying mortgage loans
and, accordingly, monthly distributions to holders of FHLMC Certificates would
be affected by delinquent payments and defaults on such mortgage loans.
Registered holders of FHLMC Certificates are entitled to receive their
monthly pro rata share of all principal payments on the underlying mortgage
loans received by FHLMC, including any scheduled principal payments, full and
partial repayments of principal and principal received by FHLMC by virtue of
condemnation, insurance, liquidation or foreclosure, and repurchases of the
mortgage loans by FHLMC or the seller thereof. FHLMC is required to remit each
registered FHLMC Certificateholder's pro rata share of principal payments on the
underlying mortgage loans, interest at the FHLMC pass-through rate and any other
sums such as prepayment fees, within 60 days of the date on which such payments
are deemed to have been received by FHLMC.
Under FHLMC's Cash Program, there is no limitation on the amount by which
interest rates on the mortgage loans underlying a FHLMC Certificate may exceed
the pass-through rate on the FHLMC Certificate. Under such program, FHLMC
purchases groups of whole mortgage loans from sellers at specified percentages
of their unpaid principal balances, adjusted for accrued or prepaid interest,
which when applied to the interest rate of the mortgage loans and participations
purchased, results in the yield (expressed as a percentage) required by FHLMC.
The required yield, which includes a minimum servicing fee retained by the
servicer, is calculated using the outstanding principal balance. The range of
interest rates on the mortgage loans and participations in a FHLMC Certificate
group under the Cash Program will vary since mortgage loans and participations
are purchased and assigned to a FHLMC Certificate group based upon their yield
to FHLMC rather than on the interest rate on the underlying mortgage loans.
Under FHLMC's Guarantor Program, the pass-through rate on a FHLMC Certificate is
established based upon the lowest interest rate on the underlying mortgage
loans, minus a minimum servicing fee and the amount of FHLMC's management and
guaranty income as agreed upon between the seller and FHLMC.
FHLMC Certificates duly presented for registration of ownership on or
before the last business day of a month are registered effective as of the first
day of the month. The first remittance to a registered holder of a FHLMC
Certificate will be distributed so as to be received normally by the 15th day of
the second month following the month in which the purchaser became a registered
holder of the FHLMC Certificates. Thereafter, such remittance will be
distributed monthly to the registered holder so as to be received normally by
the 15th day of each month. The Federal Reserve Bank of New York maintains
book-entry accounts with
21
<PAGE>
respect to FHLMC Certificates sold by FHLMC on or after January 2, 1985, and
makes payments of principal and interest each month to the registered holders
thereof in accordance with such holders' instructions.
Federal National Mortgage Association
FNMA is a federally chartered and privately owned corporation organized and
existing under the Federal National Mortgage Association Charter Act (the
"Charter Act"). FNMA was originally established in 1938 as a United States
government agency to provide supplemental liquidity to the mortgage market and
was transformed into a stockholder-owned and privately-managed corporation by
legislation enacted in 1968.
FNMA provides funds to the mortgage market primarily by purchasing mortgage
loans from lenders, thereby replenishing their funds for additional lending.
FNMA acquires funds to purchase mortgage loans from many capital market
investors that may not ordinarily invest in mortgages, thereby expanding the
total amount of funds available for housing. Operating nationwide, FNMA helps to
redistribute mortgage funds from capital-surplus to capital-short areas.
FNMA Certificates
FNMA Certificates are Guaranteed Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates
representing fractional undivided interests in a pool of mortgage loans formed
by FNMA. Each mortgage loan must meet the applicable standards of the FNMA
purchase program. Mortgage loans comprising a pool are either provided by FNMA
from its own portfolio or purchased pursuant to the criteria of the FNMA
purchase program.
Mortgage loans underlying FNMA Certificates held in a Trust Fund will
consist of conventional mortgage loans, FHA Loans or VA Loans. Original
maturities of substantially all of the conventional, level payment mortgage
loans underlying a FNMA Certificate are expected to be between either 8 to 15
years or 20 to 30 years. The original maturities of substantially all of the
fixed rate level payment FHA Loans or VA Loans are expected to be 30 years.
Mortgage loans underlying a FNMA Certificate may have annual interest rates
that vary by as much as two percentage points from each other. The rate of
interest payable on a FNMA Certificate is equal to the lowest interest rate of
any mortgage loan in the related pool, less a specified minimum annual
percentage representing servicing compensation and FNMA's guaranty fee. Under a
regular servicing option (pursuant to which the mortgagee or other servicers
assumes the entire risk of foreclosure losses), the annual interest rates on the
mortgage loans underlying a FNMA Certificate will be between 50 basis points and
250 basis points greater than in its annual pass-through rate and under a
special servicing option (pursuant to which FNMA assumes the entire risk for
foreclosure losses), the annual interest rates on the mortgage loans underlying
a FNMA Certificate will generally be between 55 basis points and 255 basis
points greater than the annual FNMA Certificate pass-through rate. If specified
in the Prospectus Supplement, FNMA Certificates may be backed by adjustable rate
mortgages.
FNMA guarantees to each registered holder of a FNMA Certificate that it
will distribute amounts representing such holder's proportionate share of
scheduled principal and interest payments at the applicable pass-through rate
provided for by such FNMA Certificate on the underlying mortgage loans, whether
or not received, and such holder's proportionate share of the full principal
amount of any foreclosed or other finally liquidated mortgage loan, whether or
not such principal amount is actually recovered. The obligations of FNMA under
its guarantees are obligations solely of FNMA and are not backed by, nor
entitled to, the full faith and credit of the United States. Although the
Secretary of the Treasury of the United States has discretionary authority to
lend FNMA up to $2.25 billion outstanding at any time, neither the United States
nor any agency thereof is obligated to finance FNMA's operations or to assist
FNMA in any other manner. If FNMA were unable to satisfy its obligations,
distributions to holders of FNMA Certificates would consist solely of payments
and other recoveries on the underlying mortgage loans and, accordingly, monthly
distributions to holders of FNMA Certificates would be affected by delinquent
payments and defaults on such mortgage loans.
FNMA Certificates evidencing interests in pools of mortgage loans formed on
or after May 1, 1985 (other than FNMA Certificates backed by pools containing
graduated payment mortgage loans or mortgage loans secured by multifamily
projects) are available in book-entry form only. Distributions of principal and
interest
22
<PAGE>
on each FNMA Certificate will be made by FNMA on the 25th day of each month to
the persons in whose name the FNMA Certificate is entered in the books of the
Federal Reserve Banks (or registered on the FNMA Certificate register in the
case of fully registered FNMA Certificates) as of the close of business on the
last day of the preceding month. With respect to FNMA Certificates issued in
book-entry form, distributions thereon will be made by wire, and with respect to
fully registered FNMA Certificates, distributions thereon will be made by check.
Stripped Mortgage-Backed Securities
Agency Securities may consist of one or more stripped mortgage-backed
securities, each as described herein and in the related Prospectus Supplement.
Each such Agency Security will represent an undivided interest in all or part of
either the principal distributions (but not the interest distributions) or the
interest distributions (but not the principal distributions), or in some
specified portion of the principal and interest distributions (but not all of
such distributions) on certain FHLMC, FNMA or GNMA Certificates. The underlying
securities will be held under a trust agreement by FHLMC, FNMA or GNMA, each as
trustee, or by another trustee named in the related Prospectus Supplement.
FHLMC, FNMA or GNMA will guarantee each stripped Agency Security to the same
extent as such entity guarantees the underlying securities backing such stripped
Agency Security, unless otherwise specified in the related Prospectus
Supplement.
Other Agency Securities
If specified in the related Prospectus Supplement, a Trust Fund may include
other mortgage pass-through certificates issued or guaranteed by GNMA, FNMA or
FHLMC. The characteristics of any such mortgage pass-through certificates will
be described in such Prospectus Supplement. If so specified, a combination of
different types of Agency Securities may be held in a Trust Fund.
Private Mortgage-Backed Securities
General
Private Mortgage-Backed Securities may consist of (a) mortgage pass-through
certificates evidencing an undivided interest in a pool of mortgage loans or (b)
collateralized mortgage obligations secured by mortgage loans. Private
Mortgage-Backed Securities will have been issued pursuant to a pooling and
servicing agreement, an indenture or similar agreement (a "PMBS Agreement"). The
seller/servicer of the underlying mortgage loans will have entered into the PMBS
Agreement with the trustee under such PMBS Agreement (the "PMBS Trustee"). The
PMBS Trustee or its agent, or a custodian, will possess the mortgage loans
underlying such Private Mortgage-Backed Security. Mortgage loans underlying a
Private Mortgage-Backed Security will be serviced by a servicer (the "PMBS
Servicer") directly or by one or more subservicers who may be subject to the
supervision of the PMBS Servicer. The PMBS Servicer will be a FNMA or FHLMC
approved servicer and, if FHA Loans underlie the Private Mortgage-Backed
Securities, approved by HUD as an FHA mortgagee.
The issuer of the Private Mortgage-Backed Securities (the "PMBS Issuer")
will be a financial institution or other entity engaged generally in the
business of mortgage lending, a public agency or instrumentality of a state,
local or federal government, or a limited purpose corporation organized for the
purpose of among other things, establishing trusts and acquiring and selling
housing loans to such trusts and selling beneficial interests in such trusts. If
so specified in the Prospectus Supplement, the PMBS Issuer may be an affiliate
of the Depositor. The obligations of the PMBS Issuer will generally be limited
to certain representations and warranties with respect to the assets conveyed by
it to the related trust. Unless otherwise specified in the related Prospectus
Supplement, the PMBS Issuer will not have guaranteed any of the assets conveyed
to the related trust or any of the Private Mortgage-Backed Securities issued
under the PMBS Agreement. Additionally, although the mortgage loans underlying
the Private Mortgage-Backed Securities may be guaranteed by an agency or
instrumentality of the United States, the Private Mortgage-Backed Securities
themselves will not be so guaranteed.
Distributions of principal and interest will be made on the Private
Mortgage-Backed Securities on the dates specified in the related Prospectus
Supplement. The Private Mortgage-Backed Securities may be
23
<PAGE>
entitled to receive nominal or no principal distributions or nominal or no
interest distributions. Principal and interest distributions will be made on the
Private Mortgage-Backed Securities by the PMBS Trustee or the PMBS Servicer. The
PMBS Issuer or the PMBS Servicer may have the right to repurchase assets
underlying the Private Mortgage-Backed Securities after a certain date or under
other circumstances specified in the related Prospectus Supplement.
Underlying Loans
The mortgage loans underlying the Private Mortgage-Backed Securities may
consist of fixed rate, level payment, fully amortizing loans or graduated
payment mortgage loans, buy-down loans, adjustable rate mortgage loans, or loans
having balloon or other special payment features. Such Mortgage Loans may be
secured by single family property, multifamily property, manufactured homes or
by an assignment of the proprietary lease or occupancy agreement relating to a
specific dwelling within a Cooperative and the related shares issued by such
Cooperative. Except as otherwise specified in the related Prospectus Supplement,
(i) no mortgage loan will have had a Loan-to-Value Ratio at origination in
excess of 95%, (ii) each single family loan secured by a mortgaged property
having a loan-to-value ratio in excess of 80% at origination will be covered by
a primary mortgage insurance policy, (iii) each mortgage loan will have had an
original term to stated maturity of not less than 5 years and not more than 40
years, (iv) no mortgage loan that was more than 30 days delinquent as to the
payment of principal or interest will have been eligible for inclusion in the
assets under the related PMBS Agreement, (v) each mortgage loan (other than a
cooperative loan) will be required to be covered by a standard hazard insurance
policy (which may be a blanket policy) and (vi) each mortgage loan (other than a
cooperative loan or a Contract secured by a manufactured home) will be covered
by a title insurance policy.
Credit Support Relating to Private Mortgage-Backed Securities
Credit support in the form of reserve funds, subordination of other private
mortgage-backed securities issued under the PMBS Agreement, letters of credit,
insurance policies or other types of credit support may be provided with respect
to the mortgage loans underlying the Private Mortgage-Backed Securities or with
respect to the Private Mortgage-Backed Securities themselves.
Additional Information
The Prospectus Supplement for a series for which the Trust Fund includes
Private Mortgage-Backed Securities will specify (i) the aggregate approximate
principal amount and type of the Private Mortgage-Backed Securities to be
included in the Trust Fund, (ii) certain characteristics of the mortgage loans
which comprise the underlying assets for the Private Mortgage-Backed Securities
including (A) the payment features of such mortgage loans, (B) the approximate
aggregate principal balance, if known, of underlying mortgage loans insured or
guaranteed by a governmental entity, (C) the servicing fee or range of servicing
fees with respect to the mortgage loans and (D) the minimum and maximum stated
maturities of the underlying mortgage loans at origination, (iii) the maximum
original term-to-stated maturity of the Private Mortgage-Backed Securities, (iv)
the weighted average term-to-stated maturity of the Private Mortgage-Backed
Securities, (v) the pass-through or certificate rate of the Private
Mortgage-Backed Securities, (vi) the weighted average pass-through or
certificate rate of the Private Mortgage-Backed Securities, (vii) the PMBS
Issuer, the PMBS Servicer (if other than the PMBS Issuer) and the PMBS Trustee
for such Private Mortgage-Backed Securities, (viii) certain characteristics of
credit support, if any, such as reserve funds, insurance policies, letters of
credit or guarantees relating to the mortgage loans underlying the Private
Mortgage-Backed Securities or to such Private Mortgage-Backed Securities
themselves, (ix) the term on which the underlying mortgage loans for such
Private Mortgage-Backed Securities may, or are required to, be purchased prior
to their stated maturity or the stated maturity of the Private Mortgage-Backed
Securities and (x) the terms on which mortgage loans may be substituted for
those originally underlying the Private Mortgage-Backed Securities.
24
<PAGE>
USE OF PROCEEDS
The net proceeds to be received from the sale of the Certificates will be
applied by the Depositor to the purchase of Trust Fund Assets or will be used by
the Depositor for general corporate purposes. The Depositor expects that it will
make additional sales of securities similar to the Certificates from time to
time, but the timing and amount of offerings of Certificates will depend on a
number of factors, including the volume of Trust Fund Assets acquired by the
Depositor, prevailing interest rates, availability of funds and general market
conditions.
YIELD CONSIDERATIONS
Unless otherwise provided in the related Prospectus Supplement, each
monthly interest payment on a Trust Fund Asset is calculated as one-twelfth of
the applicable Interest Rate multiplied by the unpaid principal balance thereof.
Interest to be distributed on each Distribution Date to the holders of the
various classes of Certificates (other than certain classes of Strip
Certificates) of each series will be similarly calculated for the applicable
period, as one-twelfth of the applicable Pass-Through Rate multiplied by the
outstanding Certificate Principal Balance thereof, except as provided below with
respect to prepayments. In the case of Strip Certificates with no or, in certain
cases, a nominal Certificate Principal Balance, such distributions of interest
will be in an amount (as to any Distribution Date, "Stripped Interest")
described in the related Prospectus Supplement.
The effective yield to Certificateholders will be lower than the yield
otherwise produced by the applicable Pass-Through Rate (or, as to a Strip
Certificate, the distributions of Stripped Interest thereon) and purchase price,
because although interest accrued on each Trust Fund Asset during each month is
due and payable on the first day of the following month (unless otherwise
provided in the related Prospectus Supplement), the distribution of interest on
the Certificates will not be made until the Distribution Date occurring in the
month following the month of accrual of interest in the case of Mortgage Loans,
and in later months in the case of Agency Securities or Private Mortgage-Backed
Securities and in the case of a series of Certificates having Distribution Dates
occurring at intervals less frequently than monthly.
Unless otherwise specified in the related Prospectus Supplement, when a
principal prepayment in full is made on a Mortgage Loan or a mortgage loan
underlying a Private Mortgage-Backed Security, the borrower is charged interest
only for the period from the due date of the preceding monthly payment up to the
date of such prepayment, instead of for a full month. Accordingly, the effect of
principal prepayments in full during any month will be to reduce the aggregate
amount of interest collected that is available for distribution to
Certificateholders. If so provided in the related Prospectus Supplement, certain
of the Mortgage Loans or the mortgage loans underlying a Private Mortgage-Backed
Security may contain provisions limiting prepayments hereof or requiring the
payment of a prepayment penalty upon prepayment in full or in part. Unless
otherwise provided in the related Prospectus Supplement, any such penalty will
be applied to offset the above-described shortfalls in interest collections on
the related Distribution Date. Unless otherwise specified in the related
Prospectus Supplement, partial principal prepayments are applied on the first
day of the month following receipt, with no resulting reduction in interest
payable for the period in which the partial principal prepayment is made. Unless
specified otherwise in the related Prospectus Supplement, neither the Trustee,
the Master Servicer nor the Depositor will be obligated to fund shortfalls in
interest collections resulting from prepayments. Holders of Agency Securities
are entitled to a full month's interest in connection with prepayments in full
of the underlying mortgage loans. Full and partial principal prepayments
collected during the applicable Prepayment Period will be available for
distribution to Certificateholders on the related Distribution Date. Unless
otherwise provided in the related Prospectus Supplement, a "Prepayment Period"
in respect of any Distribution Date will commence on the first day of the month
in which the preceding Distribution Date occurs (or, as to the first Prepayment
Period, the day after the Cut-off Date) and will end on the last day of the
month prior to the month in which the related Distribution Date occurs. See
"Maturity and Prepayment Considerations" and "Description of the
Certificates-General".
The Prospectus Supplement for each series of Certificates may set forth
additional information regarding yield considerations.
25
<PAGE>
MATURITY AND PREPAYMENT CONSIDERATIONS
The original terms to maturity of the Trust Fund Assets in a particular
Trust Fund will vary depending upon the type of mortgage loans underlying or
comprising the Trust Fund Assets in such Trust Fund. Each Prospectus Supplement
will contain information with respect to the type and maturities of the Trust
Fund Assets in the related Trust Fund. Unless otherwise specified in the related
Prospectus Supplement, all of the Single-Family Loans, Cooperative Loans and
Contracts and all of the mortgage loans underlying the Agency Securities and
Private Mortgage-Backed Securities may be prepaid without penalty in full or in
part at any time. If so provided in the related Prospectus Supplement, certain
of the Mortgage Loans may contain provisions prohibiting prepayment for a
specified period after the origination date (a "Lockout Period"), prohibiting
partial prepayments entirely or prohibiting prepayment in full or in part
without a prepayment penalty.
The prepayment experience on the mortgage loans underlying or comprising
the Trust Fund Assets in a Trust Fund will affect the weighted average life of
the related series of Certificates. Weighted average life refers to the average
amount of time that will elapse from the date of issuance of a security until
each dollar of principal of such security will be repaid to the investor. The
weighted average life of the Certificates of a series will be influenced by the
rate at which principal on the mortgage loans underlying or comprising the Trust
Fund Assets included in the related Trust Fund is paid, which payments may be in
the form of scheduled amortization or prepayments (for this purpose, the term
"prepayment" includes prepayments, in whole or in part, and liquidations due to
default and hazard or condemnation losses). The rate of prepayment with respect
to fixed rate mortgage loans has fluctuated significantly in recent years. In
general, if interest rates fall below the Interest Rates on the mortgage loans
underlying or comprising the Trust Fund Assets, the rate of prepayment would be
expected to increase. There can be no assurance as to the rate of prepayment of
the mortgage loans underlying or comprising the Trust Fund Assets in any Trust
Fund. The Depositor is not aware of any publicly available statistics relating
to the principal prepayment experience of diverse portfolios of mortgage loans
over an extended period of time. All statistics known to the Depositor that have
been compiled with respect to prepayment experience on mortgage loans indicates
that while some mortgage loans may remain outstanding until their stated
maturities, a substantial number will be paid prior to their respective stated
maturities.
A number of factors, including homeowner mobility, economic conditions,
enforceability of due-on-sale clauses, mortgage market interest rates, the terms
of the mortgage loans (as affected by the existence of lockout provisions,
due-on-sale and due-on-encumbrance clauses and prepayment fees), the quality of
management of the mortgaged properties, possible changes in tax laws and the
availability of mortgage funds, may affect prepayment experience. Unless
otherwise provided in the related Prospectus Supplement, all Mortgage Loans or
mortgage loans underlying Private Mortgage-Backed Securities will contain
due-on-sale provisions permitting the lender to accelerate the maturity of such
mortgage loan upon sale or certain transfers by the borrower of the underlying
Mortgaged Property. The Multifamily Loans may contain due-on-encumbrance
provisions (permitting the lender to accelerate the maturity of the Multifamily
Loan upon further encumbrance by the borrower of the underlying Multifamily
Property). Conventional mortgage loans that underlie FHLMC Certificates and FNMA
Certificates may contain, and in certain instances must contain, such
due-on-sale provisions. FHA Loans, VA Loans and other mortgage loans underlying
GNMA Certificates contain no such clause and may be assumed by the purchaser of
the mortgaged property. Thus, the rate of prepayments on FHA Loans, VA Loans and
other mortgage loans underlying GNMA Certificates may be lower than that of
conventional Mortgage Loans bearing comparable interest rates.
With respect to a series of Certificates evidencing interests in the Trust
Fund including Mortgage Loans, unless otherwise provided in the related
Prospectus Supplement, the Master Servicer generally will enforce any
due-on-sale clause or due-on-encumbrance clause, to the extent it has knowledge
of the conveyance or encumbrance or the proposed conveyance or encumbrance of
the underlying Mortgaged Property and reasonably believes that it is entitled to
do so under applicable law; provided, however, that the Master Servicer will not
take any enforcement action that would impair or threaten to impair any recovery
under any related insurance policy. See "Description of the
Certificates-Collection and Other Servicing Procedures" and "Certain Legal
Aspects of Mortgage Loans-Enforceability of Certain Provisions" and "Prepayment
Charges and Prepayments" for a description of certain provisions of each
Agreement and certain legal developments that may affect the prepayment
experience on the Mortgage Loans. See "Description of the
Certificates-
26
<PAGE>
Termination" for a description of the possible early termination of any series
of Certificates. See also "Mortgage Loan Program-Representations by or on behalf
of Mortgage Loan Sellers; Repurchases" and "Description of the
Certificates-Assignment of Trust Fund Assets" for a description of the
obligation of the Mortgage Loan Sellers, the Master Servicer and the Depositor
to repurchase Mortgage Loans under certain circumstances.
THE DEPOSITOR
The Depositor was incorporated in the State of Delaware on January 27, 1987
as an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Salomon Inc. The Depositor was
organized for the purpose of serving as a private secondary mortgage market
conduit. The Depositor maintains its principal office at Seven World Trade
Center, New York, New York 10048. Its telephone number is (212) 783-7228.
The Depositor does not have, nor is it expected in the future to have, any
significant assets.
MORTGAGE LOAN PROGRAM
The Mortgage Loans will be purchased by the Depositor, either directly or
indirectly, from the Mortgage Loan Sellers. The Mortgage Loans so acquired by
the Depositor will have been originated by the Originators in accordance with
the underwriting criteria specified below under "Underwriting Standards".
Underwriting Standards
All Mortgage Loans will have been subject to underwriting standards
acceptable to the Depositor and applied as described below. Each Mortgage Loan
Seller, or another party on its behalf, will represent and warrant that Mortgage
Loans purchased by or on behalf of the Depositor from it have been originated by
the related Originators in accordance with such underwriting standards.
Unless otherwise specified in the related Prospectus Supplement, the
underwriting standards are applied by the Originators to evaluate the borrower's
credit standing and repayment ability, and the value and adequacy of the
Mortgaged Property as collateral. Initially, a prospective borrower is required
to fill out a detailed application regarding pertinent credit information. As
part of the description of the borrower's financial condition, the borrower is
required to provide a current balance sheet describing assets and liabilities
and a statement of income and expenses, as well as an authorization to apply for
a credit report that summarizes the borrower's credit history with local
merchants and lenders and any record of bankruptcy. In addition, an employment
verification is obtained that reports the borrower's current salary and may
contain information regarding length of employment and whether it is expected
that the borrower will continue such employment in the future. If a prospective
borrower is self-employed, the borrower is required to submit copies of signed
tax returns. The borrower may also be required to authorize verification of
deposits at financial institutions where the borrower has demand or savings
accounts. In the case of a Multifamily Loan, the borrower is also required to
provide certain information regarding the related Multifamily Property,
including a current rent schedule, the type and length of leases and pro forma
operating income statements. In addition, the Depositor will consider the
location of the Multifamily Property, the availability of competitive lease
space and rental income of comparable properties in the relevant market area,
the overall economy and demographic features of the geographic area and the
mortgagor's prior experience in owning and operating properties similar to the
Multifamily Properties.
In determining the adequacy of the property as collateral, an appraisal is
made of each property considered for financing, except in the case of new
Manufactured Homes, as described under "The Trust Funds". Each appraiser is
selected in accordance with predetermined guidelines established for appraisers.
The appraiser is required to inspect the property and verify that it is in good
condition and that construction, if new, has been completed. With respect to
properties other than Multifamily Properties, the appraisal is based on the
market value of comparable homes, the estimated rental income (if considered
applicable by the appraiser) and the cost of replacing the home. With respect to
Multifamily Properties, the appraisal must
27
<PAGE>
specify whether an income analysis, a market analysis or a cost analysis was
used. An appraisal employing the income approach to value analyzes a property's
cash flow, expenses, capitalization and other operational information in
determining the property's value. The market approach to value analyzes the
prices paid for the purchase of similar properties in the property's area, with
adjustments made for variations between these other properties and the property
being appraised. The cost approach requires the appraiser to make an estimate of
land value and then determine the current cost of reproducing the building less
any accrued depreciation. In any case, the value of the property being financed,
as indicated by the appraisal, must be such that it currently supports, and is
anticipated to support in the future, the outstanding loan balance.
In the case of Single Family Loans and Contracts, once all applicable
employment, credit and property information is received, a determination is made
as to whether the prospective borrower has sufficient monthly income available
(i) to meet the borrower's monthly obligations on the proposed mortgage loan
(determined on the basis of the monthly payments due in the year of origination)
and other expenses related to the home (such as property taxes and hazard
insurance) and (ii) to meet monthly housing expenses and other financial
obligations and monthly living expenses. Unless otherwise provided in the
related Prospectus Supplement, the underwriting standards to be applied to the
Single Family Loans will be generally similar to the traditional underwriting
guidelines used by FNMA and FHLMC which are in effect at the time of origination
of each Single Family Loan, except that the ratios at origination of the amounts
described in (i) and (ii) above to the applicant's stable monthly gross income
may exceed in certain cases the then applicable FNMA and FHLMC guidelines, but
such ratios in general may not exceed 33% and 38%, respectively, of the
applicant's stable monthly gross income. Such underwriting standards may be
varied in appropriate cases.
In the case of a Single Family Loan or Multifamily Loan secured by a
leasehold interest in a residential property, the title to which is held by a
third party lessor, the Mortgage Loan Seller, or another party on its behalf, is
required to warrant, among other things, that the remaining term of the lease
and any sublease be at least five years longer than the remaining term of the
Mortgage Loan.
The Mortgaged Properties may be located in states where, in general, a
lender providing credit on a residential property may not seek a deficiency
judgment against the mortgagor but rather must look solely to the property for
repayment in the event of foreclosure. The underwriting standards to be applied
to the Mortgage Loans in all states (including anti-deficiency states) require
that the value of the property being financed, as indicated by the appraisal,
currently supports and is anticipated to support in the future the outstanding
principal balance of the Mortgage Loan.
With respect to any FHA Loan, the Mortgage Loan Seller is required to
represent that the FHA Loan complies with the applicable underwriting policies
of the FHA. See "Description of Primary Insurance Policies-FHA Insurance". With
respect to any VA Loan, the Mortgage Loan Seller is required to represent that
the VA Loan complies with the applicable underwriting policies of the VA. See
"Description of Primary Insurance Policies-VA Guarantee".
The recent foreclosure or repossession and delinquency experience with
respect to loans serviced by the Master Servicer or, if applicable, a
significant Sub-Servicer will be provided in the related Prospectus Supplement.
Certain of the types of loans that may be included in the Mortgage Pools
are recently developed and may involve additional uncertainties not present in
traditional types of loans. For example, certain of such Mortgage Loans may
provide for escalating or variable payments by the borrower. These types of
Mortgage Loans are underwritten on the basis of a judgment that borrowers will
have the ability to make larger monthly payments in subsequent years. In some
instances, however, a borrower's income may not be sufficient to make loan
payments as such payments increase. Unless otherwise specified in the related
Prospectus Supplement, the Multifamily Loans will be nonrecourse loans, as to
which, in the event of mortgagor default, recourse may only be had against the
specific Multifamily Property pledged to secure that Multifamily Loan, and not
against the mortgagor's assets.
Qualifications of Originators and Mortgage Loan Sellers
Unless otherwise specified in the related Prospectus Supplement, each
Originator and Mortgage Loan Seller will be required to satisfy the
qualifications set forth herein. Each Originator must be an institution
28
<PAGE>
experienced in originating and servicing conventional mortgage loans in
accordance with accepted practices and prudent guidelines, and must maintain
satisfactory facilities to originate and service those loans. Each Originator
and Mortgage Loan Seller must be a seller/servicer approved by either FNMA or
FHLMC. Each Originator and Mortgage Loan Seller must be a HUD-approved mortgagee
or an institution the deposit accounts in which are insured by the Bank
Insurance Fund ("BIF") or Savings Association Insurance Fund ("SAIF") of the
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the "FDIC"). In addition, with respect to
FHA Loans or VA Loans, each Originator must be approved to originate such
Mortgage Loans by the FHA or VA, as applicable. In addition, each Originator and
Mortgage Loan Seller must satisfy certain criteria as to financial stability
evaluated on a case by case basis by the Depositor.
Representations by or on Behalf of Mortgage Loan Sellers; Repurchases
Each Mortgage Loan Seller, or a party on its behalf, will have made
representations and warranties in respect of the Mortgage Loans sold by such
Mortgage Loan Seller. Such representations and warranties include, among other
things: (i) that any required hazard insurance was effective at the origination
of each Mortgage Loan, and that each such policy remained in effect on the date
of purchase of the Mortgage Loan from the Mortgage Loan Seller by or on behalf
of the Depositor; (ii) that, in the case of Single-Family Loans and Multifamily
Loans, either (A) title insurance insuring (subject only to permissible title
insurance exceptions) the lien status of the Mortgage was effective at the
origination of each Mortgage Loan and such policy remained in effect on the date
of purchase of the Mortgage Loan from the Mortgage Loan Seller by or on behalf
of the Depositor or (B) if the Mortgaged Property securing any Mortgage Loan is
located in an area where such policies are generally not available, there is in
the related mortgage file an attorney's certificate of title indicating (subject
to such permissible exceptions set forth therein) the first lien status of the
mortgage; (iii) that the Mortgage Loan Seller had good title to each Mortgage
Loan and each Mortgage Loan was subject to no offsets, defenses, counterclaims
or rights of rescission except to the extent that any buydown agreement
described herein may forgive certain indebtedness of a borrower; (iv) that each
Mortgage constituted a valid first lien on, or security interest in, the
Mortgaged Property (subject only to permissible title insurance exceptions and
Senior Liens, if any) and that the Mortgaged Property was free from damage and
was in good repair; (v) that there were no delinquent tax or assessment liens
against the Mortgaged Property; (vi) that each Mortgage Loan was current as to
all required payments; and (vii) that each Mortgage Loan was made in compliance
with, and is enforceable under, all applicable local, state and federal laws and
regulations in all material respects. If a person other than a Mortgage Loan
Seller makes any of the foregoing representations and warranties on behalf of
such Mortgage Loan Seller, the identity of such person will be specified in the
related Prospectus Supplement. Any person making representations and warranties
on behalf of a Mortgage Loan Seller shall be an affiliate thereof or such other
person acceptable to the Depositor having knowledge regarding the subject matter
of such representations and warranties.
All of the representations and warranties made by or on behalf of a
Mortgage Loan Seller in respect of a Mortgage Loan will have been made as of the
date on which such Mortgage Loan Seller sold the Mortgage Loan to or on behalf
of the Depositor. A substantial period of time may have elapsed between such
date and the date of initial issuance of the series of Certificates evidencing
an interest in such Mortgage Loan. Unless otherwise specified in the related
Prospectus Supplement, in the event of a breach of any such representation or
warranty, the Mortgage Loan Seller will be obligated to cure such breach or
repurchase or replace the affected Mortgage Loan as described below. Since the
representations and warranties made by or on behalf of such Mortgage Loan Seller
do not address events that may occur following the sale of a Mortgage Loan by
such Mortgage Loan Seller, it will have a cure, repurchase or substitution
obligation in connection with a breach of such a representation and warranty
only if the relevant event that causes such breach occurs prior to the date of
such sale. A Mortgage Loan Seller would have no such obligations if the relevant
event that causes such breach occurs after the date of such sale. However, the
Depositor will not include any Mortgage Loan in the Trust Fund for any series of
Certificates if anything has come to the Depositor's attention that would cause
it to believe that the representations and warranties made in respect of such
Mortgage Loan will not be accurate and complete in all material respects as of
the date of initial issuance of the related series of Certificates.
The only representations and warranties to be made for the benefit of
holders of Certificates in respect of any Mortgage Loan relating to the period
commencing on the date of sale of such Mortgage Loan by the Mortgage Loan Seller
to or on behalf of the Depositor will be certain limited representations of the
Depositor
29
<PAGE>
and of the Master Servicer described below under "Description of the
Certificates-Assignment of Trust Fund Assets". If the Master Servicer is also a
Mortgage Loan Seller with respect to a particular series, such representations
will be in addition to the representations and warranties made by the Master
Servicer in its capacity as a Mortgage Loan Seller.
The Master Servicer and/or Trustee will promptly notify the relevant
Mortgage Loan Seller of any breach of any representation or warranty made by or
on behalf of it in respect of a Mortgage Loan that materially and adversely
affects the value of such Mortgage Loan or the interests therein of the
Certificateholders. If such Mortgage Loan Seller cannot cure such breach within
60 days from the date on which the Mortgage Loan Seller was notified of such
breach, then such Mortgage Loan Seller will be obligated to repurchase such
Mortgage Loan from the Trustee within 90 days from the date on which the
Mortgage Loan Seller was notified of such breach, at the Purchase Price
therefor. As to any Mortgage Loan, unless otherwise specified in the related
Prospectus Supplement, the "Purchase Price" is equal to the sum of (i) the
unpaid principal balance thereof, (ii) unpaid accrued interest on the Stated
Principal Balance (as defined below) at the Net Interest Rate from the date as
to which interest was last paid to the end of the calendar month in which the
relevant purchase is to occur, (iii) any unpaid servicing fees and certain
unreimbursed servicing expenses payable or reimbursable to the Master Servicer
with respect to such Mortgage Loan, (iv) any unpaid Retained Interest with
respect to such Mortgage Loan, (v) any Realized Losses, as described below under
"Description of the Certificates-Allocation of Losses", incurred with respect to
such Mortgage Loan, and (vi) if applicable, any expenses reasonably incurred or
to be incurred by the Master Servicer or the Trustee in respect of the breach or
defect giving rise to a purchase obligation. Unless otherwise provided in the
related Prospectus Supplement, a Mortgage Loan Seller, rather than repurchase a
Mortgage Loan as to which a breach has occurred, will have the option, within a
specified period after initial issuance of the related series of Certificates,
to cause the removal of such Mortgage Loan from the Trust Fund and substitute in
its place one or more other Mortgage Loans, in accordance with the standards
described below under "Description of the Certificates-Assignment of the
Mortgage Loans". The Master Servicer will be required under the applicable
Pooling and Servicing Agreement to use its best efforts to enforce such
obligations of the Mortgage Loan Seller for the benefit of the Trustee and the
holders of the Certificates, following the practices it would employ in its good
faith business judgment were it the owner of such Mortgage Loan. This repurchase
or substitution obligation will constitute the sole remedy available to holders
of Certificates or the Trustee for a breach of representation by a Mortgage Loan
Seller. See "Description of the Certificates-General".
The "Stated Principal Balance" of any Mortgage Loan as of any date of
determination is equal to the principal balance thereof as of the Cut-off Date,
after application of all scheduled principal payments due on or before the
Cut-off Date, whether or not received, reduced by all amounts, including
advances by the Master Servicer, allocable to principal that are distributed to
Certificateholders on or before the date of determination, and as further
reduced to the extent that any Realized Loss (as defined below) thereon has been
(or, if it had not been covered by any form of Credit Support, would have been)
allocated to one or more classes of Certificates on or before the date of
determination.
Neither the Depositor nor the Master Servicer will be obligated to purchase
or substitute for a Mortgage Loan if a Mortgage Loan Seller defaults on its
obligation to do so, and no assurance can be given that Mortgage Loan Sellers
will carry out such obligations with respect to Mortgage Loans. To the extent
that a breach of the representations and warranties of a Mortgage Loan Seller
may also constitute a breach of a representation made by the Depositor, the
Depositor may have a repurchase or substitution obligation as described below
under "Description of the Certificates-Assignment of Trust Fund Assets".
30
<PAGE>
DESCRIPTION OF THE CERTIFICATES
The Certificates of each series evidencing interests in a Trust Fund
consisting of Mortgage Loans will be issued pursuant to a Pooling and Servicing
Agreement among the Depositor, the Master Servicer (if the Depositor is not
acting as Master Servicer) and the Trustee named in the Prospectus Supplement.
The Certificates of each series evidencing interests in a Trust Fund consisting
exclusively of Agency Securities or Private Mortgage-Backed Securities will be
issued pursuant to a Trust Agreement between the Depositor and the Trustee (each
Trust Agreement or Pooling and Servicing Agreement, an "Agreement"). The
provisions of each Agreement will vary depending upon the nature of the
Certificates to be issued thereunder and the nature of the related Trust Fund.
Various forms of Pooling and Servicing Agreement have been filed as exhibits to
the Registration Statement of which this Prospectus is a part. The following
summaries describe certain provisions which may appear in each Agreement. The
Prospectus Supplement for a series of Certificates will describe any provision
of the Agreement relating to such series that materially differs from the
description thereof contained in this Prospectus. The summaries do not purport
to be complete and are subject to, and are qualified in their entirety by
reference to, all of the provisions of the Agreement for each Trust Fund and the
related Prospectus Supplement. Whenever particular sections or defined terms of
the Agreement are referred to, such sections or defined terms are incorporated
herein by reference. Article and section numbers cited herein refer to articles
and sections common to each Pooling and Servicing Agreement. As used herein with
respect to any series, the term "Certificate" refers to all of the Certificates
of that series, whether or not offered hereby and by the related Prospectus
Supplement, unless the context otherwise requires.
General
The Certificates of each series (including any class of Certificates not
offered hereby) will be issued in fully registered form only and will represent
the entire beneficial ownership interest in the Trust Fund created pursuant to
the related Agreement. (Section 5.01) If so provided in the Prospectus
Supplement, any class of Certificates of any series may be represented by a
certificate registered in the name of a nominee of The Depository Trust Company
("DTC"). The interests of beneficial owners of such Certificates will be
represented by such entries on the records of participating members of DTC.
Definitive certificates will be available for such Certificates only under
limited circumstances as provided in the related Prospectus Supplement. Unless
otherwise provided in the related Prospectus Supplement, each Trust Fund will
consist of (i) such Trust Fund Assets, or interests therein, exclusive of any
portion of interest payments (the "Retained Interest") on a Trust Fund Asset
retained by the Depositor or any previous owner thereof, as from time to time
are subject to the Agreement; (ii) such assets as from time to time are
identified as deposited in the Certificate Account or any other account
maintained for the benefit of the Certificateholders; (iii) with respect to
Trust Funds that include Mortgage Loans, (a) property acquired on behalf of
Certificateholders by foreclosure, deed in lieu of foreclosure or repossession
and any revenues received thereon; (b) the rights of the Depositor under any
hazard insurance policies, FHA insurance policies, VA guarantees and primary
mortgage insurance policies, as described under "Description of Primary
Insurance Policies"; (c) the rights of the Depositor under the agreement or
agreements pursuant to which it acquired the Mortgage Loans in such Trust Fund;
and (d) the rights of the Trustee in any cash advance reserve fund or surety
bond as described under "Advances in respect of Delinquencies" and (iv) any
letter of credit, mortgage pool insurance policy, special hazard insurance
policy, bankruptcy bond, reserve fund or other type of credit support provided
with respect to the related series, as described under "Description of Credit
Support". Subject to any limitations described in the related Prospectus
Supplement, the Certificates will be transferable and exchangeable for like
Certificates of the same class and series in authorized denominations at the
corporate trust office of the Trustee specified in the related Prospectus
Supplement. No service charge will be made for any registration of exchange or
transfer of Certificates, but the Depositor or the Trustee or any agent thereof
may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental
charge. (Section 5.02)
Each series of Certificates may consist of either (i) a single class of
Certificates evidencing the entire beneficial ownership of the related Trust
Fund; (ii) two or more classes of Certificates evidencing the entire beneficial
ownership of the related Trust Fund, one or more classes of which ("Senior
Certificates") will be senior in right of payment to one or more of the other
classes ("Subordinate Certificates") to the extent described in the related
Prospectus Supplement (any such series, a "Senior/Subordinate Series"); or (iii)
other types of classes of Certificates, as described in the related Prospectus
Supplement. A series may
31
<PAGE>
include one or more classes of Certificates entitled to (i) principal
distributions, with disproportionate, nominal or no interest distributions or
(ii) interest distributions, with disproportionate, nominal or no principal
distributions ("Strip Certificates"). If so specified in the related Prospectus
Supplement, partial or full protection against certain Mortgage Loan defaults
and losses may be provided to a series of Certificates or to one or more classes
of Certificates in such series in the form of subordination of one or more other
classes of Certificates in such series or by one or more other types of credit
support, such as a letter of credit, reserve fund, insurance policy or a
combination thereof (any such coverage, "Credit Support"). See "Description of
Credit Support".
Each class of Certificates (other than certain Strip Certificates) will
have a Certificate Principal Balance and, unless otherwise provided in the
related Prospectus Supplement, will be entitled to payments of interest thereon
based on a specified Pass-Through Rate. See "Interest on the Certificates" and
"Principal of the Certificates" below. The specific percentage ownership
interest of each class of Certificates and the minimum denomination for each
Certificate will be set forth in the related Prospectus Supplement.
As to each series, one or more elections may be made to treat the related
Trust Fund or designated portions thereof as a "real estate mortgage investment
conduit" or "REMIC" as defined in the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the
"Code"). The related Prospectus Supplement will specify whether a REMIC election
is to be made and the terms and conditions applicable to the making of a REMIC
election, as well as any material federal income tax consequences to
Certificateholders not otherwise described herein. If such an election is made
with respect to a series, one of the classes of Certificates comprising such
series will be designated as evidencing all "residual interests" in the related
REMIC as defined under the Code. All other classes of Certificates in such a
series will constitute "regular interests" in the related REMIC as defined in
the Code. As to each series, all of the Certificates of each class offered
hereby will be rated in one of the four highest rating categories by one or more
nationally recognized statistical rating organizations (each, a "Rating
Agency"). As to each series with respect to which a REMIC election is to be
made, the Master Servicer or the Trustee will be obligated to take all actions
required in order to comply with applicable laws and regulations and, unless
otherwise provided in the related Prospectus Supplement, will be obligated to
pay any Prohibited Transaction Taxes or Contribution Taxes arising out of a
breach of its obligations with respect to such compliance without any right of
reimbursement therefor from the Trust Fund or from any Certificateholder. Unless
otherwise provided in the related Prospectus Supplement, a Prohibited
Transaction Tax or Contribution Tax resulting from any other cause will be
charged against the related Trust Fund, resulting in a reduction in amounts
otherwise distributable to Certificateholders. See "Certain Federal Income Tax
Consequences-REMICs-Prohibited Transactions Tax and Other Taxes".
Assignment of Trust Fund Assets
Assignment of Mortgage Loans
At the time of issuance of any series of Certificates, the Depositor will
cause the Mortgage Loans comprising the Mortgage Pool included in the related
Trust Fund to be assigned to the Trustee, together with all principal and
interest received by or on behalf of the Depositor on or with respect to such
Mortgage Loans after the Cut-off Date, other than principal and interest due on
or before the Cut-off Date and other than any Retained Interest. (Section 2.01)
The Trustee will, concurrently with such assignment, deliver the Certificates to
the Depositor in exchange for the Trust Fund. (Section 2.06) Each Mortgage Loan
will be identified in a schedule appearing as an exhibit to the related
Agreement. Such schedule will include information as to the outstanding
principal balance of each Mortgage Loan after application of payments due on the
Cut-off Date, as well as information regarding the Interest Rate, the Net
Interest Rate, the Retained Interest, if any, the current scheduled monthly
payment of principal and interest, the maturity of the Mortgage Note, the Value
of the Mortgaged Property, the Loan-to-Value Ratio at origination and certain
other information with respect to the Mortgage Loans. As to any Mortgage Loan,
the "Net Interest Rate" is equal to the Interest Rate minus the sum of the rates
at which the servicing fees and the Retained Interest, if any, are calculated.
(Article I)
In addition, the Depositor will, with respect to each Mortgage Loan,
deliver or cause to be delivered to the Trustee (or to the custodian hereinafter
referred to):
32
<PAGE>
(1) With respect to each Single-Family Loan and Multifamily Loan, the
Mortgage Note endorsed, without recourse, to the order of the Trustee, the
Mortgage with evidence of recording indicated thereon (except for any
Mortgage not returned from the public recording office, in which case the
Depositor will deliver or cause to be delivered a copy of such Mortgage
together with its certificate that the original of such Mortgage was
delivered to such recording office) and an assignment of the Mortgage to
the Trustee in recordable form. Unless otherwise provided in the related
Prospectus Supplement, the Depositor will promptly cause the assignment of
each related Mortgage Loan to be recorded in the appropriate public office
for real property records, except in the State of California or in other
states where, in the opinion of counsel acceptable to the Trustee, such
recording is not required to protect the Trustee's interest in the Mortgage
Loan against the claim of any subsequent transferee or any successor to or
creditor of the Depositor, the Master Servicer, the relevant Mortgage Loan
Seller or any other prior holder of the Mortgage Loan. (Section 2.01)
(2) With respect to each Cooperative Loan, the Cooperative Note, the
original security agreement, the proprietary lease or occupancy agreement,
the related stock certificate and related stock powers endorsed in blank,
and a copy of the original filed financing statement together with an
assignment thereof to the Trustee in a form sufficient for filing. Unless
otherwise provided in the related Prospectus Supplement, the Depositor will
promptly cause the assignment and financing statement of each related
Cooperative Loan to be filed in the appropriate public office, except in
states where in the opinion of counsel acceptable to the Trustee, such
filing is not required to protect the Trustee's interest in the Cooperative
Loan against the claim of any subsequent transferee or any successor to or
creditor of the Depositor, the Master Servicer, the relevant Mortgage Loan
Seller or any prior holder of the Cooperative Loan (Section 2.01).
(3) With respect to each Contract, the original Contract endorsed,
without recourse, to the order of the Trustee and copies of documents and
instruments related to the Contract and the security interest in the
Manufactured Home securing the Contract, together with a blanket assignment
to the Trustee of all Contracts in the related Trust Fund and such
documents and instruments. In order to give notice of the right, title and
interest of the Certificateholders to the Contracts, the Depositor will
cause to be executed and delivered to the Trustee a UCC-1 financing
statement identifying the Trustee as the secured party and identifying all
Contracts as collateral. (Section 2.01)
The Trustee (or the custodian hereinafter referred to) will review such
Mortgage Loan documents within 45 days after receipt thereof, and the Trustee
(or such custodian) will hold such documents in trust for the benefit of the
Certificateholders. Unless otherwise specified in the related Prospectus
Supplement, if any such document is found to be missing or defective in any
material respect, the Trustee (or such custodian) shall immediately notify the
Master Servicer and the Depositor, and the Master Servicer shall immediately
notify the relevant Mortgage Loan Seller. If the Mortgage Loan Seller cannot
cure the omission or defect within 60 days after receipt of such notice, the
Mortgage Loan Seller will be obligated, within 90 days of receipt of such
notice, to repurchase the related Mortgage Loan from the Trustee at the Purchase
Price or substitute for such Mortgage Loan. There can be no assurance that a
Mortgage Loan Seller will fulfill this repurchase or substitution obligation.
Although the Master Servicer is obligated to use its best efforts to enforce
such obligation to the extent described above under "Mortgage Loan
Program-Representations by or on behalf of Mortgage Loan Sellers; Repurchases",
neither the Master Servicer nor the Depositor will be obligated to repurchase or
substitute for such Mortgage Loan if the Mortgage Loan Seller defaults on its
obligation. Unless otherwise specified in the related Prospectus Supplement,
this repurchase or substitution obligation constitutes the sole remedy available
to the Certificateholders or the Trustee for omission of, or a material defect
in, a constituent document. (Section 2.03)
With respect to the Mortgage Loans in a Mortgage Pool, the Depositor will
make representations and warranties as to the types and geographical
concentration of such Mortgage Loans and as to the accuracy in all material
respects of certain identifying information furnished to the Trustee in respect
of each such Mortgage Loan (e.g., original Loan-to-Value Ratio, principal
balance as of the Cut-off Date, Interest Rate, Net Interest Rate and maturity).
In addition, unless otherwise specified in the related Prospectus Supplement,
the Depositor will represent and warrant that, as of the Cut-off Date for the
related series of Certificates, no Mortgage Loan was currently more than 30 days
delinquent as to payment of principal and interest and no Mortgage Loan was more
than 30 days delinquent more than once during the previous 12 months. Upon a
33
<PAGE>
breach of any such representation of the Depositor that materially and adversely
affects the value of a Mortgage Loan or the interests of the Certificateholders
therein, the Depositor will be obligated either to cure the breach in all
material respects, repurchase the Mortgage Loan at the Purchase Price or
substitute for such Mortgage Loan as described below.
Unless otherwise provided in the related Prospectus Supplement, if the
Depositor discovers or receives notice of any breach of its representations or
warranties with respect to a Mortgage Loan, the Depositor may, rather than
repurchase the Mortgage Loan as provided above, remove such Mortgage Loan from
the Trust Fund (a "Deleted Mortgage Loan") and substitute in its place one or
more Mortgage Loans (each, a "Substitute Mortgage Loan"), but only if (i) with
respect to a Trust Fund for which a REMIC election is to be made, such
substitution is effected within two years of the date of initial issuance of the
Certificates (plus permissible extensions) or (ii) with respect to a Trust Fund
for which no REMIC election is to be made, such substitution is effected within
120 days of the date of initial issuance of the Certificates. Except as
otherwise provided in the related Prospectus Supplement, any Substitute Mortgage
Loan will, on the date of substitution, (i) have an outstanding principal
balance, after deduction of all scheduled payments due in the month of
substitution, not in excess of (and not more than $10,000 less than) the
outstanding principal balance, after deduction of all unpaid scheduled payments
due as of the date of substitution, of the Deleted Mortgage Loan, (ii) have an
Interest Rate not less than (and not more than 1% greater than) the Interest
Rate of the Deleted Mortgage Loan, (iii) have a Net Interest Rate equal to the
Net Interest Rate of the Deleted Mortgage Loan, (iv) have a remaining term to
maturity not greater than (and not more than one year less than) that of the
Deleted Mortgage Loan (v) have a Lockout Date, if applicable, not earlier than
the Lockout Date on the Deleted Mortgage Loan and (vi) comply with all of the
representations and warranties set forth in the Agreement as of the date of
substitution. In connection with any substitution, an amount equal to the
difference between the Purchase Price of the Deleted Mortgage Loan and the
outstanding principal balance of the Substitute Mortgage Loan (after deduction
of all scheduled payments due in the month of substitution), together with one
month's interest at the applicable Net Mortgage Rate on such balance, will be
deposited in the Certificate Account and distributed to Certificateholders on
the first Distribution Date following the Prepayment Period in which the
substitution occurred. In the event that one mortgage loan is substituted for
more than one Deleted Mortgage Loan, or more than one mortgage loan is
substituted for one or more Deleted Mortgage Loans, then the amount described in
clause (i) will be determined on the basis of aggregate principal balances, the
rates described in clauses (ii) and (iii) with respect to Deleted Mortgage Loans
will be determined on the basis of weighted average Interest Rates and Net
Interest Rates, as the case may be, and the terms described in clause (iv) will
be determined on the basis of weighted average remaining terms to maturity and
the Lockout Dates described in clause (v) will be determined on the basis of
weighted average Lockout Dates.
With respect to any series as to which credit support is provided by means
of a mortgage pool insurance policy, in addition to making the representations
and warranties described above, the Depositor or the related Mortgage Loan
Seller (or another party on behalf of the related Mortgage Loan Seller), as
specified in the related Prospectus Supplement, will represent and warrant to
the Trustee that no action has been taken or failed to be taken, no event has
occurred and no state of facts exists or has existed on or prior to the date of
the initial issuance of the Certificates which has resulted or will result in
the exclusion from, denial of or defense to coverage under any applicable
primary mortgage insurance policy, FHA insurance policy, mortgage pool insurance
policy, special hazard insurance policy or bankruptcy bond, irrespective of the
cause of such failure of coverage but excluding any failure of an insurer to pay
by reason of the insurer's own breach of its insurance policy or its financial
inability to pay (such representation being referred to herein as the
"insurability representation"). See "Description of Primary Insurance Policies"
and "Description of Credit Support" herein and in the related Prospectus
Supplement for information regarding the extent of coverage under the
aforementioned insurance policies. Upon a breach of the insurability
representation which materially and adversely affects the interests of the
Certificateholders in a Mortgage Loan, the Depositor or the Mortgage Loan
Seller, as the case may be, will be obligated either to cure the breach in all
material respects or to purchase such Mortgage Loan at the Purchase Price,
subject to the limitations specified in the related Prospectus Supplement. The
related Prospectus Supplement may provide that the performance of an obligation
to repurchase Mortgage Loans following a breach of an insurability
representation will be ensured in the manner specified therein.
34
<PAGE>
The obligation to repurchase or, other than with respect to the
insurability representation if applicable, to substitute Mortgage Loans as
described above constitutes the sole remedy available to the Certificateholders
or the Trustee for any breach of the above described representations. (Section
2.03)
The Master Servicer will make certain representations and warranties
regarding its authority to enter into, and its ability to perform its
obligations under, the Agreement. Upon a breach of any such representation of
the Master Servicer which materially and adversely affects the interests of the
Certificateholders, the Master Servicer will be obligated to cure the breach in
all material respects. (Section 2.05)
Assignment of Agency Securities
The Depositor will cause the Agency Securities to be registered in the name
of the Trustee or its nominee, and the Trustee concurrently will execute,
countersign and deliver the Certificates. Each Agency Security will be
identified in a schedule appearing as an exhibit to the Agreement, which will
specify as to each Agency Security the original principal amount and outstanding
principal balance as of the Cut-off Date, the annual pass-through rate (if any)
and the maturity date.
Assignment of Private Mortgage-Backed Securities
The Depositor will cause Private Mortgage-Backed Securities to be
registered in the name of the Trustee. The Trustee (or the custodian) will have
possession of any certificated Private Mortgage-Backed Securities. Unless
otherwise specified in the related Prospectus Supplement, the Trustee will not
be in possession of or be assignee of record of any underlying assets for a
Private Mortgage-Backed Security. See "The Trust Funds-Private Mortgage-Backed
Securities" herein. Each Private Mortgage-Backed Security will be identified in
a schedule appearing as an exhibit to the related Agreement which will specify
the original principal amount, outstanding principal balance as of the Cut-off
Date, annual pass-through rate or interest rate and maturity date for each
Private Mortgage-Backed Security conveyed to the Trustee.
Deposits to Certificate Account
The Master Servicer and/or the Trustee will, as to each Trust Fund,
establish and maintain or cause to be established and maintained one or more
separate accounts for the collection of payments on the related Trust Fund
Assets (collectively, the "Certificate Account"), which must be either (i)
maintained with a bank or trust company, and in a manner, satisfactory to the
Rating Agency or Agencies rating any class of Certificates of such series or
(ii) an account or accounts the deposits in which are insured by the BIF or the
SAIF (to the limits established by the FDIC) and the uninsured deposits in which
are otherwise secured such that the Certificateholders have a claim with respect
to the funds in the Certificate Account or a perfected first priority security
interest against any collateral securing such funds that is superior to the
claims of any other depositors or general creditors of the institution with
which the Certificate Account is maintained. The collateral eligible to secure
amounts in the Certificate Account is limited to United States government
securities and other high-quality investments specified in the Agreement
("Permitted Investments"). (Section 3.12) A Certificate Account may be
maintained as an interest bearing or a non-interest bearing account, or the
funds held therein may be invested pending each succeeding Distribution Date in
Permitted Investments. Unless otherwise provided in the related Prospectus
Supplement, any interest or other income earned on funds in the Certificate
Account will be paid to the Master Servicer or the Trustee or their designee as
additional compensation. The Certificate Account may be maintained with an
institution that is an affiliate of the Master Servicer or the Trustee, provided
that such institution meets the standards set forth above. If permitted by the
Rating Agency or Agencies and so specified in the related Prospectus Supplement,
a Certificate Account may contain funds relating to more than one series of
pass-through certificates and may, if applicable, contain other funds respecting
payments on mortgage loans belonging to the Master Servicer or serviced or
master serviced by it on behalf of others. (Article I; Section 3.10)
Each Sub-Servicer servicing a Mortgage Loan pursuant to a Sub-Servicing
Agreement will establish and maintain one or more separate accounts which may be
interest bearing and which will comply with the standards with respect to
Certificate Accounts set forth above or such other standards as may be
acceptable to the Master Servicer (collectively, the "Sub-Servicing Account").
The Sub-Servicer is required to credit to the related Sub-Servicing Account on a
daily basis the amount of all proceeds of Mortgage Loans received by
35
<PAGE>
the Sub-Servicer, less its servicing compensation. The Sub-Servicer shall remit
to the Master Servicer by wire transfer of immediately available funds all funds
held in the Sub-Servicing Account with respect to each Mortgage Loan on the
monthly remittance date or dates specified in the related Agreement. (Section
3.08)
Payments on Mortgage Loans
The Master Servicer will deposit or cause to be deposited in the
Certificate Account for each Trust Fund including Mortgage Loans on a daily
basis, unless otherwise provided in the Agreement and described in the related
Prospectus Supplement, the following payments and collections received, or
advances made, by the Master Servicer or on its behalf subsequent to the Cut-off
Date (other than payments due on or before the Cut-off Date, and exclusive of
any amounts representing a Retained Interest):
(i) all payments on account of principal, including principal
prepayments, on the Mortgage Loans;
(ii) all payments on account of interest on the Mortgage Loans, net of
any portion thereof retained by the Master Servicer or by a Sub-Servicer as
its servicing compensation and net of any Retained Interest;
(iii) all proceeds of the hazard insurance policies and any special
hazard insurance policy (to the extent such proceeds are not applied to the
restoration of the property or released to the mortgagor in accordance with
the normal servicing procedures of the Master Servicer or the related
Sub-Servicer, subject to the terms and conditions of the related Mortgage
and Mortgage Note), any primary mortgage insurance policy, any FHA
insurance policy, any VA guarantee, any bankruptcy bond and any mortgage
pool insurance policy (collectively, "Insurance Proceeds") and all other
amounts received and retained in connection with the liquidation of
defaulted Mortgage Loans, by foreclosure or otherwise ("Liquidation
Proceeds"), together with the net proceeds on a monthly basis with respect
to any Mortgaged Properties acquired for the benefit of Certificateholders
by foreclosure or by deed in lieu of foreclosure or otherwise;
(iv) any amounts required to be paid under any letter of credit, as
described below under "Description of Credit Support-Letter of Credit";
(v) any advances made as described below under "Advances in respect of
Delinquencies";
(vi) if applicable, all amounts required to be transferred to the
Certificate Account from a reserve fund, as described below under
"Description of Credit Support-Reserve Funds";
(vii) any Buydown Funds (and, if applicable, investment earnings
thereon) required to be deposited in the Certificate Account as described
below;
(viii) all proceeds of any Mortgage Loan or property in respect thereof
purchased by the Master Servicer, the Depositor, any Sub-Servicer or any
Mortgage Loan Seller as described under "Mortgage Loan
Program-Representations by or on behalf of Mortgage Loan Sellers;
Repurchases" or "Assignment of Trust Fund Assets" above, exclusive of the
Retained Interest, if any, in respect of such Mortgage Loan, and all
proceeds of any Mortgage Loan repurchased as described under "Termination"
below;
(ix) all payments required to be deposited in the Certificate Account
with respect to any deductible clause in any blanket insurance policy
described under "Description of Primary Insurance Policies-Primary Hazard
Insurance Policies"; and
(x) any amount required to be deposited by the Master Servicer in
connection with losses realized on investments for the benefit of the
Master Servicer of funds held in the Certificate Account. (Section 3.10)
With respect to each Buydown Mortgage Loan, the Master Servicer, or a
Sub-Servicer, will deposit related Buydown Funds in a custodial account, which
may be interest bearing, and that otherwise meets the standards for Certificate
Accounts set forth above (a "Buydown Account"). Unless otherwise specified in
the related Prospectus Supplement, the terms of all Buydown Mortgage Loans
provide for the contribution of Buydown Funds in an amount not less than either
(i) the total payments to be made from such funds pursuant
36
<PAGE>
to the related buydown plan or (ii) if such Buydown Funds are present valued,
that amount that, together with investment earnings thereon at a specified rate,
compounded monthly, will support the scheduled level of payments due under the
Buydown Mortgage Loan. Neither the Master Servicer, the Sub-Servicer nor the
Depositor will be obligated to add to such Buydown Funds any of its own funds
should investment earnings prove insufficient to maintain the scheduled level of
payments. To the extent that any such insufficiency is not recoverable from the
borrower, distributions to Certificateholders will be affected. With respect to
each Buydown Mortgage Loan, the Master Servicer will deposit in the Certificate
Account the amount, if any, of the Buydown Funds (and, if applicable, investment
earnings thereon) for each Buydown Mortgage Loan that, when added to the amount
due from the borrower on such Buydown Mortgage Loan, equals the full monthly
payment which would be due on the Buydown Mortgage Loan if it were not subject
to the buydown plan.
Unless otherwise specified in the related Prospectus Supplement, in the
event a Buydown Mortgage Loan is prepaid in full or liquidated, the related
Buydown Funds will be applied as follows. If the mortgagor on a Buydown Mortgage
Loan prepays such loan in its entirety during the Buydown Period, the Master
Servicer will withdraw from the Buydown Account and remit to the mortgagor in
accordance with the related buydown plan any Buydown Funds remaining in the
Buydown Account. If a prepayment by a mortgagor during the Buydown Period
together with Buydown Funds will result in a prepayment in full, the Master
Servicer will withdraw from the Buydown Account for deposit in the Certificate
Account the Buydown Funds and investment earnings thereon, if any, which
together with such prepayment will result in a prepayment in full. If the
mortgagor defaults during the Buydown Period with respect to a Buydown Mortgage
Loan and the Mortgaged Property is sold in liquidation (either by the Master
Servicer or the insurer under any related insurance policy), the Master Servicer
will withdraw from the Buydown Account the Buydown Funds and all investment
earnings thereon, if any, for deposit in the Certificate Account or remit the
same to the insurer if the Mortgaged Property is transferred to such insurer and
such insurer pays all of the loss incurred in respect of such default. In the
case of any such prepaid or defaulted Buydown Mortgage Loan the Buydown Funds in
respect of which were supplemented by investment earnings, the Master Servicer
will withdraw from the Buydown Account and either deposit in the Certificate
Account or remit to the borrower, depending upon the terms of the buydown plan,
any investment earnings remaining in the related Buydown Account.
Any Buydown Funds, and any investment earnings thereon, deposited in the
Certificate Account in connection with a full prepayment of the related Mortgage
Loan will be deemed to reduce the amount that would be required to be paid by
the borrower to repay fully the related Mortgage Loan if the Mortgage Loan were
not subject to the buydown plan.
(Section 3.25)
Payments on Agency Securities and Private Mortgage-Backed Securities
The Agency Securities and Private Mortgage-Backed Securities included in a
Trust Fund will be registered in the name of the Trustee so that all
distributions thereon will be made directly to the Trustee. The Trustee will
deposit or cause to be deposited into the Certificate Account for each Trust
Fund including Agency Securities and Private Mortgage-Backed Securities as and
when received, unless otherwise provided in the Agreement, all distributions
received by the Trustee with respect to the related Agency Securities and
Private Mortgage-Backed Securities (other than payments due on or before the
Cut-off Date and exclusive of any trust administration fee and amounts
representing the Retained Interest, if any).
Distributions
Distributions allocable to principal and interest on the Certificates of
each series will be made by or on behalf of the Trustee on each Distribution
Date as specified in the related Prospectus Supplement. Except as otherwise
specified in the related Prospectus Supplement, distributions will be made to
the persons in whose names the Certificates are registered at the close of
business on the last business day of the month preceding the month in which the
Distribution Date occurs (the "Record Date"), and the amount of each
distribution will be determined as of the close of business on the date
specified in the related Prospectus Supplement (the "Determination Date"). All
distributions with respect to each class of Certificates on each Distribution
Date will be allocated pro rata among the outstanding Certificates in such
class. Payments to the holders of Certificates of any class on each Distribution
Date will be made to the Certificateholders of the respective class of record on
the next preceding Record Date (other than in respect of the final
distribution), based on the aggregate fractional undivided interests in that
class represented by their respective Certificates. Payments will be made either
by wire transfer in immediately available funds to the account of a
37
<PAGE>
Certificateholder at a bank or other entity having appropriate facilities
therefor, if such Certificateholder has so notified the Depositor or its
designee no later than the date specified in the related Prospectus Supplement
(and, if so provided in the related Prospectus Supplement, holds Certificates in
the requisite amount specified therein), or by check mailed to the address of
the person entitled thereto as it appears on the Certificate Register; provided,
however, that the final distribution in retirement of the Certificates will be
made only upon presentation and surrender of the Certificates at the office or
agency of the Depositor or its agent specified in the notice to
Certificateholders of such final distribution. (Sections 4.01 and 9.01)
Available Distribution Amount
All distributions on the Certificates of each series on each Distribution
Date will be made from the Available Distribution Amount described below, in
accordance with the terms described in the related Prospectus Supplement. Unless
provided otherwise in the related Prospectus Supplement, the "Available
Distribution Amount" for each Distribution Date equals the sum of the following
amounts:
(i) the total amount of all cash on deposit in the related Certificate
Account as of the corresponding Determination Date, exclusive of:
(a) all scheduled payments of principal and interest
collected but due on a date subsequent to the related
Due Period (unless the related Prospectus Supplement
provides otherwise, a "Due Period" with respect to
any Distribution Date will commence on the second day
of the month in which the immediately preceding
Distribution Date occurs, or the day after the
Cut-off Date in the case of the first Due Period, and
will end on the first day of the month of the related
Distribution Date),
(b) all prepayments, together with related payments of
the interest thereon, Liquidation Proceeds, Insurance
Proceeds and other unscheduled recoveries received
subsequent to the related Prepayment Period, and
(c) all amounts in the Certificate Account that are due
or reimbursable to the Depositor, the Trustee, a
Mortgage Loan Seller, a Sub-Servicer or the Master
Servicer or that are payable in respect of certain
expenses of the related Trust Fund;
(ii) if the related Prospectus Supplement so provides, interest or
investment income on amounts on deposit in the Certificate Account;
(iii) all advances with respect to such Distribution Date;
(iv) if and to the extent the related Prospectus Supplement so
provides, amounts paid with respect to interest shortfalls resulting from
prepayments during the related Prepayment Period; and
(v) to the extent not on deposit in the related Certificate Account as
of the corresponding Determination Date, any amounts collected under, from
or in respect of any Credit Support with respect to such Distribution Date.
As described below, the entire Available Distribution Amount will be
distributed among the related Certificates (including any Certificates not
offered hereby) on each Distribution Date, and accordingly will be released from
the Trust Fund and will not be available for any future distributions.
Interest on the Certificates
Each class of Certificates (other than certain classes of Strip
Certificates) may have a different Pass-Through Rate, which may be a fixed,
variable or adjustable Pass-Through Rate. The related Prospectus Supplement will
specify the Pass-Through Rate for each class, or, in the case of a variable or
adjustable Pass-Through Rate, the method for determining the Pass-Through Rate.
Unless otherwise specified in the related Prospectus Supplement, interest on the
Certificates will be calculated on the basis of a 360-day year consisting of
twelve 30-day months.
38
<PAGE>
With respect to each series of Certificates and each Distribution Date, the
"Accrued Certificate Interest" distributable on each Certificate, other than
certain classes of Strip Certificates, will be equal to one month's interest on
the outstanding Certificate Principal Balance thereof immediately prior to the
Distribution Date, at the applicable Pass-Through Rate, subject to the
following. As to each Strip Certificate with no or, in certain cases, a nominal
Certificate Principal Balance, the Accrued Certificate Interest with respect to
any Distribution Date will equal one month's Stripped Interest. Unless otherwise
specified in the related Prospectus Supplement, the Accrued Certificate Interest
on each Certificate of a series will be reduced in the event of shortfalls in
collections of interest resulting from prepayments on Mortgage Loans, with that
shortfall allocated among all of the Certificates of that series in the manner
specified in the related Prospectus Supplement. See "Yield Considerations".
Principal of the Certificates
Unless the related Prospectus Supplement provides otherwise, each
Certificate will have a "Certificate Principal Balance" which, at any time, will
equal the maximum amount that the holder will be entitled to receive in respect
of principal out of the future cash flow on the Trust Fund Assets and other
assets included in the related Trust Fund. With respect to each such
Certificate, distributions generally will be applied to undistributed accrued
interest thereon, and thereafter to principal. The outstanding Certificate
Principal Balance of a Certificate will be reduced to the extent of
distributions of principal thereon, and in the case of Certificates evidencing
an interest in Mortgage Loans, by the amount of any Realized Losses, as defined
below, allocated thereto. Unless the related Prospectus Supplement provides
otherwise, the initial aggregate Certificate Principal Balance of all classes of
Certificates of a series will equal the outstanding aggregate principal balance
of the related Trust Fund Assets as of the applicable Cut-off Date. The initial
aggregate Certificate Principal Balance of a series and each class thereof will
be specified in the related Prospectus Supplement. Unless otherwise provided in
the related Prospectus Supplement, distributions of principal will be made on
each Distribution Date to the class or classes of Certificates entitled thereto
until the Certificate Principal Balance of such class has been reduced to zero.
With respect to a Senior/Subordinate Series, unless otherwise provided in the
related Prospectus Supplement, distributions allocable to principal of a class
of Certificates will be based on the percentage interest in the related Trust
Fund evidenced by such class (with respect to the Senior Certificates, the
"Senior Percentage"), which in turn will be based on the Certificate Principal
Balance of such class as compared to the Certificate Principal Balance of all
classes of Certificates of such series. Distributions of principal of any class
of Certificates will be made on a pro rata basis among all of the Certificates
of such class. Strip Certificates with no Certificate Principal Balance will not
receive distributions of principal.
Allocation of Losses
With respect to any defaulted Mortgage Loan that is finally liquidated,
through foreclosure sale or otherwise (a "Liquidated Loan"), the amount of the
Realized Loss incurred in connection with such liquidation will equal the
excess, if any, of the unpaid principal balance of the Liquidated Loan
immediately prior to liquidation, over the aggregate amount of Liquidation
Proceeds derived from such liquidation remaining after application of such
proceeds to unpaid accrued interest on the Liquidated Loan and to reimburse the
Master Servicer or any Sub-Servicer for related unreimbursed servicing expenses.
With respect to certain Mortgage Loans the principal balances of which have been
reduced in connection with bankruptcy proceedings, the amount of such reduction
(a "Deficient Valuation") also will be treated as a Realized Loss. As to any
series of Certificates other than a Senior/Subordinate Series, unless specified
otherwise in the related Prospectus Supplement, any Realized Loss not covered as
described under "Description of Credit Support" will be allocated among all of
the Certificates on a pro rata basis.
Advances in Respect of Delinquencies
With respect to any series of Certificates evidencing interests in a Trust
Fund consisting of Mortgage Loans, other than a Senior/Subordinate Series,
unless otherwise provided in the related Prospectus Supplement, the Master
Servicer will advance on or before each Distribution Date its own funds or funds
held in the Certificate Account that are not included in the Available
Distribution Amount for such Distribution Date, in an amount equal to the
aggregate of payments of principal and interest (net of related servicing fees
and Retained Interest) that were due during the related Due Period and were
delinquent on the related Determination Date, subject to the Master Servicer's
good faith determination that such advances will be
39
<PAGE>
reimbursable from Related Proceeds (as defined below). See "Description of
Primary Insurance Policies" and "Description of Credit Support".
With respect to any Senior/Subordinate Series, unless otherwise provided in
the related Prospectus Supplement, the Master Servicer will advance on each
Distribution Date its own funds or funds held in the Certificate Account which
are not included in the Available Distribution Amount for such Distribution
Date, in an aggregate amount equal to the lesser of (a) the total of all amounts
required to be distributed on each class of Senior Certificates and Strip
Certificates, if any, on such Distribution Date which remain after applying
towards such payment the entire Available Distribution Amount, including funds
otherwise payable to the Subordinate Certificateholders but excluding such
advance, and (b) the aggregate of payments of principal and interest (net of
related servicing fees and Retained Interest) that were due during the related
Due Period and were delinquent on the related Determination Date. Alternatively,
for a Senior/Subordinate Series, the Master Servicer may be obligated to make
advances in the manner provided in the preceding paragraph. In either case, the
Master Servicer will, unless the related Prospectus Supplement provides
otherwise, be obligated to make such advances regardless of recoverability from
the related Mortgage Loans to the extent that the Certificate Principal Balance
of the Subordinate Certificates is greater than zero. Thereafter, such advances
are required to be made only to the extent they are deemed by the Master
Servicer to be recoverable from Related Proceeds, unless otherwise specified in
the related Prospectus Supplement. See "Description of Primary Insurance
Policies" and "Description of Credit Support".
Advances are intended to maintain a regular flow of scheduled interest and
principal payments to holders of the class or classes of Certificates entitled
thereto, rather than to guarantee or insure against losses. Unless otherwise
provided in the related Prospectus Supplement, advances of the Master Servicer's
funds will be reimbursable only out of related recoveries on the Mortgage Loans
(including amounts received under any form of Credit Support) respecting which
such advances were made (as to any Mortgage Loan, "Related Proceeds") and, in
the case of a Senior/Subordinate Series, out of any amounts otherwise
distributable on the Subordinate Certificates of such series; provided, however,
that any such advance will be reimbursable from any amounts in the Certificate
Account to the extent that the Master Servicer shall determine that such advance
(a "Nonrecoverable Advance") is not ultimately recoverable from Related Proceeds
and, in the case of a Senior/Subordinate Series, the Certificate Principal
Balance of the Subordinate Certificates has been reduced to zero. If advances
have been made by the Master Servicer from excess funds in the Certificate
Account, the Master Servicer will replace such funds in the Certificate Account
on any future Distribution Date to the extent that funds in the Certificate
Account on such Distribution Date are less than payments required to be made to
Certificateholders on such date. (Section 4.03) If so specified in the related
Prospectus Supplement, the obligations of the Master Servicer to make advances
may be secured by a cash advance reserve fund or a surety bond. If applicable,
information regarding the characteristics of, and the identity of any obligor
on, any such surety bond, will be set forth in the related Prospectus
Supplement.
Reports to Certificateholders
With each distribution to holders of any class of Certificates of a series,
the Master Servicer or the Trustee, will forward or cause to be forwarded to
each such holder, to the Depositor and to such other parties as may be specified
in the related Agreement, a statement setting forth:
(i) the amount of such distribution to holders of Certificates of such
class applied to reduce the Certificate Principal Balance thereof;
(ii) the amount of such distribution to holders of Certificates of such
class allocable to Accrued Certificate Interest;
(iii) the amount of related administration or servicing compensation
received by the Trustee or the Master Servicer and any Sub-Servicer and
such other customary information as the Master Servicer deems necessary or
desirable, or that a Certificateholder reasonably requests, to enable
Certificateholders to prepare their tax returns;
(iv) if applicable, the aggregate amount of advances included in such
distribution, and the aggregate amount of unreimbursed advances at the
close of business on such Distribution Date;
40
<PAGE>
(v) the aggregate Stated Principal Balance of the Mortgage Loans at
the close of business on such Distribution Date;
(vi) the number and aggregate Stated Principal Balance of Mortgage
Loans (a) delinquent one month, (b) delinquent two or more months, and (c)
as to which foreclosure proceedings have been commenced;
(vii) with respect to any Mortgaged Property acquired on behalf of
Certificateholders through foreclosure or deed in lieu of foreclosure
during the preceding calendar month, the Stated Principal Balance of the
related Mortgage Loan as of the close of business on the Distribution Date
in such month;
(viii) the book value of any Mortgaged Property acquired on behalf of
Certificateholders through foreclosure or deed in lieu of foreclosure as of
the close of business on the last business day of the calendar month
preceding the Distribution Date;
(ix) the aggregate Certificate Principal Balance of each class of
Certificates (including any class of Certificates not offered hereby) at
the close of business on such Distribution Date, separately identifying any
reduction in such Certificate Principal Balance due to the allocation of
any Realized Loss;
(x) the Special Hazard Subordination Amount, if any, at the close of
business on such Distribution Date;
(xi) the aggregate amount of principal prepayments made and Realized
Losses incurred during the related Prepayment Period;
(xii) the amount deposited in the Reserve Fund, if any, on such
Distribution Date;
(xiii) the amount remaining in the Reserve Fund, if any, as of the close
of business on such Distribution Date;
(xiv) the aggregate unpaid Accrued Certificate Interest, if any, on each
class of Certificates at the close of business on such Distribution Date;
(xv) in the case of Certificates with a variable Pass-Through Rate, the
Pass-Through Rate applicable to such Distribution Date, as calculated in
accordance with the method specified in the related Prospectus Supplement;
(xvi) in the case of Certificates with an adjustable Pass-Through Rate,
for statements to be distributed in any month in which an adjustment date
occurs, the adjustable Pass-Through Rate applicable to the next succeeding
Distribution Date as calculated in accordance with the method specified in
the related Prospectus Supplement; and
(xvii) as to any series which includes Credit Support, the amount of
coverage of each instrument of Credit Support included therein as of the
close of business on such Distribution Date.
In the case of information furnished pursuant to subclauses (i)-(iii)
above, the amounts shall be expressed as a dollar amount per minimum
denomination of Certificates or for such other specified portion thereof.
Within a reasonable period of time after the end of each calendar year, the
Master Servicer or the Trustee, as provided in the related Prospectus
Supplement, shall furnish to each person who at any time during the calendar
year was a holder of a Certificate a statement containing the information set
forth in subclauses (i)-(iii) above, aggregated for such calendar year or the
applicable portion thereof during which such person was a Certificateholder.
Such obligation of the Master Servicer or the Trustee shall be deemed to have
been satisfied to the extent that substantially comparable information shall be
provided by the Master Servicer or the Trustee pursuant to any requirements of
the Code as are from time to time in force. (Section 4.02)
41
<PAGE>
Collection and Other Servicing Procedures
The Master Servicer, directly or through Sub-Servicers, will make
reasonable efforts to collect all scheduled payments under the Mortgage Loans
and will follow or cause to be followed such collection procedures as it would
follow with respect to mortgage loans that are comparable to the Mortgage Loans
and held for its own account, provided such procedures are consistent with the
Agreement and any related insurance policy, bankruptcy bond, letter of credit or
other instrument described under "Description of Primary Insurance Policies" or
"Description of Credit Support" (any such instrument providing coverage as to
losses resulting from physical damage, a "Hazard Insurance Instrument", any such
instrument providing coverage as to credit or other risks, a "Credit Insurance
Instrument", and collectively, the "Insurance Instruments"). Consistent with the
above, the Master Servicer may, in its discretion, waive any late payment charge
in respect of a late Mortgage Loan payment and, only upon determining that the
coverage under any related Insurance Instrument will not be affected, extend or
cause to be extended the due dates for payments due on a Mortgage Note for a
period not greater than 125 days. (Section 3.07)
In any case in which property securing a Mortgage Loan, other than a
Multifamily Loan, has been, or is about to be, conveyed by the borrower, or in
any case in which property securing a Multifamily Loan has been, or is about to
be encumbered by the borrower, the Master Servicer will, to the extent it has
knowledge of such conveyance, encumbrance, proposed conveyance or encumbrance,
exercise or cause to be exercised on behalf of the related Trust Fund the
lender's rights to accelerate the maturity of such Mortgage Loan under any
due-on-sale or due-on-encumbrance clause applicable thereto, but only if the
exercise of any such rights is permitted by applicable law and will not impair
or threaten to impair any recovery under any related Insurance Instrument. If
these conditions are not met or if the Master Servicer reasonably believes it is
unable under applicable law to enforce such due-on-sale or due-on-encumbrance
clause, the Master Servicer will enter into or cause to be entered into an
assumption and modification agreement with the person to whom such property has
been or is about to be conveyed or encumbered, pursuant to which such person
becomes liable under the Mortgage Note, Cooperative Note or Contract and, to the
extent permitted by applicable law, the borrower remains liable thereon. Any fee
collected by or on behalf of the Master Servicer for entering into an assumption
agreement will be retained by or on behalf of the Master Servicer as additional
servicing compensation. See "Certain Legal Aspects of Mortgage
Loans-Enforceability of Certain Provisions". In connection with any such
assumption, the terms of the related Mortgage Loan may not be changed. (Section
3.15)
With respect to Multifamily Loans, the related mortgagor's failure to make
required payments may reflect inadequate operating income or the diversion of
that income from the service of payments due under the Multifamily Loan, and may
call into question such mortgagor's ability to make timely payment of taxes and
to pay for necessary maintenance of the related Mortgaged Property. The Master
Servicer will monitor any Multifamily Loan which is in default, contact the
mortgagor concerning the default, evaluate whether the causes of the default can
be cured over a reasonable period without significant impairment of the value of
the Mortgaged Property, initiate corrective action in cooperation with the
mortgagor if cure is likely, inspect the Mortgaged Property and take such other
actions as it would normally take with respect to similar loans serviced for its
own portfolio. A significant period of time may elapse before the Master
Servicer is able to assess the success of such corrective action or the need for
additional initiatives. Alternatively, the Master Servicer may determine to
institute foreclosure proceedings with respect to a Multifamily Loan soon after
default.
Sub-Servicing
Any Master Servicer may delegate its servicing obligations in respect of
the Mortgage Loans to third-party servicers (each, a "Sub-Servicer"), but such
Master Servicer will remain obligated under the related Agreement. Each
Sub-Servicer will be required to perform the customary functions of a servicer
of comparable loans, including collecting payments from borrowers and remitting
such collections to the Master Servicer; maintaining primary hazard insurance as
described herein and in any related Prospectus Supplement, and filing and
settling claims thereunder, subject in certain cases to the right of the Master
Servicer to approve in advance any such settlement; maintaining escrow or
impoundment accounts of borrowers for payment of taxes, insurance and other
items required to be paid by any borrower pursuant to the Mortgage Loan;
processing assumptions or substitutions, although, unless otherwise specified in
the
42
<PAGE>
related Prospectus Supplement, the Master Servicer is generally required to
exercise due-on-sale clauses to the extent such exercise is permitted by law and
would not adversely affect insurance coverage; attempting to cure delinquencies;
supervising foreclosures or repossessions; inspecting and managing Mortgaged
Properties under certain circumstances; and maintaining accounting records
relating to the Mortgage Loans. Unless otherwise specified in the related
Prospectus Supplement, the Master Servicer will be responsible for filing and
settling claims in respect of Mortgage Loans in a particular Mortgage Pool under
any applicable mortgage pool insurance policy, bankruptcy bond, special hazard
insurance policy or letter of credit. See "Description of Credit Support".
The sub-servicing agreement between any Master Servicer and a Sub-Servicer
(a "Sub-Servicing Agreement") will be consistent with the terms of the related
Pooling and Servicing Agreement and will not result in a withdrawal or
downgrading of any class of Certificates issued pursuant to such Pooling and
Servicing Agreement. Although each Sub-Servicing Agreement will be a contract
solely between the Master Servicer and the Sub-Servicer, the Agreement pursuant
to which a series of Certificates is issued will provide that, if for any reason
the Master Servicer for such series of Certificates is no longer acting in such
capacity, the Trustee or any successor Master Servicer must recognize the
Sub-Servicer's rights and obligations under such Sub-Servicing Agreement.
The Master Servicer will be solely liable for all fees owed by it to any
Sub-Servicer, irrespective of whether the Master Servicer's compensation
pursuant to the related Agreement is sufficient to pay such fees. However, a
Sub-Servicer may be entitled to a Retained Interest in certain Mortgage Loans.
Each Sub-Servicer will be reimbursed by the Master Servicer for certain
expenditures which it makes, generally to the same extent the Master Servicer
would be reimbursed under a Pooling and Servicing Agreement. See "Description of
the Certificates-Retained Interest, Servicing Compensation and Payment of
Expenses".
The Master Servicer may require any Sub-Servicer to agree to indemnify the
Master Servicer for any liability or obligation sustained by the Master Servicer
in connection with any act or failure to act by the Sub-Servicer in its
servicing capacity. Unless otherwise provided in the related Prospectus
Supplement, each Sub-Servicer is required to maintain a fidelity bond and an
errors and omissions policy with respect to its officers, employees and other
persons acting on its behalf or on behalf of the Master Servicer.
Realization Upon Defaulted Mortgage Loans
As servicer of the Mortgage Loans, the Master Servicer, on behalf of
itself, the Trustee and the Certificateholders, will present claims to the
insurer under each Insurance Instrument, and will take such reasonable steps as
are necessary to receive payment or to permit recovery thereunder with respect
to defaulted Mortgage Loans. As set forth above, all collections by or on behalf
of the Master Servicer under any Insurance Instrument, other than amounts to be
applied to the restoration of a Mortgaged Property or released to the mortgagor,
are to be deposited in the Certificate Account for the related Trust Fund,
subject to withdrawal as heretofore described. Unless otherwise provided in the
Prospectus Supplement relating to a series of Certificates, the Master Servicer
or its designee will not receive payment under any letter of credit included as
an Insurance Instrument with respect to a defaulted Mortgage Loan unless all
Liquidation Proceeds and Insurance Proceeds which it deems to be finally
recoverable have been realized; however, the Master Servicer will be entitled to
reimbursement for any unreimbursed advances and reimbursable expenses
thereunder. (Section 3.16)
If any property securing a defaulted Mortgage Loan is damaged and proceeds,
if any, from the related Hazard Insurance Instrument are insufficient to restore
the damaged property to a condition sufficient to permit recovery under the
related Credit Insurance Instrument, if any, the Master Servicer is not required
to expend its own funds to restore the damaged property unless it determines (i)
that such restoration will increase the proceeds to Certificateholders on
liquidation of the Mortgage Loan after reimbursement of the Master Servicer for
its expenses and (ii) that such expenses will be recoverable by it from related
Insurance Proceeds or Liquidation Proceeds.
(Section 3.16)
If recovery on a defaulted Mortgage Loan under any related Credit Insurance
Instrument is not available for the reasons set forth in the preceding
paragraph, the Master Servicer nevertheless will be obligated to follow or cause
to be followed such normal practices and procedures as it deems necessary or
advisable to realize upon the defaulted Mortgage Loan. (Section 3.16) If the
proceeds of any liquidation of the property
43
<PAGE>
securing the defaulted Mortgage Loan are less than the outstanding principal
balance of the defaulted Mortgage Loan plus interest accrued thereon at the
Interest Rate plus the aggregate amount of expenses incurred by the Master
Servicer in connection with such proceedings and which are reimbursable under
the Agreement, the Trust Fund will realize a loss in the amount of such
difference. The Master Servicer will be entitled to withdraw or cause to be
withdrawn from the Certificate Account out of the Liquidation Proceeds recovered
on any defaulted Mortgage Loan, prior to the distribution of such Liquidation
Proceeds to Certificateholders, amounts representing its normal servicing
compensation on the Mortgage Loan, unreimbursed servicing expenses incurred with
respect to the Mortgage Loan and any unreimbursed advances of delinquent monthly
payments made with respect to the Mortgage Loan. (Section 3.11)
If the Master Servicer or its designee recovers Insurance Proceeds with
respect to any defaulted Mortgage Loan, the Master Servicer will be entitled to
withdraw or cause to be withdrawn from the Certificate Account out of such
proceeds, prior to distribution thereof to Certificateholders, amounts
representing its normal servicing compensation on such Mortgage Loan,
unreimbursed servicing expenses incurred with respect to the Mortgage Loan and
any unreimbursed advances of delinquent monthly payments made with respect to
the Mortgage Loan. (Section 3.11) In the event that the Master Servicer has
expended its own funds to restore damaged property and such funds have not been
reimbursed under any Insurance Instrument, it will be entitled to withdraw from
the Certificate Account out of related Liquidation Proceeds or Insurance
Proceeds an amount equal to such expenses incurred by it, in which event the
Trust Fund may realize a loss up to the amount so charged. (Section 3.11)
Because Insurance Proceeds cannot exceed deficiency claims and certain expenses
incurred by the Master Servicer, no such payment or recovery will result in a
recovery to the Trust Fund which exceeds the principal balance of the defaulted
Mortgage Loan together with accrued interest thereon at the Net Interest Rate.
In addition, when property securing a defaulted Mortgage Loan can be resold for
an amount exceeding the outstanding principal balance of the related Mortgage
Loan together with accrued interest and expenses, it may be expected that, if
retention of any such amount is legally permissible, the insurer will exercise
its right under any related mortgage pool insurance policy to purchase such
property and realize for itself any excess proceeds. See "Description of Primary
Insurance Policies" and "Description of Credit Support".
With respect to collateral securing a Cooperative Loan, any prospective
purchaser will generally have to obtain the approval of the board of directors
of the relevant Cooperative before purchasing the shares and acquiring rights
under the proprietary lease or occupancy agreement securing the Cooperative
Loan. See "Certain Legal Aspects of Mortgage Loans-Foreclosure on Cooperatives".
This approval is usually based on the purchaser's income and net worth and
numerous other factors. The necessity of acquiring such approval could limit the
number of potential purchasers for those shares and otherwise limit the Master
Servicer's ability to sell, and realize the value of, those shares.
Retained Interest; Servicing or Administration Compensation and Payment of
Expenses
The Prospectus Supplement for a series of Certificates will specify whether
there will be any Retained Interest in the Trust Fund Assets, and, if so, the
owner thereof. If so, the Retained Interest will be established on a
loan-by-loan basis and will be specified on an exhibit to the related Agreement.
A Retained Interest in a Trust Fund Asset represents a specified portion of the
interest payable thereon. The Retained Interest will be deducted from borrower
payments as received and will not be part of the related Trust Fund. Any partial
recovery of interest on a Mortgage Loan, after deduction of all applicable
servicing fees, will be allocated between Retained Interest (if any) and
interest at the Net Interest Rate on a pari passu basis.
The Master Servicer's (or in the case of a Trust Fund consisting of Agency
Securities or Private Mortgage-Backed Securities if specified in the related
Prospectus Supplement, the Trustee's) primary compensation with respect to a
series of Certificates will come from the monthly payment to it, with respect to
each interest payment on a Trust Fund Asset, of an amount equal to one-twelfth
of the difference between the Interest Rate (minus the rate at which the
Retained Interest, if any, is calculated) and the Net Interest Rate times the
scheduled principal balance of such Trust Fund Asset. Since any Retained
Interest and the Master Servicer's (or the Trustee's) primary compensation are
percentages of the scheduled principal balance of each Trust Fund Asset, such
amounts will decrease in accordance with the amortization schedule of the Trust
Fund Assets. As additional compensation in connection with a series of
Certificates relating to Mortgage Loans, the Master Servicer or the
Sub-Servicers will retain all assumption fees, prepayment
44
<PAGE>
penalties and late payment charges, to the extent collected from mortgagors.
Unless otherwise specified in the related Prospectus Supplement, any interest or
other income which may be earned on funds held in the Certificate Account or any
Sub-Servicing Account may be paid as additional compensation to the Trustee, the
Master Servicer or the Sub-Servicers, as the case may be. Any Sub-Servicer will
receive a portion of the Master Servicer's primary compensation as its
sub-servicing compensation. (Section 3.18)
With respect to a series of Certificates consisting of Mortgage Loans, in
addition to amounts payable to any Sub-Servicer, the Master Servicer will pay
from its servicing compensation certain expenses incurred in connection with its
servicing of the Mortgage Loans, including, without limitation, payment of the
fees and disbursements of the Trustee and independent accountants, payment of
expenses incurred in connection with distributions and reports to
Certificateholders, and payment of any other expenses described in the related
Prospectus Supplement. (Section 3.18)
The Master Servicer is entitled to reimbursement for certain expenses
incurred by it in connection with the liquidation of defaulted Mortgage Loans,
including under certain circumstances reimbursement of expenditures incurred by
it in connection with the restoration of Mortgaged Properties, such right of
reimbursement being prior to the rights of Certificateholders to receive any
related Liquidation Proceeds. The Master Servicer is also entitled to
reimbursement from the Certificate Account for Advances. With respect to a
series of Certificates relating to Agency Securities, the Trustee shall pay all
expenses incurred in administration thereof, subject to the limitations
described in the related Prospectus Supplement.
Evidence as to Compliance
Each Agreement with respect to a series of Certificates consisting of
Mortgage Loans, will provide that on or before a specified date in each year,
beginning with the first such date at least six months after the related Cut-off
Date, a firm of independent public accountants will furnish a statement to the
Trustee to the effect that, on the basis of the examination by such firm
conducted substantially in compliance with either the Uniform Single Audit
Program for Mortgage Bankers or the Audit Program for Mortgages serviced for
FHLMC, the servicing by or on behalf of the Master Servicer of mortgage loans
under pooling and servicing agreements substantially similar to each other
(including the related Agreement) was conducted in compliance with the terms of
such agreements except for any significant exceptions or errors in records that,
in the opinion of the firm, either the Audit Program for Mortgages serviced for
FHLMC, or paragraph 4 of the Uniform Single Audit Program for Mortgage Bankers,
requires it to report. In rendering its statement such firm may rely, as to
matters relating to the direct servicing of mortgage loans by Sub-Servicers,
upon comparable statements for examinations conducted substantially in
compliance with the Uniform Single Audit Program for Mortgage Bankers or the
Audit Program for Mortgages serviced for FHLMC (rendered within one year of such
statement) of firms of independent public accountants with respect to the
related Sub-Servicer.
(Section 3.21)
Each Agreement will also provide for delivery to the Trustee, on or before
a specified date in each year, of an annual statement signed by two officers of
the Master Servicer to the effect that the Master Servicer has fulfilled its
obligations under the Agreement throughout the preceding year. (Section 3.20)
Copies of the annual accountants' statement and the statement of officers
of the Master Servicer may be obtained by Certificateholders without charge upon
written request to the Master Servicer at the address set forth in the related
Prospectus Supplement.
Certain Matters Regarding the Master Servicer and the Depositor
The Master Servicer under each Agreement will be named in the related
Prospectus Supplement. The entity serving as Master Servicer may be an affiliate
of the Depositor and may have other normal business relationships with the
Depositor or the Depositor's affiliates.
Each Agreement will provide that the Master Servicer may resign from its
obligations and duties under the Agreement only if such resignation, and the
appointment of a successor, will not result in a downgrading of any class of
Certificates or upon a determination that its duties under the Agreement are no
longer permissible under applicable law. No such resignation will become
effective until the Trustee or a successor servicer has assumed the Master
Servicer's obligations and duties under the Agreement. (Section 6.04)
45
<PAGE>
Each Agreement will further provide that neither the Master Servicer, the
Depositor nor any director, officer, employee, or agent of the Master Servicer
or the Depositor will be under any liability to the related Trust Fund or
Certificateholders for any action taken, or for refraining from the taking of
any action, in good faith pursuant to the Agreement, or for errors in judgment;
provided, however, that neither the Master Servicer, the Depositor nor any such
person will be protected against any liability which would otherwise be imposed
by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in the
performance of duties thereunder or by reason of reckless disregard of
obligations and duties thereunder. Each Agreement will further provide that the
Master Servicer, the Depositor and any director, officer, employee or agent of
the Master Servicer or the Depositor will be entitled to indemnification by the
related Trust Fund and will be held harmless against any loss, liability or
expense incurred in connection with any legal action relating to the Agreement
or the Certificates, other than any loss, liability or expense is related to any
specific Mortgage Loan or Mortgage Loans (unless any such loss, liability or
expense otherwise reimbursable pursuant to the Agreement) and any loss,
liability or expense incurred by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith or
gross negligence in the performance of duties thereunder or by reason of
reckless disregard of obligations and duties thereunder. In addition, each
Agreement will provide that neither the Master Servicer nor the Depositor will
be under any obligation to appear in, prosecute or defend any legal action which
is not incidental to its respective responsibilities under the Agreement and
which in its opinion may involve it in any expense or liability. The Master
Servicer or the Depositor may, however, in its discretion undertake any such
action which it may deem necessary or desirable with respect to the Agreement
and the rights and duties of the parties thereto and the interests of the
Certificateholders thereunder. In such event, the legal expenses and costs of
such action and any liability resulting therefrom will be expenses, costs and
liabilities of the Certificateholders, and the Master Servicer or the Depositor,
as the case may be, will be entitled to be reimbursed therefor and to charge the
Certificate Account. Except in the case of a series of Senior/Subordinate
Certificates, any such obligation of the Certificateholders will be borne among
them on a pro rata basis in proportion to the Accrued Certificate Interest
payable thereto, and, notwithstanding any other provision, their respective
distributions will be reduced accordingly. (Section 6.03)
Any person into which the Master Servicer may be merged or consolidated, or
any person resulting from any merger or consolidation to which the Master
Servicer is a party, or any person succeeding to the business of the Master
Servicer, will be the successor of the Master Servicer under each Agreement,
provided that such person is qualified to sell mortgage loans to, and service
mortgage loans on behalf of, FNMA or FHLMC. (Section 6.02)
Events of Default
Unless otherwise provided in the related Prospectus Supplement for a series
of Certificates that includes Mortgage Loans, Events of Default under each
Agreement will consist of (i) any failure by the Master Servicer to distribute
or cause to be distributed to Certificateholders, or to remit to the Trustee for
distribution to Certificateholders, any required payment that continues
unremedied for five days after the giving of written notice of such failure to
the Master Servicer by the Trustee or the Depositor, or to the Master Servicer,
the Depositor and the Trustee by the holders of Certificates evidencing not less
than 25% of the Voting Rights; (ii) any failure by the Master Servicer duly to
observe or perform in any material respect any of its other covenants or
obligations under the Agreement which continues unremedied for thirty days
(fifteen days in the case of a failure to pay the premium for any insurance
instrument required to be maintained pursuant to the Agreement) after the giving
of written notice of such failure to the Master Servicer by the Trustee or the
Depositor, or to the Master Servicer, the Depositor and the Trustee by the
holders of Certificates evidencing not less than 25% of the Voting Rights; and
(iii) certain events of insolvency, readjustment of debt, marshalling of assets
and liabilities or similar proceedings and certain actions by or on behalf of
the Master Servicer indicating its insolvency or inability to pay its
obligations. (Section 7.01)
Rights Upon Event of Default
So long as an Event of Default under an Agreement remains unremedied, the
Depositor or the Trustee may, and at the direction of holders of Certificates
evidencing not less than 51% of the Voting Rights, the Trustee shall, terminate
all of the rights and obligations of the Master Servicer under the Agreement
relating to such Trust Fund and in and to the Mortgage Loans (other than any
Retained Interest of the Master Servicer), whereupon the Trustee will succeed to
all of the responsibilities, duties and liabilities of the Master
46
<PAGE>
Servicer under the Agreement (except that if the Trustee is prohibited by law
from obligating itself to make advances regarding delinquent mortgage loans,
then the Trustee will not be so obligated) and will be entitled to similar
compensation arrangements. In the event that the Trustee is unwilling or unable
so to act, it may or, at the written request of the holders of Certificates
entitled to at least 51% of the Voting Rights, it shall appoint, or petition a
court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of, a housing loan servicing
institution acceptable to the Rating Agency with a net worth at the time of such
appointment of at least $15,000,000 to act as successor to the Master Servicer
under the Agreement. Pending such appointment, the Trustee is obligated to act
in such capacity. The Trustee and any such successor may agree upon the
servicing compensation to be paid, which in no event may be greater than the
compensation payable to the Master Servicer under the Agreement. (Sections 7.01
and 7.02)
No Certificateholder will have the right under any Agreement to institute
any proceeding with respect thereto unless such holder previously has given to
the Trustee written notice of default and unless the holders of Certificates
evidencing not less than 25% of the Voting Rights have made written request upon
the Trustee to institute such proceeding in its own name as Trustee thereunder
and have offered to the Trustee reasonable indemnity, and the Trustee for
fifteen days has neglected or refused to institute any such proceeding. (Section
10.03) The Trustee, however, is under no obligation to exercise any of the
trusts or powers vested in it by any Agreement or to make any investigation of
matters arising thereunder or to institute, conduct or defend any litigation
thereunder or in relation thereto at the request, order or direction of any of
the holders of Certificates covered by such Agreement, unless such
Certificateholders have offered to the Trustee reasonable security or indemnity
against the costs, expenses and liabilities which may be incurred therein or
thereby. (Section 8.02)
Amendment
Each Agreement may be amended by the Depositor, the Master Servicer, if
any, and the Trustee, without the consent of any of the holders of Certificates
covered by the Agreement, to cure any ambiguity, to correct, modify or
supplement any provision therein, or to make any other provisions with respect
to matters or questions arising under the Agreement which are not inconsistent
with the provisions thereof, provided that such action will not adversely affect
in any material respect the interests of any holder of Certificates covered by
the Agreement. Each Agreement may also be amended by the Depositor, the Master
Servicer, if any, and the Trustee, with the consent of the holders of
Certificates evidencing not less than 66% of the Voting Rights, for any purpose;
provided, however, that no such amendment may (i) reduce in any manner the
amount of or delay the timing of, payments received on Trust Fund Assets which
are required to be distributed on any Certificate without the consent of the
holder of such Certificate, (ii) adversely affect in any material respect the
interests of the holders of any class of Certificates in a manner other than as
described in (i), without the consent of the holders of Certificates of such
class evidencing not less than 66% of the aggregate Voting Rights of such class
or (iii) reduce the aforesaid percentage of Voting Rights required for the
consent to any such amendment without the consent of the holders of all
Certificates covered by such Agreement then outstanding. However, with respect
to any series of Certificates as to which a REMIC election is to be made, the
Trustee will not consent to any amendment of the Agreement unless it shall first
have received an opinion of counsel to the effect that such amendment will not
cause the Trust Fund to fail to qualify as a REMIC at any time that the related
Certificates are outstanding. (Section 10.01) The Voting Rights evidenced by any
Certificate will be the portion of the voting rights of all of the Certificates
in the related series allocated in the manner described in the related
Prospectus Supplement. (Article I)
Termination
The obligations created by the Agreement for each series of Certificates
will terminate upon the payment to Certificateholders of that series of all
amounts held in the Certificate Account or by the Master Servicer and required
to be paid to them pursuant to such Agreement following the earlier of (i) the
final payment or other liquidation of the last Trust Fund Asset subject thereto
or the disposition of all property acquired upon foreclosure of any such Trust
Fund Asset and (ii) the purchase of all of the assets of the Trust Fund by the
party entitled to effect such termination, under the circumstances and in the
manner set forth in the related Prospectus Supplement. In no event, however,
will the trust created by the Agreement continue beyond the date specified in
the related Prospectus Supplement. Written notice of termination of the
Agreement will be given to each Certificateholder, and the final distribution
will be made only upon surrender and cancellation of
47
<PAGE>
the Certificates at an office or agency appointed by the Trustee which will be
specified in the notice of termination. (Section 9.01)
Any such purchase of assets of the Trust Fund shall be made at a price
approximately equal to (A) in the case of a series of Certificates evidencing
interests in a Trust Fund that includes Mortgage Loans, the greater of (i) the
sum of (a) 100% of the Stated Principal Balance of each Mortgage Loan as of the
day of such purchase plus accrued interest thereon at the applicable Net
Interest Rate to the first day of the month following such purchase plus (b) the
appraised value of any property acquired for the benefit of Certificateholders
in respect of such loans, and (ii) the aggregate fair market value of all of the
assets in the Trust Fund (as determined by the Trustee, the Servicer, and, if
different than both such persons, the person entitled to effect such
termination), in each case taking into account accrued interest at the
applicable Net Interest Rate to the first day of the month following such
purchase and (B) in the case of a series of Certificates evidencing interests in
a Trust Fund that includes Agency Securities or Private Mortgage-Backed
Securities, the sum of 100% of the unpaid principal balance of each outstanding
Trust Fund Asset as of the day of such purchase plus accrued interest thereon at
the Net Interest Rate to the first day of the month of such purchase, or at such
other price as may be specified in the related Prospectus Supplement. The
exercise of such right will effect early retirement of the Certificates of that
series, but the right of the person entitled to effect such termination is
subject to the aggregate principal balance of the outstanding Trust Fund Assets
for such series at the time of purchase being less than the percentage of the
aggregate principal balance of the Mortgage Loans at the Cut-off Date for that
series specified in the related Prospectus Supplement. (Section 9.01)
Duties of the Trustee
The Trustee makes no representations as to the validity or sufficiency of
any Agreement, the Certificates or any Mortgage Loan or related document and is
not accountable for the use or application by or on behalf of the Master
Servicer of any funds paid to the Master Servicer or its designee in respect of
the Certificates or the Mortgage Loans, or deposited into or withdrawn from the
Certificate Account or any other account by or on behalf of the Master Servicer.
(Section 8.03) If no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the
Trustee is required to perform only those duties specifically required under the
related Agreement. However, upon receipt of the various certificates, reports or
other instruments required to be furnished to it, the Trustee is required to
examine such documents and to determine whether they conform to the requirements
of the Agreement. (Section 8.01)
The Trustee
The Trustee under each Agreement will be named in the related Prospectus
Supplement. The commercial bank, national banking association or trust company
serving as Trustee may have normal banking relationships with the Depositor and
its affiliates and with the Master Servicer and its affiliates.
DESCRIPTION OF CREDIT SUPPORT
If so provided in the related Prospectus Supplement, the Trust Fund for a
series of Certificates may include Credit Support for such series or for one or
more classes of Certificates comprising such Series, which Credit Support may
consist of any combination of the following separate components, any of which
may be limited to a specified percentage of the aggregate principal balance of
the Mortgage Loans covered thereby or a specified dollar amount: (i) coverage
with respect to Realized Losses incurred on Liquidated Loans (the "Defaulted
Mortgage Amount"); (ii) coverage with respect to Special Hazard Realized Losses,
as defined below (the "Special Hazard Amount"); and (iii) coverage with respect
to certain actions that may be taken by a bankruptcy court in connection with a
Mortgage Loan, including a Deficient Valuation or a reduction by a bankruptcy
court of the Interest Rate on a Mortgage Loan or an extension of its maturity
(collectively, the "Bankruptcy Amount"). As set forth below and in the related
Prospectus Supplement, such coverage may be provided by subordination of one or
more other classes of Certificates, one or more insurance policies, a bankruptcy
bond, a letter of credit, a reserve fund or any combination of the foregoing.
The amount and type of any Credit Support with respect to a series of
Certificates or with respect to one or
48
<PAGE>
more classes of Certificates comprising such series, and the obligors on such
Credit Support, will be set forth in the related Prospectus Supplement. See
"Description of the Certificates".
Subordination
With respect to any Senior/Subordinate Series, in the event of any Realized
Losses on Mortgage Loans not in excess of the limitations described below, the
rights of the Subordinate Certificateholders to receive distributions with
respect to the Mortgage Loans will be subordinate to the rights of the Senior
Certificateholders to the extent described in the related Prospectus Supplement.
All Realized Losses will be allocated to the Subordinate Certificates of
the related series (or, if such series includes more than one class of
Subordinated Certificates, to the outstanding class of Subordinate Certificates
having the first priority for allocation of Realized Losses and then to
additional outstanding classes of Subordinate Certificates, if any), until the
Certificate Principal Balance thereof has been reduced to zero. Any additional
Realized Losses will be allocated to the Senior Certificates (or, if such series
includes more than one class of Senior Certificates, either on a pro rata basis
among all of the Senior Certificates in proportion to their respective
outstanding Certificate Principal Balances or as otherwise provided in the
related Prospectus Supplement). However, with respect to Realized Losses that
are attributable to physical damage to Mortgaged Properties of a type that is
not covered by standard hazard insurance policies ("Special Hazard Realized
Losses"), the amount thereof that may be allocated to the Subordinate
Certificates of the related series may be limited to an amount (the "Special
Hazard Subordination Amount") specified in the related Prospectus Supplement. If
so, any Special Hazard Realized Losses in excess of the Special Hazard
Subordination Amount will be allocated among all outstanding classes of
Certificates of the related series, on a pro rata basis in proportion to their
respective outstanding Certificate Principal Balances, regardless of whether any
Subordinate Certificates remain outstanding, or as otherwise provided in the
related Prospectus Supplement.
Any allocation of a Realized Loss to a Certificate will be made by reducing
the Certificate Principal Balance thereof as of the Distribution Date following
the Prepayment Period in which such Realized Loss was incurred. If so provided
in the related Prospectus Supplement, in the event of a Realized Loss incurred
in connection with the liquidation of a defaulted Mortgage Loan, the Senior
Certificateholders may be entitled to receive a distribution of principal, to be
paid from and to the extent of funds otherwise distributable to the Subordinate
Certificateholders, equal to the amount, if any (the "Unrecovered Senior
Portion"), by which (i) the then applicable Senior Percentage times the
Scheduled Principal Balance of the Liquidated Loan immediately prior to
liquidation exceeds (ii) the portion of the related unscheduled recovery that is
allocable to principal, reduced by the principal portion of all monthly payments
due but unpaid as of the date of liquidation. Payments to the Senior
Certificateholders in respect of any Unrecovered Senior Portion on any
Distribution Date will only be made with respect to Realized Losses incurred in
connection with Mortgage Loans that became Liquidated Loans during the preceding
Prepayment Period and will not be made as to any Special Hazard Realized Losses
in excess of the Special Hazard Subordination Amount, if applicable. As with any
other distribution of principal, any payment to the holders of Senior
Certificates attributable to an Unrecovered Senior Portion will be applied to
reduce the Certificate Principal Balance thereof. Unless otherwise provided in
the related Prospectus Supplement, the "Scheduled Principal Balance" of any
Mortgage Loan as of any date of determination is equal to the unpaid principal
balance thereof as of the date of determination, reduced by the principal
portion of all monthly payments due but unpaid as of the date of determination.
As set forth under "Description of the Certificates-Principal of the
Certificates", the rights of holders of the various classes of Certificates of
any series to receive distributions of principal and interest is determined by
the aggregate Certificate Principal Balance of each such class. The Certificate
Principal Balance of any Certificate will be reduced by all amounts previously
distributed on such Certificate in respect of principal, and by any Realized
Losses allocated thereto. If there were no Realized Losses or prepayments of
principal on any of the Mortgage Loans, the respective rights of the holders of
Certificates of any series to future distributions would not change. However, to
the extent so provided in the related Prospectus Supplement, holders of Senior
Certificates may be entitled to receive a disproportionately larger amount of
prepayments received, which will have the effect of accelerating the
amortization of the Senior Certificates and increasing the respective percentage
interest in future distributions evidenced by the Subordinate Certificates in
the related Trust Fund (with a corresponding decrease in the Senior Percentage),
as well as preserving the
49
<PAGE>
availability of the subordination provided by the Subordinate Certificates. In
addition, as set forth above, Realized Losses will be first allocated to
Subordinate Certificates by reduction of the Certificate Principal Balance
thereof, which will have the effect of increasing the respective interest in
future distributions evidenced by the Senior Certificates in the related Trust
Fund.
If so provided in the related Prospectus Supplement, certain amounts
otherwise payable on any Distribution Date to holders of Subordinate
Certificates may be deposited into a reserve fund. Amounts held in any reserve
fund may be applied as described below under "Reserve Funds" and in the related
Prospectus Supplement.
With respect to any Senior/Subordinate Series, the terms and provisions of
the subordination may vary from those described above; any such variation will
be described in the related Prospectus Supplement.
If so provided in the related Prospectus Supplement, the Credit Support for
the Senior Certificates of a Senior/Subordinate Series may include, in addition
to the subordination of the Subordinate Certificates of such series and the
establishment of a reserve fund, any of the other forms of Credit Support
described below. If any of such other forms of Credit Support described below is
maintained solely for the benefit of the Senior Certificates of a
Senior/Subordinate Series, then the coverage described below as being provided
by such Credit Support with respect to a series of Certificates may be limited
to the extent necessary to make required distributions on such Senior
Certificates or as otherwise specified in the related Prospectus Supplement. If
so provided in the related Prospectus Supplement, the obligor on any such other
forms of Credit Support maintained for the benefit of the Senior Certificates of
a Senior/Subordinate Series may be reimbursed for amounts paid thereunder out of
amounts otherwise payable on the Subordinate Certificates.
Letter of Credit
As to any series of Certificates to be covered by a Letter of Credit, a
bank (the "Letter of Credit Bank") will deliver to the Trustee an irrevocable
Letter of Credit. The Master Servicer or Trustee will exercise its best
reasonable efforts to keep or cause to be kept the Letter of Credit in full
force and effect, unless coverage thereunder has been exhausted through payment
of claims. The Master Servicer will agree to pay the fees for the Letter of
Credit on a timely basis unless, as described in the related Prospectus
Supplement, the payment of such fees is otherwise provided for.
The Master Servicer or the Trustee will make or cause to be made draws on
the Letter of Credit Bank under each Letter of Credit. Subject to such
differences as will be described in the related Prospectus Supplement, Letters
of Credit may cover all or any of the following amounts:
(i) to the extent of any Defaulted Mortgage Amount, for any Mortgage
Loan that became a Liquidated Loan during the related Prepayment Period
(other than Mortgage Loans as to which amounts paid or payable under any
related Hazard Insurance Instrument, including the Letter of Credit as
described in (ii) below, are not sufficient either to restore the Mortgaged
Property or to pay the outstanding principal balance of the Mortgage Loan
plus accrued interest), an amount which, together with all Liquidation
Proceeds, Insurance Proceeds, and other collections on such Liquidated Loan
(net of amounts payable or reimbursable therefrom to the Master Servicer
for related unpaid servicing fees and unreimbursed servicing expenses),
will equal the sum of (A) the unpaid principal balance of such Liquidated
Loan (plus accrued interest at the applicable Net Interest Rate) plus (B)
the amount of related servicing expenses, if any, not reimbursed to the
Master Servicer from Liquidation Proceeds, Insurance Proceeds and other
collections on such Liquidation Loan (which shall be paid to the Master
Servicer);
(ii) to the extent of any Special Hazard Amount, as to each Mortgage
Loan that is delinquent and as to which the Mortgaged Property has suffered
damage (other than physical damage caused by hostile or warlike action in
time of war or peace, by any weapons of war, by any insurrection or
rebellion, or by any nuclear reaction or nuclear radiation or nuclear
contamination whether controlled or uncontrolled, or by any action taken by
any governmental authority in response to any of the foregoing) and for
which any amounts paid or payable under the related primary hazard
insurance policy or any Special Hazard Insurance Policy are not sufficient
to pay either of the following amounts, an amount which, together with all
Insurance Proceeds paid or payable under the related primary hazard
insurance policy or any Special Hazard Insurance Policy (net, if such
proceeds are not to be applied to restore such Mortgaged Property,
50
<PAGE>
of all amounts payable or reimbursable therefrom to the Master Servicer for
related unpaid servicing fees and unreimbursed servicing expenses), will be
equal to the lesser of (A) the amount required to restore such Mortgaged
Property and (B) the sum of (1) the unpaid principal balance of such
Mortgage Loan (plus accrued interest at the applicable Net Interest Rate)
plus (2) the amount of related servicing expenses, if any, not reimbursed
to the Master Servicer from Insurance Proceeds paid under the related
primary hazard insurance policy or any Special Hazard Insurance Policy; and
(iii) to the extent of any Bankruptcy Amount, with respect to any
Mortgage Loan that has been subject to bankruptcy proceedings as described
above, the amount of any debt service reduction or Deficient Valuation.
If the related Prospectus Supplement so provides, at such time as the
Letter of Credit Bank makes a payment as described above with respect to a
Liquidated Loan, or a payment of the full amount owing on a Mortgage Loan as to
which the Mortgaged Property has been damaged (as described in (ii)(B) above),
the Liquidated Loan will be removed from the related Trust Fund in accordance
with the terms set forth in the related Prospectus Supplement and will no longer
be subject to the Agreement. Unless otherwise provided in the related Prospectus
Supplement, Mortgage Loans that have been subject to bankruptcy proceedings as
described above, or as to which payment under the Letter of Credit has been made
for the purpose of restoring the related Mortgaged Property (as described in
(ii)(A) above), will remain part of the related Trust Fund. Any Defaulted
Mortgage Amount, Special Hazard Amount and Bankruptcy Amount covered by any
Letter of Credit will each be reduced to the extent of related unreimbursed
draws thereunder.
In the event that the Letter of Credit Bank ceases to be a duly organized
commercial bank, or its debt obligations are rated lower than the highest rating
on any class of the Certificates on the date of issuance by the Rating Agency or
Agencies, the Master Servicer or Trustee will use its best reasonable efforts to
obtain or cause to be obtained, as to each Letter of Credit, a substitute Letter
of Credit issued by a commercial bank that meets such requirements and providing
the same coverage; provided, however, that, unless otherwise provided in the
related Prospectus Supplement, if the fees charged or collateral required by
such successor Letter of Credit Bank shall be more than the fees charged or
collateral required by such predecessor Letter of Credit Bank, each component of
coverage thereunder may be reduced proportionately to such a level as results in
such fees and collateral being not more than the fees then charged and
collateral then required by such predecessor Letter of Credit Bank.
Mortgage Pool Insurance Policy
As to any series of Certificates to be covered by a Mortgage Pool Insurance
Policy with respect to any Defaulted Mortgage Amount, the Master Servicer will
exercise its best reasonable efforts to maintain or cause to be maintained the
Mortgage Pool Insurance Policy in full force and effect, unless coverage
thereunder has been exhausted through payment of claims. The Master Servicer
will agree to pay the premiums for each Mortgage Pool Insurance Policy on a
timely basis unless, as described in the related Prospectus Supplement, the
payment of such fees is otherwise provided.
The Master Servicer will present or cause to be presented claims to the
insurer under each Mortgage Pool Insurance Policy. Mortgage Pool Insurance
Policies, however, are not blanket policies against loss, since claims
thereunder may be made only upon satisfaction of certain conditions, as
described below and, if applicable, in the related Prospectus Supplement.
Mortgage Pool Insurance Policies do not cover losses arising out of the
matters excluded from coverage under the primary mortgage insurance policy, or
losses due to a failure to pay or denial of a claim under a primary mortgage
insurance policy, irrespective of the reason therefor.
Mortgage Pool Insurance Policies in general provide that no claim may
validly be presented thereunder with respect to a Mortgage Loan unless (i) an
acceptable primary mortgage insurance policy, if the initial Loan-to-Value Ratio
of the Mortgage Loan exceeded 80%, has been kept in force until such
Loan-to-Value Ratio is reduced to 80%; (ii) premiums on the primary hazard
insurance policy have been paid by the insured and real estate taxes and
foreclosure, protection and preservation expenses have been advanced by or on
behalf of the insured, as approved by the insurer; (iii) if there has been
physical loss or damage to the Mortgaged Property, it has been restored to its
physical condition at the time the Mortgage Loan became
51
<PAGE>
insured under the Mortgage Pool Insurance Policy, subject to reasonable wear and
tear; and (iv) the insured has acquired good and merchantable title to the
Mortgaged Property, free and clear of all liens and encumbrances, except
permitted encumbrances, including any right of redemption by or on behalf of the
mortgagor, and if required by the insurer, has sold the property with the
approval of the insurer.
Assuming the satisfaction of these conditions, the insurer has the option
to either (i) acquire the property securing the defaulted Mortgage Loan for a
payment equal to the principal balance thereof plus accrued and unpaid interest
at the Interest Rate to the date of acquisition and certain expenses described
above advanced by or on behalf of the insured, on condition that the insurer
must be provided with good and merchantable title to the Mortgaged Property
(unless the property has been conveyed pursuant to the terms of the applicable
primary mortgage insurance policy) or (ii) pay the amount by which the sum of
the principal balance of the defaulted Mortgage Loan and accrued and unpaid
interest at the Interest Rate to the date of the payment of the claim and such
expenses exceed the proceeds received from a sale of the Mortgaged Property
which the insurer has approved. In both (i) and (ii), the amount of payment
under a Mortgage Pool Insurance Policy will be reduced by the amount of such
loss paid under the primary mortgage insurance policy.
Unless earlier directed by the insurer, a claim under a Mortgage Pool
Insurance Policy must be filed (i) in the case when a primary mortgage insurance
policy is in force, within a specified number of days (typically, 60 days) after
the claim for loss has been settled or paid thereunder, or after acquisition by
the insured or a sale of the property approved by the insurer, whichever is
later, or (ii) in the case when a primary mortgage insurance policy is not in
force, within a specified number of days (typically, 60 days) after acquisition
by the insured or a sale of the property approved by the insurer. A claim must
be paid within a specified period (typically, 30 days) after the claim is made
by the insured.
Unless otherwise specified in the Prospectus Supplement relating to a
series of Certificates, the amount of coverage under each Mortgage Pool
Insurance Policy will be reduced over the life of the Certificates of any series
by the aggregate dollar amount of claims paid less the aggregate of the net
amounts realized by the insurer upon disposition of all acquired properties. The
amount of claims paid includes certain expenses incurred by the Master Servicer
as well as accrued interest on delinquent Mortgage Loans to the date of payment
of the claim. See "Certain Legal Aspects of Mortgage Loans-Foreclosure on
Mortgages" and "Repossession with respect to Contracts". Accordingly, if
aggregate net claims paid under a Mortgage Pool Insurance Policy reach the
applicable policy limit, coverage thereunder will be exhausted and any further
losses will be borne by Certificateholders of the related series.
In the event that an insurer under a Mortgage Pool Insurance Policy ceases
to be a Qualified Insurer (such term being defined to mean a private mortgage
guaranty insurance company duly qualified as such under applicable laws and
approved as an insurer by FHLMC, FNMA, or any successor entity, and having a
claims-paying ability acceptable to the Rating Agency or Agencies), the Master
Servicer will use its best reasonable efforts to obtain or cause to be obtained
from another Qualified Insurer a replacement insurance policy comparable to the
Mortgage Pool Insurance Policy with a total coverage equal to the then
outstanding coverage of such Mortgage Pool Insurance Policy; provided, however,
that, unless otherwise provided in the related Prospectus Supplement, if the
cost of the replacement policy is greater than the cost of such Mortgage Pool
Insurance Policy, the coverage of the replacement policy may be reduced to the
level such that its premium rate does not exceed the premium rate on such
Mortgage Pool Insurance Policy. However, in the event that the insurer ceases to
be a Qualified Insurer solely because it ceases to be approved as an insurer by
FHLMC, FNMA, or any successor entity, the Master Servicer will review, or cause
to be reviewed, the financial condition of the insurer with a view towards
determining whether recoveries under the Mortgage Pool Insurance Policy are
jeopardized for reasons related to the financial condition of the insurer. If
the Master Servicer determines that recoveries are so jeopardized, it will
exercise its best reasonable efforts to obtain from another Qualified Insurer a
replacement policy as described above, subject to the same cost limitation.
Because each Mortgage Pool Insurance Policy will require that the property
subject to a defaulted Mortgage Loan be restored to its original condition prior
to claiming against the insurer, such policy will not provide coverage against
hazard losses. As set forth below, the primary hazard insurance policies
covering the Mortgage Loans typically exclude from coverage physical damage
resulting from a number of causes and, even when the damage is covered, may
afford recoveries that are significantly less than the full
52
<PAGE>
replacement cost of such losses. Further, a special hazard insurance policy (or
a Letter of Credit to the extent of the Special Hazard Amount) will not cover
all risks, and the coverage thereunder will be limited in amount. Certain hazard
risks will, as a result, be uninsured and will therefore be borne by
Certificateholders. (Section 3.13)
Special Hazard Insurance Policy
As to any series of Certificates to be covered by an Insurance Instrument
that does not cover any Special Hazard Amount, unless otherwise provided in the
related Prospectus Supplement, the Master Servicer will exercise its best
reasonable efforts to maintain or cause to be maintained a Special Hazard
Insurance Policy in full force and effect covering the Special Hazard Amount,
unless coverage thereunder has been exhausted through payment of claims;
provided, however, that the Master Servicer is under no obligation to maintain
such policy in the event that any Insurance Instrument covering such series as
to any Defaulted Mortgage Amount is no longer in effect. The Master Servicer
will agree to pay the premiums on each Special Hazard Insurance Policy on a
timely basis unless, as described in the related Prospectus Supplement, payment
of such premiums is otherwise provided for.
Each Special Hazard Insurance Policy will, subject to the limitations
described below, protect holders of Certificates of the related series from (i)
loss by reason of damage to Mortgaged Properties caused by certain hazards
(including earthquakes and mudflows) not insured against under the primary
hazard insurance policies or a flood insurance policy if the property is in a
designated flood area and (ii) loss from partial damage caused by reason of the
application of the co-insurance clause contained in the primary hazard insurance
policies. Special Hazard Insurance Policies will not cover losses occasioned by
normal wear and tear, war, civil insurrection, certain governmental actions,
errors in design, nuclear or chemical reaction or contamination, faulty
workmanship or materials (except under certain circumstances), flood (if the
property is located in a designated flood area) and certain other risks.
Subject to the foregoing limitations, each Special Hazard Insurance Policy
will provide that, when there has been damage to property securing a defaulted
Mortgage Loan acquired by the insured and to the extent the damage is not
covered by the related primary hazard insurance policy or flood insurance
policy, the insurer will pay the lesser of (i) the cost of repair to the
property and (ii) upon transfer of the property to the insurer, the unpaid
principal balance of such Mortgage Loan at the time of acquisition of the
property by foreclosure, deed in lieu of foreclosure or repossession, plus
accrued interest to the date of claim settlement and certain expenses incurred
by or on behalf of the Master Servicer with respect to the property. The amount
of coverage under the Special Hazard Insurance Policy will be reduced by the sum
of (a) the unpaid principal balance plus accrued interest and certain expenses
paid by the insurer, less any net proceeds realized by the insurer from the sale
of the property, plus (b) any amount paid as the cost of repair of the property.
Restoration of the property with the proceeds described under clause (i) of
the immediately preceding paragraph will satisfy the condition under a Credit
Insurance Instrument that the property be restored before a claim thereunder may
be validly presented with respect to the defaulted Mortgage Loan secured by such
property. The payment described under clause (ii) of the immediately preceding
paragraph will render unnecessary presentation of a claim in respect of such
Mortgage Loan under a Credit Insurance Instrument as to any Defaulted Mortgage
Amount. Therefore, so long as the Credit Insurance Instrument remains in effect,
the payment by the insurer of either of the above alternative amounts will not
affect the total insurance proceeds paid to Certificateholders, but will affect
the relative amounts of coverage remaining under any Special Hazard Insurance
Policy and any Credit Insurance Instrument.
The sale of a Mortgaged Property must be approved by the insurer under any
Special Hazard Insurance Policy and funds received by the insured in excess of
the unpaid principal balance of the Mortgage Loan plus interest thereon to the
date of sale plus certain expenses incurred by or on behalf of the Master
Servicer with respect to the property (not to exceed the amount actually paid by
the insurer) must be refunded to such insurer and, to that extent, coverage
under the Special Hazard Insurance Policy will be restored. If aggregate claim
payments under a Special Hazard Insurance Policy reach the policy limit,
coverage thereunder will be exhausted and any further losses will be borne by
Certificateholders.
53
<PAGE>
A claim under a Special Hazard Insurance Policy generally must be filed
within a specified number of days (typically, 60 days) after the insured has
acquired good and merchantable title to the property, and a claim payment is
payable within a specified number of days (typically, 30 days) after a claim is
accepted by the insurer. Special Hazard Insurance Policies provide that no claim
may be paid unless primary hazard insurance policy premiums, flood insurance
premiums (if the property is located in a federally designated flood area) and,
as approved by the insurer, real estate property taxes, property protection and
preservation expenses and foreclosure or repossession costs have been paid by or
on behalf of the insured, and unless the insured has maintained the primary
hazard insurance policy and, if the property is located in a federally
designated flood area, flood insurance, as required by the Special Hazard
Insurance Policy.
If a Special Hazard Insurance Policy is cancelled or terminated for any
reason (other than the exhaustion of total policy coverage), the Master Servicer
will use its best reasonable efforts to obtain or cause to be obtained from
another Insurer a replacement policy comparable to such Special Hazard Insurance
Policy with a total coverage that is equal to the then existing coverage of such
Special Hazard Insurance Policy; provided, however, that, unless otherwise
provided in the related Prospectus Supplement, if the cost of the replacement
policy is greater than the cost of such Special Hazard Insurance Policy, the
coverage of the replacement policy may be reduced to a level such that its
premium rate does not exceed the premium rate on such Special Hazard Insurance
Policy.
Since each Special Hazard Insurance Policy is designed to permit full
recoveries as to any Defaulted Mortgage Amount under a Credit Insurance
Instrument in circumstances in which such recoveries would otherwise be
unavailable because property has been damaged by a cause not insured against by
a primary hazard insurance policy and thus would not be restored, each Agreement
provides that, if the related Credit Insurance Instrument shall have lapsed or
terminated or been exhausted through payment of claims, the Master Servicer will
be under no further obligation to maintain the Special Hazard Insurance Policy.
Bankruptcy Bond
As to any series of Certificates to be covered by a Bankruptcy Bond with
respect to any Bankruptcy Amount, the Master Servicer will exercise its best
reasonable efforts to maintain or cause to be maintained the Bankruptcy Bond in
full force and effect, unless coverage thereunder has been exhausted through
payment of claims. The Master Servicer will pay or cause to be paid the premiums
for each Bankruptcy Bond on a timely basis, unless, as described in the related
Prospectus Supplement, payment of such premiums is otherwise provided for.
Subject to the limit of the dollar amount of coverage provided, each Bankruptcy
Bond will cover certain losses resulting from an extension of the maturity of a
Mortgage Loan, or a reduction by the bankruptcy court of the principal balance
of or the Interest Rate on a Mortgage Loan, and the unpaid interest on the
amount of a principal reduction during the pendency of a proceeding under the
Bankruptcy Code. See "Certain Legal Aspects of Mortgage Loans-Foreclosure on
Mortgages" and "Repossession with respect to Contracts".
Certificate Guarantee Insurance
Certificate guarantee insurance ("Certificate Guarantee Insurance"), if
any, with respect to a series of Certificates will be provided by one or more
insurance companies. Such Certificate Guarantee Insurance will guarantee, with
respect to one or more classes of Certificates of the related series, timely
distributions of interest and full distributions of principal on the basis of a
schedule of principal distributions set forth in or determined in the manner
specified in the related Prospectus Supplement. If so specified in the related
Prospectus Supplement, the Certificate Guarantee Insurance will also guarantee
against any payment made to a Certificateholder that is subsequently recovered
as a "voidable preference" payment under federal bankruptcy law. A copy of the
Certificate Guarantee Insurance policy for a series, if any, will be filed with
the Commission as an exhibit to a Current Report on Form 8-K to be filed with
the Commission within 15 days of issuance of the Certificates of the related
series.
Reserve Fund
If so provided in the related Prospectus Supplement, the Depositor will
deposit or cause to be deposited in an account (a "Reserve Fund") any
combination of cash, one or more irrevocable letters of credit or one or more
Permitted Investments in specified amounts, or any other instrument satisfactory
to the Rating Agency
54
<PAGE>
or Agencies, which will be applied and maintained in the manner and under the
conditions specified in such Prospectus Supplement. In the alternative or in
addition to such deposit, to the extent described in the Prospectus Supplement
for a Senior/Subordinate Series, a Reserve Fund may be funded through
application of all or a portion of amounts otherwise payable on the Subordinate
Certificates. Amounts in a Reserve Fund may be distributed to
Certificateholders, or applied to reimburse the Master Servicer for outstanding
advances, or may be used for other purposes, in the manner and to the extent
specified in the related Prospectus Supplement. Unless otherwise provided in the
related Prospectus Supplement, any such Reserve Fund will not be deemed to be
part of the related Trust Fund.
Amounts deposited in any Reserve Fund for a series will be invested in
Permitted Investments by, or at the direction of, the Master Servicer or any
other person named in the related Prospectus Supplement.
DESCRIPTION OF PRIMARY INSURANCE POLICIES
Each Mortgage Loan will be covered by a primary hazard insurance policy
and, if required as described below, a primary mortgage insurance policy.
Primary Mortgage Insurance Policies
As set forth under "Description of the Certificates-Realization Upon
Defaulted Mortgage Loans", the Master Servicer will maintain or cause to be
maintained with respect to each Mortgage Loan, other than a Multifamily Loan, a
primary mortgage insurance policy in accordance with the underwriting standards
described herein and in the related Prospectus Supplement. Although the terms
and conditions of primary mortgage insurance policies differ, each primary
mortgage insurance policy will generally cover losses up to an amount equal to
the excess of the unpaid principal amount of a defaulted Mortgage Loan (plus
accrued and unpaid interest thereon and certain approved expenses) over a
specified percentage of the Value of the related Mortgaged Property.
As conditions precedent to the filing or payment of a claim under a primary
mortgage insurance policy, the insured will typically be required, in the event
of default by the borrower, among other things, to: (i) advance or discharge (a)
hazard insurance premiums and (b) as necessary and approved in advance by the
insurer, real estate taxes, protection and preservation expenses and foreclosure
and related costs; (ii) in the event of any physical loss or damage to the
Mortgaged Property, have the Mortgaged Property restored to at least its
condition at the effective date of the primary mortgage insurance policy
(ordinary wear and tear excepted); and (iii) tender to the insurer good and
merchantable title to, and possession of, the Mortgaged Property.
Primary Hazard Insurance Policies
Each Agreement will require the Master Servicer to cause the borrower on
each Mortgage Loan to maintain a primary hazard insurance policy providing for
coverage of the standard form of fire insurance policy with extended coverage
customary in the state in which the Mortgaged Property is located. Unless
otherwise specified in the related Prospectus Supplement, such coverage will be
in general in an amount equal to the lesser of the principal balance owing on
such Mortgage Loan and the amount necessary to fully compensate for any damage
or loss to the improvements on the Mortgaged Property on a replacement cost
basis, but in either case not less than the amount necessary to avoid the
application of any co-insurance clause contained in the hazard insurance policy.
The ability of the Master Servicer to assure that hazard insurance proceeds are
appropriately applied may be dependent upon its being named as an additional
insured under any primary hazard insurance policy and under any flood insurance
policy referred to below, or upon the extent to which information in this regard
is furnished by borrowers. All amounts collected by the Master Servicer under
any such policy (except for amounts to be applied to the restoration or repair
of the Mortgaged Property or released to the borrower in accordance with the
Master Servicer's normal servicing procedures, subject to the terms and
conditions of the related Mortgage and Mortgage Note) will be deposited in the
Certificate Account. The Agreement provides that the Master Servicer may satisfy
its obligation to cause each borrower to maintain such a hazard insurance policy
by the Master Servicer's maintaining a
55
<PAGE>
blanket policy insuring against hazard losses on the Mortgage Loans. If such
blanket policy contains a deductible clause, the Master Servicer will deposit in
the Certificate Account all sums that would have been deposited therein but for
such clause. The Master Servicer also is required to maintain a fidelity bond
and errors and omissions policy with respect to its officers and employees that
provides coverage against losses that may be sustained as a result of an
officer's or employee's misappropriation of funds or errors and omissions in
failing to maintain insurance, subject to certain limitations as to amount of
coverage, deductible amounts, conditions, exclusions and exceptions.
In general, the standard form of fire and extended coverage policy covers
physical damage to or destruction of the improvements of the property by fire,
lightning, explosion, smoke, windstorm and hail, and riot, strike and civil
commotion, subject to the conditions and exclusions specified in each policy.
Although the policies relating to the Mortgage Loans will be underwritten by
different insurers under different state laws in accordance with different
applicable state forms, and therefore will not contain identical terms and
conditions, the basic terms thereof are dictated by respective state laws, and
most such policies typically do not cover any physical damage resulting from the
following: war, revolution, governmental actions, floods and other water-related
causes, earth movement (including earthquakes, landslides and mudflows), nuclear
reactions, wet or dry rot, vermin, rodents, insects or domestic animals, theft
and, in certain cases, vandalism. The foregoing list is merely indicative of
certain kinds of uninsured risks and is not intended to be all-inclusive. When a
Mortgaged Property is located at origination in a federally designated flood
area, each Agreement requires the Master Servicer to cause the borrower to
acquire and maintain flood insurance in an amount equal in general to the lesser
of (i) the amount necessary to fully compensate for any damage or loss to the
improvements which are part of the Mortgaged Property on a replacement cost
basis and (ii) the maximum amount of insurance available under the federal flood
insurance program, whether or not the area is participating in the program.
The hazard insurance policies covering the Mortgaged Properties typically
contain a co-insurance clause that in effect requires the insured at all times
to carry insurance of a specified percentage (generally 80% to 90%) of the full
replacement value of the improvements on the property in order to recover the
full amount of any partial loss. If the insured's coverage falls below this
specified percentage, such clause generally provides that the insurer's
liability in the event of partial loss does not exceed the lesser of (i) the
replacement cost of the improvements less physical depreciation and (ii) such
proportion of the loss as the amount of insurance carried bears to the specified
percentage of the full replacement cost of such improvements.
The Master Servicer will not require that a hazard or flood insurance
policy be maintained for any Cooperative Loan. Generally, the Cooperative is
responsible for maintenance of hazard insurance for the property owned by the
Cooperative, and the tenant-stockholders of that Cooperative do not maintain
individual hazard insurance policies. To the extent, however, that a Cooperative
and the related borrower on a Cooperative Note do not maintain such insurance or
do not maintain adequate coverage or any insurance proceeds are not applied to
the restoration of the damaged property, damage to such borrower's Cooperative
apartment or such Cooperative's building could significantly reduce the value of
the collateral securing such Cooperative Note.
Since the amount of hazard insurance the Master Servicer will cause to be
maintained on the improvements securing the Mortgage Loans declines as the
principal balances owing thereon decrease, and since residential properties have
historically appreciated in value over time, in the event of partial loss hazard
insurance proceeds may be insufficient to restore fully the damaged property.
Under the terms of the Mortgage Loans, borrowers are required to present claims
to insurers under hazard insurance policies maintained on the Mortgaged
Properties. The Master Servicer, on behalf of the Trustee and
Certificateholders, is obligated to present or cause to be presented claims
under any blanket insurance policy insuring against hazard losses on Mortgaged
Properties. However, the ability of the Master Servicer to present or cause to
be presented such claims is dependent upon the extent to which information in
this regard is furnished to the Master Servicer by borrowers. (Section 3.14)
FHA Insurance
The FHA is responsible for administering various federal programs,
including mortgage insurance, authorized under The Housing Act and the United
States Housing Act of 1937, as amended.
56
<PAGE>
There are two primary FHA insurance programs that are available for
multifamily mortgage loans. Sections 221(d)(3) and (d)(4) of the Housing Act
allow the Department of Housing and Urban Development ("HUD") to insure mortgage
loans that are secured by newly constructed and substantially rehabilitated
multifamily rental projects. Section 244 of the Housing Act provides for
co-insurance of such mortgage loans made under Sections 221(d)(3) and (d)(4) by
HUD/FHA and a HUD-approved co-insurer. Generally, the term of such a mortgage
loan may be up to 40 years and the ratio of the loan amount to property
replacement cost can be up to 90%.
Section 223(f) of the Housing Act allows HUD to insure mortgage loans made
for the purchase or refinancing of existing apartment projects which are at
least three years old. Section 244 also provides for co-insurance of mortgage
loans made under Section 223(f). Under Section 223(f), the loan proceeds cannot
be used for substantial rehabilitation work, but repairs may be made for up to,
in general, the greater of 15% of the value of the project or a dollar amount
per apartment unit established from time to time by HUD. In general the loan
term may not exceed 35 years and a loan to value ratio of no more than 85% is
required for the purchase of a project and 70% for the refinancing of a project.
HUD has the option, in most cases, to pay insurance claims in cash or in
debentures issued by HUD. Presently, claims are being paid in cash, and claims
have not been paid in debentures since 1965. HUD debentures issued in
satisfaction of FHA insurance claims bear interest at the applicable HUD
debenture interest rate. Unless otherwise provided in the related Prospectus
Supplement, the Master Servicer will be obligated to purchase any such debenture
issued in satisfaction of a defaulted FHA insured Mortgage Loan serviced by it
for an amount equal to the principal amount of any such debenture.
The Master Servicer will be required to take such steps as are reasonably
necessary to keep FHA insurance in full force and effect.
VA Guarantees
The VA is an Executive Branch Department of the United States, headed by
the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. VA currently administers a variety of federal
assistance programs on behalf of eligible veterans and their dependents and
beneficiaries. VA administers a loan guaranty program pursuant to which VA
guarantees a portion of loans made to eligible veterans.
Under the VA loan guaranty program, a VA Loan may be made to any eligible
veteran by an approved private sector mortgage lender. VA guarantees payment to
the holder of that loan of a fixed percentage of the loan indebtedness, up to a
maximum dollar amount, in the event of default by the veteran borrower. When a
delinquency is reported to VA and no realistic alternative to foreclosure is
developed by the loan holder or through VA's supplemental servicing of the loan,
VA determines, through an economic analysis, whether VA will (a) authorize the
holder to convey the property securing the VA Loan to the Secretary of Veterans
Affairs following termination or (b) pay the loan guaranty amount to the holder.
The decision as to disposition of properties securing defaulted VA Loans is made
on a case-by-case basis using the procedures set forth in 38 U.S.C. Section
3732(c), as amended.
The Master Servicer will be required to take such steps as are reasonably
necessary to keep the VA guarantees in full force and effect.
CERTAIN LEGAL ASPECTS OF MORTGAGE LOANS
The following discussion contains general summaries of certain legal
aspects of loans secured by residential properties. Because such legal aspects
are governed by applicable state law (which laws may differ substantially), the
summaries do not purport to be complete nor to reflect the laws of any
particular state, nor to encompass the laws of all states in which the security
for the Mortgage Loans is situated. The summaries are qualified in their
entirety by reference to the applicable federal and state laws governing the
Mortgage Loans. See "The Trust Funds-The Mortgage Loans".
57
<PAGE>
General
All of the Mortgage Loans, except as described below, are loans to
homeowners and all of the Single-Family Loans and Multifamily Loans are
evidenced by notes or bonds and secured by instruments which may be mortgages,
deeds of trust, security deeds or deeds to secure debt, depending upon the type
of security instrument customary to grant a security interest in real property
in the state in which the Single-Family Property or Multifamily Property, as the
case may be, is located. If specified in the Prospectus Supplement relating to a
series of Certificates, a Trust Fund may also contain (i) Cooperative Loans
evidenced by promissory notes secured by security interests in shares issued by
private cooperative housing corporations and in the related proprietary leases
or occupancy agreements granting exclusive rights to occupy specific dwelling
units in the related buildings or (ii) Contracts evidencing both (a) the
obligation of the obligor to repay the loan evidenced thereby and (b) the grant
of a security interest in the related Manufactured Home to secure repayment of
such loan. Any of the foregoing types of encumbrance will create a lien upon, or
grant a title interest in, the subject property, the priority of which will
depend on the terms of the particular security instrument as well as the order
of recordation or filing of the instrument in the appropriate public office.
Such a lien is not prior to the lien for real estate taxes and assessments.
Single-Family Loans and Multifamily Loans
The Single-Family Loans and Multifamily Loans will be secured by either
mortgages, deeds of trust, security deeds or deeds to secure debt depending upon
the type of security instrument customary to grant a security interest according
to the prevailing practice in the state in which the property subject to a
Single-Family Loan or Multifamily Loan is located. The filing of a mortgage or a
deed of trust creates a lien upon or conveys title to the real property
encumbered by such instrument and represents the security for the repayment of
an obligation that is customarily evidenced by a promissory note. It is not
prior to the lien for real estate taxes and assessments. Priority with respect
to mortgages and deeds of trust depends on their terms and generally on the
order of recording with the applicable state, county or municipal office. There
are two parties to a mortgage, the mortgagor, who is the borrower/homeowner or
the land trustee (as described below), and the mortgagee, who is the lender.
Under the mortgage instrument, the mortgagor delivers to the mortgagee a note or
bond and the mortgage. (In the case of a land trust, title to the property is
held by a land trustee under a land trust agreement, while the
borrower/homeowner is the beneficiary of the land trust; at origination of a
mortgage loan, the borrower executes a separate undertaking to make payments on
the mortgage note.) Although a deed of trust is similar to a mortgage, a deed of
trust normally has three parties, the trustor (similar to a mortgagor), who may
or may not be the borrower, the beneficiary (similar to a mortgagee), who is the
lender, and the trustee, a third-party grantee. Under a deed of trust, the
trustor grants the property, irrevocably until the debt is paid, in trust,
generally with a power of sale, to the trustee to secure payment of the
obligation. A security deed and a deed to secure debt are special types of deeds
which indicate on their face that they are granted to secure an underlying debt.
By executing a security deed or deed to secure debt, the grantor conveys title
to, as opposed to merely creating a lien upon, the subject property to the
grantee until such time as the underlying debt is repaid. The mortgagee's
authority under a mortgage and the trustee's authority under a deed of trust,
security deed or deed to secure debt are governed by the law of the state in
which the real property is located, the express provisions of the mortgage, deed
of trust, security deed or deed to secure debt and, in some cases, the
directions of the beneficiary.
Leases and Rents
Mortgages and deeds of trust which encumber Multifamily Property often
contain an assignment of rents and leases, pursuant to which the borrower
assigns its right, title and interest as landlord under each lease and the
income derived therefrom to the lender, while retaining a license to collect the
rents for so long as there is no default. If the borrower defaults, the license
terminates and the lender is entitled to collect the rents. Local law may
require that the lender take possession of the property and appoint a receiver
before becoming entitled to collect the rents.
Even after a foreclosure or the enforcement of an assignment of rents and
leases, the potential rent payments from the property may not be sufficient to
service the mortgage debt. For instance, the net income that would otherwise be
generated from the property may be insufficient to service the mortgage debt if
the leases on the property are at below-market rents, or as the result of
excessive maintenance, repair or other
58
<PAGE>
obligations inherited by the lender as landlord. In the event of a borrower's
default, the amount of rent the lender is able to collect from the tenants can
significantly affect the value of the lender's security interest.
Cooperative Loans
The Cooperative owns or has a leasehold interest in all the real property
and owns in fee or leases the building and all separate dwelling units therein.
The Cooperative is directly responsible for project management and, in most
cases, payment of real estate taxes, other governmental impositions and hazard
and liability insurance. If there is a blanket mortgage on the cooperative
apartment building and/or underlying land, as is generally the case, or an
underlying lease of the land, as is the case in some instances, the Cooperative,
as project mortgagor, or lessee, as the case may be, is also responsible for
meeting these blanket mortgage or rental obligations. A blanket mortgage is
ordinarily incurred by the Cooperative in connection with either the
construction or purchase of the Cooperative's apartment building or the
obtaining of capital by the Cooperative. The interests of the occupants under
proprietary leases or occupancy agreements as to which the Cooperative is the
landlord are generally subordinate to the interests of the holder of the blanket
mortgage and to the interest of the holder of a land lease. If the Cooperative
is unable to meet the payment obligations (i) arising under its blanket
mortgage, the mortgagee holding the blanket mortgage could foreclose on that
mortgage and terminate all subordinate proprietary leases and occupancy
agreements or (ii) arising under its land lease, the holder of the landlord's
interest under the land lease could terminate it and all subordinate proprietary
leases and occupancy agreements. Also, the blanket mortgage on a Cooperative may
provide financing in the form of a mortgage that does not fully amortize, with a
significant portion of principal being due in one final payment at final
maturity. The inability of the Cooperative to refinance this mortgage and its
consequent inability to make such final payment could lead to foreclosure by the
mortgagee. Similarly, a land lease has an expiration date and the inability of
the Cooperative to extend its term or, in the alternative, to purchase the land
could lead to termination of the Cooperative's interest in the property and
termination of all proprietary leases and occupancy agreements. In either event,
foreclosure by the holder of the blanket mortgage or the termination of the
underlying lease could eliminate or significantly diminish the value of any
collateral held by the lender that financed the purchase by an individual
tenant-stockholder of Cooperative shares or, in the case of the Trust Fund, the
collateral securing the Cooperative Loans.
The Cooperative is owned by tenant-stockholders who, through ownership of
stock, shares or membership certificates in the corporation, receive proprietary
leases or occupancy agreements which confer exclusive rights to occupy specific
units. Generally, a tenant-stockholder of a Cooperative must make a monthly
payment to the Cooperative representing such tenant-stockholder's pro rata share
of the Cooperative's payments for its blanket mortgage, real property taxes,
maintenance expenses and other capital or ordinary expenses. An ownership
interest in a Cooperative and accompanying occupancy rights is financed through
a Cooperative share loan evidenced by a promissory note and secured by an
assignment of and a security interest in the occupancy agreement or proprietary
lease and a security interest in the related Cooperative shares. The lender
generally takes possession of the share certificate and a counterpart of the
proprietary lease or occupancy agreement and a financing statement covering the
proprietary lease or occupancy agreement and the Cooperative shares is filed in
the appropriate state and local offices to perfect the lender's interest in its
collateral. Subject to the limitations discussed below, upon default of the
tenant-stockholder, the lender may sue for judgment on the promissory note,
dispose of the collateral at a public or private sale or otherwise proceed
against the collateral or tenant-stockholder as an individual as provided in the
security agreement covering the assignment of the proprietary lease or occupancy
agreement and the pledge of Cooperative shares. See "Foreclosure on Cooperative
Shares" below.
Contracts
Under the laws of most states, manufactured housing constitutes personal
property and is subject to the motor vehicle registration laws of the state or
other jurisdiction in which the unit is located. In a few states, where
certificates of title are not required for manufactured homes, security
interests are perfected by the filing of a financing statement under Article 9
of the UCC which has been adopted by all states. Such financing statements are
effective for five years and must be renewed at the end of each five years. The
certificate of title laws adopted by the majority of states provide that
ownership of motor vehicles and manufactured housing shall be evidenced by a
certificate of title issued by the motor vehicles department (or
59
<PAGE>
a similar entity) of such state. In the states that have enacted certificate of
title laws, a security interest in a unit of manufactured housing, so long as it
is not attached to land in so permanent a fashion as to become a fixture, is
generally perfected by the recording of such interest on the certificate of
title to the unit in the appropriate motor vehicle registration office or by
delivery of the required documents and payment of a fee to such office,
depending on state law.
The Master Servicer will be required under the related Agreement to effect
such notation or delivery of the required documents and fees, and to obtain
possession of the certificate of title, as appropriate under the laws of the
state in which any Manufactured Home is registered. In the event the Master
Servicer fails, due to clerical errors or otherwise, to effect such notation or
delivery, or files the security interest under the wrong law (for example, under
a motor vehicle title statute rather than under the UCC, in a few states), the
Trustee may not have a first priority security interest in the Manufactured Home
securing a Contract. As manufactured homes have become larger and often have
been attached to their sites without any apparent intention by the borrowers to
move them, courts in many states have held that manufactured homes may, under
certain circumstances, become subject to real estate title and recording laws.
As a result, a security interest in a manufactured home could be rendered
subordinate to the interests of other parties claiming an interest in the home
under applicable state real estate law. In order to perfect a security interest
in a manufactured home under real estate laws, the holder of the security
interest must file either a "fixture filing" under the provisions of the UCC or
a real estate mortgage under the real estate laws of the state where the home is
located. These filings must be made in the real estate records office of the
county where the home is located. Generally, Contracts will contain provisions
prohibiting the obligor from permanently attaching the Manufactured Home to its
site. So long as the obligor does not violate this agreement, a security
interest in the Manufactured Home will be governed by the certificate of title
laws or the UCC, and the notation of the security interest on the certificate of
title or the filing of a UCC financing statement will be effective to maintain
the priority of the security interest in the Manufactured Home. If, however, a
Manufactured Home is permanently attached to its site, other parties could
obtain an interest in the Manufactured Home that is prior to the security
interest originally retained by the seller and transferred to the Depositor.
The Depositor will assign or cause to be assigned a security interest in
the Manufactured Homes to the Trustee, on behalf of the Certificateholders.
Unless otherwise specified in the related Prospectus Supplement, neither the
Depositor, the Master Servicer nor the Trustee will amend the certificates of
title to identify the Trustee, on behalf of the Certificateholders, as the new
secured party and, accordingly, the Depositor or the Mortgage Loan Seller will
continue to be named as the secured party on the certificates of title relating
to the Manufactured Homes. In most states, such assignment is an effective
conveyance of such security interest without amendment of any lien noted on the
related certificate of title and the new secured party succeeds to the
Depositor's rights as the secured party. However, in some states there exists a
risk that, in the absence of an amendment to the certificate of title, such
assignment of the security interest might not be held effective against
creditors of the Depositor or Mortgage Loan Seller.
In the absence of fraud, forgery or permanent affixation of the
Manufactured Home to its site by the Manufactured Home owner, or administrative
error by state recording officials, the notation of the lien of the Depositor on
the certificate of title or delivery of the required documents and fees will be
sufficient to protect the Trustee against the rights of subsequent purchasers of
a Manufactured Home or subsequent lenders who take a security interest in the
Manufactured Home. If there are any Manufactured Homes as to which the Depositor
has failed to perfect or cause to be perfected the security interest assigned to
the Trust Fund, such security interest would be subordinate to, among others,
subsequent purchasers for value of Manufactured Homes and holders of perfected
security interests. There also exists a risk in not identifying the Trustee, on
behalf of the Certificateholders, as the new secured party on the certificate of
title that, through fraud or negligence, the security interest of the Trustee
could be released.
In the event that the owner of a Manufactured Home moves it to a state
other than the state in which such Manufactured Home initially is registered,
under the laws of most states the perfected security interest in the
Manufactured Home would continue for four months after such relocation and
thereafter until the owner re-registers the Manufactured Home in such state. If
the owner were to relocate a Manufactured Home to another state and re-register
the Manufactured Home in such state, and if the Depositor did not take steps to
re-perfect its security interest in such state, the security interest in the
Manufactured Home would cease to be perfected. A majority of states generally
require
60
<PAGE>
surrender of a certificate of title to re-register a Manufactured Home;
accordingly, the Depositor must surrender possession if it holds the certificate
of title to such Manufactured Home or, in the case of Manufactured
Homes registered in states that provide for notation of lien, the Depositor
would receive notice of surrender if the security interest in the Manufactured
Home is noted on the certificate of title. Accordingly, the Depositor would have
the opportunity to re-perfect its security interest in the Manufactured Home in
the state of relocation. In states that do not require a certificate of title
for registration of a manufactured home, re-registration could defeat
perfection. Similarly, when an obligor under a manufactured housing conditional
sales contract sells a manufactured home, the obligee must surrender possession
of the certificate of title or it will receive notice as a result of its lien
noted thereon and accordingly will have an opportunity to require satisfaction
of the related manufactured housing conditional sales contract before release of
the lien. Under each related Agreement, the Master Servicer will be obligated to
take such steps, at the Master Servicer's expense, as are necessary to maintain
perfection of security interests in the Manufactured Homes.
Under the laws of most states, liens for repairs performed on a
Manufactured Home take priority even over a perfected security interest. The
Depositor will obtain the representation of the Mortgage Loan Seller that it has
no knowledge of any such liens with respect to any Manufactured Home securing a
Contract. However, such liens could arise at any time during the term of a
Contract. No notice will be given to the Trustee or Certificateholders in the
event such a lien arises.
Foreclosure on Mortgages
Foreclosure of a deed of trust is generally accomplished by a non-judicial
trustee's sale under a specific provision in the deed of trust, which authorizes
the trustee to sell the property upon any default by the borrower under the
terms of the note or deed of trust. In some states, the trustee must record a
notice of default and send a copy to the borrower-trustor and to any person who
has recorded a request for a copy of a notice of default and notice of sale. In
addition, the trustee in some states must provide notice to any other individual
having an interest in the real property, including any junior lienholder. The
trustor, borrower, or any person having a junior encumbrance on the real estate,
may, during a reinstatement period, cure the default by paying the entire amount
in arrears plus the costs and expenses incurred in enforcing the obligation.
Generally, state law controls the amount of foreclosure expenses and costs,
including attorneys' fees, that may be recovered by a lender. If the deed of
trust is not reinstated, a notice of sale must be posted in a public place and,
in most states, published for a specific period of time in one or more
newspapers. In addition, some state laws require that a copy of the notice of
sale be posted on the property, recorded and sent to all parties having an
interest in the real property.
An action to foreclose a mortgage is an action to recover the mortgage debt
by enforcing the mortgagee's rights under the mortgage in and to the mortgaged
property. It is regulated by statutes and rules and subject throughout to the
court's equitable powers. Generally, a mortgagor is bound by the terms of the
mortgage note and the mortgage as made and cannot be relieved from its own
default. However, since a foreclosure action is equitable in nature and is
addressed to a court of equity, the court may relieve a mortgagor of a default
and deny the mortgagee foreclosure on proof that the mortgagor's default was
neither willful nor in bad faith and that the mortgagee's action was such as to
establish a waiver, or fraud, bad faith, oppressive or unconscionable conduct as
to warrant a court of equity to refuse affirmative relief to the mortgagee.
Under certain circumstances a court of equity may relieve the mortgagor from an
entirely technical default where such default was not willful.
A foreclosure action or sale pursuant to a power of sale is subject to most
of the delays and expenses of other lawsuits if defenses or counterclaims are
interposed, sometimes requiring up to several years to complete. Moreover,
recent judicial decisions suggest that a non-collusive, regularly conducted
foreclosure sale or sale pursuant to a power of sale may be challenged as a
fraudulent conveyance, regardless of the parties' intent, if a court determines
that the sale was for less than fair consideration and such sale occurred while
the mortgagor was insolvent and within one year (or within the state statute of
limitations if the trustee in bankruptcy elects to proceed under state
fraudulent conveyance law) of the filing of bankruptcy. Similarly, a suit
against the debtor on the mortgage note may take several years.
In case of foreclosure under either a mortgage or a deed of trust, the sale
by the referee or other designated officer or by the trustee is a public sale.
However, because of the difficulty potential third party purchasers at the sale
have in determining the exact status of title and because the physical condition
of the
61
<PAGE>
property may have deteriorated during the foreclosure proceedings, it is
uncommon for a third party to purchase the property at the foreclosure sale.
Rather, it is common for the lender to purchase the property from the trustee or
referee for an amount equal to the principal amount of the mortgage or deed of
trust plus accrued and unpaid interest and the expenses of foreclosure.
Thereafter, the lender will assume the burdens of ownership, including obtaining
casualty insurance, paying taxes and making such repairs at its own expense as
are necessary to render the property suitable for sale. Depending upon market
conditions, the ultimate proceeds of the sale of the property may not equal the
lender's investment in the property. Any loss may be reduced by the receipt of
any mortgage insurance proceeds.
A junior mortgagee may not foreclose on the property securing a junior
mortgage unless it forecloses subject to the senior mortgages, in which case it
must either pay the entire amount due on the senior mortgages to the senior
mortgagees prior to or at the time of the foreclosure sale or undertake the
obligation to make payments on the senior mortgages in the event the mortgagor
is in default thereunder, in either event adding the amounts expended to the
balance due on the junior loan, and may be subrogated to the rights of the
senior mortgagees. In addition, in the event that the foreclosure of a junior
mortgage triggers the enforcement of a "due-on-sale" clause, the junior
mortgagee may be required to pay the full amount of the senior mortgages to the
senior mortgagees. Accordingly, with respect to those Mortgage Loans which are
junior mortgage loans, if the lender purchases the property, the lender's title
will be subject to all senior liens and claims and certain governmental liens.
The proceeds received by the referee or trustee from the sale are applied first
to the costs, fees and expenses of sale and then in satisfaction of the
indebtedness secured by the mortgage or deed of trust under which the sale was
conducted. Any remaining proceeds are generally payable to the holders of junior
mortgages or deeds of trust and other liens and claims in order of their
priority, whether or not the borrower is in default. Any additional proceeds are
generally payable to the mortgagor or trustor. The payment of the proceeds to
the holders of junior mortgages may occur in the foreclosure action of the
senior mortgagee or may require the institution of separate legal proceeds.
In foreclosure, courts have imposed general equitable principles. The
equitable principles are generally designed to relieve the borrower from the
legal effect of its defaults under the loan documents. Examples of judicial
remedies that have been fashioned include judicial requirements that the lender
undertake affirmative and expensive actions to determine the causes for the
borrower's default and the likelihood that the borrower will be able to
reinstate the loan. In some cases, courts have substituted their judgment for
the lender's judgment and have required that lenders reinstate loans or recast
payment schedules in order to accommodate borrowers who are suffering from
temporary financial disability. In other cases, courts have limited the right of
a lender to foreclose if the default under the mortgage instrument is not
monetary, such as the borrower's failure to adequately maintain the property or
the borrower's execution of a second mortgage or deed of trust affecting the
property. Finally, some courts have been faced with the issue of whether or not
federal or state constitutional provisions reflecting due process concerns for
adequate notice require that borrowers under deeds of trust or mortgages receive
notices in addition to the statutorily-prescribed minimums. For the most part,
these cases have upheld the notice provisions as being reasonable or have found
that the sale by a trustee under a deed of trust, or under a mortgage having a
power of sale, does not involve sufficient state action to afford constitutional
protection to the borrower.
Certain states impose a statutory lien for associated costs on property
that is the subject of a cleanup action by the state on account of hazardous
wastes or hazardous substances released or disposed of on the property. Such a
lien generally will have priority over all subsequent liens on the property and,
in certain of these states, will have priority over prior recorded liens,
including the lien of a mortgage. In addition, under federal environmental
legislation and possibly under state law in a number of states, a secured party
that takes a deed in lieu of foreclosure or acquires a mortgaged property at a
foreclosure sale may be liable for the costs of cleaning up a contaminated site.
Although such costs could be substantial, it is unclear whether they would be
imposed on a secured lender on residential properties. In the event that title
to a Mortgaged Property was acquired on behalf of Certificateholders and cleanup
costs were incurred in respect of the Mortgaged Property, such
Certificateholders might realize a loss if such costs were required to be paid
by the related Trust Fund.
62
<PAGE>
Foreclosure on Cooperative Shares
The Cooperative shares and proprietary lease or occupancy agreement owned
by the tenant-stockholder and pledged to the lender are, in almost all cases,
subject to restrictions on transfer as set forth in the Cooperative's
certificate of incorporation and by-laws, as well as in the proprietary lease or
occupancy agreement, and may be cancelled by the Cooperative for failure by the
tenant-stockholder to pay rent or other obligations or charges owed by such
tenant-stockholder, including mechanics' liens against the Cooperative apartment
building incurred by such tenant-stockholder. Typically, rent and other
obligations and charges arising under a proprietary lease or occupancy agreement
that are owed to the Cooperative are made liens upon the shares to which the
proprietary lease or occupancy agreement relates. In addition, the proprietary
lease or occupancy agreement generally permits the Cooperative to terminate such
lease or agreement in the event the tenant-stockholder fails to make payments or
defaults in the performance of covenants required thereunder. Typically, the
lender and the Cooperative enter into a recognition agreement that, together
with any lender protection provisions contained in the proprietary lease,
establishes the rights and obligations of both parties in the event of a default
by the tenant-stockholder on its obligations under the proprietary lease or
occupancy agreement. A default by the tenant-stockholder under the proprietary
lease or occupancy agreement will usually constitute a default under the
security agreement between the lender and the tenant-stockholder.
The recognition agreement generally provides that, in the event that the
tenant-stockholder has defaulted under the proprietary lease or occupancy
agreement, the Cooperative will take no action to terminate such lease or
agreement until the lender has been provided with notice of and an opportunity
to cure the default. The recognition agreement typically provides that if the
proprietary lease or occupancy agreement is terminated, the Cooperative will
recognize the lender's lien against proceeds from a sale of the Cooperative
apartment, subject, however, to the Cooperative's right to sums due under such
proprietary lease or occupancy agreement or that have become liens on the shares
relating to the proprietary lease or occupancy agreement. The total amount owed
to the Cooperative by the tenant-stockholder, which the lender generally cannot
restrict and does not monitor, could reduce the value of the collateral below
the outstanding principal balance of the Cooperative Loan and accrued and unpaid
interest thereon.
Recognition agreements also provide that in the event of a foreclosure on a
Cooperative Loan, the lender must obtain the approval or consent of the
Cooperative as required by the proprietary lease before transferring the
Cooperative shares or assigning the proprietary lease. Generally, the lender is
not limited in any rights it may have to dispossess the tenant-stockholders.
Under the laws applicable in most states, foreclosure on the Cooperative
shares is accomplished by a sale in accordance with the provisions of Article 9
of the UCC and the security agreement relating to those shares. Article 9 of the
UCC requires that a sale be conducted in a "commercially reasonable" manner.
Whether a foreclosure sale has been conducted in a "commercially reasonable"
manner will depend on the facts in each case. In determining commercial
reasonableness, a court will look to the notice given the debtor and the method,
manner, time, place and terms of the foreclosure. Generally, a sale conducted
according to the usual practice of banks selling similar collateral will be
considered reasonably conducted.
Article 9 of the UCC provides that the proceeds of the sale will be applied
first to pay the costs and expenses of the sale and then to satisfy the
indebtedness secured by the lender's security interest. The recognition
agreement, however, generally provides that the lender's right to reimbursement
is subject to the right of the Cooperative corporation to receive sums due under
the proprietary lease or occupancy agreement. If there are proceeds remaining,
the lender must account to the tenant-stockholder for the surplus. Conversely,
if a portion of the indebtedness remains unpaid, the tenant-stockholder is
generally responsible for the deficiency. See "Anti-Deficiency Legislation and
Other Limitations on Lenders" below.
Repossession with respect to Contracts
Repossession of manufactured housing is governed by state law. A few states
have enacted legislation that requires that the debtor be given an opportunity
to cure its default (typically 30 days to bring the account current) before
repossession can commence. So long as a manufactured home has not become so
attached to real estate that it would be treated as a part of the real estate
under the law of the state where it is located, repossession of such home in the
event of a default by the obligor will generally be governed by the UCC
63
<PAGE>
(except in Louisiana). Article 9 of the UCC provides the statutory framework for
the repossession of manufactured housing. While the UCC as adopted by the
various states may vary in certain small particulars, the general repossession
procedure established by the UCC is as follows:
(i) Except in those states where the debtor must receive notice of the
right to cure a default, repossession can commence immediately upon default
without prior notice. Repossession may be effected either through self-help
(peaceable retaking without court order), voluntary repossession or through
judicial process (repossession pursuant to court-issued writ of replevin).
The self-help and/or voluntary repossession methods are more commonly
employed, and are accomplished simply by retaking possession of the
manufactured home. In cases in which the debtor objects or raises a defense
to repossession, a court order must be obtained from the appropriate state
court, and the manufactured home must then be repossessed in accordance
with that order. Whether the method employed is self-help, voluntary
repossession or judicial repossession, the repossession can be accomplished
either by an actual physical removal of the manufactured home to a secure
location for refurbishment and resale or by removing the occupants and
their belongings from the manufactured home and maintaining possession of
the manufactured home on the location where the occupants were residing.
Various factors may affect whether the manufactured home is physically
removed or left on location, such as the nature and term of the lease of
the site on which it is located and the condition of the unit. In many
cases, leaving the manufactured home on location is preferable, in the
event that the home is already set up, because the expenses of retaking and
redelivery will be saved. However, in those cases where the home is left on
location, expenses for site rentals will usually be incurred.
(ii) Once repossession has been achieved, preparation for the
subsequent disposition of the manufactured home can commence. The
disposition may be by public or private sale provided the method, manner,
time, place and terms of the sale are commercially reasonable.
(iii) Sale proceeds are to be applied first to repossession expenses
(expenses incurred in retaking, storage, preparing for sale to include
refurbishing costs and selling) and then to satisfaction of the
indebtedness. While some states impose prohibitions or limitations on
deficiency judgments if the net proceeds from resale do not cover the full
amount of the indebtedness, the remainder may be sought from the debtor in
the form of a deficiency judgment in those states that do not prohibit or
limit such judgments. The deficiency judgment is a personal judgment
against the debtor for the shortfall. Occasionally, after resale of a
manufactured home and payment of all expenses and indebtedness, there is a
surplus of funds. In that case, the UCC requires the party suing for the
deficiency judgment to remit the surplus to the debtor. Because the
defaulting owner of a manufactured home generally has very little capital
or income available following repossession, a deficiency judgment may not
be sought in many cases or, if obtained, will be settled at a significant
discount in light of the defaulting owner's strained financial condition.
Louisiana Law
Any contract secured by a manufactured home located in Louisiana will be
governed by Louisiana law rather than Article 9 of the UCC. Louisiana laws
provide similar mechanisms for perfection and enforcement of security interests
in manufactured housing used as collateral for an installment sale contract or
installment loan agreement.
Under Louisiana law, a manufactured home that has been permanently affixed
to real estate will nevertheless remain subject to the motor vehicle
registration laws unless the obligor and any holder of a security interest in
the property execute and file in the real estate records for the parish in which
the property is located a document converting the unit into real property. A
manufactured home that is converted into real property but is then removed from
its site can be converted back to personal property governed by the motor
vehicle registration laws if the obligor executes and files various documents in
the appropriate real estate records and all mortgagees under real estate
mortgages on the property and the land to which it was affixed file releases
with the motor vehicle commission.
So long as a manufactured home remains subject to the Louisiana motor
vehicle laws, liens are recorded on the certificate of title by the motor
vehicle commissioner and repossession can be accomplished by voluntary consent
of the obligor, executory process (repossession proceedings which must be
initiated
64
<PAGE>
through the courts but which involve minimal court supervision) or a civil suit
for possession. In connection with a voluntary surrender, the obligor must be
given a full release from liability for all amounts due under the contract. In
executory process repossessions, a sheriff's sale (without court supervision) is
permitted, unless the obligor brings suit to enjoin the sale, and the lender is
prohibited from seeking a deficiency judgment against the obligor unless the
lender obtained an appraisal of the manufactured home prior to the sale and the
property was sold for at least two-thirds of its appraised value.
Rights of Redemption with respect to Single-Family Properties and Multifamily
Properties
In some states, after sale pursuant to a deed of trust or foreclosure of a
mortgage, the trustor or mortgagor and certain foreclosed junior lienors are
given a statutory period in which to redeem the property from the foreclosure
sale. The right of redemption should be distinguished from the equity of
redemption, which is a nonstatutory right that must be exercised prior to the
foreclosure sale. In some states, redemption may occur only upon payment of the
entire principal balance of the loan, accrued interest and expenses of
foreclosure. In other states, redemption may be authorized if the former
borrower pays only a portion of the sums due. The effect of a statutory right of
redemption is to diminish the ability of the lender to sell the foreclosed
property. The right of redemption would defeat the title of any purchaser
acquired at a public sale. Consequently, the practical effect of a right of
redemption is to force the lender to retain the property and pay the expenses of
ownership and maintenance of the property until the redemption period has
expired. In some states, there is no right to redeem property after a trustee's
sale under a deed of trust.
Notice of Sale; Redemption Rights with respect to Manufactured Homes
While state laws do not usually require notice to be given to debtors prior
to repossession, many states do require delivery of a notice of default and of
the debtor's right to cure defaults before repossession. The law in most states
also requires that the debtor be given notice of sale prior to the resale of the
home so that the owner may redeem at or before resale. In addition, the sale
must comply with the requirements of the UCC.
Anti-Deficiency Legislation and Other Limitations on Lenders
Certain states have imposed statutory prohibitions that limit the remedies
of a beneficiary under a deed of trust or a mortgagee under a mortgage. In some
states, statutes limit the right of the beneficiary or mortgagee to obtain a
deficiency judgment against the borrower following foreclosure or sale under a
deed of trust. A deficiency judgment is a personal judgment against the former
borrower equal in most cases to the difference between the net amount realized
upon the public sale of the real property and the amount due to the lender.
Other statutes require the beneficiary or mortgagee to exhaust the security
afforded under a deed of trust or mortgage by foreclosure in an attempt to
satisfy the full debt before bringing a personal action against the borrower.
Finally, other statutory provisions limit any deficiency judgment against the
former borrower following a judicial sale to the excess of the outstanding debt
over the fair market value of the property at the time of the public sale. The
purpose of these statutes is generally to prevent a beneficiary or a mortgagee
from obtaining a large deficiency judgment against the former borrower as a
result of low or no bids at the judicial sale.
In addition to laws limiting or prohibiting deficiency judgments, numerous
other statutory provisions, including the federal bankruptcy laws and state laws
affording relief to debtors, may interfere with or affect the ability of the
secured mortgage lender to realize upon collateral and/or enforce a deficiency
judgment. For example, with respect to federal bankruptcy law, the filing of a
petition acts as a stay against the enforcement of remedies of collection of a
debt. Moreover, a court with federal bankruptcy jurisdiction may permit a debtor
through his or her Chapter 13 rehabilitative plan to cure a monetary default
with respect to a mortgage loan on a debtor's residence by paying arrearages
within a reasonable time period and reinstating the original mortgage loan
payment schedule even though the lender accelerated the mortgage loan and final
judgment of a foreclosure had been entered in state court (provided no sale of
the property had yet occurred) prior to the filing of the debtor's Chapter 13
petition. Some courts with federal bankruptcy jurisdiction have approved plans,
based on the particular facts of the reorganization case, that effected the
curing of a mortgage loan default by paying arrearages over a number of years.
65
<PAGE>
Courts with federal bankruptcy jurisdiction have also indicated that the
terms of a mortgage loan secured by property of the debtor may be modified if
the borrower has filed a petition under Chapter 13. These courts have suggested
that such modifications may include reducing the amount of each monthly payment,
changing the rate of interest, altering the repayment schedule and reducing the
lender's security interest to the value of the residence, thus leaving the
lender a general unsecured creditor for the difference between the value of the
residence and the outstanding balance of the loan. Federal bankruptcy law and
limited case law indicate that the foregoing modifications could not be applied
to the terms of a loan secured by property that is the principal residence of
the debtor. In all cases, the secured creditor is entitled to the value of its
security plus post-petition interest, attorneys' fees and costs to the extent
the value of the security exceeds the debt.
The Code provides priority to certain tax liens over the lien of the
mortgage. This may have the effect of delaying or interfering with the
enforcement of rights in respect of a defaulted Mortgage Loan. In addition,
substantive requirements are imposed upon mortgage lenders in connection with
the origination and the servicing of mortgage loans by numerous federal and some
state consumer protection laws. The laws include the federal Truth-in-Lending
Act, Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act, Equal Credit Opportunity Act, Fair
Credit Billing Act, Fair Credit Reporting Act, and related statutes. These
federal laws impose specific statutory liabilities upon lenders who originate
mortgage loans and who fail to comply with the provisions of the law. In some
cases, this liability may affect assignees of the mortgage loans.
For Cooperative Loans
Generally, Article 9 of the UCC governs foreclosure on Cooperative shares
and the related proprietary lease or occupancy agreement. Some courts have
interpreted Section 9-504 of the UCC to prohibit a deficiency award unless the
creditor establishes that the sale of the collateral (which, in the case of a
Cooperative Loan, would be the shares of the Cooperative and the related
proprietary lease or occupancy agreement) was conducted in a commercially
reasonable manner.
Junior Mortgages
Some of the Mortgage Loans may be secured by junior mortgages or deeds of
trust, which are junior to senior mortgages or deeds of trust which are not part
of the Trust Fund. The rights of the Certificateholders as the holders of a
junior deed of trust or a junior mortgage are subordinate in lien priority and
in payment priority to those of the holder of the senior mortgage or deed of
trust, including the prior rights of the senior mortgagee or beneficiary to
receive and apply hazard insurance and condemnation proceeds and, upon default
of the mortgagor, to cause a foreclosure on the property. Upon completion of the
foreclosure proceedings by the holder of the senior mortgage or the sale
pursuant to the deed of trust, the junior mortgagee's or junior beneficiary's
lien will be extinguished unless the junior lienholder satisfies the defaulted
senior loan or asserts its subordinate interest in a property in foreclosure
proceedings. See "Foreclosure on Mortgages" herein.
Furthermore, the terms of the junior mortgage or deed of trust are
subordinate to the terms of the senior mortgage or deed of trust. In the event
of a conflict between the terms of the senior mortgage or deed of trust and the
junior mortgage or deed of trust, the terms of the senior mortgage or deed of
trust will govern generally. Upon a failure of the mortgagor or trustor to
perform any of its obligations, the senior mortgagee or beneficiary, subject to
the terms of the senior mortgage or deed of trust, may have the right to perform
the obligation itself. Generally, all sums so expended by the mortgagee or
beneficiary become part of the indebtedness secured by the mortgage or deed of
trust. To the extent a senior mortgagee expends such sums, such sums will
generally have priority over all sums due under the junior mortgage.
Consumer Protection Laws with respect to Contracts
Numerous federal and state consumer protection laws impose substantial
requirements upon creditors involved in consumer finance. These laws include the
federal Truth-in-Lending Act, Regulation "Z", the Equal Credit Opportunity Act,
Regulation "B", the Fair Credit Reporting Act, and related statutes. These laws
can impose specific statutory liabilities upon creditors who fail to comply with
their provisions. In some cases, this liability may affect an assignee's ability
to enforce a contract.
66
<PAGE>
Manufactured housing contracts often contain provisions obligating the
obligor to pay late charges if payments are not timely made. In certain cases,
federal and state law may specifically limit the amount of late charges that may
be collected. Unless otherwise provided in the related Prospectus Supplement,
under the Agreement, late charges will be retained by the Master Servicer as
additional servicing compensation, and any inability to collect these amounts
will not affect payments to Certificateholders.
Courts have imposed general equitable principles upon repossession and
litigation involving deficiency balances. These equitable principles are
generally designed to relieve a consumer from the legal consequences of a
default.
In several cases, consumers have asserted that the remedies provided to
secured parties under the UCC and related laws violate the due process
protections provided under the 14th Amendment to the Constitution of the United
States. For the most part, courts have upheld the notice provisions of the UCC
and related laws as reasonable or have found that the repossession and resale by
the creditor does not involve sufficient state action to afford constitutional
protection to consumers.
The so-called "Holder-in-Due-Course" Rule of the Federal Trade Commission
(the "FTC Rule") has the effect of subjecting a seller (and certain related
creditors and their assignees) in a consumer credit transaction and any assignee
of the creditor to all claims and defenses which the debtor in the transaction
could assert against the seller of the goods. Liability under the FTC Rule is
limited to the amounts paid by a debtor on the contract, and the holder of the
contract may also be unable to collect amounts still due thereunder.
Most of the Contracts in a Trust Fund will be subject to the requirements
of the FTC Rule. Accordingly, the Trustee, as holder of the Contracts, will be
subject to any claims or defenses that the purchaser of the related manufactured
home may assert against the seller of the manufactured home, subject to a
maximum liability equal to the amounts paid by the obligor on the Contract. If
an obligor is successful in asserting any such claim or defense, and if the
Mortgage Loan Seller had or should have had knowledge of such claim or defense,
the Master Servicer will have the right to require the Mortgage Loan Seller to
repurchase the Contract because of a breach of its Mortgage Loan Seller's
representation and warranty that no claims or defenses exist that would affect
the obligor's obligation to make the required payments under the Contract. The
Mortgage Loan Seller would then have the right to require the originating dealer
to repurchase the Contract from it and might also have the right to recover from
the dealer for any losses suffered by the Mortgage Loan Seller with respect to
which the dealer would have been primarily liable to the obligor.
Other Limitations
In addition to the laws limiting or prohibiting deficiency judgments,
numerous other statutory provisions, including federal bankruptcy laws and
related state laws, may interfere with or affect the ability of a lender to
realize upon collateral and/or enforce a deficiency judgment. For example, in a
Chapter 13 proceeding under the federal bankruptcy law, a court may prevent a
lender from repossessing a home, and, as part of the rehabilitation plan, reduce
the amount of the secured indebtedness to the market value of the home at the
time of bankruptcy (as determined by the court), leaving the party providing
financing as a general unsecured creditor for the remainder of the indebtedness.
A bankruptcy court may also reduce the monthly payments due under a contract or
change the rate of interest and time of repayment of the indebtedness.
Enforceability of Certain Provisions
Unless the Prospectus Supplement indicates otherwise, all the related
Mortgage Loans will contain due-on-sale clauses. These clauses permit the lender
to accelerate the maturity of the loan if the borrower sells, transfers, or
conveys the property without the prior consent of the lender. The enforceability
of these clauses has been impaired in various ways in certain states by statute
or decisional law. The ability of lenders and their assignees and transferees to
enforce due-on-sale clauses was addressed by the Garn-St Germain Depository
Institutions Act of 1982 (the "Garn-St Germain Act"), which was enacted on
October 15, 1982. This legislation, subject to certain exceptions, preempts
state constitutional, statutory and case law that prohibits the enforcement of
due-on-sale clauses. The Garn-St Germain Act does "encourage" lenders to permit
assumptions of loans at the original rate of interest or at some other rate less
than the average of the original rate and the market rate.
67
<PAGE>
Single-Family Loans and Multifamily Loans
Exempted from this preemption pursuant to the Garn-St Germain Act are
mortgage loans (originated other than by federal savings and loan associations
and federal savings banks) that were made or assumed during the period beginning
on the date a state, by statute or final appellate court decision having
statewide effect, prohibited the exercise of due-on-sale clauses and ending on
October 15, 1982 ("Window Period Loans"). However, this exception applies only
to transfers of property underlying Window Period Loans occurring between
October 15, 1982 and October 15, 1985 and does not restrict enforcement of a
due-on-sale clause in connection with current transfers of property underlying
Window Period Loans unless the property underlying such Window Period Loan is
located in one of the five "window period states" identified below. Due-on-sale
clauses contained in mortgage loans originated by federal savings and loan
associations or federal savings banks are fully enforceable pursuant to
regulations of the Federal Home Loan Bank Board, predecessor to the Office of
Thrift Supervision, which preempt state law restrictions on the enforcement of
due-on-sale clauses. Mortgage Loans originated by such institutions are
therefore not deemed to be Window Period Loans.
With the expiration of the exemption for Window Period Loans on October 15,
1985, due-on-sale clauses have become generally enforceable except in those
states whose legislatures exercised their authority to regulate the
enforceability of such clauses with respect to mortgage loans that were (i)
originated or assumed during the "window period", which ended in all cases not
later than October 15, 1982, and (ii) originated by lenders other than national
banks, federal savings institutions and federal credit unions. FHLMC has taken
the position in its published mortgage servicing standards that, out of a total
of eleven "window period states", five states (Arizona, Michigan, Minnesota, New
Mexico and Utah) have enacted statutes extending, on various terms and for
varying periods, the prohibition on enforcement of due-on-sale clauses with
respect to certain categories of Window Period Loans. The Garn-St Germain Act
also sets forth nine specific instances in which a mortgage lender covered by
the Garn-St Germain Act (including federal savings and loan associations and
federal savings banks) may not exercise a due-on-sale clause, notwithstanding
the fact that a transfer of the property may have occurred. These include
intra-family transfers, certain transfers by operation of law, leases of fewer
than three years and the creation of a junior encumbrance. Regulations
promulgated under the Garn-St Germain Act also prohibit the imposition of a
prepayment penalty upon the acceleration of a loan pursuant to a due-on-sale
clause.
The inability to enforce a due-on-sale clause may result in a Mortgage Loan
bearing an interest rate below the current market rate being assumed by a new
home buyer rather than being paid off, which may have an impact upon the average
life of the Mortgage Loans related to a series and the number of such Mortgage
Loans which may be outstanding until maturity.
Transfer of Manufactured Homes
Generally, manufactured housing contracts contain provisions prohibiting
the sale or transfer of the related manufactured homes without the consent of
the obligee on the contract and permitting the acceleration of the maturity of
such contracts by the obligee on the contract upon any such sale or transfer
that is not consented to. Unless otherwise provided in the related Prospectus
Supplement, the Master Servicer will, to the extent it has knowledge of such
conveyance or proposed conveyance, exercise or cause to be exercised its rights
to accelerate the maturity of the related Contracts through enforcement of
due-on-sale clauses, subject to applicable state law. In certain cases, the
transfer may be made by a delinquent obligor in order to avoid a repossession
proceeding with respect to a Manufactured Home.
In the case of a transfer of a Manufactured Home as to which the Master
Servicer desires to accelerate the maturity of the related Contract, the Master
Servicer's ability to do so will depend on the enforceability under state law of
the due-on-sale clause. The Garn-St Germain Act preempts, subject to certain
exceptions and conditions, state laws prohibiting enforcement of due-on-sale
clauses applicable to the Manufactured Homes. Consequently, in some cases the
Master Servicer may be prohibited from enforcing a due-on-sale clause in respect
of certain Manufactured Homes.
68
<PAGE>
Prepayment Charges and Prepayments
Generally, Mortgage Loans may be prepaid in full or in part without
penalty. Generally, Multifamily Loans may contain provisions limiting
prepayments on such loans, including prohibiting prepayment for a specified
period after origination, prohibiting partial prepayments entirely or requiring
the payment of a prepayment penalty upon prepayment in full or in part. The
regulations of the Federal Home Loan Bank Board, predecessor to the Office of
Thrift Supervision, prohibit the imposition of a prepayment penalty or
equivalent fee for or in connection with the acceleration of a loan by exercise
of a due-on-sale clause. A mortgagee to whom a prepayment in full has been
tendered may be compelled to give either a release of the mortgage or an
instrument assigning the existing mortgage to a refinancing lender.
Subordinate Financing
When the mortgagor encumbers mortgaged property with one or more junior
liens, the senior lender is subjected to additional risk. First, the mortgagor
may have difficulty servicing and repaying multiple loans. In addition, if the
junior loan permits recourse to the mortgagor (as junior loans often do) and the
senior loan does not, a mortgagor may be more likely to repay sums due on the
junior loan than those on the senior loan. Second, acts of the senior lender
that prejudice the junior lender or impair the junior lender's security may
create a superior equity in favor of the junior lender. For example, if the
mortgagor and the senior lender agree to an increase in the principal amount of
or the interest rate payable on the senior loan, the senior lender may lose its
priority to the extent an existing junior lender is harmed or the mortgagor is
additionally burdened. Third, if the mortgagor defaults on the senior loan
and/or any junior loan or loans, the existence of junior loans and actions taken
by junior lenders can impair the security available to the senior lender and can
interfere with or delay the taking of action by the senior lender. Moreover, the
bankruptcy of a junior lender may operate to stay foreclosure or similar
proceeds by the senior lender.
Applicability of Usury Laws
Title V of the Depository Institutions Deregulation and Monetary Control
Act of 1980, enacted in March 1980 ("Title V"), provides that state usury
limitations shall not apply to certain types of residential first mortgage loans
originated by certain lenders after March 31, 1980. A similar federal statute
was in effect with respect to mortgage loans made during the first three months
of 1980. The statute authorized any state to reimpose interest rate limits by
adopting, before April 1, 1983, a law or constitutional provision that expressly
rejects application of the federal law. In addition, even where Title V is not
so rejected, any state is authorized by the law to adopt a provision limiting
discount points or other charges on mortgage loans covered by Title V. Certain
states have taken action to reimpose interest rate limits and/or to limit
discount points or other charges.
The Depositor has been advised by counsel that a court interpreting Title V
would hold that mortgage loans originated on or after January 1, 1980 are
subject to federal preemption. Therefore, in a state that has not taken the
requisite action to reject application of Title V or to adopt a provision
limiting discount points or other charges prior to origination of such mortgage
loans, any such limitation under such state's usury law would not apply to such
mortgage loans.
In any state in which application of Title V has been expressly rejected or
a provision limiting discount points or other charges is adopted, no Mortgage
Loans originated after the date of such state action will be eligible for
inclusion in a Trust Fund if such Mortgage Loans bear interest or provide for
discount points or charges in excess of permitted levels. No Mortgage Loan
originated prior to January 1, 1980 will bear interest or provide for discount
points or charges in excess of permitted levels.
Title V also provides that, subject to the following conditions, state
usury limitations shall not apply to any loan that is secured by a first lien on
certain kinds of manufactured housing. The Contracts would be covered if they
satisfy certain conditions, among other things, governing the terms of any
prepayments, late charges and deferral fees and requiring a 30-day notice period
prior to instituting any action leading to repossession of or foreclosure with
respect to the related unit. Title V authorized any state to reimpose
limitations on interest rates and finance charges by adopting before April 1,
1983 a law or constitutional provision which expressly rejects application of
the federal law. Fifteen states adopted such a law prior to the April 1, 1983
deadline. In addition, even where Title V was not so rejected, any state is
authorized by the law to adopt a provision
69
<PAGE>
limiting discount points or other charges on loans covered by Title V. In any
state in which application of Title V was expressly rejected or a provision
limiting discount points or other charges has been adopted, no Contract which
imposes finance charges or provides for discount points or charges in excess of
permitted levels has been included in the Trust Fund.
Alternative Mortgage Instruments
ARM Loans originated by non-federally chartered lenders have historically
been subject to a variety of restrictions. Such restrictions differed from state
to state, resulting in difficulties in determining whether a particular
alternative mortgage instrument originated by a state-chartered lender complied
with applicable law. These difficulties were simplified substantially as a
result of the enactment of Title VIII of the Garn-St Germain Act ("Title VIII").
Title VIII provides that, notwithstanding any state law to the contrary, (i)
state-chartered banks may originate "alternative mortgage instruments"
(including ARM Loans) in accordance with regulations promulgated by the
Comptroller of the Currency with respect to origination of alternative mortgage
instruments by national banks, (ii) state-chartered credit unions may originate
alternative mortgage instruments in accordance with regulations promulgated by
the National Credit Union Administration with respect to origination of
alternative mortgage instruments by federal credit unions and (iii) all other
non-federally chartered housing creditors, including, without limitation,
state-chartered savings and loan associations, savings banks and mutual savings
banks and mortgage banking companies may originate alternative mortgage
instruments in accordance with the regulations promulgated by the Federal Home
Loan Bank Board, predecessor to the Office of Thrift Supervision with respect to
origination of alternative mortgage instruments by federal savings and loan
associations. Title VIII further provides that any state may reject
applicability of the provisions of Title VIII by adopting, prior to October 15,
1985, a law or constitutional provision expressly rejecting the applicability of
such provisions. Certain states have taken such action.
The Depositor has been advised by its counsel that it is their opinion that
a court interpreting Title VIII would hold that ARM Loans that were originated
by state-chartered lenders before the date of enactment of any state law or
constitutional provision rejecting applicability of Title VIII would not be
subject to state laws imposing restrictions or prohibitions on the ability of
state-chartered lenders to originate alternative mortgage instruments.
All of the ARM Loans that were originated by a state-chartered lender after
the enactment of a state law or constitutional provision rejecting the
applicability of Title VIII complied with applicable state law. All of the ARM
Loans that were originated by federally chartered lenders or that were
originated by state-chartered lenders prior to enactment of a state law or
constitutional provision rejecting the applicability of Title VIII were
originated in compliance with all applicable federal regulations.
Formaldehyde Litigation with respect to Contracts
A number of lawsuits are pending in the United States alleging personal
injury from exposure to the chemical formaldehyde, which is present in many
building materials, including such components of manufactured housing as plywood
flooring and wall paneling. Some of these lawsuits are pending against
manufacturers of manufactured housing, suppliers of component parts, and related
persons in the distribution process. The Depositor is aware of a limited number
of cases in which plaintiffs have won judgments in these lawsuits.
Under the FTC Rule, which is described above under "Consumer Protection
Laws", the holder of any Contract secured by a Manufactured Home with respect to
which a formaldehyde claim has been successfully asserted may be liable to the
obligor for the amount paid by the obligor on the related Contract and may be
unable to collect amounts still due under the Contract. The successful assertion
of such claim constitutes a breach of a representation or warranty of the
Mortgage Loan Seller, and the Certificateholders would suffer a loss only to the
extent that (i) the Mortgage Loan Seller breached its obligation to repurchase
the Contract in the event an obligor is successful in asserting such a claim,
and (ii) the Mortgage Loan Seller, the Depositor or the Trustee were
unsuccessful in asserting any claim of contribution or subrogation on behalf of
the Certificateholders against the manufacturer or other persons who were
directly liable to the plaintiff for the damages. Typical products liability
insurance policies held by manufacturers and component suppliers of manufactured
homes may not cover liabilities arising from formaldehyde in manufactured
housing, with the
70
<PAGE>
result that recoveries from such manufacturers, suppliers or other persons may
be limited to their corporate assets without the benefit of insurance.
Soldiers' and Sailors' Civil Relief Act of 1940
Under the terms of the Soldiers' and Sailors' Civil Relief Act of 1940, as
amended (the "Relief Act"), a borrower who enters military service after the
origination of such borrower's Mortgage Loan (including a borrower who was in
reserve status and is called to active duty after origination of the Mortgage
Loan), may not be charged interest (including fees and charges) above an annual
rate of 6% during the period of such borrower's active duty status, unless a
court orders otherwise upon application of the lender. The Relief Act applies to
borrowers who are members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, National Guard,
Reserves, Coast Guard, and officers of the U.S. Public Health Service assigned
to duty with the military. Because the Relief Act applies to borrowers who enter
military service (including reservists who are called to active duty) after
origination of the related Mortgage Loan, no information can be provided as to
the number of loans that may be affected by the Relief Act. Application of the
Relief Act would adversely affect, for an indeterminate period of time, the
ability of the Master Servicer to collect full amounts of interest on certain of
the Mortgage Loans. Any shortfalls in interest collections resulting from the
application of the Relief Act would result in a reduction of the amounts
distributable to the holders of the related series of Certificates, and would
not be covered by advances or, unless otherwise specified in the related
Prospectus Supplement, any form of Credit Support provided in connection with
such Certificates. In addition, the Relief Act imposes limitations that would
impair the ability of the Master Servicer to foreclose on an affected
Single-Family Loan or enforce rights under a Contract during the borrower's
period of active duty status, and, under certain circumstances, during an
additional three month period thereafter. Thus, in the event that such a
Mortgage Loan goes into default, there may be delays and losses occasioned
thereby.
CERTAIN FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES
General
The following is a general discussion of the anticipated material federal
income tax consequences of the purchase, ownership and disposition of the
Certificates offered hereunder. This discussion is directed solely to
Certificateholders that hold the Certificates as capital assets within the
meaning of Section 1221 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the "Code") and
does not purport to discuss all federal income tax consequences that may be
applicable to particular categories of investors, some of which (such as banks,
insurance companies and foreign investors) may be subject to special rules.
Further, the authorities on which this discussion, and the opinion referred to
below, are based are subject to change or differing interpretations, which could
apply retroactively. Taxpayers and preparers of tax returns (including those
filed by any REMIC or other issuer) should be aware that under applicable
Treasury regulations a provider of advice on specific issues of law is not
considered an income tax return preparer unless the advice (i) is given with
respect to events that have occurred at the time the advice is rendered and is
not given with respect to the consequences of contemplated actions, and (ii) is
directly relevant to the determination of an entry on a tax return. Accordingly,
taxpayers should consult their own tax advisors and tax return preparers
regarding the preparation of any item on a tax return, even where the
anticipated tax treatment has been discussed herein. In addition to the federal
income tax consequences described herein, potential investors should consider
the state and local tax consequences, if any, of the purchase, ownership and
disposition of the Certificates. See "State and Other Tax Consequences."
Certificateholders are advised to consult their own tax advisors concerning the
federal, state, local or other tax consequences to them of the purchase,
ownership and disposition of the Certificates offered hereunder.
The following discussion addresses securities of four general types: (i)
certificates ("REMIC Certificates") representing interests in a Trust Fund, or a
portion thereof, that the Trustee will elect to have treated as a real estate
mortgage investment conduit ("REMIC") under Sections 860A through 860G (the
"REMIC Provisions") of the Code, (ii) certificates ("Grantor Trust
Certificates") representing interests in a Trust Fund ("Grantor Trust Fund") as
to which no such election will be made, (iii) certificates ("Partnership
Certificates") representing interests in a Trust Fund ("Partnership Trust Fund")
which is treated as a partnership for federal income tax purposes, and (iv)
certificates ("Debt Certificates") representing
71
<PAGE>
indebtedness of a Partnership Trust Fund for federal income tax purposes. The
Prospectus Supplement for each series of Certificates will indicate which of the
foregoing treatments will apply to such series and, if a REMIC election (or
elections) will be made for the related Trust Fund, will identify all "regular
interests" and "residual interests" in the REMIC. For purposes of this tax
discussion, (i) references to a "Certificateholder" or a "holder" are to the
beneficial owner of a Certificate and (ii) unless indicated otherwise in the
applicable Prospectus Supplement, references to "Mortgage Loans" include Agency
Securities and Private Mortgage-Backed Securities.
The following discussion is based in part upon the rules governing original
issue discount that are set forth in Sections 1271-1273 and 1275 of the Code and
in the Treasury regulations issued thereunder (the "OID Regulations"), and in
part upon the REMIC Provisions and the Treasury regulations issued thereunder
(the "REMIC Regulations"). The OID Regulations do not adequately address certain
issues relevant to, and in some instances provide that they are not applicable
to, securities such as the Certificates.
REMICS
Classification of REMICS
Upon the issuance of each series of REMIC Certificates, Thacher Proffitt &
Wood or Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft, counsel to the Depositor, as specified in
the applicable Prospectus Supplement, will deliver its opinion generally to the
effect that, assuming compliance with all provisions of the related Pooling and
Servicing Agreement, the related Trust Fund (or each applicable portion thereof)
will qualify as a REMIC and the REMIC Certificates offered with respect thereto
will be considered to evidence ownership of "regular interests" ("REMIC Regular
Certificates") or "residual interests" ("REMIC Residual Certificates") in that
REMIC within the meaning of the REMIC Provisions.
If an entity electing to be treated as a REMIC fails to comply with one or
more of the ongoing requirements of the Code for such status during any taxable
year, the Code provides that the entity will not be treated as a REMIC for such
year and thereafter. In that event, such entity may be taxable as a corporation
under Treasury regulations, and the related REMIC Certificates may not be
accorded the status or given the tax treatment described below. Although the
Code authorizes the Treasury Department to issue regulations providing relief in
the event of an inadvertent termination of REMIC status, no such regulations
have been issued. Any such relief, moreover, may be accompanied by sanctions,
such as the imposition of a corporate tax on all or a portion of the Trust
Fund's income for the period in which the requirements for such status are not
satisfied. The Pooling and Servicing Agreement with respect to each REMIC will
include provisions designed to maintain the Trust Fund's status as a REMIC under
the REMIC Provisions. It is not anticipated that the status of any Trust Fund as
a REMIC will be terminated.
Characterization of Investments in REMIC Certificates
In general, the REMIC Certificates will be "qualifying real property loans"
within the meaning of Section 593(d) of the Code, "real estate assets" within
the meaning of Section 856(c)(5)(A) of the Code and assets described in Section
7701(a)(19)(C) of the Code in the same proportion that the assets of the REMIC
underlying such Certificates would be so treated. Moreover, if 95% or more of
the assets of the REMIC qualify for any of the foregoing treatments at all times
during a calendar year, the REMIC Certificates will qualify for the
corresponding status in their entirety for that calendar year. Interest
(including original issue discount) on the REMIC Regular Certificates and income
allocated to the class of REMIC Residual Certificates will be interest described
in Section 856(c)(3)(B) of the Code to the extent that such Certificates are
treated as "real estate assets" within the meaning of Section 856(c)(5)(A) of
the Code. In addition, the REMIC Regular Certificates will be "qualified
mortgages" within the meaning of Section 860G(a)(3) of the Code if transferred
to another REMIC on its startup day in exchange for regular or residual
interests therein. The determination as to the percentage of the REMIC's assets
that constitute assets described in the foregoing sections of the Code will be
made with respect to each calendar quarter based on the average adjusted basis
of each category of the assets held by the REMIC during such calendar quarter.
The REMIC will report those determinations to Certificateholders in the manner
and at the times required by applicable Treasury regulations.
72
<PAGE>
The assets of the REMIC will include, in addition to Mortgage Loans,
payments on Mortgage Loans held pending distribution on the REMIC Certificates
and property acquired by foreclosure held pending sale, and may include amounts
in reserve accounts. It is unclear whether property acquired by foreclosure held
pending sale and amounts in reserve accounts would be considered to be part of
the Mortgage Loans, or whether such assets (to the extent not invested in assets
described in the foregoing sections) otherwise would receive the same treatment
as the Mortgage Loans for purposes of all of the foregoing sections. In
addition, in some instances Mortgage Loans may not be treated entirely as assets
described in the foregoing sections. If so, the related Prospectus Supplement
will describe the Mortgage Loans that may not be so treated. The REMIC
Regulations do provide, however, that payments on Mortgage Loans held pending
distribution are considered part of the Mortgage Loans for purposes of Sections
593(d) and 856(c)(5)(A) of the Code. Furthermore, foreclosure property will
qualify as "real estate assets" under Section 856(c)(5)(A) of the Code and as
"qualifying real property loans" under Section 593(d) of the Code.
Tiered REMIC Structures
For certain series of REMIC Certificates, two or more separate elections
may be made to treat designated portions of the related Trust Fund as REMICs
("Tiered REMICs") for federal income tax purposes. Upon the issuance of any such
series of REMIC Certificates, Thacher Proffitt & Wood or Cadwalader, Wickersham
& Taft, counsel to the Depositor, as specified in the applicable Prospectus
Supplement, will deliver its opinion generally to the effect that, assuming
compliance with all provisions of the related Pooling and Servicing Agreement,
the Tiered REMICs will each qualify as a REMIC and the REMIC Certificates issued
by the Tiered REMICs, respectively, will be considered to evidence ownership of
REMIC Regular Certificates or REMIC Residual Certificates in the related REMIC
within the meaning of the REMIC Provisions.
Solely for purposes of determining whether the REMIC Certificates will be
"qualifying real property loans" under Section 593(d) of the Code, "real estate
assets" within the meaning of Section 856(c)(5)(A) of the Code, and "loans
secured by an interest in real property" under Section 7701(a)(19)(C) of the
Code, and whether the income on such Certificates is interest described in
Section 856(c)(3)(B) of the Code, the Tiered REMICs will be treated as one
REMIC.
Taxation of Owners of REMIC Regular Certificates
General
Except as otherwise stated in this discussion, REMIC Regular Certificates
will be treated for federal income tax purposes as debt instruments issued by
the REMIC and not as ownership interests in the REMIC or its assets. Moreover,
holders of REMIC Regular Certificates that otherwise report income under a cash
method of accounting will be required to report income with respect to REMIC
Regular Certificates under an accrual method.
Original Issue Discount
Certain REMIC Regular Certificates may be issued with "original issue
discount" within the meaning of Section 1273(a) of the Code. Any holders of
REMIC Regular Certificates issued with original issue discount generally will be
required to include original issue discount in income as it accrues, in
accordance with the method described below, in advance of the receipt of the
cash attributable to such income. In addition, Section 1272(a)(6) of the Code
provides special rules applicable to REMIC Regular Certificates and certain
other debt instruments issued with original issue discount. Regulations have not
been issued under that section.
The Code requires that a prepayment assumption be used with respect to
Mortgage Loans held by a REMIC in computing the accrual of original issue
discount on REMIC Regular Certificates issued by that REMIC, and that
adjustments be made in the amount and rate of accrual of such discount to
reflect differences between the actual prepayment rate and the prepayment
assumption. The prepayment assumption is to be determined in a manner prescribed
in Treasury regulations; as noted above, those regulations have not been issued.
The Conference Committee Report accompanying the Tax Reform Act of
73
<PAGE>
1986 (the "Committee Report") indicates that the regulations will provide that
the prepayment assumption used with respect to a REMIC Regular Certificate must
be the same as that used in pricing the initial offering of such REMIC Regular
Certificate. The prepayment assumption (the "Prepayment Assumption") used in
reporting original issue discount for each series of REMIC Regular Certificates
will be consistent with this standard and will be disclosed in the related
Prospectus Supplement. However, neither the Depositor, nor the Master Servicer
will make any representation that the Mortgage Loans will in fact prepay at a
rate conforming to the Prepayment Assumption or at any other rate.
The original issue discount, if any, on a REMIC Regular Certificate will be
the excess of its stated redemption price at maturity over its issue price. The
issue price of a particular class of REMIC Regular Certificates will be the
first cash price at which a substantial amount of REMIC Regular Certificates of
that class is sold (excluding sales to bond houses, brokers and underwriters).
If less than a substantial amount of a particular class of REMIC Regular
Certificates is sold for cash on or prior to the date of their initial issuance
(the "Closing Date"), the issue price for such class will be the fair market
value of such class on the Closing Date. Under the OID Regulations, the stated
redemption price of a REMIC Regular Certificate is equal to the total of all
payments to be made on such Certificate other than "qualified stated interest."
"Qualified stated interest" includes interest that is unconditionally payable at
least annually at a single fixed rate, or at a "qualified floating rate," an
"objective rate," a combination of a single fixed rate and one or more
"qualified floating rates" or one "qualified inverse floating rate," or a
combination of "qualified floating rates" that does not operate in a manner that
accelerates or defers interest payments on such REMIC Regular Certificate.
In the case of REMIC Regular Certificates bearing adjustable interest
rates, the determination of the total amount of original issue discount and the
timing of the inclusion thereof will vary according to the characteristics of
such REMIC Regular Certificates. If the original issue discount rules apply to
such Certificates, the related Prospectus Supplement will describe the manner in
which such rules will be applied with respect to those Certificates in preparing
information returns to the Certificateholders and the Internal Revenue Service
(the "IRS").
Certain classes of the REMIC Regular Certificates may provide for the first
interest payment with respect to such Certificates to be made more than one
month after the date of issuance, a period which is longer than the subsequent
monthly intervals between interest payments. Assuming the "accrual period" (as
defined below) for original issue discount is each monthly period that ends on
the day prior to each Distribution Date, in some cases, as a consequence of this
"long first accrual period," some or all interest payments may be required to be
included in the stated redemption price of the REMIC Regular Certificate and
accounted for as original issue discount. Because interest on REMIC Regular
Certificates must in any event be accounted for under an accrual method,
applying this analysis would result in only a slight difference in the timing of
the inclusion in income of the yield on the REMIC Regular Certificates.
In addition, if the accrued interest to be paid on the first Distribution
Date is computed with respect to a period that begins prior to the Closing Date,
a portion of the purchase price paid for a REMIC Regular Certificate will
reflect such accrued interest. In such cases, information returns to the
Certificateholders and the IRS will be based on the position that the portion of
the purchase price paid for the interest accrued with respect to periods prior
to the Closing Date is treated as part of the overall cost of such REMIC Regular
Certificate (and not as a separate asset the cost of which is recovered entirely
out of interest received on the next Distribution Date) and that portion of the
interest paid on the first Distribution Date in excess of interest accrued for a
number of days corresponding to the number of days from the Closing Date to the
first Distribution Date should be included in the stated redemption price of
such REMIC Regular Certificate. However, the OID Regulations state that all or
some portion of such accrued interest may be treated as a separate asset the
cost of which is recovered entirely out of interest paid on the first
Distribution Date. It is unclear how an election to do so would be made under
the OID Regulations and whether such an election could be made unilaterally by a
Certificateholder.
Notwithstanding the general definition of original issue discount, original
issue discount on a REMIC Regular Certificate will be considered to be de
minimis if it is less than 0.25% of the stated redemption price of the REMIC
Regular Certificate multiplied by its weighted average life. For this purpose,
the weighted average life of the REMIC Regular Certificate is computed as the
sum of the amounts determined, as to each payment included in the stated
redemption price of such REMIC Regular Certificate, by multiplying (i) the
74
<PAGE>
number of complete years (rounding down for partial years) from the issue date
until such payment is expected to be made (presumably taking into account the
Prepayment Assumption) by (ii) a fraction, the numerator of which is the amount
of the payment, and the denominator of which is the stated redemption price at
maturity of such REMIC Regular Certificate. Under the OID Regulations, original
issue discount of only a de minimis amount (other than de minimis original issue
discount attributable to a so-called "teaser" interest rate or an initial
interest holiday) will be included in income as each payment of stated principal
is made, based on the product of the total amount of such de minimis original
issue discount and a fraction, the numerator of which is the amount of such
principal payment and the denominator of which is the outstanding stated
principal amount of the REMIC Regular Certificate. The OID Regulations also
would permit a Certificateholder to elect to accrue de minimis original issue
discount into income currently based on a constant yield method. See "Taxation
of Owners of REMIC Regular Certificates-Market Discount" for a description of
such election under the OID Regulations.
If original issue discount on a REMIC Regular Certificate is in excess of a
de minimis amount, the holder of such Certificate must include in ordinary gross
income the sum of the "daily portions" of original issue discount for each day
during its taxable year on which it held such REMIC Regular Certificate,
including the purchase date but excluding the disposition date. In the case of
an original holder of a REMIC Regular Certificate, the daily portions of
original issue discount will be determined as follows.
As to each "accrual period," that is, unless otherwise stated in the
related Prospectus Supplement, each period that ends on a date that corresponds
to the day prior to each Distribution Date and begins on the first day following
the immediately preceding accrual period (or in the case of the first such
period, begins on the Closing Date), a calculation will be made of the portion
of the original issue discount that accrued during such accrual period. The
portion of original issue discount that accrues in any accrual period will equal
the excess, if any, of (i) the sum of (A) the present value, as of the end of
the accrual period, of all of the distributions remaining to be made on the
REMIC Regular Certificate, if any, in future periods and (B) the distributions
made on such REMIC Regular Certificate during the accrual period of amounts
included in the stated redemption price, over (ii) the adjusted issue price of
such REMIC Regular Certificate at the beginning of the accrual period. The
present value of the remaining distributions referred to in the preceding
sentence will be calculated (i) assuming that distributions on the REMIC Regular
Certificate will be received in future periods based on the Mortgage Loans being
prepaid at a rate equal to the Prepayment Assumption and (ii) using a discount
rate equal to the original yield to maturity of the Certificate. For these
purposes, the original yield to maturity of the Certificate will be calculated
based on its issue price and assuming that distributions on the Certificate will
be made in all accrual periods based on the Mortgage Loans being prepaid at a
rate equal to the Prepayment Assumption. The adjusted issue price of a REMIC
Regular Certificate at the beginning of any accrual period will equal the issue
price of such Certificate, increased by the aggregate amount of original issue
discount that accrued with respect to such Certificate in prior accrual periods,
and reduced by the amount of any distributions made on such REMIC Regular
Certificate in prior accrual periods of amounts included in the stated
redemption price. The original issue discount accruing during any accrual
period, computed as described above, will be allocated ratably to each day
during the accrual period to determine the daily portion of original issue
discount for such day.
A subsequent purchaser of a REMIC Regular Certificate that purchases such
Certificate at a cost (excluding any portion of such cost attributable to
accrued qualified stated interest) less than its remaining stated redemption
price will also be required to include in gross income the daily portions of any
original issue discount with respect to such Certificate. However, each such
daily portion will be reduced, if such cost is in excess of its "adjusted issue
price," in proportion to the ratio such excess bears to the aggregate original
issue discount remaining to be accrued on such REMIC Regular Certificate. The
adjusted issue price of a REMIC Regular Certificate on any given day equals the
sum of (i) the adjusted issue price (or, in the case of the first accrual
period, the issue price) of such Certificate at the beginning of the accrual
period which includes such day and (ii) the daily portions of original issue
discount for all days during such accrual period prior to such day.
Market Discount
A Certificateholder that purchases a REMIC Regular Certificate at a market
discount, that is, in the case of a REMIC Regular Certificate issued without
original issue discount, at a purchase price less than its
75
<PAGE>
remaining stated principal amount, or in the case of a REMIC Regular Certificate
issued with original issue discount, at a purchase price less than its adjusted
issue price will recognize gain upon receipt of each distribution representing
stated redemption price. In particular, under Section 1276 of the Code such a
Certificateholder generally will be required to allocate the portion of each
such distribution representing stated redemption price first to accrued market
discount not previously included in income, and to recognize ordinary income to
that extent. A Certificateholder may elect to include market discount in income
currently as it accrues rather than including it on a deferred basis in
accordance with the foregoing. If made, such election will apply to all market
discount bonds acquired by such Certificateholder on or after the first day of
the first taxable year to which such election applies. In addition, the OID
Regulations permit a Certificateholder to elect to accrue all interest, discount
(including de minimis market or original issue discount) and premium in income
as interest, based on a constant yield method. If such an election were made
with respect to a REMIC Regular Certificate with market discount, the
Certificateholder would be deemed to have made an election to include currently
market discount in income with respect to all other debt instruments having
market discount that such Certificateholder acquires during the taxable year of
the election or thereafter, and possibly previously acquired instruments.
Similarly, a Certificateholder that made this election for a Certificate that is
acquired at a premium would be deemed to have made an election to amortize bond
premium with respect to all debt instruments having amortizable bond premium
that such Certificateholder owns or acquires. See "Taxation of Owners of REMIC
Regular Certificates-Premium" below. Each of these elections to accrue interest,
discount and premium with respect to a Certificate on a constant yield method or
as interest would be irrevocable.
However, market discount with respect to a REMIC Regular Certificate will
be considered to be de minimis for purposes of Section 1276 of the Code if such
market discount is less than 0.25% of the remaining stated redemption price of
such REMIC Regular Certificate multiplied by the number of complete years to
maturity remaining after the date of its purchase. In interpreting a similar
rule with respect to original issue discount on obligations payable in
installments, the OID Regulations refer to the weighted average maturity of
obligations, and it is likely that the same rule will be applied with respect to
market discount, presumably taking into account the Prepayment Assumption. If
market discount is treated as de minimis under this rule, it appears that the
actual discount would be treated in a manner similar to original issue discount
of a de minimis amount. See "Taxation of Owners of REMIC Regular
Certificates-Original Issue Discount" above. Such treatment would result in
discount being included in income at a slower rate than discount would be
required to be included in income using the method described above.
Section 1276(b)(3) of the Code specifically authorizes the Treasury
Department to issue regulations providing for the method for accruing market
discount on debt instruments, the principal of which is payable in more than one
installment. Until regulations are issued by the Treasury Department, certain
rules described in the Committee Report apply. The Committee Report indicates
that in each accrual period market discount on REMIC Regular Certificates should
accrue, at the Certificateholder's option: (i) on the basis of a constant yield
method, (ii) in the case of a REMIC Regular Certificate issued without original
issue discount, in an amount that bears the same ratio to the total remaining
market discount as the stated interest paid in the accrual period bears to the
total amount of stated interest remaining to be paid on the REMIC Regular
Certificate as of the beginning of the accrual period, or (iii) in the case of a
REMIC Regular Certificate issued with original issue discount, in an amount that
bears the same ratio to the total remaining market discount as the original
issue discount accrued in the accrual period bears to the total original issue
discount remaining on the REMIC Regular Certificate at the beginning of the
accrual period. Moreover, the Prepayment Assumption used in calculating the
accrual of original issue discount is also used in calculating the accrual of
market discount. Because the regulations referred to in this paragraph have not
been issued, it is not possible to predict what effect such regulations might
have on the tax treatment of a REMIC Regular Certificate purchased at a discount
in the secondary market.
To the extent that REMIC Regular Certificates provide for monthly or other
periodic distributions throughout their term, the effect of these rules may be
to require market discount to be includible in income at a rate that is not
significantly slower than the rate at which such discount would accrue if it
were original issue discount. Moreover, in any event a holder of a REMIC Regular
Certificate generally will be required to treat a portion of any gain on the
sale or exchange of such Certificate as ordinary income to the extent of the
market discount accrued to the date of disposition under one of the foregoing
methods, less any accrued market discount previously reported as ordinary
income.
76
<PAGE>
Further, under Section 1277 of the Code a holder of a REMIC Regular
Certificate may be required to defer a portion of its interest deductions for
the taxable year attributable to any indebtedness incurred or continued to
purchase or carry a REMIC Regular Certificate purchased with market discount.
For these purposes, the de minimis rule referred to above applies. Any such
deferred interest expense would not exceed the market discount that accrues
during such taxable year and is, in general, allowed as a deduction not later
than the year in which such market discount is includible in income. If such
holder elects to include market discount in income currently as it accrues on
all market discount instruments acquired by such holder in that taxable year or
thereafter, the interest deferral rule described above will not apply.
Premium
A REMIC Regular Certificate purchased at a cost (excluding any portion of
such cost attributable to accrued qualified stated interest) greater than its
remaining stated redemption price will be considered to be purchased at a
premium. The holder of such a REMIC Regular Certificate may elect under Section
171 of the Code to amortize such premium under the constant yield method over
the life of the Certificate. If made, such an election will apply to all debt
instruments having amortizable bond premium that the holder owns or subsequently
acquires. Amortizable premium will be treated as an offset to interest income on
the related debt instrument, rather than as a separate interest deduction. The
OID Regulations also permit Certificateholders to elect to include all interest,
discount and premium in income based on a constant yield method, further
treating the Certificateholder as having made the election to amortize premium
generally. See "Taxation of Owners of REMIC Regular Certificates-Market
Discount" above. The Committee Report states that the same rules that apply to
accrual of market discount (which rules will require use of a Prepayment
Assumption in accruing market discount with respect to REMIC Regular
Certificates without regard to whether such Certificates have original issue
discount) will also apply in amortizing bond premium under Section 171 of the
Code.
Realized Losses
Under Section 166 of the Code, both corporate holders of the REMIC Regular
Certificates and noncorporate holders of the REMIC Regular Certificates that
acquire such Certificates in connection with a trade or business should be
allowed to deduct, as ordinary losses, any losses sustained during a taxable
year in which their Certificates become wholly or partially worthless as the
result of one or more realized losses on the Mortgage Loans. However, it appears
that a noncorporate holder that does not acquire a REMIC Regular Certificate in
connection with a trade or business will not be entitled to deduct a loss under
Section 166 of the Code until such holder's Certificate becomes wholly worthless
(i.e., until its outstanding principal balance has been reduced to zero) and
that the loss will be characterized as a short-term capital loss.
Each holder of a REMIC Regular Certificate will be required to accrue
interest and original issue discount with respect to such Certificate, without
giving effect to any reductions in distributions attributable to defaults or
delinquencies on the Mortgage Loans or the Underlying Certificates until it can
be established that any such reduction ultimately will not be recoverable. As a
result, the amount of taxable income reported in any period by the holder of a
REMIC Regular Certificate could exceed the amount of economic income actually
realized by the holder in such period. Although the holder of a REMIC Regular
Certificate eventually will recognize a loss or reduction in income attributable
to previously accrued and included income that as the result of a realized loss
ultimately will not be realized, the law is unclear with respect to the timing
and character of such loss or reduction in income.
Taxation of Owners of REMIC Residual Certificates
General
As residual interests, the REMIC Residual Certificates will be subject to
tax rules that differ significantly from those that would apply if the REMIC
Residual Certificates were treated for federal income tax purposes as direct
ownership interests in the Mortgage Loans or as debt instruments issued by the
REMIC.
A holder of a REMIC Residual Certificate generally will be required to
report its daily portion of the taxable income or, subject to the limitations
noted in this discussion, the net loss of the REMIC for each day during a
calendar quarter that such holder owned such REMIC Residual Certificate. For
this purpose, the taxable
77
<PAGE>
income or net loss of the REMIC will be allocated to each day in the calendar
quarter ratably using a "30 days per month/90 days per quarter/360 days per
year" convention unless otherwise disclosed in the related Prospectus
Supplement. The daily amounts so allocated will then be allocated among the
REMIC Residual Certificateholders in proportion to their respective ownership
interests on such day. Any amount included in the gross income or allowed as a
loss of any REMIC Residual Certificateholder by virtue of this paragraph will be
treated as ordinary income or loss. The taxable income of the REMIC will be
determined under the rules described below in "Taxable Income of the REMIC" and
will be taxable to the REMIC Residual Certificateholders without regard to the
timing or amount of cash distributions by the REMIC. Ordinary income derived
from REMIC Residual Certificates will be "portfolio income" for purposes of the
taxation of taxpayers subject to limitations under Section 469 of the Code on
the deductibility of "passive losses."
A holder of a REMIC Residual Certificate that purchased such Certificate
from a prior holder of such Certificate also will be required to report on its
federal income tax return amounts representing its daily share of the taxable
income (or net loss) of the REMIC for each day that it holds such REMIC Residual
Certificate. Those daily amounts generally will equal the amounts of taxable
income or net loss determined as described above. The Committee Report indicates
that certain modifications of the general rules may be made, by regulations,
legislation or otherwise to reduce (or increase) the income of a REMIC Residual
Certificateholder that purchased such REMIC Residual Certificate from a prior
holder of such Certificate at a price greater than (or less than) the adjusted
basis (as defined below) such REMIC Residual Certificate would have had in the
hands of an original holder of such Certificate. The REMIC Regulations, however,
do not provide for any such modifications.
Any payments received by a holder of a REMIC Residual Certificate in
connection with the acquisition of such REMIC Residual Certificate will be taken
into account in determining the income of such holder for federal income tax
purposes. Although it appears likely that any such payment would be includible
in income immediately upon its receipt, the IRS might assert that such payment
should be included in income over time according to an amortization schedule or
according to some other method. Because of the uncertainty concerning the
treatment of such payments, holders of REMIC Residual Certificates should
consult their tax advisors concerning the treatment of such payments for income
tax purposes.
The amount of income REMIC Residual Certificateholders will be required to
report (or the tax liability associated with such income) may exceed the amount
of cash distributions received from the REMIC for the corresponding period.
Consequently, REMIC Residual Certificateholders should have other sources of
funds sufficient to pay any federal income taxes due as a result of their
ownership of REMIC Residual Certificates or unrelated deductions against which
income may be offset, subject to the rules relating to "excess inclusions,"
residual interests without "significant value" and "noneconomic" residual
interests discussed below. The fact that the tax liability associated with the
income allocated to REMIC Residual Certificateholders may exceed the cash
distributions received by such REMIC Residual Certificateholders for the
corresponding period may significantly adversely affect such REMIC Residual
Certificateholders' after-tax rate of return.
Taxable Income of the REMIC
The taxable income of the REMIC will equal the income from the Mortgage
Loans and other assets of the REMIC plus any cancellation of indebtedness income
due to the allocation of realized losses to REMIC Regular Certificates, less the
deductions allowed to the REMIC for interest (including original issue discount
and reduced by any premium on issuance) on the REMIC Regular Certificates (and
any other class of REMIC Certificates constituting "regular interests" in the
REMIC not offered hereby), amortization of any premium on the Mortgage Loans,
bad debt losses with respect to the Mortgage Loans and, except as described
below, for servicing, administrative and other expenses.
For purposes of determining its taxable income, the REMIC will have an
initial aggregate basis in its assets equal to the sum of the issue prices of
all REMIC Certificates (or, if a class of REMIC Certificates is not sold
initially, their fair market values). Such aggregate basis will be allocated
among the Mortgage Loans and the other assets of the REMIC in proportion to
their respective fair market values. The issue price of any REMIC Certificates
offered hereby will be determined in the manner described above under "Taxation
of Owners of REMIC Regular Certificates-Original Issue Discount." The issue
price of a REMIC Certificate received in exchange for an interest in the
Mortgage Loans or other property will equal the fair market value
78
<PAGE>
of such interests in the Mortgage Loans or other property. Accordingly, if one
or more classes of REMIC Certificates are retained initially rather than sold,
the Trustee may be required to estimate the fair market value of such interests
in order to determine the basis of the REMIC in the Mortgage Loans and other
property held by the REMIC.
Subject to possible application of the de minimis rules, the method of
accrual by the REMIC of original issue discount income and market discount
income with respect to Mortgage Loans that it holds will be equivalent to the
method for accruing original issue discount income for holders of REMIC Regular
Certificates (that is, under the constant yield method taking into account the
Prepayment Assumption). However, a REMIC that acquires loans at a market
discount must include such market discount in income currently, as it accrues,
on a constant yield basis. See "Taxation of Owners of REMIC Regular
Certificates" above, which describes a method for accruing such discount income
that is analogous to that required to be used by a REMIC as to Mortgage Loans
with market discount that it holds.
A Mortgage Loan will be deemed to have been acquired with discount (or
premium) to the extent that the REMIC's basis therein, determined as described
in the preceding paragraph, is less than (or greater than) its stated redemption
price. Any such discount will be includible in the income of the REMIC as it
accrues, in advance of receipt of the cash attributable to such income, under a
method similar to the method described above for accruing original issue
discount on the REMIC Regular Certificates. It is anticipated that each REMIC
will elect under Section 171 of the Code to amortize any premium on the Mortgage
Loans. Premium on any Mortgage Loan to which such election applies may be
amortized under a constant yield method, presumably taking into account a
Prepayment Assumption. Further, such an election would not apply to any Mortgage
Loan originated on or before September 27, 1985. Instead, premium on such a
Mortgage Loan should be allocated among the principal payments thereon and be
deductible by the REMIC as those payments become due or upon the prepayment of
such Mortgage Loan.
A REMIC will be allowed deductions for interest (including original issue
discount) on the REMIC Regular Certificates (including any other class of REMIC
Certificates constituting "regular interests" in the REMIC not offered hereby)
equal to the deductions that would be allowed if the REMIC Regular Certificates
(including any other class of REMIC Certificates constituting "regular
interests" in the REMIC not offered hereby) were indebtedness of the REMIC.
Original issue discount will be considered to accrue for this purpose as
described above under "Taxation of Owners of REMIC Regular Certificates-Original
Issue Discount," except that the de minimis rule and the adjustments for
subsequent holders of REMIC Regular Certificates (including any other class of
REMIC Certificates constituting "regular interests" in the REMIC not offered
hereby) described therein will not apply.
If a class of REMIC Regular Certificates is issued at a price in excess of
the stated redemption price of such class (such excess "Issue Premium"), the net
amount of interest deductions that are allowed the REMIC in each taxable year
with respect to the REMIC Regular Certificates of such class will be reduced by
an amount equal to the portion of the Issue Premium that is considered to be
amortized or repaid in that year. Although the matter is not entirely certain,
it is likely that Issue Premium would be amortized under a constant yield method
in a manner analogous to the method of accruing original issue discount
described above under "Taxation of Owners of REMIC Regular Certificates-Original
Issue Discount."
As a general rule, the taxable income of a REMIC will be determined in the
same manner as if the REMIC were an individual having the calendar year as its
taxable year and using the accrual method of accounting. However, no item of
income, gain, loss or deduction allocable to a prohibited transaction will be
taken into account. See "Prohibited Transactions Tax and Other Taxes" below.
Further, the limitation on miscellaneous itemized deductions imposed on
individuals by Section 67 of the Code (which allows such deductions only to the
extent they exceed in the aggregate two percent of the taxpayer's adjusted gross
income) will not be applied at the REMIC level so that the REMIC will be allowed
deductions for servicing, administrative and other non-interest expenses in
determining its taxable income. All such expenses will be allocated as a
separate item to the holders of REMIC Certificates, subject to the limitation of
Section 67 of the Code. See "Possible Pass-Through of Miscellaneous Itemized
Deductions" below. If the deductions allowed to the REMIC exceed its gross
income for a calendar quarter, such excess will be the net loss for the REMIC
for that calendar quarter.
79
<PAGE>
Basis Rules, Net Losses and Distributions
The adjusted basis of a REMIC Residual Certificate will be equal to the
amount paid for such REMIC Residual Certificate, increased by amounts included
in the income of the REMIC Residual Certificateholder and decreased (but not
below zero) by distributions made, and by net losses allocated, to such REMIC
Residual Certificateholder.
A REMIC Residual Certificateholder is not allowed to take into account any
net loss for any calendar quarter to the extent such net loss exceeds such REMIC
Residual Certificateholder's adjusted basis in its REMIC Residual Certificate as
of the close of such calendar quarter (determined without regard to such net
loss). Any loss that is not currently deductible by reason of this limitation
may be carried forward indefinitely to future calendar quarters and, subject to
the same limitation, may be used only to offset income from the REMIC Residual
Certificate. The ability of REMIC Residual Certificateholders to deduct net
losses may be subject to additional limitations under the Code, as to which
REMIC Residual Certificateholders should consult their tax advisors.
Any distribution on a REMIC Residual Certificate will be treated as a
non-taxable return of capital to the extent it does not exceed the holder's
adjusted basis in such REMIC Residual Certificate. To the extent a distribution
on a REMIC Residual Certificate exceeds such adjusted basis, it will be treated
as gain from the sale of such REMIC Residual Certificate. Holders of certain
REMIC Residual Certificates may be entitled to distributions early in the term
of the related REMIC under circumstances in which their bases in such REMIC
Residual Certificates will not be sufficiently large that such distributions
will be treated as nontaxable returns of capital. Their bases in such REMIC
Residual Certificates will initially equal the amount paid for such REMIC
Residual Certificates and will be increased by their allocable shares of taxable
income of the REMIC. However, such bases increases may not occur until the end
of the calendar quarter, or perhaps the end of the calendar year, with respect
to which such REMIC taxable income is allocated to the REMIC Residual
Certificateholders. To the extent such REMIC Residual Certificateholders'
initial bases are less than the distributions to such REMIC Residual
Certificateholders, and increases in such initial bases either occur after such
distributions or (together with their initial bases) are less than the amount of
such distributions, gain will be recognized to such REMIC Residual
Certificateholders on such distributions and will be treated as gain from the
sale of their REMIC Residual Certificates.
The effect of these rules is that a REMIC Residual Certificateholder may
not amortize its basis in a REMIC Residual Certificate, but may only recover its
basis through distributions, through the deduction of any net losses of the
REMIC or upon the sale of its REMIC Residual Certificate. See "Sales of REMIC
Certificates" below. For a discussion of possible modifications of these rules
that may require adjustments to income of a holder of a REMIC Residual
Certificate other than an original holder in order to reflect any difference
between the cost of such REMIC Residual Certificate to such REMIC Residual
Certificateholder and the adjusted basis such REMIC Residual Certificate would
have in the hands of an original holder, see "Taxation of Owners of REMIC
Residual Certificates-General" above.
Excess Inclusions
Any "excess inclusions" with respect to a REMIC Residual Certificate will,
with an exception discussed below for certain REMIC Residual Certificates held
by thrift institutions, be subject to federal income tax in all events.
In general, the "excess inclusions" with respect to a REMIC Residual
Certificate for any calendar quarter will be the excess, if any, of (i) the
daily portions of REMIC taxable income allocable to such REMIC Residual
Certificate over (ii) the sum of the "daily accruals" (as defined below) for
each day during such quarter that such REMIC Residual Certificate was held by
such REMIC Residual Certificateholder. The daily accruals of a REMIC Residual
Certificateholder will be determined by allocating to each day during a calendar
quarter its ratable portion of the product of the "adjusted issue price" of the
REMIC Residual Certificate at the beginning of the calendar quarter and 120% of
the "long-term Federal rate" in effect on the Closing Date. For this purpose,
the adjusted issue price of a REMIC Residual Certificate as of the beginning of
any calendar quarter will be equal to the issue price of the REMIC Residual
Certificate, increased by the sum of the daily accruals for all prior quarters
and decreased (but not below zero) by any distributions made with respect to
such REMIC Residual Certificate before the beginning of such quarter. The issue
price of a REMIC Residual
80
<PAGE>
Certificate is the initial offering price to the public (excluding bond houses
and brokers) at which a substantial amount of the REMIC Residual Certificates
were sold. The "long-term Federal rate" is an average of current yields on
Treasury securities with a remaining term of greater than nine years, computed
and published monthly by the IRS.
For REMIC Residual Certificateholders, an excess inclusion (i) will not be
permitted to be offset by deductions, losses or loss carryovers from other
activities, (ii) will be treated as "unrelated business taxable income" to an
otherwise tax-exempt organization and (iii) will not be eligible for any rate
reduction or exemption under any applicable tax treaty with respect to the 30%
United States withholding tax imposed on distributions to REMIC Residual
Certificateholders that are foreign investors. See, however, "Foreign Investors
in REMIC Certificates," below.
As an exception to the general rules described above, thrift institutions
are allowed to offset their excess inclusions with unrelated deductions, losses
or loss carryovers, but only if the REMIC Residual Certificates are considered
to have "significant value." The REMIC Regulations provide that in order to be
treated as having significant value, the REMIC Residual Certificates must have
an aggregate issue price at least equal to two percent of the aggregate issue
prices of all of the related REMIC's Regular and Residual Certificates. In
addition, based on the Prepayment Assumption, the anticipated weighted average
life of the REMIC Residual Certificates must equal or exceed 20 percent of the
anticipated weighted average life of the REMIC, based on the Prepayment
Assumption and on any required or permitted clean up calls or required
liquidation provided for in the REMIC's organizational documents. Although it
has not done so, the Treasury also has authority to issue regulations that would
treat the entire amount of income accruing on a REMIC Residual Certificate as an
excess inclusion if the REMIC Residual Certificates are considered not to have
"significant value." The related Prospectus Supplement will disclose whether
offered REMIC Residual Certificates may be considered to have "significant
value" under the REMIC Regulations; provided, however, that any disclosure that
a REMIC Residual Certificate will have "significant value" will be based upon
certain assumptions, and the Depositor will make no representation that a REMIC
Residual Certificate will have "significant value" for purposes of the
above-described rules. The above-described exception for thrift institutions
applies only to those residual interests held directly by, and deductions,
losses and loss carryovers incurred by, such institutions (and not by other
members of an affiliated group of corporations filing a consolidated income tax
return) or by certain wholly owned direct subsidiaries of such institutions
formed or operated exclusively in connection with the organization and operation
of one or more REMICs.
In the case of any REMIC Residual Certificates held by a real estate
investment trust, the aggregate excess inclusions with respect to such REMIC
Residual Certificates, reduced (but not below zero) by the real estate
investment trust taxable income (within the meaning of Section 857(b)(2) of the
Code, excluding any net capital gain), will be allocated among the shareholders
of such trust in proportion to the dividends received by such shareholders from
such trust, and any amount so allocated will be treated as an excess inclusion
with respect to a REMIC Residual Certificate as if held directly by such
shareholder. Treasury regulations yet to be issued could apply a similar rule to
regulated investment companies, common trust funds and certain cooperatives; the
REMIC Regulations currently do not address this subject.
Noneconomic REMIC Residual Certificates
Under the REMIC Regulations, transfers of "noneconomic" REMIC Residual
Certificates will be disregarded for all federal income tax purposes if "a
significant purpose of the transfer was to enable the transferor to impede the
assessment or collection of tax." If such transfer is disregarded, the purported
transferor will continue to remain liable for any taxes due with respect to the
income on such "noneconomic" REMIC Residual Certificate. The REMIC Regulations
provide that a REMIC Residual Certificate is noneconomic unless, based on the
Prepayment Assumption and on any required or permitted clean up calls, or
required liquidation provided for in the REMIC's organizational documents, (1)
the present value of the expected future distributions (discounted using the
"applicable Federal rate" for obligations whose term ends on the close of the
last quarter in which excess inclusions are expected to accrue with respect to
the REMIC Residual Certificate, which rate is computed and published monthly by
the IRS) on the REMIC Residual Certificate equals at least the present value of
the expected tax on the anticipated excess inclusions, and (2) the transferor
reasonably expects that the transferee will receive distributions with respect
to the REMIC Residual Certificate at or after the time the taxes accrue on the
anticipated excess inclusions in an amount
81
<PAGE>
sufficient to satisfy the accrued taxes. Accordingly, all transfers of REMIC
Residual Certificates that may constitute noneconomic residual interests will be
subject to certain restrictions under the terms of the related Pooling and
Servicing Agreement that are intended to reduce the possibility of any such
transfer being disregarded. Such restrictions will require each party to a
transfer to provide an affidavit that no purpose of such transfer is to impede
the assessment or collection of tax, including certain representations as to the
financial condition of the prospective transferee, as to which the transferor is
also required to make a reasonable investigation to determine such transferee's
historic payment of its debts and ability to continue to pay its debts as they
come due in the future. Prior to purchasing a REMIC Residual Certificate,
prospective purchasers should consider the possibility that a purported transfer
of such REMIC Residual Certificate by such a purchaser to another purchaser at
some future date may be disregarded in accordance with the above-described rules
which would result in the retention of tax liability by such purchaser.
The related Prospectus Supplement will disclose whether offered REMIC
Residual Certificates may be considered "noneconomic" residual interests under
the REMIC Regulations; provided, however, that any disclosure that a REMIC
Residual Certificate will not be considered "noneconomic" will be based upon
certain assumptions, and the Depositor will make no representation that a REMIC
Residual Certificate will not be considered "noneconomic" for purposes of the
above-described rules. See "Foreign Investors in REMIC Certificates-REMIC
Residual Certificates" below for additional restrictions applicable to transfers
of certain REMIC Residual Certificates to foreign persons.
Mark-to-Market Rules
Prospective purchasers of a REMIC Residual Certificate should be aware that
on January 3, 1995, the IRS released proposed regulations (the "Proposed
Mark-to-Market Regulations") relating to the requirement that a securities
dealer mark to market securities held for sale to customers. This mark-to-market
requirement applies to all securities owned by a dealer, except to the extent
that the dealer has specifically identified a security as held for investment.
The Proposed Mark-to-Market Regulations provide that for purposes of this
mark-to-market requirement, a REMIC Residual Certificate is not treated as a
security and thus may not be marked to market. The Proposed Mark-to-Market
Regulations apply to all REMIC Residual Certificates acquired on or after
January 4, 1995.
Possible Pass-Through of Miscellaneous Itemized Deductions
Fees and expenses of a REMIC generally will be allocated to the holders of
the related REMIC Residual Certificates. The applicable Treasury regulations
indicate, however, that in the case of a REMIC that is similar to a single class
grantor trust, all or a portion of such fees and expenses should be allocated to
the holders of the related REMIC Regular Certificates. Unless otherwise stated
in the related Prospectus Supplement, such fees and expenses will be allocated
to holders of the related REMIC Residual Certificates in their entirety and not
to the holders of the related REMIC Regular Certificates.
With respect to REMIC Residual Certificates or REMIC Regular Certificates
the holders of which receive an allocation of fees and expenses in accordance
with the preceding discussion, if any holder thereof is an individual, estate or
trust, or a "pass-through entity" beneficially owned by one or more individuals,
estates or trusts, (i) an amount equal to such individual's, estate's or trust's
share of such fees and expenses will be added to the gross income of such holder
and (ii) such individual's, estate's or trust's share of such fees and expenses
will be treated as a miscellaneous itemized deduction allowable subject to the
limitation of Section 67 of the Code, which permits such deductions only to the
extent they exceed in the aggregate two percent of a taxpayer's adjusted gross
income. In addition, Section 68 of the Code provides that the amount of itemized
deductions otherwise allowable for an individual whose adjusted gross income
exceeds a specified amount will be reduced by the lesser of (i) 3% of the excess
of the individual's adjusted gross income over such amount or (ii) 80% of the
amount of itemized deductions otherwise allowable for the taxable year. The
amount of additional taxable income reportable by REMIC Certificateholders that
are subject to the limitations of either Section 67 or Section 68 of the Code
may be substantial. Furthermore, in determining the alternative minimum taxable
income of such a holder of a REMIC Certificate that is an individual, estate or
trust, or a "pass-through entity" beneficially owned by one or more individuals,
estates or trusts, no deduction will be allowed for such holder's allocable
portion of servicing fees and other miscellaneous itemized deductions of the
REMIC, even though an amount equal to the amount of such fees and other
deductions will be included in such holder's gross income. Accordingly, such
REMIC Certificates may not be appropriate
82
<PAGE>
investments for individuals, estates, or trusts, or pass-through entities
beneficially owned by one or more individuals, estates or trusts. Such
prospective investors should carefully consult with their own tax advisors prior
to making an investment in such Certificates.
Sales of REMIC Certificates
If a REMIC Certificate is sold, the selling Certificateholder will
recognize gain or loss equal to the difference between the amount realized on
the sale and its adjusted basis in the REMIC Certificate. The adjusted basis of
a REMIC Regular Certificate generally will equal the cost of such REMIC Regular
Certificate to such Certificateholder, increased by income reported by such
Certificateholder with respect to such REMIC Regular Certificate (including
original issue discount and market discount income) and reduced (but not below
zero) by distributions on such REMIC Regular Certificate received by such
Certificateholder and by any amortized premium. The adjusted basis of a REMIC
Residual Certificate will be determined as described under "Taxation of Owners
of REMIC Residual Certificates-Basis Rules, Net Losses and Distributions."
Except as provided in the following two paragraphs, any such gain or loss will
be capital gain or loss, provided such REMIC Certificate is held as a capital
asset (generally, property held for investment) within the meaning of Section
1221 of the Code. The Code as of the date of this Prospectus provides for a top
marginal tax rate of 39.6% for individuals and a maximum marginal rate for
long-term capital gains of individuals of 28%. No such rate differential exists
for corporations. In addition, the distinction between a capital gain or loss
and ordinary income or loss remains relevant for other purposes.
Gain from the sale of a REMIC Regular Certificate that might otherwise be
capital gain will be treated as ordinary income to the extent such gain does not
exceed the excess, if any, of (i) the amount that would have been includible in
the seller's income with respect to such REMIC Regular Certificate assuming that
income had accrued thereon at a rate equal to 110% of the "applicable Federal
rate" (generally, a rate based on an average of current yields on Treasury
securities having a maturity comparable to that of the Certificate based on the
application of the Prepayment Assumption to such Certificate, which rate is
computed and published monthly by the IRS), determined as of the date of
purchase of such REMIC Regular Certificate, over (ii) the amount of ordinary
income actually includible in the seller's income prior to such sale. In
addition, gain recognized on the sale of a REMIC Regular Certificate by a seller
who purchased such REMIC Regular Certificate at a market discount will be
taxable as ordinary income in an amount not exceeding the portion of such
discount that accrued during the period such REMIC Certificate was held by such
holder, reduced by any market discount included in income under the rules
described above under "Taxation of Owners of REMIC Regular Certificates-Market
Discount" and "Premium."
REMIC Certificates will be "evidences of indebtedness" within the meaning
of Section 582(c)(1) of the Code, so that gain or loss recognized from the sale
of a REMIC Certificate by a bank or thrift institution to which such section
applies will be ordinary income or loss.
A portion of any gain from the sale of a REMIC Regular Certificate that
might otherwise be capital gain may be treated as ordinary income to the extent
that such Certificate is held as part of a "conversion transaction" within the
meaning of Section 1258 of the Code. A conversion transaction generally is one
in which the taxpayer has taken two or more positions in the same or similar
property that reduce or eliminate market risk, if substantially all of the
taxpayer's return is attributable to the time value of the taxpayer's net
investment in such transaction. The amount of gain so realized in a conversion
transaction that is recharacterized as ordinary income generally will not exceed
the amount of interest that would have accrued on the taxpayer's net investment
at 120% of the appropriate "applicable Federal rate" (which rate is computed and
published monthly by the IRS) at the time the taxpayer enters into the
conversion transaction, subject to appropriate reduction for prior inclusion of
interest and other ordinary income items from the transaction.
Finally, a taxpayer may elect to have net capital gain taxed at ordinary
income rates rather than capital gains rates in order to include such net
capital gain in total net investment income for the taxable year, for purposes
of the rule that limits the deduction of interest on indebtedness incurred to
purchase or carry property held for investment to a taxpayer's net investment
income.
Except as may be provided in Treasury regulations yet to be issued, if the
seller of a REMIC Residual Certificate reacquires such REMIC Residual
Certificate, or acquires any other residual interest in a REMIC or
83
<PAGE>
any similar interest in a "taxable mortgage pool" (as defined in Section 7701(i)
of the Code) during the period beginning six months before, and ending six
months after, the date of such sale, such sale will be subject to the "wash
sale" rules of Section 1091 of the Code. In that event, any loss realized by the
REMIC Residual Certificateholder on the sale will not be deductible, but instead
will be added to such REMIC Residual Certificateholder's adjusted basis in the
newly-acquired asset.
Prohibited Transactions and Other Possible REMIC Taxes
The Code imposes a tax on REMICs equal to 100% of the net income derived
from "prohibited transactions" (a "Prohibited Transactions Tax"). In general,
subject to certain specified exceptions a prohibited transaction means the
disposition of a Mortgage Loan, the receipt of income from a source other than a
Mortgage Loan or certain other permitted investments, the receipt of
compensation for services, or gain from the disposition of an asset purchased
with the payments on the Mortgage Loans for temporary investment pending
distribution on the REMIC Certificates. It is not anticipated that any REMIC
will engage in any prohibited transactions in which it would recognize a
material amount of net income.
In addition, certain contributions to a REMIC made after the day on which
the REMIC issues all of its interests could result in the imposition of a tax on
the REMIC equal to 100% of the value of the contributed property (a
"Contributions Tax"). Each Pooling and Servicing Agreement will include
provisions designed to prevent the acceptance of any contributions that would be
subject to such tax.
REMICs also are subject to federal income tax at the highest corporate rate
on "net income from foreclosure property," determined by reference to the rules
applicable to real estate investment trusts. "Net income from foreclosure
property" generally means gain from the sale of a foreclosure property that is
inventory property and gross income from foreclosure property other than
qualifying rents and other qualifying income for a real estate investment trust.
Unless otherwise disclosed in the related Prospectus Supplement, it is not
anticipated that any REMIC will recognize "net income from foreclosure property"
subject to federal income tax.
Unless otherwise disclosed in the related Prospectus Supplement, it is not
anticipated that any material state or local income or franchise tax will be
imposed on any REMIC.
Unless otherwise stated in the related Prospectus Supplement, and to the
extent permitted by then applicable laws, any Prohibited Transactions Tax,
Contributions Tax, tax on "net income from foreclosure property" or state or
local income or franchise tax that may be imposed on the REMIC will be borne by
the related Master Servicer or Trustee in either case out of its own funds,
provided that the Master Servicer or the Trustee, as the case may be, has
sufficient assets to do so, and provided further that such tax arises out of a
breach of the Master Servicer's or the Trustee's obligations, as the case may
be, under the related Pooling and Servicing Agreement and in respect of
compliance with applicable laws and regulations. Any such tax not borne by the
Master Servicer or the Trustee will be charged against the related Trust Fund
resulting in a reduction in amounts payable to holders of the related REMIC
Certificates.
Tax and Restrictions on Transfers of REMIC Residual Certificates to Certain
Organizations
If a REMIC Residual Certificate is transferred to a "disqualified
organization" (as defined below), a tax would be imposed in an amount
(determined under the REMIC Regulations) equal to the product of (i) the present
value (discounted using the "applicable Federal rate" for obligations whose term
ends on the close of the last quarter in which excess inclusions are expected to
accrue with respect to the REMIC Residual Certificate, which rate is computed
and published monthly by the IRS) of the total anticipated excess inclusions
with respect to such REMIC Residual Certificate for periods after the transfer
and (ii) the highest marginal federal income tax rate applicable to
corporations. The anticipated excess inclusions must be determined as of the
date that the REMIC Residual Certificate is transferred and must be based on
events that have occurred up to the time of such transfer, the Prepayment
Assumption and any required or permitted clean up calls or required liquidation
provided for in the REMIC's organizational documents. Such a tax generally would
be imposed on the transferor of the REMIC Residual Certificate, except that
where such transfer is through an agent for a disqualified organization, the tax
would instead be imposed on such agent. However, a transferor of a REMIC
Residual Certificate would in no event be liable for such tax with respect to
84
<PAGE>
a transfer if the transferee furnishes to the transferor an affidavit that the
transferee is not a disqualified organization and, as of the time of the
transfer, the transferor does not have actual knowledge that such affidavit is
false. Moreover, an entity will not qualify as a REMIC unless there are
reasonable arrangements designed to ensure that (i) residual interests in such
entity are not held by disqualified organizations and (ii) information necessary
for the application of the tax described herein will be made available.
Restrictions on the transfer of REMIC Residual Certificates and certain other
provisions that are intended to meet this requirement will be included in the
Pooling and Servicing Agreement, and will be discussed more fully in any
Prospectus Supplement relating to the offering of any REMIC Residual
Certificate.
In addition, if a "pass-through entity" (as defined below) includes in
income excess inclusions with respect to a REMIC Residual Certificate, and a
disqualified organization is the record holder of an interest in such entity,
then a tax will be imposed on such entity equal to the product of (i) the amount
of excess inclusions on the REMIC Residual Certificate that are allocable to the
interest in the pass-through entity held by such disqualified organization and
(ii) the highest marginal federal income tax rate imposed on corporations. A
pass-through entity will not be subject to this tax for any period, however, if
each record holder of an interest in such pass-through entity furnishes to such
pass-through entity (i) such holder's social security number and a statement
under penalties of perjury that such social security number is that of the
record holder or (ii) a statement under penalties of perjury that such record
holder is not a disqualified organization.
For these purposes, a "disqualified organization" means (i) the United
States, any State or political subdivision thereof, any foreign government, any
international organization, or any agency or instrumentality of the foregoing
(but would not include instrumentalities described in Section 168(h)(2)(D) of
the Code or the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation), (ii) any organization
(other than a cooperative described in Section 521 of the Code) that is exempt
from federal income tax, unless it is subject to the tax imposed by Section 511
of the Code or (iii) any organization described in Section 1381(a)(2)(C) of the
Code. For these purposes, a "pass-through entity" means any regulated investment
company, real estate investment trust, trust, partnership or certain other
entities described in Section 860E(e)(6) of the Code. In addition, a person
holding an interest in a pass-through entity as a nominee for another person
will, with respect to such interest, be treated as a pass-through entity.
Termination
A REMIC will terminate immediately after the Distribution Date following
receipt by the REMIC of the final payment in respect of the Mortgage Loans or
upon a sale of the REMIC's assets following the adoption by the REMIC of a plan
of complete liquidation. The last distribution on a REMIC Regular Certificate
will be treated as a payment in retirement of a debt instrument. In the case of
a REMIC Residual Certificate, if the last distribution on such REMIC Residual
Certificate is less than the REMIC Residual Certificateholder's adjusted basis
in such Certificate, such REMIC Residual Certificateholder should (but may not)
be treated as realizing a loss equal to the amount of such difference, and such
loss may be treated as a capital loss.
Reporting and Other Administrative Matters
Solely for purposes of the administrative provisions of the Code, the REMIC
will be treated as a partnership and REMIC Residual Certificateholders will be
treated as partners. Unless otherwise stated in the related Prospectus
Supplement, the Trustee will file REMIC federal income tax returns on behalf of
the related REMIC, and under the terms of the related Agreement, will be
irrevocably appointed by the holders of the largest percentage interest in the
related REMIC Residual Certificates as their agent to perform all of the duties
of the "tax matters person" with respect to the REMIC in all respects.
As agent for the tax matters person, the Trustee, subject to certain notice
requirements and various restrictions and limitations, generally will have the
authority to act on behalf of the REMIC and the REMIC Residual
Certificateholders in connection with the administrative and judicial review of
items of income, deduction, gain or loss of the REMIC, as well as the REMIC's
classification. REMIC Residual Certificateholders generally will be required to
report such REMIC items consistently with their treatment on the REMIC's tax
return and may in some circumstances be bound by a settlement agreement between
the Trustee, as agent for the tax matters person, and the Service concerning any
such REMIC item. Adjustments made to the REMIC tax return may require a REMIC
Residual Certificateholder to make corresponding
85
<PAGE>
adjustments on its return, and an audit of the REMIC's tax return, or the
adjustments resulting from such an audit, could result in an audit of a REMIC
Residual Certificateholder's return. No REMIC will be registered as a tax
shelter pursuant to Section 6111 of the Code because it is not anticipated that
any REMIC will have a net loss for any of the first five taxable years of its
existence. Any person that holds a REMIC Residual Certificate as a nominee for
another person may be required to furnish the REMIC, in a manner to be provided
in Treasury regulations, with the name and address of such person and other
information.
Reporting of interest income, including any original issue discount, with
respect to REMIC Regular Certificates is required annually, and may be required
more frequently under Treasury regulations. These information reports generally
are required to be sent to individual holders of REMIC Regular Interests and the
Service; holders of REMIC Regular Certificates that are corporations, trusts,
securities dealers and certain other non-individuals will be provided interest
and original issue discount income information and the information set forth in
the following paragraph upon request in accordance with the requirements of the
applicable regulations. The information must be provided by the later of 30 days
after the end of the quarter for which the information was requested, or two
weeks after the receipt of the request. The REMIC must also comply with rules
requiring a REMIC Regular Certificate issued with original issue discount to
disclose on its face the amount of original issue discount and the issue date,
and requiring such information to be reported to the Service. Reporting with
respect to the REMIC Residual Certificates, including income, excess inclusions,
investment expenses and relevant information regarding qualification of the
REMIC's assets will be made as required under the Treasury regulations,
generally on a quarterly basis.
As applicable, the REMIC Regular Certificate information reports will
include a statement of the adjusted issue price of the REMIC Regular Certificate
at the beginning of each accrual period. In addition, the reports will include
information required by regulations with respect to computing the accrual of any
market discount. Because exact computation of the accrual of market discount on
a constant yield method would require information relating to the holder's
purchase price that the REMIC may not have, such regulations only require that
information pertaining to the appropriate proportionate method of accruing
market discount be provided. See "Taxation of Owners of REMIC Regular
Certificates-Market Discount."
Unless otherwise specified in the related Prospectus Supplement, the
responsibility for complying with the foregoing reporting rules will be borne by
the Trustee.
Backup Withholding With Respect to REMIC Certificates
Payments of interest and principal, as well as payments of proceeds from
the sale of REMIC Certificates, may be subject to the "backup withholding tax"
under Section 3406 of the Code at a rate of 31% if recipients of such payments
fail to furnish to the payor certain information, including their taxpayer
identification numbers, or otherwise fail to establish an exemption from such
tax. Any amounts deducted and withheld from a distribution to a recipient would
be allowed as a credit against such recipient's federal income tax. Furthermore,
certain penalties may be imposed by the IRS on a recipient of payments that is
required to supply information but that does not do so in the proper manner.
Foreign Investors in REMIC Certificates
A REMIC Regular Certificateholder that is not a "United States person" (as
defined below) and is not subject to federal income tax as a result of any
direct or indirect connection to the United States in addition to its ownership
of a REMIC Regular Certificate will not, unless otherwise disclosed in the
related Prospectus Supplement, be subject to United States federal income or
withholding tax in respect of a distribution on a REMIC Regular Certificate,
provided that the holder complies to the extent necessary with certain
identification requirements (including delivery of a statement, signed by the
Certificateholder under penalties of perjury, certifying that such
Certificateholder is not a United States person and providing the name and
address of such Certificateholder). For these purposes, "United States person"
means a citizen or resident of the United States, a corporation, partnership or
other entity created or organized in, or under the laws of, the United States or
any political subdivision thereof, or an estate or trust whose income is subject
to United States federal income tax regardless of its source. It is possible
that the IRS may assert that the foregoing tax exemption should not apply with
respect
86
<PAGE>
to a REMIC Regular Certificate held by a REMIC Residual Certificateholder that
owns directly or indirectly a 10% or greater interest in the REMIC Residual
Certificates. If the holder does not qualify for exemption, distributions of
interest, including distributions in respect of accrued original issue discount,
to such holder may be subject to a tax rate of 30%, subject to reduction under
any applicable tax treaty.
In addition, the foregoing rules will not apply to exempt a United States
shareholder of a controlled foreign corporation from taxation on such United
States shareholder's allocable portion of the interest income received by such
controlled foreign corporation.
Further, it appears that a REMIC Regular Certificate would not be included
in the estate of a non-resident alien individual and would not be subject to
United States estate taxes. However, Certificateholders who are non-resident
alien individuals should consult their tax advisors concerning this question.
Unless otherwise stated in the related Prospectus Supplement, transfers of
REMIC Residual Certificates to investors that are not United States persons will
be prohibited under the related Pooling and Servicing Agreement.
Grantor Trust Funds
Classification of Grantor Trust Funds
With respect to each series of Grantor Trust Certificates, Thacher Proffitt
& Wood or Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft, counsel to the Depositor, as specified
in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, will deliver its opinion to the effect
that, assuming compliance with all provisions of the related Pooling and
Servicing Agreement, the related Grantor Trust Fund will be classified as a
grantor trust under subpart E, part I of subchapter J of the Code and not as a
partnership or an association taxable as a corporation. Accordingly, each holder
of a Grantor Trust Certificate generally will be treated as the owner of an
interest in the Mortgage Loans included in the Grantor Trust Fund.
For purposes of the following discussion, a Grantor Trust Certificate
representing an undivided equitable ownership interest in the principal of the
Mortgage Loans constituting the related Grantor Trust Fund, together with
interest thereon at a pass-through rate, will be referred to as a "Grantor Trust
Fractional Interest Certificate." A Grantor Trust Certificate representing
ownership of all or a portion of the difference between interest paid on the
Mortgage Loans constituting the related Grantor Trust Fund (net of normal
administration fees and any Spread) and interest paid to the holders of Grantor
Trust Fractional Interest Certificates issued with respect to such Grantor Trust
Fund will be referred to as a "Grantor Trust Strip Certificate." A Grantor Trust
Strip Certificate may also evidence a nominal ownership interest in the
principal of the Mortgage Loans constituting the related Grantor Trust Fund.
Characterization of Investments in Grantor Trust Certificates
Grantor Trust Fractional Interest Certificates
In the case of Grantor Trust Fractional Interest Certificates, unless
otherwise disclosed in the related Prospectus Supplement and subject to the
discussion below with respect to Buydown Mortgage Loans, counsel to the
Depositor will deliver an opinion that, in general, Grantor Trust Fractional
Interest Certificates will represent interests in (i) "qualifying real property
loans" within the meaning of Section 593(d) of the Code; (ii) "loans . . .
secured by an interest in real property" within the meaning of Section
7701(a)(19)(C)(v) of the Code; (iii) "obligation[s] (including any participation
or Certificate of beneficial ownership therein) which . . .[are] principally
secured by an interest in real property" within the meaning of Section
860G(a)(3) of the Code; and (iv) "real estate assets" within the meaning of
Section 856(c)(5)(A) of the Code, in each case to the extent the Mortgage Loans
qualify for such treatment. In addition, counsel to the Depositor will deliver
an opinion that interest on Grantor Trust Fractional Interest Certificates will
to the same extent be considered "interest on obligations secured by mortgages
on real property or on interests in real property" within the meaning of Section
856(c)(3)(B) of the Code.
The assets constituting certain Grantor Trust Funds may include Buydown
Mortgage Loans. The characterization of an investment in Buydown Mortgage Loans
will depend upon the precise terms of the
87
<PAGE>
related Buydown Agreement, but to the extent that such Buydown Mortgage Loans
are secured by a bank account or other personal property, they may not be
treated in their entirety as assets described in the foregoing sections of the
Code. No directly applicable precedents exist with respect to the federal income
tax treatment or the characterization of investments in Buydown Mortgage Loans.
Accordingly, holders of Grantor Trust Certificates should consult their own tax
advisors with respect to the characterization of investments in Grantor Trust
Certificates representing an interest in a Grantor Trust Fund that includes
Buydown Mortgage Loans.
Grantor Trust Strip Certificates
Even if Grantor Trust Strip Certificates evidence an interest in a Grantor
Trust Fund consisting of Mortgage Loans that are "loans . . . secured by an
interest in real property" within the meaning of Section 7701(a)(19)(C)(v) of
the Code, "qualifying real property loans" within the meaning of Section 593(d)
of the Code, and "real estate assets" within the meaning of Section 856(c)(5)(A)
of the Code, and the interest on which is "interest on obligations secured by
mortgages on real property" within the meaning of Section 856(c)(3)(B) of the
Code, it is unclear whether the Grantor Trust Strip Certificates, and the income
therefrom, will be so characterized. However, the policies underlying such
sections (namely, to encourage or require investments in mortgage loans by
thrift institutions and real estate investment trusts) may suggest that such
characterization is appropriate. Counsel to the Depositor will not deliver any
opinion on these questions. Prospective purchasers to which such
characterization of an investment in Grantor Trust Strip Certificates is
material should consult their tax advisors regarding whether the Grantor Trust
Strip Certificates, and the income therefrom, will be so characterized.
The Grantor Trust Strip Certificates will be "obligation[s] (including any
participation or Certificate of beneficial ownership therein) which . . .[are]
principally secured by an interest in real property" within the meaning of
Section 860G(a)(3)(A) of the Code.
Taxation of Owners of Grantor Trust Fractional Interest Certificates
Holders of a particular series of Grantor Trust Fractional Interest
Certificates generally will be required to report on their federal income tax
returns their shares of the entire income from the Mortgage Loans (including
amounts used to pay reasonable servicing fees and other expenses) and will be
entitled to deduct their shares of any such reasonable servicing fees and other
expenses. Because of stripped interests, market or original issue discount, or
premium, the amount includible in income on account of a Grantor Trust
Fractional Interest Certificate may differ significantly from the amount
distributable thereon representing interest on the Mortgage Loans. Under Section
67 of the Code, an individual, estate or trust holding a Grantor Trust
Fractional Interest Certificate directly or through certain pass-through
entities will be allowed a deduction for such reasonable servicing fees and
expenses only to the extent that the aggregate of such holder's miscellaneous
itemized deductions exceeds two percent of such holder's adjusted gross income.
In addition, Section 68 of the Code provides that the amount of itemized
deductions otherwise allowable for an individual whose adjusted gross income
exceeds a specified amount will be reduced by the lesser of (i) 3% of the excess
of the individual's adjusted gross income over such amount or (ii) 80% of the
amount of itemized deductions otherwise allowable for the taxable year. The
amount of additional taxable income reportable by holders of Grantor Trust
Fractional Interest Certificates who are subject to the limitations of either
Section 67 or Section 68 of the Code may be substantial. Further,
Certificateholders (other than corporations) subject to the alternative minimum
tax may not deduct miscellaneous itemized deductions in determining such
holder's alternative minimum taxable income. Although it is not entirely clear,
it appears that in transactions in which multiple classes of Grantor Trust
Certificates (including Grantor Trust Strip Certificates) are issued, such fees
and expenses should be allocated among the classes of Grantor Trust Certificates
using a method that recognizes that each such class benefits from the related
services. In the absence of statutory or administrative clarification as to the
method to be used, it currently is intended to base information returns or
reports to the IRS and Certificateholders on a method that allocates such
expenses among classes of Grantor Trust Certificates with respect to each period
based on the distributions made to each such class during that period.
The federal income tax treatment of Grantor Trust Fractional Interest
Certificates of any series will depend on whether they are subject to the
"stripped bond" rules of Section 1286 of the Code. Grantor Trust Fractional
88
<PAGE>
Interest Certificates may be subject to those rules if (i) a class of Grantor
Trust Strip Certificates is issued as part of the same series of Certificates or
(ii) the Depositor or any of its affiliates retains (for its own account or for
purposes of resale) a right to receive a specified portion of the interest
payable on the Mortgage Loans. Further, the IRS has ruled that an unreasonably
high servicing fee retained by a seller or servicer will be treated as a
retained ownership interest in mortgages that constitutes a stripped coupon. For
purposes of determining what constitutes reasonable servicing fees for various
types of mortgages the IRS has established certain "safe harbors." The servicing
fees paid with respect to the Mortgage Loans for certain series of Grantor Trust
Certificates may be higher than the "safe harbors" and, accordingly, may not
constitute reasonable servicing compensation. The related Prospectus Supplement
will include information regarding servicing fees paid to the Master Servicer,
any subservicer or their respective affiliates necessary to determine whether
the preceding "safe harbor" rules apply.
If Stripped Bond Rules Apply
If the stripped bond rules apply, each Grantor Trust Fractional Interest
Certificate will be treated as having been issued with "original issue discount"
within the meaning of Section 1273(a) of the Code, subject, however, to the
discussion below regarding the treatment of certain stripped bonds as market
discount bonds and the discussion regarding de minimis market discount. See
"Taxation of Owners of Grantor Trust Fractional Interest Certificates-Market
Discount" below. Under the stripped bond rules, the holder of a Grantor Trust
Fractional Interest Certificate (whether a cash or accrual method taxpayer) will
be required to report interest income from its Grantor Trust Fractional Interest
Certificate for each month in an amount equal to the income that accrues on such
Certificate in that month calculated under a constant yield method, in
accordance with the rules of the Code relating to original issue discount.
The original issue discount on a Grantor Trust Fractional Interest
Certificate will be the excess of such Certificate's stated redemption price
over its issue price. The issue price of a Grantor Trust Fractional Interest
Certificate as to any purchaser will be equal to the price paid by such
purchaser for the Grantor Trust Fractional Interest Certificate. The stated
redemption price of a Grantor Trust Fractional Interest Certificate will be the
sum of all payments to be made on such Certificate, other than "qualified stated
interest," if any, as well as such Certificate's share of reasonable servicing
fees and other expenses. See "Taxation of Owners of Grantor Trust Fractional
Interest Certificates-If Stripped Bond Rules Do Not Apply" for a definition of
"qualified stated interest." In general, the amount of such income that accrues
in any month would equal the product of such holder's adjusted basis in such
Grantor Trust Fractional Interest Certificate at the beginning of such month
(see "Sales of Grantor Trust Certificates") and the yield of such Grantor Trust
Fractional Interest Certificate to such holder. Such yield would be computed at
the rate (compounded based on the regular interval between payment dates) that,
if used to discount the holder's share of future payments on the Mortgage Loans,
would cause the present value of those future payments to equal the price at
which the holder purchased such Certificate. In computing yield under the
stripped bond rules, a Certificateholder's share of future payments on the
Mortgage Loans will not include any payments made in respect of any ownership
interest in the Mortgage Loans retained by the Depositor, the Master Servicer,
any subservicer or their respective affiliates, but will include such
Certificateholder's share of any reasonable servicing fees and other expenses.
Section 1272(a)(6) of the Code requires (i) the use of a reasonable
prepayment assumption in accruing original issue discount and (ii) adjustments
in the accrual of original issue discount when prepayments do not conform to the
prepayment assumption, with respect to certain categories of debt instruments,
and regulations could be adopted applying those provisions to the Grantor Trust
Fractional Interest Certificates. It is unclear whether those provisions would
be applicable to the Grantor Trust Fractional Interest Certificates or whether
use of a reasonable prepayment assumption may be required or permitted without
reliance on these rules. It is also uncertain, if a prepayment assumption is
used, whether the assumed prepayment rate would be determined based on
conditions at the time of the first sale of the Grantor Trust Fractional
Interest Certificate or, with respect to any holder, at the time of purchase of
the Grantor Trust Fractional Interest Certificate by that holder.
Certificateholders are advised to consult their own tax advisors concerning
reporting original issue discount in general and, in particular, whether a
prepayment assumption should be used in reporting original issue discount with
respect to Grantor Trust Fractional Interest Certificates.
89
<PAGE>
In the case of a Grantor Trust Fractional Interest Certificate acquired at
a price equal to the principal amount of the Mortgage Loans allocable to such
Certificate, the use of a prepayment assumption generally would not have any
significant effect on the yield used in calculating accruals of interest income.
In the case, however, of a Grantor Trust Fractional Interest Certificate
acquired at a discount or premium (that is, at a price less than or greater than
such principal amount, respectively), the use of a reasonable prepayment
assumption would increase or decrease such yield, and thus accelerate or
decelerate, respectively, the reporting of income.
If a prepayment assumption is not used, then when a Mortgage Loan prepays
in full, the holder of a Grantor Trust Fractional Interest Certificate acquired
at a discount or a premium generally will recognize ordinary income or loss
equal to the difference between the portion of the prepaid principal amount of
the Mortgage Loan that is allocable to such Certificate and the portion of the
adjusted basis of such Certificate that is allocable to such Certificateholder's
interest in the Mortgage Loan. If a prepayment assumption is used, it appears
that no separate item of income or loss should be recognized upon a prepayment.
Instead, a prepayment should be treated as a partial payment of the stated
redemption price of the Grantor Trust Fractional Interest Certificate and
accounted for under a method similar to that described for taking account of
original issue discount on REMIC Regular Certificates. See "REMICs-Taxation of
Owners of REMIC Regular Certificates-Original Issue Discount." It is unclear
whether any other adjustments would be required to reflect differences between
an assumed prepayment rate and the actual rate of prepayments.
In the absence of statutory or administrative clarification, it is
currently intended to base information reports or returns to the IRS and
Certificateholders in transactions subject to the stripped bond rules on a
prepayment assumption (the "Prepayment Assumption") that will be disclosed in
the related Prospectus Supplement and on a constant yield computed using a
representative initial offering price for each class of Certificates. However,
neither the Depositor nor the Trustee will make any representation that the
Mortgage Loans will in fact prepay at a rate conforming to such Prepayment
Assumption or any other rate and Certificateholders should bear in mind that the
use of a representative initial offering price will mean that such information
returns or reports, even if otherwise accepted as accurate by the IRS, will in
any event be accurate only as to the initial Certificateholders of each series
who bought at that price.
Under Treasury regulation Section 1.1286-1T, certain stripped bonds are to
be treated as market discount bonds and, accordingly, any purchaser of such a
bond is to account for any discount on the bond as market discount rather than
original issue discount. This treatment only applies, however, if immediately
after the most recent disposition of the bond by a person stripping one or more
coupons from the bond and disposing of the bond or coupon (i) there is no
original issue discount (or only a de minimis amount of original issue discount)
or (ii) the annual stated rate of interest payable on the original bond is no
more than one percentage point lower than the gross interest rate payable on the
original mortgage loan (before subtracting any servicing fee or any stripped
coupon). If interest payable on a Grantor Trust Fractional Interest Certificate
is more than one percentage point lower than the gross interest rate payable on
the Mortgage Loans, the related Prospectus Supplement will disclose that fact.
If the original issue discount or market discount on a Grantor Trust Fractional
Interest Certificate determined under the stripped bond rules is less than 0.25%
of the stated redemption price multiplied by the weighted average maturity of
the Mortgage Loans, then such original issue discount or market discount will be
considered to be de minimis. Original issue discount or market discount of only
a de minimis amount will be included in income in the same manner as de minimis
original issue and market discount described in "Taxation of Owners of Grantor
Trust Fractional Interest Certificates-If Stripped Bond Rules Do Not Apply" and
"Market Discount" below.
If Stripped Bond Rules Do Not Apply
Subject to the discussion below on original issue discount, if the stripped
bond rules do not apply to a Grantor Trust Fractional Interest Certificate, the
Certificateholder will be required to report its share of the interest income on
the Mortgage Loans in accordance with such Certificateholder's normal method of
accounting. The original issue discount rules will apply to a Grantor Trust
Fractional Interest Certificate to the extent it evidences an interest in
Mortgage Loans issued with original issue discount.
The original issue discount, if any, on the Mortgage Loans will equal the
difference between the stated redemption price of such Mortgage Loans and their
issue price. Under the OID Regulations, the stated redemption price is equal to
the total of all payments to be made on such Mortgage Loan other than "qualified
90
<PAGE>
stated interest." "Qualified stated interest" includes interest that is
unconditionally payable at least annually at a single fixed rate, or at a
"qualified floating rate," an "objective rate," a combination of a single fixed
rate and one or more "qualified floating rates" or one "qualified inverse
floating rate," or a combination of "qualified floating rates" that does not
operate in a manner that accelerates or defers interest payments on such
Mortgage Loan. In general, the issue price of a Mortgage Loan will be the amount
received by the borrower from the lender under the terms of the Mortgage Loan,
less any "points" paid by the borrower, and the stated redemption price of a
Mortgage Loan will equal its principal amount, unless the Mortgage Loan provides
for an initial below-market rate of interest or the acceleration or the deferral
of interest payments.
In the case of Mortgage Loans bearing adjustable or variable interest
rates, the related Prospectus Supplement will describe the manner in which such
rules will be applied with respect to those Mortgage Loans by the Trustee in
preparing information returns to the Certificateholders and the IRS.
Notwithstanding the general definition of original issue discount, original
issue discount will be considered to be de minimis if such original issue
discount is less than 0.25% of the stated redemption price multiplied by the
weighted average maturity of the Mortgage Loan. For this purpose, the weighted
average maturity of the Mortgage Loan will be computed as the sum of the amounts
determined, as to each payment included in the stated redemption price of such
Mortgage Loan, by multiplying (i) the number of complete years (rounding down
for partial years) from the issue date until such payment is expected to be made
by (ii) a fraction, the numerator of which is the amount of the payment and the
denominator of which is the stated redemption price of the Mortgage Loan. Under
the OID Regulations, original issue discount of only a de minimis amount (other
than de minimis original issue discount attributable to a so-called "teaser"
rate or initial interest holiday) will be included in income as each payment of
stated principal is made, based on the product of the total amount of such de
minimis original issue discount and a fraction, the numerator of which is the
amount of each such payment and the denominator of which is the outstanding
stated principal amount of the Mortgage Loan. The OID Regulations also permit a
Certificateholder to elect to accrue de minimis original issue discount into
income currently based on a constant yield method. See "Taxation of Owners of
Grantor Trust Fractional Interest Certificates-Market Discount" below.
If original issue discount is in excess of a de minimis amount, all
original issue discount with respect to a Mortgage Loan will be required to be
accrued and reported in income each month, based on a constant yield. The OID
Regulations suggest that no prepayment assumption is appropriate in computing
the yield on prepayable obligations issued with original issue discount. In the
absence of statutory or administrative clarification, it currently is not
intended to base information reports or returns to the IRS and
Certificateholders on the use of a prepayment assumption for Certificates backed
by whole mortgage loans and not subject to the stripped bond rules. However,
Section 1272(a)(6) of the Code may require that a prepayment assumption be made
in computing yield with respect to all mortgage-backed securities.
Certificateholders are advised to consult their own tax advisors concerning
whether a prepayment assumption should be used in reporting original issue
discount with respect to Grantor Trust Fractional Interest Certificates.
Certificateholders should refer to the related Prospectus Supplement with
respect to each series to determine whether and in what manner the original
issue discount rules will apply to Mortgage Loans in such series.
A purchaser of a Grantor Trust Fractional Interest Certificate that
purchases such Grantor Trust Fractional Interest Certificate at a cost less than
such Certificate's allocable portion of the aggregate remaining stated
redemption price of the Mortgage Loans held in the related Trust Fund will also
be required to include in gross income such Certificate's daily portions of any
original issue discount with respect to such Mortgage Loans. However, each such
daily portion will be reduced, if the cost of such Grantor Trust Fractional
Interest Certificate to such purchaser is in excess of such Certificate's
allocable portion of the aggregate "adjusted issue prices" of the Mortgage Loans
held in the related Trust Fund, approximately in proportion to the ratio such
excess bears to such Certificate's allocable portion of the aggregate original
issue discount remaining to be accrued on such Mortgage Loans. The adjusted
issue price of a Mortgage Loan on any given day equals the sum of (i) the
adjusted issue price (or, in the case of the first accrual period, the issue
price) of such Mortgage Loan at the beginning of the accrual period that
includes such day and (ii) the daily portions of original issue discount for all
days during such accrual period prior to such day. The adjusted issue price of a
Mortgage Loan at the beginning of any accrual period will equal the issue price
of such Mortgage Loan, increased by the aggregate amount of original issue
91
<PAGE>
discount with respect to such Mortgage Loan that accrued in prior accrual
periods, and reduced by the amount of any payments made on such Mortgage Loan in
prior accrual periods of amounts included in its stated redemption price.
In addition to its regular reports, the Trustee, unless otherwise provided
in the related Prospectus Supplement, will provide to any holder of a Grantor
Trust Fractional Interest Certificate such information as such holder may
reasonably request from time to time with respect to original issue discount
accruing on Grantor Trust Fractional Interest Certificates. See "Grantor Trust
Reporting" below.
Market Discount
If the stripped bond rules do not apply to the Grantor Trust Fractional
Interest Certificate, a Certificateholder may be subject to the market discount
rules of Sections 1276 through 1278 of the Code to the extent an interest in a
Mortgage Loan is considered to have been purchased at a "market discount," that
is, in the case of a Mortgage Loan issued without original issue discount, at a
purchase price less than its remaining stated redemption price (as defined
above), or in the case of a Mortgage Loan issued with original issue discount,
at a purchase price less than its adjusted issue price (as defined above). If
market discount is in excess of a de minimis amount (as described below), the
holder generally will be required to include in income in each month the amount
of such discount that has accrued (under the rules described in the next
paragraph) through such month that has not previously been included in income,
but limited, in the case of the portion of such discount that is allocable to
any Mortgage Loan, to the payment of stated redemption price on such Mortgage
Loan that is received by (or, in the case of accrual basis Certificateholders,
due to) the Trust Fund in that month. A Certificateholder may elect to include
market discount in income currently as it accrues (under a constant yield method
based on the yield of the Certificate to such holder) rather than including it
on a deferred basis in accordance with the foregoing. If made, such election
will apply to all market discount bonds acquired by such Certificateholder
during or after the first taxable year to which such election applies. In
addition, the OID Regulations would permit a Certificateholder to elect to
accrue all interest, discount (including de minimis market or original issue
discount) and premium in income as interest, based on a constant yield method.
If such an election were made with respect to a Mortgage Loan with market
discount, the Certificateholder would be deemed to have made an election to
include currently market discount in income with respect to all other debt
instruments having market discount that such Certificateholder acquires during
the taxable year of the election and thereafter, and possibly previously
acquired instruments. Similarly, a Certificateholder that made this election for
a Certificate acquired at a premium would be deemed to have made an election to
amortize bond premium with respect to all debt instruments having amortizable
bond premium that such Certificateholder owns or acquires. See "REMICs-Taxation
of Owners of REMIC Regular Certificates-Premium" below. Each of these elections
to accrue interest, discount and premium with respect to a Certificate on a
constant yield method or as interest is irrevocable.
Section 1276(b)(3) of the Code authorized the Treasury Department to issue
regulations providing for the method for accruing market discount on debt
instruments, the principal of which is payable in more than one installment.
Until such time as regulations are issued by the Treasury Department, certain
rules described in the Committee Report will apply. Under those rules, in each
accrual period market discount on the Mortgage Loans should accrue, at the
Certificateholder's option: (i) on the basis of a constant yield method, (ii) in
the case of a Mortgage Loan issued without original issue discount, in an amount
that bears the same ratio to the total remaining market discount as the stated
interest paid in the accrual period bears to the total stated interest remaining
to be paid on the Mortgage Loan as of the beginning of the accrual period, or
(iii) in the case of a Mortgage Loan issued with original issue discount, in an
amount that bears the same ratio to the total remaining market discount as the
original issue discount accrued in the accrual period bears to the total
original issue discount remaining at the beginning of the accrual period. The
prepayment assumption, if any, used in calculating the accrual of original issue
discount is to be used in calculating the accrual of market discount. The effect
of using a prepayment assumption could be to accelerate the reporting of such
discount income. Because the regulations referred to in this paragraph have not
been issued, it is not possible to predict what effect such regulations might
have on the tax treatment of a Mortgage Loan purchased at a discount in the
secondary market.
92
<PAGE>
Because the Mortgage Loans will provide for periodic payments of stated
redemption price, such discount may be required to be included in income at a
rate that is not significantly slower than the rate at which such discount would
be included in income if it were original issue discount.
Market discount with respect to Mortgage Loans generally will be considered
to be de minimis if it is less than 0.25% of the stated redemption price of the
Mortgage Loans multiplied by the number of complete years to maturity remaining
after the date of its purchase. In interpreting a similar rule with respect to
original issue discount on obligations payable in installments, the OID
Regulations refer to the weighted average maturity of obligations, and it is
likely that the same rule will be applied with respect to market discount,
presumably taking into account the prepayment assumption used, if any. The
effect of using a prepayment assumption could be to accelerate the reporting of
such discount income. If market discount is treated as de minimis under the
foregoing rule, it appears that actual discount would be treated in a manner
similar to original issue discount of a de minimis amount. See "Taxation of
Owners of Grantor Trust Fractional Interest Certificates-If Stripped Bond Rules
Do Not Apply."
Further, under the rules described in "REMICs-Taxation of Owners of REMIC
Regular Certificates-Market Discount" above, any discount that is not original
issue discount and exceeds a de minimis amount may require the deferral of
interest expense deductions attributable to accrued market discount not yet
includible in income, unless an election has been made to report market discount
currently as it accrues.
Premium
If a Certificateholder is treated as acquiring the underlying Mortgage
Loans at a premium, that is, at a price in excess of their remaining stated
redemption price, such Certificateholder may elect under Section 171 of the Code
to amortize using a constant yield method the portion of such premium allocable
to Mortgage Loans originated after September 27, 1985. Amortizable premium is
treated as an offset to interest income on the related debt instrument, rather
than as a separate interest deduction. However, premium allocable to Mortgage
Loans originated before September 28, 1985 or to Mortgage Loans for which an
amortization election is not made, should be allocated among the payments of
stated redemption price on the Mortgage Loan and be allowed as a deduction as
such payments are made (or, for a Certificateholder using the accrual method of
accounting, when such payments of stated redemption price are due).
It is unclear whether a prepayment assumption should be used in computing
amortization of premium allowable under Section 171 of the Code. If premium is
not subject to amortization using a prepayment assumption and a Mortgage Loan
prepays in full, the holder of a Grantor Trust Fractional Interest Certificate
acquired at a premium should recognize a loss, equal to the difference between
the portion of the prepaid principal amount of the Mortgage Loan that is
allocable to the Certificate and the portion of the adjusted basis of the
Certificate that is allocable to the Mortgage Loan. If a prepayment assumption
is used to amortize such premium, it appears that such a loss would be
unavailable. Instead, if a prepayment assumption is used, a prepayment should be
treated as a partial payment of the stated redemption price of the Grantor Trust
Fractional Interest Certificate and accounted for under a method similar to that
described for taking account of original issue discount on REMIC Regular
Certificates. See "REMICs-Taxation of Owners of REMIC Regular Certificates
- --Original Issue Discount." It is unclear whether any other adjustments would be
required to reflect differences between the prepayment assumption used, and the
actual rate of prepayments.
Taxation of Owners of Grantor Trust Strip Certificates
The "stripped coupon" rules of Section 1286 of the Code will apply to the
Grantor Trust Strip Certificates. Except as described above in "Taxation of
Owners of Grantor Trust Fractional Interest Certificates-If Stripped Bond Rules
Apply," no regulations or published rulings under Section 1286 of the Code have
been issued and some uncertainty exists as to how it will be applied to
securities such as the Grantor Trust Strip Certificates. Accordingly, holders of
Grantor Trust Strip Certificates should consult their own tax advisors
concerning the method to be used in reporting income or loss with respect to
such Certificates.
The OID Regulations do not apply to "stripped coupons," although they
provide general guidance as to how the original issue discount sections of the
Code will be applied. In addition, the discussion below is subject to the
93
<PAGE>
discussion under "Possible Application of Proposed Contingent Payment Rules" and
assumes that the holder of a Grantor Trust Strip Certificate will not own any
Grantor Trust Fractional Interest Certificates.
Under the stripped coupon rules, it appears that original issue discount
will be required to be accrued in each month on the Grantor Trust Strip
Certificates based on a constant yield method. In effect, each holder of Grantor
Trust Strip Certificates would include as interest income in each month an
amount equal to the product of such holder's adjusted basis in such Grantor
Trust Strip Certificate at the beginning of such month and the yield of such
Grantor Trust Strip Certificate to such holder. Such yield would be calculated
based on the price paid for that Grantor Trust Strip Certificate by its holder
and the payments remaining to be made thereon at the time of the purchase, plus
an allocable portion of the servicing fees and expenses to be paid with respect
to the Mortgage Loans. See "Taxation of Owners of Grantor Trust Fractional
Interest Certificates-If Stripped Bond Rules Apply" above.
As noted above, Section 1272(a)(6) of the Code requires that a prepayment
assumption be used in computing the accrual of original issue discount with
respect to certain categories of debt instruments, and that adjustments be made
in the amount and rate of accrual of such discount when prepayments do not
conform to such prepayment assumption. Regulations could be adopted applying
those provisions to the Grantor Trust Strip Certificates. It is unclear whether
those provisions would be applicable to the Grantor Trust Strip Certificates or
whether use of a prepayment assumption may be required or permitted in the
absence of such regulations. It is also uncertain, if a prepayment assumption is
used, whether the assumed prepayment rate would be determined based on
conditions at the time of the first sale of the Grantor Trust Strip Certificate
or, with respect to any subsequent holder, at the time of purchase of the
Grantor Trust Strip Certificate by that holder.
The accrual of income on the Grantor Trust Strip Certificates will be
significantly slower if a prepayment assumption is permitted to be made than if
yield is computed assuming no prepayments. In the absence of statutory or
administrative clarification, it currently is intended to base information
returns or reports to the IRS and Certificateholders on the Prepayment
Assumption disclosed in the related Prospectus Supplement and on a constant
yield computed using a representative initial offering price for each class of
Certificates. However, neither the Depositor nor the Trustee will make any
representation that the Mortgage Loans will in fact prepay at a rate conforming
to the Prepayment Assumption or at any other rate and Certificateholders should
bear in mind that the use of a representative initial offering price will mean
that such information returns or reports, even if otherwise accepted as accurate
by the IRS, will in any event be accurate only as to the initial
Certificateholders of each series who bought at that price. Prospective
purchasers of the Grantor Trust Strip Certificates should consult their own tax
advisors regarding the use of the Prepayment Assumption.
It is unclear under what circumstances, if any, the prepayment of a
Mortgage Loan will give rise to a loss to the holder of a Grantor Trust Strip
Certificate. If a Grantor Trust Strip Certificate is treated as a single
instrument (rather than an interest in discrete mortgage loans) and the effect
of prepayments is taken into account in computing yield with respect to such
Grantor Trust Strip Certificate, it appears that no loss may be available as a
result of any particular prepayment unless prepayments occur at a rate faster
than the Prepayment Assumption. However, if a Grantor Trust Strip Certificate is
treated as an interest in discrete Mortgage Loans, or if the Prepayment
Assumption is not used, then when a Mortgage Loan is prepaid, the holder of a
Grantor Trust Strip Certificate should be able to recognize a loss equal to the
portion of the adjusted issue price of the Grantor Trust Strip Certificate that
is allocable to such Mortgage Loan.
Possible Application of Proposed Contingent Payment Rules
The coupon stripping rules' general treatment of stripped coupons is to
regard them as newly issued debt instruments in the hands of each purchaser. To
the extent that payments on the Grantor Trust Strip Certificates would cease if
the Mortgage Loans were prepaid in full, the Grantor Trust Strip Certificates
could be considered to be debt instruments providing for contingent payments.
Under the OID Regulations, debt instruments providing for contingent payments
are not subject to the same rules as debt instruments providing for
noncontingent payments, but no final regulations have been promulgated with
respect to contingent payment debt instruments. Proposed regulations were
94
<PAGE>
promulgated on December 16, 1994 regarding contingent payment debt instruments
but it appears that Grantor Trust Strip Certificates, due to their similarity to
other mortgage-backed securities (such as REMIC regular interests) that are
expressly excepted from the application of such proposed regulations, may be
excepted from such proposed regulations. Like the OID Regulations, such proposed
regulations do not specifically address securities, such as the Grantor Trust
Strip Certificates, that are subject to the stripped bond rules of Section 1286
of the Code.
If the contingent payment rules under the proposed regulations were to
apply, the holder of a Grantor Trust Strip Certificate would be required to
apply the "noncontingent bond method". Under the "noncontingent bond method",
the issuer of a Grantor Trust Strip Certificate determines a projected payment
schedule on which interest will accrue. Holders of Grantor Trust Strip
Certificates are bound by the issuer's projected payment schedule. The projected
payment schedule consists of all noncontingent payments and a projected amount
for each contingent payment based on the projected yield (as described below) of
the Grantor Trust Strip Certificate.
The projected amount of each payment is determined so that the projected
payment schedule reflects the projected yield. The projected amount of each
payment must reasonably reflect the relative expected values of the payments to
be received by the holders of a Grantor Trust Strip Certificate. The projected
yield referred to above is a reasonable rate, not less than the "applicable
Federal rate" that, as of the issue date, reflects general market conditions,
the credit quality of the issuer, and the terms and conditions of the Mortgage
Loans. The holder of a Grantor Trust Strip Certificate would be required to
include as interest income in each month the adjusted issue price of the Grantor
Trust Strip Certificate at the beginning of the period multiplied by the
projected yield.
Assuming that a prepayment assumption were used, if the proposed
regulations or their principles were applied to Grantor Trust Strip
Certificates, the amount of income reported with respect thereto would be
substantially similar to that described under "Taxation of Owners of Grantor
Trust Strip Certificates". Certificateholders should consult their tax advisors
concerning the possible application of the contingent payment rules to the
Grantor Trust Strip Certificates.
Sales of Grantor Trust Certificates
Any gain or loss equal to the difference between the amount realized on the
sale of a Grantor Trust Certificate, recognized on the sale or exchange of a
Grantor Trust Certificate by an investor who holds such Grantor Trust
Certificate as a capital asset, will be capital gain or loss, except to the
extent of accrued and unrecognized market discount, which will be treated as
ordinary income, and (in the case of banks and other financial institutions)
except as provided under Section 582(c) of the Code. The adjusted basis of a
Grantor Trust Certificate generally will equal its cost, increased by any income
reported by the seller (including original issue discount and market discount
income) and reduced (but not below zero) by any previously reported losses, any
amortized premium and by any distributions with respect to such Grantor Trust
Certificate. The Code as of the date of this Prospectus provides a top marginal
tax rate of 39.6% for individuals and a maximum marginal rate for long-term
capital gains of individuals of 28%. No such rate differential exists for
corporations. In addition, the distinction between a capital gain or loss and
ordinary income or loss remains relevant for other purposes.
Gain or loss from the sale of a Grantor Trust Certificate may be partially
or wholly ordinary and not capital in certain circumstances. Gain attributable
to accrued and unrecognized market discount will be treated as ordinary income,
as will gain or loss recognized by banks and other financial institutions
subject to Section 582(c) of the Code. Furthermore, a portion of any gain that
might otherwise be capital gain may be treated as ordinary income to the extent
that the Grantor Trust Certificate is held as part of a "conversion transaction"
within the meaning of Section 1258 of the Code. A conversion transaction
generally is one in which the taxpayer has taken two or more positions in the
same or similar property that reduce or eliminate market risk, if substantially
all of the taxpayer's return is attributable to the time value of the taxpayer's
net investment in such transaction. The amount of gain realized in a conversion
transaction that is recharacterized as ordinary income generally will not exceed
the amount of interest that would have accrued on the taxpayer's net investment
at 120% of the appropriate "applicable Federal rate" (which rate is computed and
published monthly by the IRS) at the time the taxpayer enters into the
conversion transaction, subject to appropriate reduction for prior inclusion of
interest and other ordinary income items from the transaction. Finally, a
95
<PAGE>
taxpayer may elect to have net capital gain taxed at ordinary income rates
rather than capital gains rates in order to include such net capital gain in
total net investment income for that taxable year, for purposes of the rule that
limits the deduction of interest on indebtedness incurred to purchase or carry
property held for investment to a taxpayer's net investment income.
Grantor Trust Reporting
Unless otherwise provided in the related Prospectus Supplement, the Trustee
will furnish to each holder of a Grantor Trust Fractional Interest Certificate
with each distribution a statement setting forth the amount of such distribution
allocable to principal on the underlying Mortgage Loans and to interest thereon
at the related Pass-Through Rate. In addition, the Trustee will furnish, within
a reasonable time after the end of each calendar year, to each holder of a
Grantor Trust Certificate who was such a holder at any time during such year,
information regarding the amount of servicing compensation received by the
Master Servicer and sub-servicer (if any) and such other customary factual
information as the Trustee deems necessary or desirable to enable holders of
Grantor Trust Certificates to prepare their tax returns and will furnish
comparable information to the Service as and when required by law to do so.
Because the rules for accruing discount and amortizing premium with respect to
the Grantor Trust Certificates are uncertain in various respects, there is no
assurance the Service will agree with the Trustee's information reports of such
items of income and expense. Moreover, such information reports, even if
otherwise accepted as accurate by the Service, will in any event be accurate
only as to the initial Certificateholders that bought their Certificates at the
representative initial offering price used in preparing such reports.
Backup Withholding
In general, the rules described in "REMICS-Backup Withholding with Respect
to REMIC Certificates" will also apply to Grantor Trust Certificates.
Foreign Investors
In general, the discussion with respect to REMIC Regular Certificates in
"REMICS-Foreign Investors in REMIC Certificates-REMIC Regular Certificates"
applies to Grantor Trust Certificates except that Grantor Trust Certificates
will, unless otherwise disclosed in the related Prospectus Supplement, be
eligible for exemption from U.S. withholding tax, subject to the conditions
described in such discussion, only to the extent the related Mortgage Loans were
originated after July 18, 1984.
To the extent that interest on a Grantor Trust Certificate would be exempt
under Sections 871(h)(1) and 881(c) of the Code from United States withholding
tax, and the Grantor Trust Certificate is not held in connection with a
Certificateholder's trade or business in the United States, such Grantor Trust
Certificate will not be subject to United States estate taxes in the estate of a
non-resident alien individual.
Partnership Trust Funds
Classification of Partnership Trust Funds
With respect to each series of Partnership Certificates or Debt
Certificates, Thacher, Proffitt & Wood or Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft, counsel
to the Depositor, as specified in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, will
deliver its opinion that the Trust Fund will not be a taxable mortgage pool or
an association (or publicly traded partnership) taxable as a corporation for
federal income tax purposes. This opinion will be based on the assumption that
the terms of the related Pooling and Servicing Agreement and related documents
will be complied with, and on counsel's conclusions that (1) the Trust Fund will
not have certain characteristics necessary for a business trust to be classified
as an association taxable as a corporation and (2) the nature of the income of
the Trust Fund will exempt it from the rule that certain publicly traded
partnerships are taxable as corporations.
If the Trust Fund were taxable as a corporation for federal income tax
purposes, the Trust Fund would be subject to corporate income tax on its taxable
income. The Trust Fund's taxable income would include all its income on the
related Mortgage Loans, possibly reduced by its interest expense on the Debt
96
<PAGE>
Certificates. Any such corporate income tax could materially reduce cash
available to make payments on the Debt Certificates and distributions on the
Partnership Certificates and Certificateholders could be liable for any such tax
that is unpaid by the Trust Fund.
Characterization of Investments in Partnership Certificates and Debt
Certificates.
For federal income tax purposes, (i) Partnership Certificates and Debt
Certificates held by a thrift institution taxed as a "mutual savings bank" or
"domestic building and loan association" will not represent interests in
"qualifying real property loans" within the meaning of Code Section 593(d)(1);
(ii) Partnership Certificates and Debt Certificates held by a thrift institution
taxed as a domestic building and loan association will not constitute "loans ...
secured by an interest in real property" within the meaning of Code Section
7701(a)(19)(C)(v); (iii) interest on Debt Certificates held by a real estate
investment trust will not be treated as "interest on obligations secured by
mortgages on real property or on interests in real property" within the meaning
of Code Section 856(c)(3)(B), and Debt Certificates held by a real estate
investment trust will not constitute "real estate assets" or "Government
securities" within the meaning of Code Section 856(c)(5)(A), but Partnership
Certificates held by a real estate investment trust will qualify under those
sections based on the real estate investments trust's proportionate interest in
the assets of the Partnership Trust Fund based on capital accounts; and (iv)
Partnership Certificates and Debt Certificates held by a regulated investment
company will not constitute "Government securities" within the meaning of Code
Section 851(b)(4)(A)(i).
Taxation of Debt Certificateholders
Treatment of the Debt Certificates as Indebtedness.
The Depositor will agree, and the Certificateholders will agree by their
purchase of Debt Certificates, to treat the Debt Certificates as debt for
federal income tax purposes. No regulations, published rulings, or judicial
decisions exist that discuss the characterization for federal income tax
purposes of securities with terms substantially the same as the Debt
Certificates. However, with respect to each series of Debt Certificates,
Thacher, Proffitt & Wood or Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft, counsel to the
Depositor, as specified in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, will deliver
its opinion that the Debt Certificates will be classified as indebtedness for
federal income tax purposes. The discussion below assumes this characterization
of the Debt Certificates is correct.
If, contrary to the opinion of counsel, the IRS successfully asserted that
the Debt Certificates were not debt for federal income tax purposes, the Debt
Certificates might be treated as equity interests in the Partnership Trust. If
so, the Partnership Trust Fund might be taxable as a corporation with the
adverse consequences described above (and the taxable corporation would not be
able to deduct interest on the Debt Certificates).
Debt Certificates generally will be subject to the same rules of taxation
as REMIC Regular Certificates issued by a REMIC, as described above, except that
(i) income reportable on Debt Certificates is not required to be reported under
the accrual method unless the holder otherwise uses the accrual method and (ii)
the special rule treating a portion of the gain on sale or exchange of a REMIC
Regular Certificate as ordinary income is inapplicable to Debt Certificates. See
"-- REMICs -- Taxation of Owners of REMIC Regular Certificates" and "-- Sales of
REMIC Certificates."
Taxation of Owners of Partnership Certificates
Treatment of the Partnership Trust Fund as a Partnership.
If so specified in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, the Depositor will
agree, and the Certificateholders will agree by their purchase of Certificates,
to treat the Partnership Trust Fund as a partnership for purposes of federal and
state income tax, franchise tax and any other tax measured in whole or in part
by income, with the assets of the partnership being the assets held by the
Partnership Trust Fund, the partners of the partnership being the
Certificateholders (including the Depositor), and the Debt Certificates (if any)
being debt of the partnership. However, the proper characterization of the
97
<PAGE>
arrangement involving the Partnership Trust Fund, the Partnership Certificates,
the Debt Certificates, and the Depositor is not clear, because there is no
authority on transactions closely comparable to that contemplated herein.
A variety of alternative characterizations are possible. For example,
because one or more of the classes of Partnership Certificates have certain
features characteristic of debt, the Partnership Certificates might be
considered debt of the Depositor or the Partnership Trust Fund. Any such
characterization would not result in materially adverse tax consequences to
Certificateholders as compared to the consequences from treatment of the
Partnership Certificates as equity in a partnership, described below. The
following discussion assumes that the Partnership Certificates represent equity
interests in a partnership.
Partnership Taxation.
As a partnership, the Partnership Trust Fund will not be subject to federal
income tax. Rather, each Certificateholder will be required to separately take
into account such holder's allocated share of income, gains, losses, deductions
and credits of the Partnership Trust Fund. It is anticipated that the
Partnership Trust Fund's income will consist primarily of interest earned on the
Mortgage Loans (including appropriate adjustments for market discount, original
issue discount and bond premium) as described above under "-- Grantor Trust
Funds -- Taxation of Owners of Grantor Trust Fractional Interest Certificates --
If Stripped Bond Ruled Do Not Apply --", "-- Market Discount" and "--Premium")
and any gain upon collection or disposition of Mortgage Loans. The Partnership
Trust Fund's deductions will consist primarily of interest accruing with respect
to the Debt Certificates, servicing and other fees, and losses or deductions
upon collection or disposition of Debt Certificates.
The tax items of a partnership are allocable to the partners in accordance
with the Code, Treasury regulations and the partnership agreement (here, the
Pooling and Servicing Agreement and related documents). The Pooling and
Servicing Agreement will provide, in general, that the Certificateholders will
be allocated taxable income of the Partnership Trust Fund for each Due Period
equal to the sum of (i) the interest that accrues on the Partnership
Certificates in accordance with their terms for such Due Period, including
interest accruing at the applicable pass-through rate for such Due Period and
interest on amounts previously due on the Partnership Certificates but not yet
distributed; (ii) any Partnership Trust Fund income attributable to discount on
the Mortgage Loans that corresponds to any excess of the principal amount of the
Partnership Certificates over their initial issue price; and (iii) any other
amounts of income payable to the Certificateholders for such Due Period. Such
allocation will be reduced by any amortization by the Partnership Trust Fund of
premium on Mortgage Loans that corresponds to any excess of the issue price of
Partnership Certificates over their principal amount. All remaining taxable
income of the Partnership Trust Fund will be allocated to the Depositor. Based
on the economic arrangement of the parties, this approach for allocating
Partnership Trust Fund income should be permissible under applicable Treasury
regulations, although no assurance can be given that the IRS would not require a
greater amount of income to be allocated to Certificateholders. Moreover, even
under the foregoing method of allocation, Certificateholders may be allocated
income equal to the entire pass-through rate plus the other items described
above even though the Trust Fund might not have sufficient cash to make current
cash distributions of such amount. Thus, cash basis holders will in effect be
required to report income from the Partnership Certificates on the accrual basis
and Certificateholders may become liable for taxes on Partnership Trust Fund
income even if they have not received cash from the Partnership Trust Fund to
pay such taxes.
All of the taxable income allocated to a Certificateholder that is a
pension, profit sharing or employee benefit plan or other tax-exempt entity
(including an individual retirement account) will constitute "unrelated business
taxable income" generally taxable to such a holder under the Code.
A share of expenses of the Partnership Trust Fund (including fees of the
Master Servicer but not interest expense) allocable to an individual, estate or
trust Certificateholder would be miscellaneous itemized deductions subject to
the limitations described above under "-- Grantor Trust Funds -- Taxation of
Owners of Grantor Trust Fractional Interest Certificates." Accordingly, such
deductions might be disallowed to the individual in whole or in part and might
result in such holder being taxed on an amount of income that exceeds the amount
of cash actually distributed to such holder over the life of the Partnership
Trust Fund.
Discount income or premium amortization with respect to each Mortgage Loan
would be calculated in a manner similar to the description above under
"--Grantor Trust Funds -- Taxation of Owners of Grantor Trust Fractional
98
<PAGE>
Interest Certificates -- If Stripped Bond Rules Do Not Apply." Notwithstanding
such description, it is intended that the Partnership Trust Fund will make all
tax calculations relating to income and allocations to Certificateholders on an
aggregate basis with respect to all Mortgage Loans held by the Partnership Trust
Fund rather than on a Mortgage Loan-by-Mortgage Loan basis. If the IRS were to
require that such calculations be made separately for each Mortgage Loan, the
Partnership Trust Fund might be required to incur additional expense, but it is
believed that there would not be a material adverse effect on
Certificateholders.
Discount and Premium.
Unless indicated otherwise in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, it is
not anticipated that the Mortgage Loans will have been issued with original
issue discount and, therefore, the Partnership Trust Fund should not have
original issue discount income. However, the purchase price paid by the
Partnership Trust Fund for the Mortgage Loans may be greater or less than the
remaining principal balance of the Mortgage Loans at the time of purchase. If
so, the Mortgage Loans will have been acquired at a premium or discount, as the
case may be. See "-- Grantor Trust Funds -- Taxation of Owners of Grantor Trust
Fractional Interest Certificates -- Market Discount" and "Premium." (As
indicated above, the Partnership Trust Fund will make this calculation on an
aggregate basis, but might be required to recompute it on a Mortgage
Loan-by-Mortgage Loan basis).
If the Partnership Trust Fund acquires the Mortgage Loans at a market
discount or premium, the Partnership Trust Fund will elect to include any such
discount in income currently as it accrues over the life of the Mortgage Loans
or to offset any such premium against interest income on the Mortgage Loans. As
indicated above, a portion of such market discount income or premium deduction
may be allocated to Certificateholders.
Section 708 Termination.
Under Section 708 of the Code, the Partnership Trust Fund will be deemed to
terminate for federal income tax purposes if 50% or more of the capital and
profits interests in the Partnership Trust Fund are sold or exchanged within a
12-month period. If such a termination occurs, the Partnership Trust Fund will
be considered to distribute its assets to the partners, who would then be
treated as recontributing those assets to the Partnership Trust Fund, as a new
partnership. The Partnership Trust Fund will not comply with certain technical
requirements that might apply when such a constructive termination occurs. As a
result, the Partnership Trust Fund may be subject to certain tax penalties and
may incur additional expenses if it is required to comply with those
requirements. Furthermore, the Partnership Trust Fund might not be able to
comply due to lack of data. Under proposed Treasury regulations, the foregoing
treatment would be replaced by a new regime under which a 50% or greater
transfer, as described above, would cause a deemed contribution of the assets of
a Partnership Trust Fund (the "old partnership") to a new Partnership Trust Fund
(the "new partnership") in exchange for interests in the new partnership. Such
interests would be deemed distributed to the partners of the old partnership in
liquidation thereof, which would not constitute a sale or exchange. It is not
known when or whether such proposed Treasury regulations will be adopted in
final (or temporary) form.
Disposition of Certificates.
Generally, capital gain or loss will be recognized on a sale of Partnership
Certificates in an amount equal to the difference between the amount realized
and the seller's tax basis in the Partnership Certificates sold. A
Certificateholder's tax basis in an Partnership Certificate will generally equal
the holder's cost increased by the holder's share of Partnership Trust Fund
income (includible in income) and decreased by any distributions received with
respect to such Partnership Certificate. In addition, both the tax basis in the
Partnership Certificates and the amount realized on a sale of an Partnership
Certificate would include the holder's share of the Debt Certificates and other
liabilities of the Partnership Trust Fund. A holder acquiring Partnership
Certificates at different prices may be required to maintain a single aggregate
adjusted tax basis in such Partnership Certificates, and, upon sale or other
disposition of some of the Partnership Certificates, allocate a portion of such
aggregate tax basis to the Partnership Certificates sold (rather than
maintaining a separate tax basis in each Partnership Certificate for purposes of
computing gain or loss on a sale of that Partnership Certificate).
99
<PAGE>
Any gain on the sale of an Partnership Certificate attributable to the
holder's share of unrecognized accrued market discount on the Mortgage Loans
would generally be treated as ordinary income to the holder and would give rise
to special tax reporting requirements. The Partnership Trust Fund does not
expect to have any other assets that would give rise to such special reporting
considerations. Thus, to avoid those special reporting requirements, the
Partnership Trust Fund will elect to include market discount in income as it
accrues.
If a Certificateholder is required to recognize an aggregate amount of
income (not including income attributable to disallowed itemized deductions
described above) over the life of the Partnership Certificates that exceeds the
aggregate cash distributions with respect thereto, such excess will generally
give rise to a capital loss upon the retirement of the Partnership Certificates.
Allocations Between Transferors and Transferees.
In general, the Partnership Trust Fund's taxable income and losses will be
determined each Due Period and the tax items for a particular Due Period will be
apportioned among the Certificateholders in proportion to the principal amount
of Partnership Certificates owned by them as of the close of the last day of
such Due Period. As a result, a holder purchasing Partnership Certificates may
be allocated tax items (which will affect its tax liability and tax basis)
attributable to periods before the actual transaction.
The use of such a Due Period convention may not be permitted by existing
regulations. If a Due Period convention is not allowed (or only applies to
transfers of less than all of the partner's interest), taxable income or losses
of the Partnership Trust Fund might be reallocated among the Certificateholders.
The Depositor will be authorized to revise the Partnership Trust Fund's method
of allocation between transferors and transferees to conform to a method
permitted by future regulations.
Section 731 Distributions.
In the case of any distribution to a Certificateholder, no gain will be
recognized to that Certificateholder to the extent that the amount of any money
distributed with respect to such Certificate exceeds the adjusted basis of such
Certificateholder's interest in the Certificate. To the extent that the amount
of money distributed exceeds such Certificateholder's adjusted basis, gain will
be currently recognized. In the case of any distribution to a Certificateholder,
no loss will be recognized except upon a distribution in liquidation of a
Certificateholder's interest. Any gain or loss recognized by a Certificateholder
will be capital gain or loss.
Section 754 Election.
In the event that a Certificateholder sells its Partnership Certificates at
a profit (loss), the purchasing Certificateholder will have a higher (lower)
basis in the Partnership Certificates than the selling Certificateholder had.
The tax basis of the Partnership Trust Fund's assets would not be adjusted to
reflect that higher (or lower) basis unless the Partnership Trust Fund were to
file an election under Section 754 of the Code. In order to avoid the
administrative complexities that would be involved in keeping accurate
accounting records, as well as potentially onerous information reporting
requirements, the Partnership Trust Fund will not make such election. As a
result, Certificateholder might be allocated a greater or lesser amount of
Partnership Trust Fund income than would be appropriate based on their own
purchase price for Partnership Certificates.
Administrative Matters.
The Trustee is required to keep or have kept complete and accurate books of
the Partnership Trust Fund. Such books will be maintained for financial
reporting and tax purposes on an accrual basis and the fiscal year of the
Partnership Trust Fund will be the calendar year. The Trustee will file a
partnership information return (IRS Form 1065) with the IRS for each taxable
year of the Partnership Trust Fund and will report each Certificateholder's
allocable share of items of Partnership Trust Fund income and expense to holders
and the IRS on Schedule K-1. The Trustee will provide the Schedule K-1
information to nominees that fail to provide the Partnership Trust Fund with the
information statement described below and such nominees will be required to
forward such information to the beneficial owners of the Partnership
100
<PAGE>
Certificates. Generally, holders must file tax returns that are consistent with
the information return filed by the Partnership Trust Fund or be subject to
penalties unless the holder notifies the IRS of all such inconsistencies.
Under Section 6031 of the Code, any person that holds Partnership
Certificates as a nominee at any time during a calendar year is required to
furnish the Partnership Trust Fund with a statement containing certain
information on the nominee, the beneficial owners and the Partnership
Certificates so held. Such information includes (i) the name, address and
taxpayer identification number of the nominee and (ii) as to each beneficial
owner (x) the name, address and identification number of such person, (y)
whether such person is a United States person, a tax-exempt entity or a foreign
government, an international organization, or any wholly-owned agency or
instrumentality of either of the foregoing, and (z) certain information on
Partnership Certificates that were held, bought or sold on behalf of such person
throughout the year. In addition, brokers and financial institutions that hold
Partnership Certificates through a nominee are required to furnish directly to
the Trustee information as to themselves and their ownership of Partnership
Certificates. A clearing agency registered under Section 17A of the Exchange Act
is not required to furnish any such information statement to the Partnership
Trust Fund. The information referred to above for any calendar year must be
furnished to the Partnership Trust Fund on or before the following January 31.
Nominees, brokers and financial institutions that fail to provide the
Partnership Trust Fund with the information described above may be subject to
penalties.
The Depositor will be designated as the tax matters partner in the Pooling
and Servicing Agreement and, as such, will be responsible for representing the
Certificateholders in any dispute with the IRS. The Code provides for
administrative examination of a partnership as if the partnership were a
separate and distinct taxpayer. Generally, the statute of limitations for
partnership items does not expire until three years after the date on which the
partnership information return is filed. Any adverse determination following an
audit of the return of the Partnership Trust Fund by the appropriate taxing
authorities could result in an adjustment of the returns of the
Certificateholders, and, under certain circumstances, a Certificateholder may be
precluded from separately litigating a proposed adjustment to the items of the
Partnership Trust Fund. An adjustment could also result in an audit of a
Certificateholder's returns and adjustments of items not related to the income
and losses of the Partnership Trust Fund.
Tax Consequences to Foreign Certificateholders.
It is not clear whether the Partnership Trust Fund would be considered to
be engaged in a trade or business in the United States for purposes of federal
withholding taxes with respect to non-U.S. persons, because there is no clear
authority dealing with that issue under facts substantially similar to those
described herein. Although it is not expected that the Partnership Trust Fund
would be engaged in a trade or business in the United States for such purposes,
the Partnership Trust Fund will withhold as if it were so engaged in order to
protect the Partnership Trust Fund from possible adverse consequences of a
failure to withhold. The Partnership Trust Fund expects to withhold on the
portion of its taxable income that is allocable to foreign Certificateholders
pursuant to Section 1446 of the Code, as if such income were effectively
connected to a U.S. trade or business, at a rate of 35% for foreign holders that
are taxable as corporations and 39.6% for all other foreign holders. Amounts
withheld will be deemed distributed to the foreign certificateholders.
Subsequent adoption of Treasury regulations or the issuance of other
administrative pronouncements may require the Partnership Trust Fund to change
its withholding procedures. In determining a holder's withholding status, the
Partnership Trust Fund may rely on IRS Form W-8, IRS Form W-9 or the holder's
certification of nonforeign status signed under penalties of perjury.
Each foreign holder might be required to file a U.S. individual or
corporate income tax return (including, in the case of a corporation, the branch
profits tax) on its share of the Partnership Trust Fund's income. Each foreign
holder must obtain a taxpayer identification number from the IRS and submit that
number to the Partnership Trust Fund on Form W-8 in order to assure appropriate
crediting of the taxes withheld. A foreign holder generally would be entitled to
file with the IRS a claim for refund with respect to taxes withheld by the
Partnership Trust Fund, taking the position that no taxes were due because the
Partnership Trust Fund was not engaged in a U.S. trade or business. However,
interest payment made (or accrued) to a Certificateholder who is a foreign
person generally will be considered guaranteed payments to the extent such
payments are determined without regard to the income of the Partnership Trust
Fund. If these interest payments are properly characterized as guaranteed
payments, then the interest will not be considered "portfolio interest." As a
101
<PAGE>
result, Certificateholders who are foreign persons will be subject to United
States federal income tax and withholding tax at a rate of 30 percent, unless
reduced or eliminated pursuant to an applicable treaty. In such case, a foreign
holder would only be entitled to claim a refund for that portion of the taxes in
excess of the taxes that should be withheld with respect to the guaranteed
payments.
Backup Withholding.
Distributions made on the Partnership Certificates and proceeds from the
sale of the Partnership Certificates will be subject to a "backup" withholding
tax of 31% if, in general, the Certificateholder fails to comply with certain
identification procedures, unless the holder is an exempt recipient under
applicable provisions of the Code.
THE FEDERAL TAX DISCUSSIONS SET FORTH ABOVE ARE INCLUDED FOR GENERAL
INFORMATION ONLY AND MAY NOT BE APPLICABLE DEPENDING UPON A CERTIFICATEHOLDER'S
PARTICULAR TAX SITUATION. PROSPECTIVE PURCHASERS SHOULD CONSULT THEIR TAX
ADVISORS WITH RESPECT TO THE TAX CONSEQUENCES TO THEM OF THE PURCHASE, OWNERSHIP
AND DISPOSITION OF REMIC CERTIFICATES, GRANTOR TRUST CERTIFICATES, PARTNERSHIP
CERTIFICATES AND DEBT CERTIFICATES, INCLUDING THE TAX CONSEQUENCES UNDER STATE,
LOCAL, FOREIGN AND OTHER TAX LAWS AND THE POSSIBLE EFFECTS OF CHANGES IN FEDERAL
OR OTHER TAX LAWS.
STATE AND OTHER TAX CONSEQUENCES
In addition to the federal income tax consequences described in "Certain
Federal Income Tax Consequences", potential investors should consider the state
and local tax consequences of the acquisition, ownership, and disposition of the
Certificates offered hereunder. State tax law may differ substantially from the
corresponding federal tax law, and the discussion above does not purport to
describe any aspect of the tax laws of any state or other jurisdiction.
Therefore, prospective investors should consult their own tax advisors with
respect to the various tax consequences of investments in the certificates
offered hereunder.
ERISA CONSIDERATIONS
The Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended ("ERISA"),
and the Code impose certain requirements on employee benefit plans and on
certain other retirement plans and arrangements, including individual retirement
accounts and annuities, Keogh plans and collective investment funds and separate
accounts in which such plans, accounts or arrangements are invested that are
subject to the fiduciary responsibility provisions of ERISA and Section 4975 of
the Code ("Plans") and on persons who are fiduciaries with respect to such Plans
in connection with the investment of Plan assets. Certain employee benefit
plans, such as governmental plans (as defined in ERISA Section 3(32)), and, if
no election has been made under Section 410(d) of the Code, church plans (as
defined in Section 3(33) of ERISA) are not subject to ERISA requirements.
Accordingly, assets of such plans may be invested in Certificates without regard
to the ERISA considerations described below, subject to the provisions of other
applicable federal and state law. Any such plan which is qualified and exempt
from taxation under Sections 401(a) and 501(a) of the Code, however, is subject
to the prohibited transaction rules set forth in Section 503 of the Code.
ERISA generally imposes on Plan fiduciaries certain general fiduciary
requirements, including those of investment prudence and diversification and the
requirement that a Plan's investments be made in accordance with the documents
governing the Plan. In addition, ERISA and the Code prohibit a broad range of
transactions involving assets of a Plan and persons ("Parties in Interest") who
have certain specified relationships to the Plan unless a statutory or
administrative exemption is available. Certain Parties in Interest that
participate in a prohibited transaction may be subject to an excise tax imposed
pursuant to Section 4975 of the Code, unless a statutory or administrative
exemption is available. These prohibited transactions generally are set forth in
Section 406 of ERISA and Section 4975 of the Code.
102
<PAGE>
A Plan's investment in Certificates may cause the Mortgage Loans, Agency
Securities, Private Mortgage-Backed Securities and other assets included in a
related Trust Fund to be deemed Plan assets. Section 2510.3-101 of the
regulations of the United States Department of Labor ("DOL") provides that when
a Plan acquires an equity interest in an entity, the Plan's assets include both
such equity interest and an undivided interest in each of the underlying assets
of the entity, unless certain exceptions not applicable here apply, or unless
the equity participation in the entity by "benefit plan investors" (i.e., Plans
and certain employee benefit plans not subject to ERISA) is not "significant",
both as defined therein. For this purpose, in general, equity participation by
benefit plan investors will be "significant" on any date if 25% or more of the
value of any class of equity interests in the entity is held by benefit plan
investors. Equity participation in a Trust Fund will be significant on any date
if immediately after the most recent acquisition of any Certificate, 25% or more
of any class of Certificates is held by benefit plan investors.
Any person who has discretionary authority or control respecting the
management or disposition of Plan assets, and any person who provides investment
advice with respect to such assets for a fee, is a fiduciary of the investing
Plan. If the Mortgage Loans, Agency Securities, Private Mortgage-Backed
Securities and other assets included in a Trust Fund constitute Plan assets,
then any party exercising management or discretionary control regarding those
assets, such as the Master Servicer or any Sub-Servicer, may be deemed to be a
Plan "fiduciary" and thus subject to the fiduciary responsibility provisions and
prohibited transaction provisions of ERISA and the Code with respect to the
investing Plan. In addition, if the Mortgage Loans, Agency Securities, Private
Mortgage-Backed Securities and other assets included in a Trust Fund constitute
Plan assets, the purchase of Certificates by a Plan, as well as the operation of
the Trust Fund, may constitute or involve a prohibited transaction under ERISA
and the Code.
The DOL issued an individual exemption, Prohibited Transaction Exemption
89-89 (the "Exemption"), on October 17, 1989 to Salomon Brothers Inc, which
generally exempts from the application of the prohibited transaction provisions
of Section 406 of ERISA, and the excise taxes imposed on such prohibited
transactions pursuant to Section 4975(a) and (b) of the Code and Section 502(i)
of ERISA, certain transactions, among others, relating to the servicing and
operation of mortgage pools and the purchase, sale and holding of mortgage
pass-through certificates underwritten by an Underwriter (as hereinafter
defined), provided that certain conditions set forth in the Exemption are
satisfied. For purposes of this Section "ERISA Considerations," the term
"Underwriter" shall include (a) Salomon Brothers Inc, (b) any person directly or
indirectly, through one or more intermediaries, controlling, controlled by or
under common control with Salomon Brothers Inc and (c) any member of the
underwriting syndicate or selling group of which a person described in (a) or
(b) is a manager or co-manager with respect to a class of Certificates.
The Exemption sets forth six general conditions which must be satisfied for
a transaction involving the purchase, sale and holding of Certificates to be
eligible for exemptive relief thereunder. First, the acquisition of Certificates
by a Plan must be on terms that are at least as favorable to the Plan as they
would be in an arm's-length transaction with an unrelated party. Second, the
Exemption only applies to Certificates evidencing rights and interests not
subordinated to the rights and interests evidenced by the other Certificates of
the same series. Third, the Certificates at the time of acquisition by the Plan
must be rated in one of the three highest generic rating categories by Standard
& Poor's Corporation, Moody's Investors Service, Inc., Duff & Phelps, Inc. or
Fitch Investors Service, Inc. Fourth, the Trustee cannot be an affiliate of any
member of the "Restricted Group" which consists of any Underwriter, the
Depositor, the Trustee, the Master Servicer, any Sub-Servicer and any mortgagor
with respect to Trust Fund Assets constituting more than 5% of the aggregate
unamortized principal balance of the Trust Fund Assets in the related Trust Fund
as of the date of initial issuance of the Certificates. Fifth, the sum of all
payments made to and retained by the Underwriter(s) must represent not more than
reasonable compensation for underwriting the Certificates; the sum of all
payments made to and retained by the Depositor pursuant to the assignment of the
Trust Fund Assets to the related Trust Fund must represent not more than the
fair market value of such obligations; and the sum of all payments made to and
retained by the Master Servicer and any Sub-Servicer must represent not more
than reasonable compensation for such person's services under the related
Pooling and Servicing Agreement and reimbursement of such person's reasonable
expenses in connection therewith. Sixth, the investing Plan must be an
accredited investor as defined in Rule 501(a)(1) of Regulation D of the
Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
103
<PAGE>
A fiduciary of a Plan contemplating purchasing a Certificate must make its
own determination that the general conditions set forth above will be satisfied
with respect to such Certificate.
If the general conditions of the Exemption are satisfied, the Exemption may
provide an exemption from the restrictions imposed by Sections 406(a) and 407 of
ERISA (as well as the excise taxes imposed by Sections 4975(a) and (b) of the
Code by reason of Sections 4975(c)(1)(A) through (D) of the Code) in connection
with the direct or indirect sale, exchange, transfer, holding or the direct or
indirect acquisition or disposition in the secondary market of Certificates by
Plans. However, no exemption is provided from the restrictions of Sections
406(a)(1)(E), 406(a)(2) and 407 of ERISA for the acquisition or holding of a
Certificate on behalf of an "Excluded Plan" by any person who has discretionary
authority or renders investment advice with respect to the assets of such
Excluded Plan. For purposes of the Certificates, an Excluded Plan is a Plan
sponsored by any member of the Restricted Group.
If certain specific conditions of the Exemption are also satisfied, the
Exemption may provide an exemption from the restrictions imposed by Sections
406(b)(1) and (b)(2) of ERISA and the taxes imposed by Section 4975(c)(1)(E) of
the Code in connection with (1) the direct or indirect sale, exchange or
transfer of Certificates in the initial issuance of Certificates between the
Depositor or an Underwriter and a Plan when the person who has discretionary
authority or renders investment advice with respect to the investment of Plan
assets in the Certificates is (a) a mortgagor with respect to 5% or less of the
fair market value of the Trust Fund Assets or (b) an affiliate of such a person,
(2) the direct or indirect acquisition or disposition in the secondary market of
Certificates by a Plan and (3) the holding of Certificates by a Plan.
Further, if certain specific conditions of the Exemption are satisfied, the
Exemption may provide an exemption from the restrictions imposed by Sections
406(a), 406(b) and 407 of ERISA, and the taxes imposed by Sections 4975(a) and
(b) of the Code by reason of Section 4975(c) of the Code for transactions in
connection with the servicing, management and operation of the Mortgage Pools.
The Depositor expects that the specific conditions of the Exemption required for
this purpose will be satisfied with respect to the Certificates so that the
Exemption would provide an exemption from the restrictions imposed by Sections
406(a) and (b) of ERISA (as well as the excise taxes imposed by Sections 4975(a)
and (b) of the Code by reason of Section 4975(c) of the Code) for transactions
in connection with the servicing, management and operation of the Mortgage
Pools, provided that the general conditions of the Exemption are satisfied.
The Exemption also may provide an exemption from the restrictions imposed
by Sections 406(a) and 407(a) of ERISA, and the taxes imposed by Section 4975(a)
and (b) of the Code by reason of Sections 4975(c)(1)(A) through (D) of the Code
if such restrictions are deemed to otherwise apply merely because a person is
deemed to be a "party in interest" (within the meaning of Section 3(14) of
ERISA) or a "disqualified person"(within the meaning of Section 4975(e)(2) of
the Code) with respect to an investing Plan by virtue of providing services to
the Plan (or by virtue of having certain specified relationships to such a
person) solely as a result of the Plan's ownership of Certificates.
Before purchasing a Certificate, a fiduciary of a Plan should itself
confirm (a) that the Certificates constitute "certificates" for purposes of the
Exemption and (b) that the specific and general conditions set forth in the
Exemption and the other requirements set forth in the Exemption would be
satisfied. In addition to making its own determination as to the availability of
the exemptive relief provided in the Exemption, the Plan fiduciary should
consider its general fiduciary obligations under ERISA in determining whether to
purchase any Certificates on behalf of a Plan.
Any Plan fiduciary which proposes to cause a Plan to purchase Certificates
should consult with its counsel with respect to the potential applicability of
ERISA and the Code to such investment and the availability of the Exemption or
any other prohibited transaction exemption in connection therewith, in
particular, in connection with a contemplated purchase of Certificates
representing a beneficial ownership interest in a pool of single-family
residential first mortgage loans, Prohibited Transaction Class Exemption 83-1
("PTCE 83-1") for certain transactions involving mortgage pool investment
trusts. The Prospectus Supplement with respect to a series of Certificates may
contain additional information regarding the application of the Exemption, PTCE
83-1, or any other exemption, with respect to the Certificates offered thereby.
In addition, any Plan fiduciary that proposes to cause a Plan to purchase Strip
Certificates should consider the federal income tax consequences of such
investment.
104
<PAGE>
Any Plan fiduciary considering whether to purchase a Certificate on behalf
of a Plan should consult with its counsel regarding the applicability of the
fiduciary responsibility and prohibited transaction provisions of ERISA and the
Code to such investment.
LEGAL INVESTMENT
The Prospectus Supplement for each series of Certificates will specify
which classes of Certificates of such series, if any, will constitute "mortgage
related securities" for purposes of the Secondary Mortgage Market Enhancement
Act of 1984 ("SMMEA"). Any class of Certificates that is not rated in one of the
two highest rating categories by one or more nationally recognized statistical
rating agencies or that represents an interest in a Trust Fund that includes
junior Mortgage Loans will not constitute "mortgage related securities" for
purposes of SMMEA "Mortgage related securities" are legal investments to the
same extent that, under applicable law, obligations issued by or guaranteed as
to principal and interest by the United States or any agency or instrumentality
thereof constitute legal investments for persons, trusts, corporations,
partnerships, associations, business trusts and business entities (including
depository institutions, insurance companies and pension funds created pursuant
to or existing under the laws of the United States or of any state, the
authorized investments of which are subject to state regulation). Under SMMEA,
if a state enacted legislation prior to October 3, 1991 specifically limiting
the legal investment authority of any such entities with respect to "mortgage
related securities", the Certificates would constitute legal investments for
entities subject to such legislation only to the extent provided in such
legislation. SMMEA provides, however, that in no event will the enactment of any
such legislation affect the validity of any contractual commitment to purchase,
hold or invest in "mortgage related securities", or require the sale or other
disposition of such securities, so long as such contractual commitment was made
or such securities acquired prior to the enactment of such legislation.
SMMEA also amended the legal investment authority of federally chartered
depository institutions as follows: federal savings and loan associations and
federal savings banks may invest in, sell or otherwise deal with "mortgage
related securities" without limitation as to the percentage of their assets
represented thereby, federal credit unions may invest in such securities, and
national banks may purchase such securities for their own account without regard
to the limitations generally applicable to investment securities set forth in 12
U.S.C. 24 (Seventh), subject in each case to such regulations as the applicable
federal regulatory authority may prescribe.
There may be other restrictions on the ability of certain investors,
including depository institutions, either to purchase Certificates or to
purchase Certificates representing more than a specified percentage of the
investor's assets. Investors should consult their own legal advisors in
determining whether and to what extent the Certificates constitute legal
investments for such investors or are subject to investment, capital or other
restrictions, and, if applicable, whether SMMEA has been overridden in any
jurisdiction relevant to such investor.
METHODS OF DISTRIBUTION
The Certificates offered hereby and by the Supplements to this Prospectus
will be offered in series. The distribution of the Certificates may be effected
from time to time in one or more transactions, including negotiated
transactions, at a fixed public offering price or at varying prices to be
determined at the time of sale or at the time of commitment therefor. If so
specified in the related Prospectus Supplement, the Certificates will be
distributed in a firm commitment underwriting, subject to the terms and
conditions of the underwriting agreement, by Salomon Brothers Inc ("Salomon")
acting as underwriter with other underwriters, if any, named therein. In such
event, the Prospectus Supplement may also specify that the underwriters will not
be obligated to pay for any Certificates agreed to be purchased by purchasers
pursuant to purchase agreements acceptable to the Depositor. In connection with
the sale of the Certificates, underwriters may receive compensation from the
Depositor or from purchasers of the Certificates in the form of discounts,
105
<PAGE>
concessions or commissions. The Prospectus Supplement will describe any such
compensation paid by the Depositor.
Alternatively, the Prospectus Supplement may specify that the Certificates
will be distributed by Salomon acting as agent or in some cases as principal
with respect to Certificates which it has previously purchased or agreed to
purchase. If Salomon acts as agent in the sale of Certificates, Salomon will
receive a selling commission with respect to each series of Certificates,
depending on market conditions, expressed as a percentage of the aggregate
principal balance of the related Mortgage Loans as of the Cut-off Date. The
exact percentage for each series of Certificates will be disclosed in the
related Prospectus Supplement. To the extent that Salomon elects to purchase
Certificates as principal, Salomon may realize losses or profits based upon the
difference between its purchase price and the sales price. The Prospectus
Supplement with respect to any series offered other than through underwriters
will contain information regarding the nature of such offering and any
agreements to be entered into between the Depositor and purchasers of
Certificates of such series.
The Depositor will indemnify Salomon and any underwriters against certain
civil liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933, or
will contribute to payments Salomon and any underwriters may be required to make
in respect thereof.
In the ordinary course of business, Salomon and the Depositor may engage in
various securities and financing transactions, including repurchase agreements
to provide interim financing of the Depositor's mortgage loans pending the sale
of such mortgage loans or interests therein, including the Certificates.
The Depositor anticipates that the Certificates will be sold primarily to
institutional investors. Purchasers of Certificates, including dealers, may,
depending on the facts and circumstances of such purchases, be deemed to be
"underwriters" within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933 in connection
with reoffers and sales by them of Certificates. Certificateholders should
consult with their legal advisors in this regard prior to any such reoffer or
sale.
As to each series of Certificates, only those classes rated in one of the
four highest rating categories by any Rating Agency will be offered hereby. Any
unrated class may be initially retained by the Depositor, and may be sold by the
Depositor at any time to one or more institutional investors.
LEGAL MATTERS
Certain legal matters in connection with the Certificates will be passed
upon for the Depositor by Thacher Proffitt & Wood, New York, New York, or
Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft, New York, New York.
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
The Depositor has determined that its financial statements are not material
to the offering made hereby. Any prospective purchaser that desires to review
financial information concerning the Depositor will be provided by the Depositor
on request with a copy of the most recent financial statements of the Depositor.
106
<PAGE>
INDEX OF PRINCIPAL DEFINITIONS
Page on which
term is defined
in the
Term Prospectus
- ---- ----------
Accrual Certificates......................................................... 6
Accrued Certificate Interest................................................ 38
Agency Securities............................................................ 1
Agreement\.................................................................. 30
ARM Loans.................................................................... 7
Available Distribution Amount............................................... 37
Bankruptcy Amount........................................................... 47
Bankruptcy Bond............................................................. 53
BIF......................................................................... 28
Buydown Account............................................................. 35
Buydown Funds............................................................... 15
Buydown Mortgage Loans...................................................... 15
Buydown Mortgage Rate....................................................... 15
Buydown Period.............................................................. 15
Certificate Account.......................................................... 8
Certificate Guarantee Insurance............................................. 53
Certificate Principal Balance................................................ 5
Certificates................................................................. 5
Code......................................................................... 6
Commission................................................................... 4
Committee Report............................................................ 73
Contracts................................................................... 13
Contributions Tax........................................................... 83
Cooperative.................................................................. 7
Cooperative Loans............................................................ 6
Cooperative Notes........................................................... 17
Cooperative Unit............................................................ 13
Credit Insurance Instrument................................................. 41
Credit Support............................................................... 9
Cut-off Date................................................................. 9
Defaulted Mortgage Amount................................................... 47
Deficient Valuation......................................................... 38
Deleted Mortgage Loan....................................................... 33
Depositor................................................................... 13
Determination Date.......................................................... 36
Distribution Date............................................................ 9
DOL........................................................................ 101
Due Period.................................................................. 37
ERISA....................................................................... 12
Event of Default............................................................ 45
Exemption.................................................................. 102
FDIC........................................................................ 28
FHA.......................................................................... 7
FHA Loans................................................................... 17
FHLMC........................................................................ 1
1
<PAGE>
Page on which
term is defined
in the
Term Prospectus
- ---- ----------
FHLMC Certificates........................................................... 8
FNMA......................................................................... 1
FNMA Certificates............................................................ 8
GNMA......................................................................... 1
GNMA Certificates............................................................ 8
GNMA Issuer................................................................. 18
Grantor Trust Certificates.................................................. 10
Grantor Trust Fractional Interest Certificates.............................. 11
Grantor Trust Strip Certificates............................................ 11
Hazard Insurance Instrument................................................. 41
Housing Act................................................................. 17
HUD......................................................................... 56
Insurance Instruments....................................................... 41
Insurance Proceeds.......................................................... 35
Interest Rate................................................................ 7
Letter of Credit............................................................ 49
Letter of Credit Bank....................................................... 49
Liquidated Loan............................................................. 38
Liquidation Proceeds........................................................ 35
Loan-to-Value Ratio......................................................... 14
Lockout Period.............................................................. 25
Manufactured Homes.......................................................... 13
Manufacturer's Invoice Price................................................ 14
Master Servicer.............................................................. 5
Mortgage Loan Seller........................................................ 13
Mortgage Loans............................................................... 1
Mortgage Notes.............................................................. 17
Mortgage Pool................................................................ 6
Mortgage Pool Insurance Policy.............................................. 50
Mortgaged Properties......................................................... 7
Mortgages................................................................... 17
Multifamily Loans........................................................... 13
Multifamily Properties...................................................... 13
Net Interest Rate........................................................... 31
Nonrecoverable Advance...................................................... 39
OID Regulations............................................................. 71
Optional Termination........................................................ 10
Originator.................................................................. 13
Parties in Interest........................................................ 101
Pass-Through Rate............................................................ 5
Permitted Investments....................................................... 34
Plans...................................................................... 101
Prepayment Assumption....................................................... 73
Prepayment Period........................................................... 24
Private Mortgage-Backed Securities........................................... 1
Prohibited Transactions Tax................................................. 83
PTCE 83-1.................................................................. 103
Purchase Price.............................................................. 29
Qualified Insurer........................................................... 51
Rating Agency............................................................... 31
Realized Loss............................................................... 29
2
<PAGE>
Page on which
term is defined
in the
Term Prospectus
- ---- ----------
Record Date................................................................. 36
Refinance Loans............................................................. 14
Related Proceeds............................................................ 39
Relief Act.................................................................. 70
REMIC....................................................................... 31
REMIC Certificates.......................................................... 70
REMIC Provisions............................................................ 70
REMIC Regular Certificates.................................................. 10
REMIC Regulations........................................................... 71
REMIC Residual Certificates................................................. 10
Reserve Funds............................................................... 49
Restricted Group........................................................... 102
Retained Interest........................................................... 30
SAIF........................................................................ 28
Scheduled Principal Balance................................................. 48
Senior Certificates.......................................................... 5
Senior Liens................................................................ 14
Senior Percentage........................................................... 38
Senior/Subordinate Series................................................... 30
Single-Family Loans......................................................... 17
Single-Family Properties.................................................... 13
SMMEA....................................................................... 11
Special Hazard Amount....................................................... 47
Special Hazard Insurance Policy............................................. 49
Special Hazard Realized Losses.............................................. 48
Special Hazard Subordination Amount......................................... 48
Stated Principal Balance.................................................... 29
Strip Certificates........................................................... 5
Stripped Interest........................................................... 24
Subordinate Certificates..................................................... 5
Sub-Servicer................................................................ 41
Sub-Servicing Account....................................................... 34
Sub-Servicing Agreement..................................................... 42
Substitute Mortgage Loan.................................................... 33
Tiered REMICs............................................................... 72
Trust Fund................................................................... 1
Trust Fund Asset............................................................. 1
Trustee...................................................................... 5
Unrecovered Senior Portion.................................................. 48
VA Loans.................................................................... 17
Value....................................................................... 14
Voting Rights............................................................... 45
3
<PAGE>
PART II
INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
Item 14. Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution.
The expenses expected to be incurred in connection with the
issuance and distribution of the Certificates being registered, other than
underwriting compensation, are as set forth below. All such expenses, except for
the filing fee, are estimated.
SEC Registration Fee......................... $300,000.00
Printing and Engraving Fees.................. 20,000.00*
Legal Fees and Expenses...................... 150,000.00*
Accounting Fees and Expenses................. 50,000.00*
Trustee Fees and Expenses.................... 20,000.00*
Rating Agency Fees........................... 75,000.00*
Miscellaneous................................ 15,000.00*
-----------
Total............................... $630,000.00
===========
-------------
* Based on the offering of a single series of Certificates.
Item 15. Indemnification of Directors and Officers.
Under Section 8(b) of the proposed form of Underwriting Agreement, the
Underwriters are obligated under certain circumstances to indemnify certain
controlling persons of the Depositor against certain liabilities, including
liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933.
Subsection (a) of Section 145 of the General Corporation Law of Delaware
empowers a corporation to indemnify any person who was or is a party or is
threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action,
suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative
(other than an action by or in the right of the corporation) by reason of the
fact that he is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the
corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a
director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint
venture, trust or other enterprise, against expenses (including attorneys'
fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably
incurred by him in connection with such action, suit or proceeding if he acted
in good faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to
the best interests of the corporation, and, with respect to any criminal action
or proceeding, had no cause to believe his conduct was unlawful.
Subsection (b) of Section 145 of the General Corporation Law of Delaware
empowers a corporation to indemnify any person who was or is a party or is
threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action or
suit by or in the right of the corporation to procure a judgment in its favor by
reason of the fact that such person acted in any of the capacities set forth
above, against expenses (including attorneys' fees) actually and reasonably
incurred by him in connection with the defense or settlement of such action or
suit if he acted in good faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to be in
or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation and except that no
indemnification may be made in respect of any claim, issue or matter as to which
such person shall have been adjudged to be liable to the corporation unless and
only to the extent that the Court of Chancery or the court in which such action
or suit was brought shall determine upon application that, despite the
adjudication of liability but in view of all circumstances of the case, such
person is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such expenses which
the Court of Chancery or such other court shall deem proper.
<PAGE>
Section 145 further provides that to the extent a director, officer,
employee or agent of a corporation has been successful on the merits or
otherwise in the defense of any action, suit or proceeding referred to in
subsections (a) and (b), or in the defense of any claim, issue or matter
therein, he shall be indemnified against expenses (including attorneys' fees)
actually and reasonably incurred by him in connection therewith; that
indemnification and advancement of expenses provided by, or granted pursuant to,
Section 145 shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which the
indemnified party may be entitled; and empowers the corporation to purchase and
maintain insurance on behalf of a director, officer, employee or agent of the
corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a
director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint
venture, trust or other enterprise against any liability asserted against him
and incurred by him in any such capacity, or arising out of his status as such,
whether or not the corporation would have the power to indemnify him against
such liabilities under Section 145.
The By-Laws of the Depositor provide, in effect, that to the extent and
under the circumstances permitted by subsections (a) and (b) of Section 145 of
the General Corporation Law of Delaware, the Depositor (i) shall indemnify and
hold harmless each person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a
party to any action, suit or proceeding described in subsections (a) and (b) by
reason of the fact that he is or was a director or officer, or his testator or
intestate is or was a director or officer of the Depositor against expenses,
judgments, fees and amounts paid in settlement, and (ii) shall indemnify and
hold harmless each person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a
party to any such action, suit or proceeding if such person is or was serving at
the request of the Depositor as a director, officer, employee or agent of
another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise.
Pursuant to Section 145 of the General Corporation Law of Delaware,
liability insurance is maintained covering directors and principal officers of
the Depositor.
The Pooling and Servicing Agreements will provide that no director,
officer, employee or agent of the Depositor is liable to the Trust Fund or the
Certificateholders, except for such person's own willful misfeasance, bad faith
or gross negligence in the performance of duties or reckless disregard of
obligations and duties. The Pooling and servicing Agreements will further
provide that, with the exceptions stated above, a director, officer, employee or
agent of the Depositor is entitled to be indemnified against any loss, liability
or expense incurred in connection with legal action relating to such Pooling and
Servicing Agreements and related Certificates other than such expenses related
to particular Mortgage Loans.
Item 16. Exhibits.
1.1 Form of Underwriting Agreement is incorporated by
reference from Registration Statement on Form S-3
(File No. 33-78332).
3.1 Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant is
incorporated by reference from Registration Statement
on Form S-3 (File No. 33-78332).
3.2 By-laws of the Registrant are incorporated by
reference from Registration Statement on Form S-3
(File No. 33-78332).
4.1 Form of Pooling and Servicing Agreement, for a series
consisting of Senior and Subordinate Certificates is
incorporated by reference from Registration Statement
on Form S-3 (File No. 33-78332).
4.2 Form of Pooling and Servicing Agreement, for a series
consisting of a single class of Certificates is
incorporated by reference from Registration Statement
on Form S-3 (File No. 33-78332).
2
<PAGE>
5.1 Opinion of Thacher Proffitt & Wood.*
5.2 Opinion of Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft.
8.1 Opinion of Thacher Proffitt & Wood with respect to
certain tax matters.
8.2 Opinion of Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft with respect
to certain tax matters (included as part of Exhibit
5.2).
24.1 Consent of Thacher Proffitt & Wood (included as part
of Exhibits 5.1 and 8.1).
24.2 Consent of Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft (included as
part of Exhibits 5.2 and 8.2).
25.1 Powers of Attorney.
Item 17. Undertakings.
A. Undertaking pursuant to Rule 415.
The Registrant hereby undertakes:
(1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being
made, a post-effective amendment to this Registration Statement: (i) to
include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act
of 1933; (ii) to reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising
after the effective date of the Registration Statement (or the most recent
post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate,
represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the
Registration Statement; (iii) to include any material information with
respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the
Registration Statement or any material change of such information in the
Registration Statement;
provided, however, that paragraphs (i) and (ii) do not apply if the
information required to be included in the post-effective amendment is
contained in periodic reports filed by the Registrant pursuant to Section
13 or Section l5(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that are
incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement.
(2) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the
Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed
to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered
therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed
to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
(3) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment
any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the
termination of the offering.
B. Undertaking in connection with incorporation by reference of certain
filings under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
The Registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of determining any
liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the Registrant's
annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 that is incorporated by reference in the Registration
- ----------
* Previously filed.
3
<PAGE>
Statement shall be deemed to be a new Registration Statement relating to the
securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time
shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
C. Undertaking in respect of indemnification.
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act
of 1933 (the "Act") may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling
persons of the Registrant pursuant to the provisions described in Item 15 above,
or otherwise, the Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the
Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy
as expressed in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a
claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by
the Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or
controlling person of the Registrant in the successful defense of any action,
suit or proceeding) is asserted against the Registrant by such director, officer
or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the
Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been
settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction
the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as
expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such
issues.
4
<PAGE>
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended,
Salomon Brothers Mortgage Securities VII, Inc. certifies that it has reasonable
grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-3
and has duly caused this Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Registration
Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly
authorized, in the City of New York, State of New York, on the 30 day of May,
1996.
SALOMON BROTHERS MORTGAGE SECURITIES VII, INC.
By: /s/ Robert J. McGinnis
-----------------------
Name: Robert J. McGinnis
Title: Vice President
5
<PAGE>
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears
below constitutes and appoints Vincent Varca, Robert J. McGinnis and Gregory P.
Petroski his true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents for him and in his
name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all
post-effective amendments to this Registration Statement and to file the same,
with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the
Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and
agents full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing
requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all
intents and purposes as they might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and
confirming all that said attorney-in-fact and agents may lawfully do or cause to
be done by virtue thereof.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended,
this Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement has been
signed below by the following persons in the capacities indicated.
Signature Capacity Date
--------- -------- ----
/s/ Deryck C. Maughan President (Principal Executive May 30, 1996
- ----------------------- Officer)
Deryck C. Maughan
/s/ Richard J. Carbone Treasurer (Principal Financial May 30, 1996
- ----------------------- and Principal Accounting Officer)
Richard J. Carbone
/s/ Zachard Snow Director and Secretary May 30, 1996
- -----------------------
Zachary Snow
/s/ Thomas G. Maheras Director and Vice President May 30, 1996
- -----------------------
Thomas G. Maheras
/s/ Robert J. McGinnis Director and Vice President May 30, 1996
- -----------------------
Robert J. McGinnis
6
<PAGE>
EXHIBITS
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit Sequentially
Number Numbered Page
- ------ -------------
1.1 Form of Underwriting Agreement is incorporated by reference
from Registration Statement on Form S-3 (File No. 33-78332).
3.1 Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant is
incorporated by reference from Registration Statement on
Form S-3 (File No. 33-78332).
3.2 By-laws of the Registrant are incorporated by reference from
Registration Statement on Form S-3 (File No. 33-78332).
4.1 Form of Pooling and Servicing Agreement, for a series
consisting of Senior and Subordinate Certificates is
incorporated by reference from Registration Statement on
Form S-3 (File No. 33-78332).
4.2 Form of Pooling and Servicing Agreement, for a series
consisting of a single class of Certificates is incorporated
by reference from Registration Statement on Form S-3 (File
No. 33-78332).
5.1 Opinion of Thacher Proffitt & Wood.*
5.2 Opinion of Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft.
8.1 Opinion of Thacher Proffitt & Wood with respect to certain
tax matters.
8.2 Opinion of Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft with respect to
certain tax matters (included as part of Exhibit 5.2).
24.1 Consent of Thacher Proffitt & Wood (included as part of
Exhibits 5.1 and 8.1).
24.2 Consent of Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft (included as part
of Exhibits 5.2 and 8.2).
25.1 Powers of Attorney (contained on page II-7 of this
Registration Statement).
- --------
* Previously filed.
[Letterhead of Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft]
May 30, 1996
Salomon Brothers Mortgage Securities VII, Inc.
Seven World Trade Center
New York, New York 10048
Re: Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates
----------------------------------
Gentlemen:
We have acted as your special counsel in connection with Post-Effective
Amendment No. 1 ("Post-Effective Amendment No. 1") to the Registration Statement
on Form S-3 (No. 33-84924) (the "Registration Statement"), which Registration
Statement was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the
"Commission") on October 7, 1994, pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended (the "Act"). Post-Effective Amendment No. 1, to which this opinion is an
exhibit, is being filed with the Commission pursuant to the Act to amend the
form of Basic Prospectus for use in a residential or multifamily transaction
(the "Residential Prospectus") previously filed as part of the Registration
Statement. The Residential Prospectus describes Mortgage Pass-Through
Certificates ("Certificates") to be sold by Salomon Brothers Mortgage Securities
VII, Inc. ("Salomon") in one of more series (each, a "Series") of Certificates.
Each Series of Certificates will be issued under either (i) a separate pooling
and servicing agreement (each a "Pooling and Servicing Agreement") among a
master servicer (a "Servicer") and a trustee (a "Trustee") to be identified in
the Prospectus Supplement for such Series or (ii) a separate trust agreement
between Salomon and a Trustee to be identified in the Prospectus Supplement for
such Series. Forms of Pooling and Servicing Agreements are incorporated by
reference as exhibits to the Registration Statement. Capitalized terms used and
not otherwise defined herein have the respective meanings given to such terms in
the Registration Statement.
In rendering the opinions set forth below, we have examined and relied upon
the following: (1) the Registration Statement, the Residential Prospectus and
the forms of Prospectus Supplement relating to the Residential Prospectus and
constituting a part thereof, each substantially in the form filed with the
Commission; (2) the forms of the Pooling and Servicing Agreements filed as
exhibits to the registration statement (No. 33-78332) and incorporated by
reference in the Registration Statement; and (3) such other documents, materials
and authorities as we have deemed necessary in order to enable us to render our
opinion set forth below. We express no opinion with respect to any Series of
Certificates for which we do not act as counsel to Salomon.
<PAGE>
Based on the foregoing, we are of the opinion that:
1. When a Pooling and Servicing Agreement for a
Series of Certificates has been duly and validly authorized,
executed and delivered by Salomon, a Servicer, a Trustee and
any other party thereto, such Pooling and Servicing Agreement
will constitute a valid and legally binding agreement of
Salomon, enforceable against Salomon in accordance with its
terms, subject to applicable bankruptcy, reorganization,
insolvency, moratorium and other laws affecting the
enforcement of rights of creditors generally and to general
principles of equity and the discretion of the court
(regardless of whether enforceability is considered in a
proceeding in equity or at law).
2. When a Pooling and Servicing Agreement for a
Series of Certificates has been duly and validly authorized,
executed and delivered by Salomon, a Servicer, a Trustee and
any other party thereto, and the Certificates of such Series
have been duly executed, authenticated, delivered and sold as
contemplated in the Registration Statement, such Certificates
will be legally and validly issued, fully paid and
nonassessable, and the holders of such Certificates will be
entitled to the benefits of such Pooling and Servicing
Agreement.
3. The description of federal income tax consequences
appearing under the heading "Certain Federal Income Tax
Consequences" in the Residential Prospectus accurately
describes the material federal income tax consequences to
holders of Offered Certificates, under existing law and
subject to the qualifications and assumptions stated therein.
We hereby consent to the filing of this letter as an Exhibit to the
Registration Statement and to the reference to this firm under the headings
"Legal Matters" and "Certain Federal Income Tax Consequences" in the Residential
Prospectus, which is a part of the Registration Statement. This consent is not
to be construed as an admission that we are a person whose consent is required
to be filed with the Registration Statement under the provisions of the Act.
Very truly yours,
/s/ Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft
[Letterhead of Thacher Proffitt & Wood]
May 30, 1996
Salomon Brothers Mortgage Securities VII, Inc.
Seven World Trade Center
New York, New York 10048
Re: Salomon Brothers Mortgage Securities VII, Inc.
Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates
Registration Statement on Form S-3
----------------------------------------------
Dear Sirs:
We are counsel to Salomon Brothers Mortgage Securities VII, Inc., a
Delaware corporation (the "Registrant"), in connection with the registration
under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Act"), of Mortgage
Pass-Through Certificates (the "Certificates") and the related preparation and
filing of a Registration Statement on Form S-3 (the "Registration Statement").
In connection with rendering this opinion letter, we have examined the
Registration Statement and such records and other documents as we have deemed
necessary and relevant. In rendering this opinion letter, we express no opinion
as to the laws of any jurisdiction other than the laws of the State of New York
and the corporate laws of the State of Delaware, nor do we express any opinion,
either implicitly or otherwise, on any issue not expressly addressed below. In
rendering this opinion letter, we have not passed upon and do not pass upon the
application of "doing business" or the securities laws of any jurisdiction.
Based on the foregoing, we are of the opinion that the description of
federal income tax consequences appearing under the heading "Certain Federal
Income Tax Consequences" in the prospectus contained in the Registration
Statement, while not purporting to discuss all possible federal income tax
consequences of an investment in Certificates, is accurate with respect to those
tax consequences that are discussed.
We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion letter as an Exhibit to the
Registration Statement, and to the use of our name in the prospectus and
prospectus supplement included in the Registration Statement under the heading
"Legal Matters" and "Certain Federal Income Tax Consequences", without admitting
that we are "experts" within the meaning of the Act, and the rules and
regulations thereunder, with respect to any part of the Registration Statement,
including this Exhibit.
Very truly yours,
/S/ THACHER PROFFITT & WOOD
