AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON APRIL 1, 1997
REGISTRATION NO. 333-
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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
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FORM S-3
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
Under
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
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MERRILL LYNCH MORTGAGE INVESTORS, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its governing instruments)
Delaware 13-3416059
(State of incorporation) (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
250 Vesey Street
World Financial Center
North Tower - 10th Floor
New York, New York 10281-1310
(Address of principal executive offices)
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Richard M. Fuscone
Merrill Lynch Mortgage Investors, Inc.
250 Vesey Street
World Financial Center
North Tower - 10th Floor
New York, New York 10281-1310
(Name and address of agent for service)
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With a copy to:
Renwick D. Martin
Brown & Wood LLP
One World Trade Center
New York, New York 10048
APPROXIMATE DATE OF COMMENCEMENT OF PROPOSED SALE TO THE PUBLIC: From
time to time on or after the effective date of the registration statement, as
determined by market conditions.
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, check the following box. /x/
If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering
pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following
box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier
effective registration statement for the same offer. / / _______________.
If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c)
under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act
registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement
for the same offering. / / _______________.
If delivery of the prospectus is expected to be made pursuant to Rule
434, please check the following box. / /
CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
Proposed Proposed
Amount Maximum Maximum Amount of
Title of Each Class of to be Offering Aggregate Registration
Securities to Be Registered Registered Price Offering on
(1) Per Price(2) Fee
Unit(2)
Asset Backed Securities . . . $1,000,000 100% $1,000,000 $304
(1) This Registration Statement relates to the initial offering from time to
time of $1,000,000 aggregate principal amount of Asset Backed Securities
and to any resales thereof in market making transactions by Merrill
Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, an affiliate of the
Registrant, to the extent required.
(2) Estimated solely for purposes of calculating the registration fee on the
basis of the proposed maximum aggregate offering price.
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 THIS 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 AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION'S RULES
AND REGULATIONS UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, THE PROSPECTUS
AND PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT CONTAINED IN THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT ALSO
RELATE TO THE REGISTRANT'S REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON FORM S-11 (REGISTRATION
NO. 33-74332) AND ON FORM S-3 (REGISTRATION NO. 333-7569) AND THIS
REGISTRATION STATEMENT CONSTITUTES A POST-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT THERETO.
EXPLANATORY NOTE
This Registration Statement includes a basic prospectus and an
illustrative form of prospectus supplement for use in an offering of Asset
Backed Securities. The description of the form of prospectus supplement
of credit enhancement mechanisms or other features is intended merely as an
illustration of the principal feautres of a possible series of Asset Backed
Securities; the features applicable to any actual series of Asset Backed
Securities may include some, all or none of the features so illustrated,
and may include any features specified in the prospectus.
Information contained herein is subject to completion or amendment. A
registration statement relating to these securities has been filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission. These securities may not be sold nor may
offers to buy be accepted prior to the time the registraiton statement becomes
effective. This prospectus supplement and the prospectus to which it relates
shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy
nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any State in which such
offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or
qualification under the securities laws of any such State.
SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED ___________, 199_
PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
(To Prospectus dated _______, 199_)
$______________
Merrill Lynch Mortgage Investors Inc.
Depositor
MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES _______
The Series 199_-_ Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates (the
"Certificates") will consist of ____ classes of Certificates, designated as
the Class ( ) Certificates, Class ( ) Certificates and Class ( ) Certificates
(the Class ( ) Certificates, collectively, the "Subordinate Certificates").
As further described herein, losses on the Mortgage Loans will be allocated
to the Subordinate Certificates prior to allocation to the Class ( )
Certificates. See "Description of the Certificates -- Distributions --
Priority" herein.
The Certificates will represent in the aggregate the entire beneficial
interest in a trust fund (the "Trust Fund") to be established by Merrill
Lynch Mortgage Investors Inc. (the "Depositor"). The Trust Fund will consist
primarily of (a pool (the "Mortgage Pool") of (conventional), (fixed rate)
(adjustable rate) mortgage loans, with terms to maturity of not more than ___
years (the "Mortgage Loans"), secured by first (and/or junior) liens on one-
to four-family residential properties,) (mortgage participations,) mortgage
pass-through certificates, mortgage-backed securities evidencing interests
therein or secured thereby (the "MBS"),) (and) (certain direct obligations of
the United States, agencies thereof or agencies created thereby (the
"Government Securities")). The Mortgage Loans were originated or acquired by
___________ (the "Mortgage Asset Seller") and will be sold to the Depositor
on or prior to the date of initial issuance of the Certificates.
The Class ( )(, Class ( ) and Class ( )) Certificates will evidence
approximately an initial ___% undivided interest in the Trust Fund and the
Subordinate Certificates, in the aggregate, will evidence approximately an
initial ___% undivided interest in the Trust Fund. Only the Class ( )
Certificates are being offered hereby.
INVESTORS SHOULD CONSIDER, AMONG OTHER THINGS, CERTAIN _______ SET FORTH
UNDER THE CAPTION "SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS" (HEREIN AND) IN THE PROSPECTUS.
(The MBS will (consist of) (include) the following series and classes of
securities: (identify title(s) and class(es) of MBS)(, including (title(s)
and class(es) of MBS).) (The (title(s) and class(es) of MBS) are
(subordinate) (interest-only) securities.) (See "Summary--The MBS."))
(The yield to investors in the (interest-only) Certificates will be
(extremely) sensitive to the rate and timing of principal payments (including
prepayments, repurchases, defaults and liquidations) in the Mortgage Loans
which may fluctuate significantly over time. An (extremely) rapid rate of
principal payments on the Mortgage Loans could result in the failure of
investors in the interest-only Certificates to recover their initial
investments.)
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Merrill Lynch & Co.
The date of this Prospectus Supplement is _____________, 199_
The characteristics of the Mortgage Loans are more fully described herein
under "Description of the Mortgage Pool."
Distributions on the Class ( ) Certificates will be made, to the extent
of available funds, on the __th day of each (month) (__) or, if any such day
is not a business day, on the next succeeding business day, beginning in
__________ (each, a "Distribution Date"). (As more fully described herein,
distributions allocable to interest, if any, on the Class ( ) Certificates on
each Distribution Date will be based on the (applicable) (then-applicable
variable) pass-through rate (the "Pass-Through Rate") and the aggregate
(principal balance (the "Certificate Balance")) (notional balance (the
"Notional Balance")) of such class (or each component thereof) outstanding
immediately prior to such Distribution Date. (The Pass-Through Rate
applicable to the Class ( ) Certificates from time to time will equal the
(sum of __% and the Index (as defined herein) subject to certain limitations)
(weighted average of the Class ( ) Remittance Rates (as defined herein) on
the Mortgage Loans. The Pass-Through Rate for the Class ( ) Certificates on
the first Distribution Date will be _% per annum and is expected to change
thereafter (because the weighted average of the Class ( ) Remittance Rates is
expected to change for succeeding Distribution Dates.) Distributions in
respect of principal, if any, of the Class ( ) Certificates will be made as
described herein under "Description of the Certificates -- Distributions --
Priority" and "--Calculations of Principal".)
(_______________ will act as master servicer of the Mortgage Loans (the
"Master Servicer"). The obligations of the Master Servicer with respect to
the Certificates will be limited to its contractual servicing obligations and
the obligation under certain circumstances to make Advances to the
Certificateholders. See "Description of the Certificates -- Advances"
herein. (The only) obligation of the Depositor with respect to the
Certificates will be to obtain from the Mortgage Asset Seller certain
representations and warranties with respect to the Mortgage Loans and to
assign to the Trustee the obligation of the Mortgage Asset Seller to
repurchase or substitute for any Mortgage Loan as to which there exists an
uncured material breach of any such representation or warranty.)
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PROCEEDS OF THE ASSETS IN THE TRUST FUND ARE THE SOLE SOURCE OF PAYMENTS ON
THE CLASS ( ) CERTIFICATES. THE CLASS ( ) CERTIFICATES DO NOT REPRESENT AN
INTEREST IN OR OBLIGATION OF THE DEPOSITOR, THE MASTER SERVICER, THE TRUSTEE
OR ANY OF THEIR RESPECTIVE AFFILIATES. NEITHER THE CLASS ( ) CERTIFICATES
NOR THE MORTGAGE LOANS ARE INSURED OR GUARANTEED BY ANY GOVERNMENTAL AGENCY
OR INSTRUMENTALITY OR BY THE DEPOSITOR, THE MASTER SERVICER, THE TRUSTEE OR
ANY OF THEIR AFFILIATES.
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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 SUPPLEMENT OR THE PROSPECTUS. ANY
REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
(THE ATTORNEY GENERAL OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK HAS NOT PASSED ON OR ENDORSED
THE MERITS OF THIS OFFERING. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS
UNLAWFUL.)
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An election will (not) be made to treat the Trust Fund as a "real estate
mortgage investment conduit" (a "REMIC") for federal income tax purposes.
(The Class ( ) Certificates will constitute "regular interests" in the
REMIC.) See "Certain Federal Income Tax Consequences" herein and in the
Prospectus.
There is currently no secondary market for the Class ( ) Certificates.
Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated (the "Underwriter")
currently expects to make a secondary market in the Class ( ) Certificates,
but has no obligation to do so. There can be no assurance that such a market
will develop or, if it does develop, that it will continue. See "Plan of
Distribution" herein.
The Class ( ) Certificates offered hereby will be purchased by the
Underwriter from the Depositor and will be offered by the Underwriter from
time to time to the public in negotiated transactions or otherwise at varying
prices to be determined at the time of sale. Proceeds to the Depositor from
the sale of the Class ( ) Certificates will be $____________ plus accrued
interest from the Cut-off Date, before deducting expenses payable by the
Depositor estimated at $_____________.
The Class ( ) Certificates are offered subject to prior sale, when, as
and if accepted by the Underwriter, and subject to approval of certain legal
matters by counsel for the Underwriter and certain other conditions. It is
expected that delivery of the Class ( ) Certificates (in book-entry form) (in
registered form) will be made on or about ___________, 199_, (through the
facilities of The Depository Trust Company) (at the offices of the
Underwriter, New York, New York) against payment therefor in immediately
available funds.
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THE CLASS ( ) CERTIFICATES OFFERED BY THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
CONSTITUTE PART OF A SEPARATE SERIES OF CERTIFICATES ISSUED BY THE DEPOSITOR
AND ARE BEING OFFERED PURSUANT TO ITS PROSPECTUS DATED _______________, 199_,
OF WHICH THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT IS A PART AND WHICH ACCOMPANIES THIS
PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT. THE PROSPECTUS CONTAINS IMPORTANT INFORMATION
REGARDING THIS OFFERING WHICH IS NOT CONTAINED HEREIN, AND PROSPECTIVE
INVESTORS ARE URGED TO READ THE PROSPECTUS AND THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT IN
FULL. SALES OF THE CLASS ( ) CERTIFICATES MAY NOT BE CONSUMMATED UNLESS THE
PURCHASER HAS RECEIVED BOTH THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT AND THE PROSPECTUS.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
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Prospectus Supplement
Summary S
Special Considerations S
Description of the Mortgage Pool S
Description of the Certificates S
Pooling and Servicing Agreement S
Use of Proceeds S
Certain Federal Income Tax Consequences S
ERISA Considerations S
Legal Investment S
Plan of Distribution S
Legal Matters S
Rating S
Prospectus
Prospectus Supplement
Available Information
Incorporation of Certain Information by Reference
Summary of Prospectus
Special Considerations
Description of the Trust Funds
Use of Proceeds
Yield Considerations
The Depositor
Description of the Certificates
Description of the Agreements
Description of Credit Support
Certain Legal Aspects of Mortgage Loans
Certain Federal Income Tax Consequences
State Tax Considerations
ERISA Considerations
Legal Investment
Plan of Distribution
Legal Matters
Financial Information
Rating
Index of Principal Definitions
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UNTIL 90 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT, ALL DEALERS
EFFECTING TRANSACTIONS IN THE CLASS ( ) CERTIFICATES, WHETHER OR NOT
PARTICIPATING IN THIS DISTRIBUTION, MAY BE REQUIRED TO DELIVER A PROSPECTUS
SUPPLEMENT AND THE PROSPECTUS TO WHICH IT RELATES. THIS DELIVERY REQUIREMENT
IS IN ADDITION TO THE OBLIGATION OF DEALERS TO DELIVER A PROSPECTUS
SUPPLEMENT AND PROSPECTUS WHEN ACTING AS UNDERWRITERS AND WITH RESPECT TO
THEIR UNSOLD ALLOTMENTS OR SUBSCRIPTIONS.
--------------------------------
No dealer, salesman, or any other person has been authorized to give any
information or to make any representations other than those contained in this
Prospectus Supplement and the accompanying Prospectus in connection with the
offer contained in this Prospectus Supplement and the accompanying
Prospectus, and, if given, such information or representations must not be
relied upon as having been authorized by the Issuer, the Depositor or the
Underwriter. This Prospectus Supplement and the accompanying Prospectus
shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy
any of the securities offered hereby in any jurisdiction to any person to
whom it is unlawful to make such offer or solicitation in such jurisdiction.
The delivery of this Prospectus Supplement and the accompanying Prospectus at
any time does not imply that the information herein is correct as of any time
subsequent to the date hereof.
SUMMARY OF PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
The following summary is qualified in its entirety by reference to the
detailed information appearing elsewhere in this Prospectus Supplement and in
the accompanying Prospectus. Certain capitalized terms used in this Summary
are defined elsewhere in this Prospectus Supplement or in the Prospectus.
Title of Certificates Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates, Series 199_-_,
(the "Certificates").
Depositor Merrill Lynch Mortgage Investors Inc., a Delaware
corporation and a wholly-owned, limited purpose
subsidiary of Merrill Lynch Mortgage Capital Inc.,
which is a wholly-owned indirect subsidiary of Merrill
Lynch & Co., Inc. The Depositor is an affiliate of
the Underwriter. Neither Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc.
nor any of its affiliates, including the Depositor and
the Underwriter, has insured or guaranteed the
Certificates or the Mortgage Loans or is otherwise
obligated in respect thereof. See "The Depositor" in
the Prospectus.
Master Servicer _______________, a ________________. See "Pooling and
Servicing Agreement -- The Master Servicer" herein.
(Sub-Servicers _______________, a ________________)
Trustee _____________, a ____________________.
Cut-off Date ____________ 1, 199_.
Closing Date ______________ 1, 199_.
Distribution Dates Distributions on the Certificates will be made by
the Trustee, to the extent of available funds, on
the __ day of each (month) ( ) or, if any such __
day is not a business day, then on the next
succeeding business day, beginning in ________ 19__
(each, a "Distribution Date"), to the holders of
record as of the close of business on the (last
business day of the month preceding the month) of
each such distribution (each, a "Record Date").
Denominations The Class ( ) Certificates will be issuable (on the
book-entry records of DTC and its Participants) (in
registered, certified form) in denominations of
$_______ and integral multiples of $_____________ in
excess thereof(, with one Certificate of such class
evidencing an additional amount equal to the remainder
of the Certificate Balance thereof).
(The Mortgage Pool The Mortgage Pool will consist of ((conventional),
(fixed rate) (adjustable rate) Mortgage Loans
secured by (first) (and/or) (junior) liens on one-
to four-family residential properties (the
"Mortgaged Properties") located in __ different
states,) (mortgage participations,) mortgage pass-
through certificates, mortgage-backed securities
evidencing interests therein or secured thereby (the
"MBS"),) (and) (certain direct obligations of the
United States, agencies thereof or agencies created
thereby (the "Government Securities")). (The
Mortgage Loans will have an aggregate principal
balance as of the Cut-off Date of $_________ and
individual principal balances at origination of at
least $______________ but not more than $__________,
with an average principal balance at origination of
approximately $_________. The Mortgage Loans will
have terms to maturity from the date of origination
or modification of not more than ____ years, and a
weighted average remaining term to maturity of
approximately _____ months as of the Cut-off Date.
The Mortgage Loans will bear interest at Mortgage
Rates of at least _____% per annum but not more than
_____% per annum, with a weighted average Mortgage
Rate of approximately ____% per annum as of the
Cut-off Date. The Mortgage Loans will be acquired
by the Depositor on or before the Closing Date. In
connection with its acquisition of the Mortgage
Loans, the Depositor will be assigned (and will in
turn assign to the Trustee for the benefit of the
holders of the Certificates) certain rights in
respect of representations and warranties described
herein that were made by the Mortgage Asset Seller.)
(_____ of the Mortgage Loans, representing _____% of
the Mortgage Loans by aggregate principal balance as of
the Cut-off Date, provide for scheduled payments of
principal and/or interest ("Monthly Payments") to be
due on the _____ day of each month; the remainder of
the Mortgage Loans provide for Monthly Payments to be
due on _____ (identify day or days) of each month (the
date in any month on which a Monthly Payment on a
Mortgage Loan is first due, the "Due Date"). (The rate
per annum at which interest accrues on each Mortgage
Loan is subject to adjustment on specified Due Dates
(each such date, an "Interest Rate Adjustment Date")
by adding a fixed percentage amount (a "Gross Margin")
to the value of the then-applicable Index (as described
below) subject, in the case of substantially all of
the Mortgage Loans, to limitations on the periodic
adjustment of the related Mortgage Rate, and to maximum
and minimum lifetime Mortgage Rates, as described
herein. ___ of the Mortgage Loans, representing ___%
of the Mortgage Loans by aggregate principal balance as
of the Cut-off Date, provide for Interest Rate
Adjustment Dates to occur (monthly); the remainder of
the Mortgage Loans provide for adjustments to the
Mortgage Rate to occur quarterly, semi-annually or
annually. (Each of the Mortgage Loans provides for an
initial fixed interest rate period;) of the Mortgage
Loans, representing _____% of the Mortgage Loans by
aggregate principal balance as of the Cut-off Date,
have not yet experienced their first Interest Rate
Adjustment Date. The latest initial Interest Rate
Adjustment Date for any Mortgage Loan is scheduled to
occur on ________.))
(The amount of the Monthly Payment on each Mortgage
Loan is also subject to adjustment on specified Due
Dates (each such date, a "Payment Adjustment Date") to
an amount that would amortize the outstanding principal
balance of the Mortgage Loan over its then remaining
amortization schedule and pay interest at the
applicable Mortgage Rate, subject, in the case of
(several) Mortgage Loans, to payment caps, which limit
the amount by which the Monthly Payment may adjust on
any Payment Adjustment Date as described herein.
_______ of the Mortgage Loans, representing __% of the
Mortgage Loans by aggregate principal balance as of the
Cut-off Date, provide for Payment Adjustment Dates to
occur annually, while the remainder of the Mortgage
Loans provide for adjustments of the Monthly Payment
to occur monthly, quarterly or semi-annually.)
(Only in the case of______ Mortgage Loans, representing
____% of the Mortgage Loans by aggregate principal
balance as of the Cut-off Date, does a Payment
Adjustment Date immediately follow each Interest Rate
Adjustment Date. As a result, and because the
application of payment caps may limit the amount by
which the Monthly Payments may adjust in respect of
certain Mortgage Loans, the amount of a Monthly Payment
may be more or less than the amount necessary to
amortize the remaining principal balance of the
Mortgage Loan over its then remaining amortization
schedule and pay interest at the then-applicable
Mortgage Rate. Accordingly, Mortgage Loans may be
subject to lower amortization (if the Monthly Payment
due on a Due Date is sufficient to pay interest
accrued to such Due Date at the then-applicable
Mortgage Rate but is not sufficient to reduce principal
in accordance with the applicable amortization
schedule), to negative amortization (if interest
accrued to a Due Date at the applicable Mortgage Rate
is greater than the entire Monthly Payment due on such
Due Date) or to accelerated amortization (if the
Monthly Payment due on a Due Date is greater than the
amount necessary to pay interest accrued to such Due
Date at the then-applicable Mortgage Rate and to
reduce principal in accordance with the applicable
amortization schedule).)
(__ Mortgage Loans, representing ____% of the Mortgage
Loans by aggregate principal balance as of the Cut-off
Date, permit negative amortization. Substantially all
of the Mortgage Loans that permit negative amortization
contain provisions that limit the extent to which the
amount of their respective original principal balances
may be exceeded as a result thereof.)
(__ Mortgage Loans, representing ____% of the Mortgage
Loans by aggregate principal balance as of the Cut-off
Date, provide for monthly payments of principal based
on amortization schedules significantly longer than the
remaining term of such Mortgage Loans, thereby leaving
substantial outstanding principal amounts due and
payable (each such payment, a "Balloon Payment") on
their respective maturity dates, unless prepaid prior
thereto.)
For a further description of the Mortgage Loans, see
"Description of the Mortgage Pool" herein.)
(The MBS (Title and issuer of underlying securities, amount
deposited or pledged, amount originally issued,
maturity date, interest rate, (redemption provisions),
description of other material terms.)
(The Index As of any Interest Rate Adjustment Date, the Index used
to determine the Mortgage Rate on each Mortgage Loan
will be the ____________. See "Description of the
Mortgage Pool -- The Index" herein.)
(Conversion of
Mortgage Loans Approximately __% of the Mortgage Loans (by aggregate
principal balance as of the Cut-off Date) (the
"Convertible Mortgage Loans") provide that, at the
option of the related Mortgagors, the adjustable
interest rate on such Mortgage Loans may be converted
to a fixed interest rate, provided that certain
conditions have been satisfied. Upon notification
from a Mortgagor of such Mortgagor's intent to
convert from an adjustable interest rate to a fixed
interest rate, and prior to the conversion of any
such Mortgage Loan, the related Warrantying Party (as
defined herein) will be obligated to purchase the
Converting Mortgage Loan (as defined herein) at the
Conversion Price (as defined herein). (In the
event of a failure by a Subservicer to purchase a
"Converting Mortgage Loan"), the Master Servicer is
required to use its best efforts to purchase such
Converted Mortgage Loan (as defined herein) from the
Mortgage Pool at the Conversion Price during the
one-month period following the date of conversion.)
In the event that neither the related Warrantying
Party nor the Master Servicer purchases a Converting
or Converted Mortgage Loan, the Mortgage Pool will
thereafter include both fixed-rate and adjustable-rate
Mortgage Loans. See "Certain Yield and Prepayment
Considerations" herein.)
Class ( ) Certificates The Class ( ), Class ( ) and Class ( ) Certificates
(collectively, the "Certificates") will be issued
pursuant to a Pooling and Servicing Agreement, to be
dated as of the Cut-off Date, among the Depositor,
the Master Servicer and the Trustee (the "Pooling and
Servicing Agreement"). The Class ( ) Certificates
have an initial Certificate Balance of $_______
(the initial "Class ( ) Balance"), representing an
initial interest of approximately ___% in a trust
fund (the "Trust Fund"), which will consist primarily
of the Mortgage Pool. The Class ( ) Certificates will
have an initial Certificate Balance of $________ (the
initial "Class ( ) Balance"), representing an initial
interest of approximately ____% in the Trust Fund.
(The Class ( ) Certificates have an initial Certificate
Balance of $_______ (the initial "Class ( ) Balance"),
representing an initial interest of approximately ___%
in the Trust Fund.) (The Class ( ) Certificates will
not have a Certificate Balance.)
Distributions on the Certificates will be made on each
Distribution Date. Distributions will be made by check
or wire transfer of immediately available funds, as
provided in the Pooling and Servicing Agreement, to the
Certificateholders of record as of the (last business
day of the month preceding the month) of such
Distribution Date (each, a "Record Date"), except that
the final distribution on the Class ( ) Certificates
will be made only upon presentation and surrender of
such holders' Certificates at the office or agency
specified in the Pooling and Servicing Agreement.
(As more specifically described herein, the Class ( )
Balance will be adjusted from time to time on each
Distribution Date to reflect any additions thereto
resulting from allocations of Mortgage Loan negative
amortization to the Class ( ) Certificates and any
reductions thereof resulting from distributions of
principal of the Class ( ) Certificates. As further
described herein, interest shall accrue on the Class
( ) Balance at a Pass-Through Rate thereon.
Pass-Through Rates on
the Class ( ),
Class ( ) and Class
( ) Certificates (The Pass-Through Rates on the Class ( ), Class ( )
and Class ( ) Certificates are fixed and are set forth
on the cover hereof.) (The Pass-Through Rate on the
Class ( ) Certificates will be equal to the weighted
average of the Class ( ) Remittance Rates in effect
from time to time on the Mortgage Assets. The Class
( ) Remittance Rate in effect for any Mortgage Assets
as of any date of determination (is equal to the
excess of the Mortgage Rate thereon over __% per
annum) ((i) prior to its first Interest Rate
Adjustment Date is equal to the related Mortgage Rate
then in effect minus __ basis points (the "Net
Mortgage Rate") and (ii) from and after its first
Interest Rate Adjustment Date is equal to the related
Mortgage Rate then in effect minus the excess of the
related Gross Margin over __ basis points.))
(The Class ( ) Certificates (or a component thereof)
will not be entitled to distributions of interest and
will not have a Pass-Through Rate.) (Describe any
other method used to calculate the Pass-Through Rate.)
(Interest on the Certificates will be calculated on
the basis of a 360-day year consisting of twelve
30-day months. Interest will accrue with respect to
each Distribution Date during the one-month period
beginning on the ___ day of the month preceding the
month of such Distribution Date and ending on the ___
day of the month of such Distribution Date (each, an
"Interest Accrual Period").)
Distributions on the
Certificates The Available Distribution Amount in respect of a
Distribution Date will be distributed in the following
amounts and order of priority:
(describe the application of Available Distribution
Amount to make distributions of interest and principal
among the Classes of Certificates)
(Interest on the Class ( ) Certificates at the
then-applicable Pass-Through Rate will be reduced by
the Class ( ) Certificates' allocable share (calculated
as described herein) of ((i) the aggregate amount of
negative amortization in respect of the Mortgage Loans
for their respective Due Dates occurring during the
related Due Period and (ii)) the aggregate portion of
Prepayment Interest Shortfalls incurred during the
related Due Period that was not covered by the
application of the Master Servicer's servicing
compensation for the related Due Period. (The amount,
if any, by which the Class ( ) Interest Distribution
Amount for any Distribution Date is reduced as a result
of negative amortization on the Mortgage Loans shall
constitute the "Class Negative Amortization" for
such Distribution Date in respect of the Class ( )
Certificates and shall be added to the Class ( )
Balance on such Distribution Date.) (The Class ( )
Notional Amount will equal the (sum of the) Class ( )
Balance. The Class ( ) Notional Amount does not
entitle the Class ( ) Certificates (or a component
thereof) to any distributions of principal.) If the
Available Distribution Amount for any Distribution Date
is less than the Class ( ) Interest Distribution
Amount for such Distribution Date, the shortfall will
be part of the Class ( ) Interest Distribution Amount
distributable to holders of Class ( ) Certificates on
subsequent Distribution Dates, to the extent of
available funds.
The Available Distribution Amount for any Distribution
Date generally includes: (i) scheduled payments on
the Mortgage Assets due during or prior to the related
Due Period and collected as of the related
Determination Date (to the extent not distributed on
previous Distribution Dates) and certain unscheduled
payments and other collections on the Mortgage Assets
collected during the related Due Period, net of
amounts payable or reimbursable to the Master Servicer
therefrom; (ii) any Advances made by the Master
Servicer for the related Distribution Date; and (iii)
that portion of the Master Servicer's servicing
compensation for the related Due Period applied to
cover Prepayment Interest Shortfalls incurred during
the related Due Period. See " Description of the
Certificates -- Distributions -- Calculations of
Interest" herein.
Advances The Master Servicer is required to make advances
("Advances") in respect of delinquent Monthly Payments
on the Mortgage Loans, subject to the limitations
described herein. (The Trustee will be obligated to
make any such Advance if the Master Servicer fails in
its obligation to do so, to the extent provided in the
Pooling and Servicing Agreement.) See "Description of
the Certificates -- Advances" herein and "Description
of the Certificates -- Advances in Respect of
Delinquencies" in the Prospectus.
Subordination The rights of holders of the Subordinate Certificates
to receive distributions of amounts collected on the
Mortgage Loans will be subordinate, to the extent
described herein, to the rights of holders of the
Class ( ) Certificates. This subordination is
intended to enhance the likelihood of receipt by the
holders of the Class ( ) Certificates of the full
amount of the Class ( ) Interest Distribution Amount
and the (ultimate receipt of principal equal to the
initial Class ( ) Balance). The protection afforded
to the holders of the Class ( ) Certificates by means
of the subordination, to the extent provided herein,
will be accomplished by the application of the
Available Distribution Amount to the Class ( )
Certificates prior to the application thereof to the
Subordinate Certificates (and by reducing the
Class ( ) Interest Distribution Amount and the Class
( ) Balance by an amount equal to the interest
portion and the principal portion, respectively, of
Realized Losses allocated to such class). See
"Description of the Certificates -- Subordination"
herein.
(The Subordinate
Certificates The Class ( ) Certificates have an initial Certificate
Balance of $____________ (the initial "Class ( )
Balance") and the Class ( ) Certificates have an
initial Certificate Balance of $________ (the initial
"Class ( ) Balance"), representing ____% and _____%,
respectively, of the Mortgage Loans by aggregate
principal balance as of the Cut-off Date. Interest
shall accrue on the Class ( ) Balance and Class ( )
Balance at a Pass-Through Rate equal to (____% per
annum) (the weighted average of the Net Mortgage Rates
in effect from time to time on the Mortgage Loans).
(The Class ( ) Certificates, which have no
Pass-Through Rate and initially have a Certificate
Balance of $______________ (the initial "Class ( )
Balance"), represent the right to receive on
any Distribution Date the balance, if any, of the
Available Distribution Amount remaining after the
payment of all interest and principal due on the
other Classes of Certificates.
Subsequent to the first Distribution Date, the
Class ( ) Balance will equal the excess, if any,
of the aggregate Stated Principal Balance of the
Mortgage Loans over the sum of the Class ( )
Balance, Class ( ) Balance and Class ( ) Balance.)
(The Subordinate Certificates are not offered hereby.))
(Special Prepayment
Considerations The rate of principal payments on the Class ( )
Certificates collectively will depend on the rate and
timing of principal payments (including prepayments,
defaults and liquidations) on the Mortgage Loans.
As is the case with mortgage-backed securities
generally, the Class ( ) Certificates are subject to
substantial inherent cash-flow uncertainties because
the Mortgage Loans may be prepaid at any time.
Generally, when prevailing interest rates are
increasing, prepayment rates on mortgage loans tend
to decrease, resulting in a reduced return of principal
to investors at a time when reinvestment at such higher
prevailing rates would be desirable. Conversely,
when prevailing interest rates are declining,
prepayment rates on mortgage loans tend to increase,
resulting in a greater return of principal to investors
at a time when reinvestment at comparable yields may
not be possible.
(The multiple class structure of the Class ( )
Certificates results in the allocation of prepayments
among certain classes as follows (to be included as
appropriate):
(SEQUENTIALLY PAYING CLASSES: (All) classes of the
Class ( ) Certificates are subject to various
priorities for payment of principal as described
herein. Distributions on classes having an earlier
priority of payment will be immediately affected by
the prepayment speed of the Mortgage Loans early in
the life of the Mortgage Pool. Distributions on
classes with a later priority of payment will not be
directly affected by the prepayment speed until such
time as principal is distributable on such classes;
however, the timing of commencement of principal
distributions and the weighted average lives of such
classes will be affected by the prepayment speed
experienced both before and after the commencement of
principal distributions on such classes.)
((SCHEDULED) CERTIFICATES: Principal distributions on
the (Scheduled) Certificates will be payable in amounts
determined based on schedules as described herein,
provided that the prepayment speed of the Mortgage
Loans each month remains (at a constant level of)
(between approximately ___% (SPA)(CPR) (as defined
herein) and) ___% (SPA)(CPR). (However, as discussed
herein, actual principal distributions are likely to
deviate from the described amounts, because it is
highly unlikely that the actual prepayment speed of
the Mortgage Loans each month will remain at or
near ___% (SPA)(CPR).) If the prepayment speed
of the Mortgage Loans is consistently higher than
___% of (SPA)(CPR), then the (Companion) Certificates
will be retired before all of the (Scheduled)
Certificates are retired, and the rate of principal
distributions and the weighted average lives of the
remaining (Scheduled) Certificates will become
significantly more sensitive to changes in the
prepayment speed of the Mortgage Loans and principal
distributions thereon will be more likely to deviate
from the described amounts.)
((COMPANION) CERTIFICATES: Because of the
application of amounts available for principal
distributions among the Class ( ), Class ( )
and Class ( ) Certificates in any given
month, first to the (Scheduled) Certificates up
to the described amounts and then to the
(Companion) Certificates, the rate of principal
distributions and the weighted average lives of
the (Companion) Certificates will be extremely
sensitive to changes in the prepayment speed of
the Mortgage Loans. The weighted average lives
of the (Companion) Certificates will be
significantly more sensitive to changes in the
prepayment speed than that of the (Scheduled)
Certificates or a fractional undivided interest
in the Mortgage Loans.))
(Special Yield
Considerations (The multiple class structure of the Senior
Certificates causes the yields of certain classes
to be particularly sensitive to changes in the
prepayment speed of the Mortgage Loans and other
factors, as follows (to be included as appropriate):)
(INTEREST STRIP AND INVERSE FLOATER CLASSES: The
yield to investors on the (identify classes) will be
extremely sensitive to the rate and timing of
principal payments on the Mortgage Loans (including
prepayments, defaults and liquidations), which may
fluctuate significantly over time. A rapid rate of
principal payments on the Mortgage Loans could
result in the failure of investors in the (identify
interest strip and inverse floater strip classes)
to recover their initial investments, and a slower
than anticipated rate of principal payments on the
Mortgage Loans could adversely affect the yield to
investors on the (identify non-strip inverse floater
classes).)
((VARIABLE STRIP) CERTIFICATES. In addition to
the foregoing, the yield on the (Variable
Strip) Certificates will be materially
adversely affected to a greater extent than the
yields on the other Class ( ) Certificates if
the Mortgage Loans with higher Mortgage Rates
prepay faster than the Mortgage Loans with
lower Mortgage Rates, because holders of the
(Variable Strip) Certificates generally have
rights to relatively larger portions of
interest payments on the Mortgage Loans with
higher Mortgage Rates than on Mortgage Loans
with lower Mortgage Rates.)
(ADJUSTABLE RATE (INCLUDING INVERSE FLOATER)
CLASSES: The yield on the (identify floating
rate classes) will be sensitive, and the yield
on the (identify inverse floater classes) will
be extremely sensitive, to fluctuations in the
level of (the index). THE PASS-THROUGH RATE ON
THE (IDENTIFY INVERSE FLOATER CLASSES) WILL
VARY INVERSELY WITH, AND AT A MULTIPLE OF, (THE
INDEX).)
(INVERSE FLOATER COMPANION CLASSES: In
addition to the foregoing, in the event of
relatively low prevailing interest rates
(including (the index)) and relatively high
rates of principal prepayments over an extended
period, while investors in the (identify
inverse floater companion classes) may then be
experiencing a high current yield on such
Certificates, such yield may be realized only
over a relatively short period, and it is
unlikely that such investors would be able to
reinvest such principal prepayments on such
Certificates at a comparable yield.)
(RESIDUAL CERTIFICATES: Holders of the
Residual Certificates are entitled to receive
distributions of principal and interest as
described herein; however, holders of such
Certificates may have tax liabilities with
respect to their Certificates during the early
years of their term that substantially exceed
the principal and interest payable thereon
during such periods. (In addition, such
distributions will be reduced to the extent
that they are subject to United States federal
income tax withholding.)))
Optional Termination At its option, the Master Servicer may purchase
all of the Mortgage Assets, and thereby effect
termination of the Trust Fund and early
retirement of the then outstanding
Certificates, on any Distribution Date on which
the aggregate Stated Principal Balance of the
Mortgage Loans remaining in the Trust Fund is
less than __% of the aggregate principal
balance of such Mortgage Loans as of the
Cut-off Date. (At its option, the Master
Servicer may also purchase any Class ( )
Certificates on any Distribution Date on which
the Class ( ) Balance is less than ___% of the
original balance thereof.) See "Pooling and
Servicing Agreement -- Termination" herein and
"Description of the Certificates --
Termination" in the Prospectus.
Certain Federal
Income Tax
Consequences (An election will be made to treat the Trust Fund as a
real estate mortgage investment conduit ("REMIC") for
federal income tax purposes. Upon the issuance of the
Class ( ) Certificates, Brown & Wood LLP, counsel to
the Depositor, will deliver its opinion generally to
the effect that assuming compliance with all provisions
of the Pooling and Servicing Agreement, for federal
income tax purposes, the Trust Fund will qualify as a
REMIC under Sections 860A through 860G of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986 (the "Code").
For federal income tax purposes, the Class ( )
Certificates will be the sole class of "residual
interests" in the REMIC and the Class ( ), Class ( )
and Class ( ) Certificates will be the "regular
interests" in the REMIC and will be treated as debt
instruments of the REMIC.
The Class ( ) Certificates (may(will))(will not) be
treated as having been issued with original issue
discount for federal income tax purposes. The
prepayment assumption that will be used for purposes
of computing the accrual of original issue discount,
market discount and premium, if any, for federal
income tax purposes will be equal to a (constant
prepayment rate ("CPR")) (standard prepayment
assumption ("SPA")) of ____%. However, no
representation is made that the Mortgage Loans will
prepay at that rate or at any other rate.)
For further information regarding the federal income
tax consequences of investing in the Class ( )
Certificates, see "Certain Federal Income Tax
Consequences" herein and in the Prospectus.)
ERISA Considerations (A fiduciary of any employee benefit plan or
other retirement arrangement subject to the
Employee Retirement Income Security Act of
1974, as amended ("ERlSA"), or Section 4975 of
the Code should review carefully with its legal
advisors whether the purchase or holding of
Class ( ) Certificates could give rise to a
transaction that is prohibited or is not
otherwise permitted either under ERISA or
Section 4975 of the Code or whether there
exists any statutory or administrative
exemption applicable to an investment therein.)
(The U.S. Department of Labor has issued an
individual exemption, Prohibited Transaction
Exemption 90-29, to the Underwriter 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 the Underwriter such
as the Class ( ) Certificates and the servicing and
operation of asset pools, provided that certain
conditions are satisfied. A fiduciary of any
employee benefit plan subject to ERISA or the
Code should consult with its legal advisors regarding
the requirements of ERISA and the Code.) See "ERISA
Considerations" herein and in the Prospectus.
Rating It is a condition to the issuance of the Class ( )
Certificates that they be rated (not lower than)
"___" by ____________. A security rating is not a
recommendation to buy, sell or hold securities and may
be subject to revision or withdrawal at any time by the
assigning rating organization. A security rating does
not address the frequency of prepayments (whether
voluntary or involuntary) of Mortgage Loans, or the
corresponding effect on yield to investors. (The
rating of the Class ( ) Certificates does not address
the possibility that the holders of such Certificates
may fail to fully recover their initial investments.)
See "Special Considerations" and "Rating" herein and
"Yield Considerations" in the Prospectus.
Legal Investment The appropriate characterization of the Class ( )
Certificates under various legal investment
restrictions, and thus the ability of investors
subject to these restrictions to purchase the Class
( ) Certificates, may be subject to significant
interpretative uncertainties. The Class ( )
Certificates (will) (will not) be "mortgage related
securities" within the meaning of the Secondary
Mortgage Market Enhancement Act of 1984 (so long as
they are rated in at least the second highest rating
category by the Rating Agency, and, as such, are
legal investments for certain entities to the extent
provided in SMMEA). Accordingly, investors should
consult their own legal advisors to determine
whether and to what extent the Class ( )
Certificates constitute legal investments for them.
See "Legal Investment" herein and in the Prospectus.
(Registration of the
Class ( )
Certificates The Class ( ) Certificates will be represented by
one or more global certificates registered in the
name of Cede & Co., as nominee of The Depository
Trust Company ("DTC"). No person acquiring an
interest in the Class ( ) Certificates (any such
person, a "Class ( ) Certificate Owner") will be
entitled to receive a Certificate of such class in
fully registered, certificated form (a "Definitive
Class ( ) Certificate"), except under the limited
circumstances described in the Prospectus under
"Description of the Certificates-Book-entry
Registration and Definitive Certificates". See
"Description of the Certificates-General" herein and
"Description of the Certificates-Book-Entry
Registration and Definitive Certificates" in the
Prospectus.)
DESCRIPTION OF THE (MORTGAGE POOL) (MBS)
GENERAL
The Trust Fund will consist primarily of (___ (conventional), (fixed
interest) (adjustable interest) rate Mortgage Loans with an aggregate
principal balance as of the Cut-off Date, after deducting payments of
principal due on such date, of $____________,) (mortgage participations),
mortgage pass-through certificates, mortgage-backed securities evidencing
interests therein or secured thereby (the "MBS"),) (and) (certain direct
obligations of the United States, agencies thereof or agencies created
thereby (the "Government Securities")). Each Mortgage Loan is evidenced by a
promissory note (a "Mortgage Note") and secured by a mortgage, deed of trust
or other similar security instrument (a "Mortgage" creating a first (first or
junior) lien on a one- to four- family residential property (a "Mortgaged
Property"). The Mortgaged Properties consist of (description of one- to
four-family residential properties). (Because no evaluation of any
mortgagor's financial condition has been conducted, investors should consider
all of the Mortgage Loans to be non-recourse loans so that, in the event of
mortgagor default, recourse may be had only against the specific property and
such limited other assets as have been pledged to secure a Mortgage Loan, and
not against the mortgagor's other assets.) All percentages of the Mortgage
Loans described herein are approximate percentages (except as otherwise
indicated) by aggregate principal balance as of the Cut-off Date.)
(The Mortgage Loans to be included in the Trust Fund will have been
originated or acquired by ________________ (the "Mortgage Asset Seller") and
will have been required to comply with the underwriting criteria described
herein. The Depositor will purchase the Mortgage Loans to be included in the
Mortgage Pool on or before the Closing Date from the Mortgage Asset Seller
pursuant to a seller's agreement (the "Seller's Agreement"), to be dated as
of ____________, 199_ between the Mortgage Asset Seller and the Depositor.
The Depositor will cause the Mortgage Loans in the Mortgage Pool to be
assigned to _______________, as Trustee, pursuant to the Pooling and
Servicing Agreement. _____________, in its capacity as Master Servicer, will
service the Mortgage Loans pursuant to the Pooling and Servicing Agreement.
Under the Seller's Agreement, _______________, as seller of the Mortgage
Loans to the Depositor, will make certain representations, warranties and
covenants to the Depositor relating to, among other things, the due execution
and enforceability of the Seller's Agreement and certain characteristics of
the Mortgage Loans, and will be obligated to repurchase or substitute for any
Mortgage Loans as to which there exists deficient documentation or an uncured
material breach of any such representation, warranty or covenant. Under the
Pooling and Servicing Agreement the Depositor will assign all its right,
title and interest in such representations, warranties and covenants
(including ____________________'s repurchase or substitution obligation) to
the Trustee for the Trust Fund. The Depositor will make (no) representations
or warranties with respect to the Mortgage Loans and will have no obligation
to repurchase or substitute for Mortgage Loans with deficient documentation
(or which are otherwise defective). _____________, as seller of the Mortgage
Loans to the Depositor, is selling such Mortgage Loans without recourse and,
accordingly, in such capacity, will have no obligations with respect to the
Certificates other than pursuant to such representations, warranties,
covenants and repurchase obligations. See "Description of the Agreements --
Representations and Warranties; Repurchases" in the Prospectus.)
(THE MBS
(Title and issuer of underlying securities, amount deposited or pledged,
amount originally issued, maturity date, interest rate, (redemption
provisions), together with description of other material terms.)
(Description of principal and interest distributions on the MBS.)
(Description of advances by the servicer of the mortgage loans
underlying the MBS.)
(Description of effect on the MBS of allocation of losses on the
underlying mortgage loans.)
As to each series of MBS included in the Trust Fund, the various classes
of certificates from such series ((including classes not in the Trust Fund
but from the same series as classes that are in the Trust Fund) are listed,
together with the related pass-through rates and certain other information
applicable thereto, in Annex B hereto.)
(CONVERTIBLE MORTGAGE LOANS
____% of the Mortgage Loans ("Convertible Mortgage Loans") provide that,
at the option of the related Mortgagors, the adjustable interest rate on such
Mortgage Loans may be converted to a fixed interest rate. The first month in
which any of the Mortgage Loans may convert is ____________, and the last
month in which any of the Mortgage Loans may convert is _____________. Upon
conversion, the Mortgage Rate will be converted to a fixed interest rate
determined in accordance with the formula set forth in the related Mortgage
Note which formula is intended to result in a Mortgage Rate which is not less
than the then current market interest rate (subject to applicable usury
laws). After such conversion, the monthly payments of principal and interest
will be adjusted to provide for full amortization over the remaining term to
scheduled maturity. Upon notification from a Mortgagor of such Mortgagor's
intent to convert from an adjustable interest rate to a fixed interest rate
and prior to the conversion of any such Mortgage Loan (a "Converting Mortgage
Loan"), the related Warrantying Party will be obligated to purchase the
Converting Mortgage Loan at a price equal to the outstanding principal
balance thereof plus accrued interest thereon net of any subservicing fees
(the "Conversion Price"). In the event of a failure by a Warrantying Party
to purchase a converting Mortgage Loan, the Master Servicer is required to
use its best efforts to purchase such Mortgage Loan following its conversion
(a "Converted Mortgage Loan") during the one-month period following the date
of conversion at the Conversion Price.
In the event that the related Warrantying Party fails to purchase a
Converting Mortgage Loan and the Master Servicer does not purchase a
Converted Mortgage Loan, neither the Depositor nor any of its affiliates nor
any other entity is obligated to purchase or arrange for the purchase of any
Converted Mortgage Loan. Any such Converted Mortgage Loan will remain in the
Mortgage Pool as a fixed-rate Mortgage Loan and will result in the Mortgage
Pool's having both fixed rate and adjustable rate Mortgage Loans. See
"Certain Yield and Prepayment Considerations" herein.
Following the purchase of any Converted Mortgage Loan as described
above, the purchaser will be entitled to receive an assignment from the
Trustee of such Mortgage Loan and the purchaser will thereafter own such
Mortgage Loan free of any further obligation to the Trustee or the
Certificateholders with respect thereto.)
(THE INDEX
As of any Payment Adjustment Date, the Index applicable to the
determination of the related Mortgage Rate will be a per annum rate equal to
______________, as most recently available as of the date ____ days prior to
the Payment Adjustment Date (the "Index"). Such average yields reflect the
yields for the week prior to that week in which the information is reported.
In the event that the Index is no longer available, an index reasonably
acceptable to the Trustee that is based on comparable information will be
selected by the Master Servicer. The Index is currently calculated based on
information reported in ___________.)
CERTAIN CHARACTERISTICS OF THE MORTGAGE LOANS
(Approximately ___% of the Mortgage Loans have Due Dates that occur on
the ___ day of each month; approximately ___% of the Mortgage Loans have Due
Dates that occur on the ___ day of each month; approximately _____% of the
Mortgage Loans have Due Dates that occur on the ___ day of each month; and the
remainder of the Mortgage Loans have Due Dates that occur on the fifteenth day
of each month.)
(As of the Cut-off Date, the Mortgage Loans had the following
characteristics: (i) Mortgage Rates ranging from _____% per annum to _______%
per annum; (ii) a weighted average Mortgage Rate of ______% per annum; (iii)
Gross Margins ranging from ____ basis points to ______ basis points; (iv) a
weighted average Gross Margin of ____ basis points; (v) principal balances
ranging from $_______ to $______; (vi) an average principal balance of
$_________; (vii) original terms to scheduled maturity ranging from _____
months to _________ months; (viii) a weighted average original term to
scheduled maturity of _____ months; (ix) remaining terms to scheduled
maturity ranging from ____ months to _____ months; (x) a weighted average
remaining term to scheduled maturity of ________ months; (xi) Cut-off Date
Loan-to-Value ("LTV") Ratios ranging from ______% to ________%; (xii) a
weighted average Cut-off Date LTV Ratio of _____%; (xiii) as to the _______%
of the Mortgage Loans to which such characteristic applies, (A) minimum
lifetime Mortgage Rates ranging from ____% per annum to ______ % per annum
and (B) a weighted average minimum lifetime Mortgage Rate of _______% per
annum; and (xiv) as to the__________% of Mortgage Loans to which such
characteristic applies and for which it may be currently calculated, (A)
maximum lifetime Mortgage Rate ranging from _______% per annum to ________%
per annum and (B) a weighted average maximum lifetime Mortgage Rate of
_________% per annum.)
(___% of the Mortgage Loans provide for Balloon Payments on their
respective maturity dates. Loans providing for Balloon Payments involve a
greater degree of risk than self-amortizing loans. See "Special
Considerations -- Balloon Payments" in the Prospectus.)
(The Mortgage Rate on each Mortgage Loan is subject to adjustment on
each Interest Rate Adjustment Date by adding the related Gross Margin to the
value of the Index (described below) as most recently announced a specified
number of days prior to such Interest Rate Adjustment Date, subject, in the
case of substantially all of the Mortgage Loans, to minimum and maximum
lifetime Mortgage Rates, with ranges specified below. The Mortgage Rates on
the Mortgage Loans generally are adjusted monthly; however, certain of the
Mortgage Loans provide for Interest Rate Adjustment Dates to occur quarterly
(___% of the Mortgage Loans), semi-annually ( % of the Mortgage Loans) or
annually (____% of the Mortgage Loans). Each of the Mortgage Loans provided
for an initial fixed interest rate period; ______ Mortgage Loans, representing
___% of the Mortgage Loans, have not experienced their first Interest Rate
Adjustment Dates. The latest initial Interest Rate Adjustment Date for any
Mortgage Loan is to occur in _______________________________________.)
(Subject to the Payment Caps described below, the amount of the Monthly
Payment on each Mortgage Loan adjusts periodically on each Payment Adjustment
Date to an amount that would fully amortize the principal balance of the
Mortgage Loan over its then remaining amortization schedule and pay interest
at the Mortgage Rate in effect during the one month period preceding such
Payment Adjustment Date. Approximately __% of the Mortgage Loans provide
that an adjustment of the amount of the Monthly Payment on a Payment
Adjustment Date may not result in a Monthly Payment that increases by more
than ___% (nor, in some cases, decreases by more than ____%) of the amount of
the Monthly Payment in effect immediately prior to such Payment Adjustment
Date (each such provision, a "Payment Cap"); however, certain of those
Mortgage Loans also provide that the Payment Cap will not apply on certain
Payment Adjustment Dates or if the application thereof would result in the
principal balance of the Mortgage Loan exceeding (through negative
amortization) by a specified percentage the original principal balance
thereof. Generally, the related Mortgage Note provides that if, as a result
of negative amortization, the respective principal balance of the Mortgage
Loan reaches an amount specified therein (which as to most Mortgage Loans is
not greater than _% of the Mortgage Loan principal balance as of the
origination date thereof), the amount of the Monthly Payments due thereunder
will be increased as necessary to prevent further negative amortization.
(Only in the case of _____% of the Mortgage Loans does a Payment
Adjustment Date immediately follow each Interest Rate Adjustment Date. As a
result, and because application of Payment Caps may limit the amount by which
the Monthly Payments due on certain of the Mortgage Loans may adjust, the
amount of a Monthly Payment may be more or less than the amount necessary to
amortize the Mortgage Loan principal balance over the then remaining
amortization schedule at the applicable Mortgage Rate. Accordingly, Mortgage
Loans may be subject to slower amortization (if the Monthly Payment due on a
Due Date is sufficient to pay interest accrued to such Due Date at the
applicable Mortgage Rate but is not sufficient to reduce principal in
accordance with the applicable amortization schedule), to negative
amortization (if interest accrued to a Due Date at the applicable Mortgage
Rate is greater than the entire Monthly Payment due on such Due Date) or to
accelerated amortization (if the Monthly Payment due on a Due Date is greater
than the amount necessary to pay interest accrued to such Due Date at the
applicable Mortgage Rate and to reduce principal in accordance with the
applicable amortization schedule).)
(No Mortgage Loan currently prohibits principal prepayments; however,
certain of the Mortgage Loans impose fees or penalties ("Prepayment
Premiums") in connection with full or partial prepayments. Although
Prepayment Premiums are payable to the Master Servicer as additional
servicing compensation, the Master Servicer may waive the payment of any
Prepayment Premium only in connection with a principal prepayment that is
proposed to be made during the three month period prior to the scheduled
maturity of the related Mortgage Loan, or under certain other limited
circumstances.)
The following table sets forth the range of Mortgage Rates on the
Mortgage Loans as of the Cut-off Date:
Mortgage Rates as of the Cut-off Date
-------------------------------------
Percent by
Aggregate Aggregate
Number of Percent Principal Principal
Mortgage by Balance as of Balance as of
Mortgage Rate Loans Number the Cut-off Date the Cut-off Date
_____________ _________ ______ ________________ ________________
Total 100.00% $ 100.00%
======= ======= ======== =======
Weighted Average
Mortgage Rate:
Note: Percentage totals may not add due to rounding.
The following table sets forth the types of Mortgaged Properties
securing the Mortgage Loans:
Property Type
-------------
Percent by
Aggregate Aggregate
Number of Percent Principal Principal
Mortgage by Balance as of Balance as of
Type Loans Number the Cut-off Date the Cut-off Date
- ---- --------- -------- ---------------- ----------------
Total 100.00% $ 100.00%
======= ======= ======== =======
Note: Percentage totals may not add due to rounding.
(The following table sets forth the range of Gross Margins for the
Mortgage Loans:)
(Gross Margins)
------------
Percent by
Aggregate Aggregate
Number of Percent Principal Principal
Mortgage by Balance as of Balance as of
Mortgage Rate Loans Number the Cut-off Date the Cut-off Date
- ------------- --------- ------- ---------------- ----------------
Total 100.00% $ 100.00%
========= ======= ======== =======
Weighted Average
Gross Margin:
Note: Percentage totals may not add due to rounding.
(The following table sets forth the frequency of adjustments to the
Mortgage Rates on the Mortgage Loans as of the Cut-off Date:)
(Frequency of Adjustments to Mortgage Rates)
------------------------------------------
Percent by
Aggregate Aggregate
Number of Percent Principal Principal
Mortgage by Balance as of Balance as of
Frequency(A) Loans Number the Cut-off Date the Cut-off Date
- ------------ ---------- -------- ---------------- ----------------
Total 100.00% $ 100.00%
======== ======= ======== =======
Weighted Average
Frequency of
Adjustments to
Mortgage Rate:
Note: Percentage totals may not add due to rounding.
(A) _______ or ___% of Mortgage Loans have not experienced their first
Interest Rate Adjustment Date.
(The following table sets forth the frequency of adjustments to the
Monthly Payments on the Mortgage Loans as of the Cut-off Date:)
(Frequency of Adjustments to Monthly Payments)
--------------------------------------------
Percent by
Aggregate Aggregate
Number of Percent Principal Principal
Mortgage by Balance as of Balance as of
Frequency (A) Loans Number the Cut-off Date the Cut-off Date
- ------------- --------- ------- ---------------- ----------------
Total 100.00% $ 100.00%
====== ======= ======== =======
Weighted Average
Frequency of
Adjustments to
Monthly Payments:
Note: Percentage totals may not add due to rounding.
(The following table sets forth the range of maximum lifetime Mortgage
Rates for the Mortgage Loans:)
(Maximum Lifetime Mortgage Rates)
-------------------------------
Percent by
Aggregate Aggregate
Maximum Number of Percent Principal Principal
Lifetime Mortgage by Balance as of Balance as of
Mortgage Rate Loans Number the Cut-off Date the Cut-off Date
- -------------- ---------- ------ ---------------- ----------------
Total 100.00% $ 100.00%
======= ======= ======== =======
Weighted Average
Maximum Lifetime
Mortgage Rate:
Note: Percentage totals may not add due to rounding.
(A) Represents Mortgage Loans without a lifetime rate cap.
(B) The lifetime rate caps for these Mortgage Loans are based upon the Index
as determined at a future point in time plus a fixed percentage.
Therefore, the rate is not determinable as of the Cut-off Date.
(C) This calculation does not include the ____ Mortgage Loans without a
lifetime rate cap or the ___ Mortgage Loans with lifetime rate caps
which are currently not determinable.
(The following table sets forth the range of minimum lifetime Mortgage
Rates on the Mortgage Loans:)
(Minimum Lifetime Mortgage Rates)
-------------------------------
Percent by
Aggregate Aggregate
Minimum Number of Percent Principal Principal
Lifetime Mortgage by Balance as of Balance as of
Mortgage Rate Loans Number the Cut-off Date the Cut-off Date
- -------------- --------- ------- ---------------- ----------------
Total 100.00% $ 100.00%
====== ======= ======== =======
Weighted Average
Minimum Lifetime
Mortgage Rate:
Note: Percentage totals may not add due to rounding.
(A) Represents Mortgage Loans without interest rate floors.
(B) This calculation does not include the ____ Mortgage Loans without
interest rate floors.
The following table sets forth the range of principal balances of the
Mortgage Loans as of the Cut-off Date:
Principal Balances as of the Cut-off Date
-----------------------------------------
Percent by
Principal Aggregate Aggregate
Balance Number of Percent Principal Principal
as of the Mortgage by Balance as of Balance as of
Cut-off Date Loans Number the Cut-off Date the Cut-off Date
- -------------- ---------- ------- ---------------- ----------------
Total 100.00% $ 100.00%
======== ======= ======== =======
Average Principal Balance
as of the
Cut-off Date:
Note: Percentage totals may not add due to rounding.
The following tables set forth the original and remaining terms to
maturity (in months) of the Mortgage Loans:
Original Term to Maturity in Months
-----------------------------------
Percent by
Aggregate Aggregate
Original Number of Percent Principal Principal
Term in Mortgage by Balance as of Balance as of
Months Loans Number the Cut-off Date the Cut-off Date
-------- --------- ------ ---------------- ----------------
Total 100.00% $ 100.00%
======= ======= ======== =======
Weighted Average
Original Term to Maturity:
Note: Percentage totals may not add due to rounding.
The following tables set forth the purpose for which the Mortgage Loan
was originated, (the type of program under which it was originated and the
occupancy type).
Mortgage Loan Purpose
---------------------
Percent by
Aggregate Aggregate
Remaining Number of Percent Principal Principal
Term in Mortgage by Balance as of Balance as of
Months Loans Number the Cut-off Date the Cut-off Date
--------- --------- ------- ---------------- ----------------
Total 100.00% $ 100.00%
======= ======= ========== =======
Weighted Average
Original Term to Maturity:
Note: Percentage totals may not add due to rounding.
(Mortgage Loan Documentation Program)
-----------------------------------
Percent by
Aggregate Aggregate
Remaining Number of Percent Principal Principal
Term in Mortgage by Balance as of Balance as of
Months Loans Number the Cut-off Date the Cut-off Date
--------- --------- ------ ---------------- ----------------
Total 100.00% $ 100.00%
======= ======= ======== =======
Weighted Average
Original Term to Maturity:
Note: Percentage totals may not add due to rounding.
Mortgage Loan Occupancy Type
----------------------------
Percent by
Aggregate Aggregate
Remaining Number of Percent Principal Principal
Term in Mortgage by Balance as of Balance as of
Months Loans Number the Cut-off Date the Cut-off Date
--------- --------- ------ ---------------- ----------------
Total 100.00% $ 100.00%
====== ======= ======== =======
Weighted Average
Original Term to Maturity:
Note: Percentage totals may not add due to rounding.
Remaining Term to Maturity in Months
------------------------------------
Percent by
Aggregate Aggregate
Remaining Number of Percent Principal Principal
Term in Mortgage by Balance as of Balance as of
Months Loans Number the Cut-off Date the Cut-off Date
--------- --------- ------ ---------------- ----------------
Total 100.00% $ 100.00%
======= ======= ======== =======
Weighted Average Remaining
Term to Maturity:
Note: Percentage totals may not add due to rounding.
The following tables set forth the respective years in which the
Mortgage Loans were originated and are scheduled to mature:
Mortgage Loan Year of Origination
---------------------------------
Percent by
Aggregate Aggregate
Number of Percent Principal Principal
Mortgage by Balance as of Balance as of
Year Loans Number the Cut-off Date the Cut-off Date
---- --------- ------ ---------------- ----------------
Total 100.00% $ 100.00%
======= ======= ======== =======
Note: Percentage totals may not add due to rounding.
Mortgage Loan Year of Scheduled Maturity
----------------------------------------
Percent by
Aggregate Aggregate
Number of Percent Principal Principal
Mortgage by Balance as of Balance as of
Year Loans Number the Cut-off Date the Cut-off Date
---- --------- ------- ---------------- ---------------
Total 100.00% $ 100.00%
====== ======= ======== =======
Note: Percentage totals may not add due to rounding.
The following table sets forth the range of Original LTV Ratios of the
Mortgage Loans. An "Original LTV Ratio" is a fraction, expressed as a
percentage, the numerator of which is the principal balance of a Mortgage
Loan on the date of its origination, and the denominator of which is (in
general) the lesser of (i) the appraised value of the related Mortgaged
Property as determined by an appraisal thereof obtained in connection with
the origination of such Mortgage Loan and (ii) the sale price of such
Mortgaged Property at the time of such origination. There can be no
assurance that the value (determined through an appraisal or otherwise) of a
Mortgaged Property determined after origination of the related Mortgage Loan
will be equal to or greater than the value thereof (determined through an
appraisal or otherwise) obtained in connection with the origination. As a
result, there can be no assurance that the loan-to-value ratio for any
Mortgage Loan determined at any time following origination thereof will be
lower than the Original LTV Ratio, notwithstanding any positive amortization
of such Mortgage Loan.
Original LTV Ratios
-------------------
Percent by
Aggregate Aggregate
Number of Percent Principal Principal
Original Mortgage by Balance as of Balance as of
LTV Ratio Loans Number the Cut-off Date the Cut-off Date
--------- --------- ------- ---------------- ----------------
Total 100.00% $ 100.00%
======= ======= ======== =======
Weighted Average Original
LTV Ratio:
Note: Percentage totals may not add due to rounding.
The Mortgage Loans are secured by Mortgaged Properties in _______
different states. The table below sets forth the states in which the Mortgaged
Properties are located:
Geographic Distribution
-----------------------
Percent by
Aggregate Aggregate
Number of Percent Principal Principal
Mortgage by Balance as of Balance as of
State Loans Number the Cut-off Date the Cut-off Date
----- --------- ------ ---------------- ----------------
Total 100.00% $ 100.00%
======= ======= ========= =======
Note: Percentage totals may not add due to rounding.
(regional breakdown to be provided as appropriate)
No more than ___% of the Mortgage Loans will be secured by Mortgaged
Properties located in any one zip code.
UNDERWRITING STANDARDS
All of the Mortgage Loans were originated or acquired by _______,
generally in accordance with the underwriting criteria described herein.
(Description of underwriting standards.)
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The description in this Prospectus Supplement of the Mortgage Pool and
the Mortgaged Properties is based upon the Mortgage Pool as expected to be
constituted at the close of business on the Cut-off Date, as adjusted for the
scheduled principal payments due on or before such date. Prior to the
issuance of the Class ( ) Certificates, a Mortgage Loan may be removed from
the Mortgage Pool as a result of incomplete documentation or otherwise, if
the Depositor deems such removal necessary or appropriate and may be prepaid
at any time. A limited number of other mortgage loans may be included in the
Mortgage Pool prior to the issuance of the Class ( ) Certificates unless
including such mortgage loans would materially alter the characteristics of
the Mortgage Pool as described herein. The Depositor believes that the
information set forth herein will be representative of the characteristics of
the Mortgage Pool as it will be constituted at the time the Class ( )
Certificates are issued, although the range of Mortgage Rates and maturities
and certain other characteristics of the Mortgage Loans in the Mortgage Pool
may vary.
A Current Report on Form 8-K (the "Form 8-K") will be available to
purchasers of the Class ( ) Certificates and will be filed, together with the
Pooling and Servicing Agreement, with the Securities and Exchange Commission
within fifteen days after the initial issuance of the Class ( ) Certificates.
In the event Mortgage Loans are removed from or added to the Mortgage Pool as
set forth in the preceding paragraph, such removal or addition will be noted
in the Form 8-K.
DESCRIPTION OF THE CERTIFICATES
GENERAL
The Certificates will be issued pursuant to the Pooling and Servicing
Agreement and will consist of ____ classes to be designated as the Class ( )
Certificates, the Class ( ) Certificates, the Class ( ) Certificates and the
Class ( ) Certificates. The Class ( ), Class ( ) and Class ( ) Certificates
(the "Subordinate Certificates") will be subordinate to the Class ( )
Certificates, as described herein. The Certificates represent in the
aggregate the entire beneficial ownership interest in a Trust Fund consisting
of: (i) the Mortgage Loans and all payments under and proceeds of the
Mortgage Loans received after the Cut-off Date (exclusive of payments of
principal and interest due on or before the Cut-off Date); (ii) any Mortgaged
Property acquired on behalf of the Trust Fund through foreclosure or deed in
lieu of foreclosure (upon acquisition, an "REO Property"); (iii) such funds
or assets as from time to time are deposited in the Certificate Account and
any account established in connection with REO Properties (the "REO
Account"); and (iv) the rights of the mortgagee under all insurance policies
with respect to the Mortgage Loans. Only the Class ( ) (, Class ( ) and
Class ( )) Certificates are offered hereby.
The Class ( ) Certificates will have an initial (Certificate Balance)
(Notional Balance) of $__________. The Class ( ) Certificates represent ___%
of the aggregate principal balance of the Mortgage Loans as of the Cut-off
Date. The Class ( ) Certificates will have an initial Certificate Balance of
$__________, representing ___% of the aggregate principal balance of the
Mortgage Loans as of the Cut-off Date. The Class ( ) Certificates will have
an initial Certificate Balance of $__________, representing ___% of the
aggregate principal balance of the Mortgage Loans as of the Cut-off Date.
The initial Certificate Balance of the Class ( ) Certificates will be (zero).
The Certificate Balance of any class of Certificates outstanding at any time
represents the maximum amount which the holders thereof are entitled to
receive as distributions allocable to principal from the cash flow on the
Mortgage Loans and the other assets in the Trust Fund. The respective
Certificate Balances of the Class ( ), Class ( ) and Class ( ) Certificates
(respectively, the "Class ( ) Balance", "Class ( ) Balance" and "Class ( )
Balance") will in each case be (i) reduced by amounts actually distributed on
such class of Certificates that are allocable to principal and ((ii)
increased by amounts allocated to such class of Certificates in respect of
negative amortization on the Mortgage Loans (Describe Notional Balance.))
(The Certificate Balance of the Class ( ) Certificates (the "Class ( )
Balance") will at any time equal the aggregate Stated Principal Balance of
the Mortgage Loans minus the sum of the Class ( ) Balance, Class ( ) Balance
and Class ( ) Balance.) The Stated Principal Balance of any Mortgage Loan at
any date of determination will equal (a) the Cut-off Date Balance of such
Mortgage Loan, plus ((b) any negative amortization added to the principal
balance of such Mortgage Loan on any Due Date after the Cut-off Date to and
including the Due Date in the Due Period for the most recently preceding
Distribution Date), minus (c) the sum of (i) the principal portion of each
Monthly Payment due on such Mortgage Loan after the Cut-off Date, to the
extent received from the mortgagor or advanced by the Master Servicer and
distributed to holders of the Certificates before such date of determination,
(ii) all principal prepayments and other unscheduled collections of principal
received with respect to such Mortgage Loan, to the extent distributed to
holders of the Certificates before such date of determination, and (iii) any
reduction in the outstanding principal balance of such Mortgage Loan resulting
out of a bankruptcy proceeding for the related mortgagor.
(None of the Class ( ) Certificates are offered hereby.)
DISTRIBUTIONS
Method, Timing and Amount. Distributions on the Certificates will be
made on the ____ day of each month or, if such ____ day is not a business
day, then on the next succeeding business day, commencing in
____________________ 199_ (each, a " Distribution Date" ) . All
distributions (other than the final distribution on any Certificate) will be
made by the Master Servicer to the persons in whose names the Certificates
are registered at the close of business on each Record Date, which will be
the (last business day of the month) preceding the month in which the related
Distribution Date occurs. Such distributions will be made by wire transfer
in immediately available funds to the account specified by the
Certificateholder at a bank or other entity having appropriate facilities
therefor, if such Certificateholder will have provided the Master Servicer
with wiring instructions no less than five business days prior to the related
Record Date and is the registered owner of Certificates the aggregate initial
principal amount of which is at least $ , or otherwise by check mailed to
such Certificateholder. The final distribution on any Certificate will be
made in like manner, but only upon presentment or surrender of such
Certificate at the location specified in the notice to the holder thereof of
such final distribution. All distributions made with respect to a class of
Certificates on each Distribution Date will be allocated pro rata among the
outstanding Certificates of such class based on their respective Percentage
Interests. The Percentage Interest evidenced by any Class ( ) Certificate is
equal to the initial denomination thereof as of the Closing Date, divided by
the initial Certificate Balance for such class. The aggregate distribution
to be made on the Certificates on any Distribution Date shall equal the
Available Distribution Amount.
The "Available Distribution Amount" for any Distribution Date is an
amount equal to (a) the sum of (i) the amount on deposit in the Certificate
Account as of the close of business on the related Determination Date, (ii)
the aggregate amount of any Advances made by the Master Servicer in respect
of such Distribution Date and (iii) the aggregate amount deposited by the
Master Servicer in the Certificate Account in respect of such Distribution
Date in connection with Prepayment Interest Shortfalls incurred during the
related Due Period, net of (b) the portion of the amount described in clause
(a)(i) hereof that represents (i) Monthly Payments due on a Due Date
subsequent to the end of the related Due Period, (ii) any voluntary principal
prepayments and other unscheduled recoveries on the Mortgage Loans received
after the end of the related Due Period or (iii) any amounts payable or
reimbursable therefrom to any person.
Calculations of Interest. The "Distributable Certificate Interest" in
respect of the Class ( ) Certificates for any Distribution Date represents
that portion of the Accrued Certificate Interest in respect of such class of
Certificates for such Distribution Date that is net of such class's allocable
share of (i) the aggregate portion of any Prepayment Interest Shortfalls
resulting from voluntary principal prepayments on the Mortgage Loans during
the related Due Period (that are not covered by the application of servicing
compensation of the Master Servicer for the related Due Period (such
uncovered aggregate portion, as to such Distribution Date,) the "Net
Aggregate Prepayment Interest Shortfall")(; and (ii) the aggregate of any
negative amortization in respect of the Mortgage Loans for their respective
Due Dates during the related Due Period (the aggregate of such negative
amortization, as to such Distribution Date, the "Aggregate Mortgage Loan
Negative Amortization").)
The "Accrued Certificate Interest" in respect of the Class ( )
Certificates for any Distribution Date is equal to thirty days' interest
accrued during the related Interest Accrual Period at the Pass-Through Rate
applicable to such class of Certificates for such Distribution Date accrued
on the related (Certificate Balance) (Classes ( ) Notional Amount)
outstanding immediately prior to such Distribution Date. The Pass-Through
Rate applicable to the Class ( ) Certificates for any Distribution Date (is
fixed and is set forth on the cover hereof) (will equal the weighted average
of the Class ( ) Remittance Rates in effect for the Mortgage Assets as of the
commencement of the related Due Period (as to such Distribution Date, the
"Weighted Average Class ( ) Remittance Rate"). The "Class ( ) Remittance
Rate" in effect for any Mortgage Loan as of any date of determination (a)
prior to its first Interest Rate Adjustment Date, is equal to the related
Mortgage Rate then in effect minus ___ basis points and (b) from and after its
first Interest Rate Adjustment Date, is equal to the related Mortgage Rate then
in effect minus the excess of the related Gross Margin over ___ basis points
(is equal to the excess of the Mortgage Rate thereon over ____% per annum.)
The "Interest Accrual Period" for the Certificates is the calendar month
preceding the month in which the Distribution Date occurs.) (The Class ( )
Notional Amount will equal the (sum of the Class ( ) Balance. The Class
( ) Notional Amount does not entitle the Class ( ) Certificate (or a
component thereof) to any distribution of principal.) (Interest will be
calculated on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months.)
(The portion of Net Aggregate Prepayment Interest Shortfall (and the
Aggregate Mortgage Loan Negative Amortization) for any Distribution Date that
will be allocated to the Class ( ) Certificates on such Distribution Date
will be equal to the then applicable Class ( ) Interest Allocation
Percentage. The "Class ( ) Interest Allocation Percentage" for any
Distribution Date will equal a fraction, expressed as a percentage, the
numerator of which is equal to the product of (a) the Class ( ) Balance ((net
of any Uncovered Portion thereof)) outstanding immediately prior to such
Distribution Date, multiplied by (b) the Pass-Through Rate for the Class ( )
Certificates for such Distribution Date, and the denominator of which is the
product of (x) the aggregate Stated Principal Balance of the Mortgage Loans
outstanding immediately prior to such Distribution Date, multiplied by (y)
the Weighted Average Net Mortgage Rate for such Distribution Date. The "Net
Mortgage Rate" in effect for any Mortgage Loan as of any date of
determination is equal to the related Mortgage Rate then in effect minus
basis points. (The "Uncovered Portion" of the Class ( ) Balance, as of any
date ___ of determination, is the portion thereof representing the excess, if
any, of (a) the Class ( ) Balance then outstanding, over (b) the aggregate
Stated Principal Balance of the Mortgage Loans then outstanding.))
(The Class ( ) Certificates (or a component thereof) will not be
entitled to distributions of interest and will not have a Pass-Through Rate.)
Calculations of Principal. (Holders of the Class ( ) Certificates will
be entitled to receive on each Distribution Date, to the extent of the
balance of the Available Distribution Amount remaining after the payment of
the Class ( ) Interest Distribution Amount for such Distribution Date an
amount equal to the Class ( ) Principal Distribution Amount. The "Class ( )
Principal Distribution Amount" for any Distribution Date will equal the sum
of (i) the product of the Scheduled Principal Distribution Amount and the
Class ( ) Scheduled Principal Distribution Percentage, (ii) the product of
the Senior Accelerated Percentage and all principal prepayments received
during the related Due Period, and (iii) to the extent not previously
advanced, (the lesser of the Class ( ) Scheduled Principal Distribution
Percentage of the Stated Principal Balance of the Mortgage Loans and the
Senior Accelerated Percentage of the Unscheduled Principal Distribution
Amount net of any prepayment amounts described in clause (ii) above. The
"Scheduled Principal Distribution Amount" for any Distribution Date is equal
to the aggregate of the principal portions of all Monthly Payments, including
Balloon Payments, due during or, if and to the extent not previously received
or advanced and distributed to Certificateholders on a preceding Distribution
Date, prior to the related Due Period, in each case to the extent paid by the
related mortgagor or advanced by the Master Servicer and included in the
Available Distribution Amount for such Distribution Date. The principal
portion of any Advances in respect of a Mortgage Loan delinquent as
to its Balloon Payment will constitute advances in respect of the principal
portion of such Balloon Payment.
(The portion of the Class ( ) Principal Distribution Amount payable on
any Distribution Date shall be allocated to the Class ( ) Certificates as
follows: (Describe distributions which may be concurrent or sequential and
among different classes and may be based on a schedule of payments sometimes
referred to as a Schedule of PAC, TAC or Scheduled Balances for some and not
other classes.))
(The Class ( ) Scheduled Principal Distribution Percentage for any
Distribution Date represents the portion of the Scheduled Principal
Distribution Amount for such Distribution Date payable (subject to the
payment priorities described herein) on the Class ( ) Certificates. The
"Class ( ) Scheduled Principal Distribution Percentage" for any Distribution
Date will equal the lesser of (a) 100% and (b) a fraction, expressed as a
percentage, the numerator of which is the Class ( ) Balance outstanding
immediately prior to such Distribution Date, and the denominator of which is
the lesser of (i) the sum of the Class ( ) Balance, the Class ( ) Balance and
the Class ( ) Balance and (ii) the aggregate Stated Principal Balance of the
Mortgage Loans, in either case outstanding immediately prior to such
Distribution Date.)
The "Unscheduled Principal Distribution Amount" for any Distribution
Date is equal to the sum of: (a) all voluntary principal prepayments
received on the Mortgage Loans during the related Due Period; and (b) the
excess, if any, of (i) all unscheduled recoveries received on the Mortgage
Loans during the related Due Period, whether in the form of liquidation
proceeds, condemnation proceeds, insurance proceeds or amounts paid in
connection with the purchase of a Mortgage Loan out of the Trust Fund,
exclusive in each case of any portion thereof payable or reimbursable to the
Master Servicer in connection with the related Mortgage Loan, over (ii) the
respective portions of the net amounts described in the immediately preceding
clause (i) needed to cover interest (at the applicable Net Mortgage Rate in
effect from time to time) on the related Mortgage Loan from the date to which
interest was previously paid or advanced through the Due Date for such
Mortgage Loan in the related Due Period ((exclusive of any portion of such
interest added to the principal balance of such Mortgage Loan as negative
amortization).)
(The "Class Negative Amortization" in respect of any class of
Certificates for any Distribution Date is equal to such class' allocable
share of the Aggregate Mortgage Loan Negative Amortization for such
Distribution Date.)
Distributions on Certificates. The Available Distribution Amount in
respect of a Distribution Date will be distributed in the following amounts
and order of priority:
(describe the application of Available Distribution Amount to make
distributions of interest and principal among the Classes of Certificates)
SUBORDINATION
In order to increase the likelihood of distribution in full of the
interest and principal due to be distributed to the Class ( )
Certificateholders on each Distribution Date, holders of the Class ( )
Certificates have a right to distributions of the Available Distribution
Amount that is prior to the rights of the holders of the Subordinate
Certificates, to the extent necessary to satisfy such amounts of interest and
principal.
(The entitlement to the Class ( ) Certificates of the (entire) (a larger
percentage under certain circumstances of) Unscheduled Principal Distribution
Amount will accelerate the amortization of the Class ( ) Certificates
relative to the actual amortization of the Mortgage Loans.)
(To the extent that the Class ( ) Certificates are amortized faster
than the Mortgage Loans, without taking into account losses on the Mortgage
Loans, the percentage interest evidenced by the Class ( ) Certificates in the
Trust Fund will be decreased (with a corresponding increase in the interest in
the Trust Fund evidenced by the Subordinate Certificates), thereby increasing,
relative to their respective Certificate Balances, the subordination afforded
the Class ( ) Certificates by the Subordinate Certificates.)
(The principal portion of any Realized Losses will be allocated first in
reduction of the Subordinate Certificates (in the order specified here) and
then to the Class ( ) Certificates (in the order specified here). Any loss
realized on a Mortgage Loan that is finally liquidated equal to the excess of
the Stated Principal Balance of such Mortgage Loan remaining, if any, plus
interest thereon through the last day of the month in which such Mortgage
Loan was finally liquidated, after application of all amounts received (net
of amounts reimbursable to the Master Servicer or any Sub-Servicer for
Advances and expenses, including attorneys' fees) towards interest and
principal owing on the Mortgage Loan is referred to herein as a "Realized
Loss.")
ADVANCES
On the business day immediately preceding each Distribution Date, the
Master Servicer will be obligated to make advances (each, an "Advance") out
of its own funds, or funds held in the Certificate Account that are not
required to be part of the Available Distribution Amount for such
Distribution Date, in an amount equal to the aggregate of ((i)) all Monthly
Payments (net of the Servicing Fee), (other than Balloon Payments,) which
were due on the Mortgage Loans during the related Due Period and delinquent
as of the related Determination Date (and (ii) in the case of each Mortgage
Loan delinquent in respect of its Balloon Payment as of the related
Determination Date, an amount sufficient to amortize fully the principal
portion of such Balloon Payment over the remaining amortization term of such
Mortgage Loan and to pay interest at the Net Mortgage Rate in effect for such
Mortgage Loan for the one month period preceding its Due Date in the related
Due Period (but only to the extent that the related mortgagor has not made a
payment sufficient to cover such amount under any forbearance arrangement
that has been included in the Available Distribution Amount for such
Distribution Date)). The Master Servicer's obligations to make Advances in
respect of any Mortgage Loan will continue through liquidation of such
Mortgage Loan and out of its own funds from any amounts collected in respect
of the Mortgage Loan as to which such Advance was made, whether in the form
of late payments, insurance proceeds, liquidation proceeds, condemnation
proceeds or amounts paid in connection with the purchase of such Mortgage
Loan. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Master Servicer will be obligated
to make any Advance only to the extent that it determines in its reasonable
good faith judgment that, if made, would be recoverable out of general funds
on deposit in the Certificate Account. Any failure by the Master Servicer to
make an Advance as required under the Pooling and Servicing Agreement will
constitute an event of default thereunder(, in which case the Trustee will be
obligated to make any such Advance, in accordance with the terms of the
Pooling and Servicing Agreement).
CERTAIN YIELD, PREPAYMENT AND MATURITY CONSIDERATIONS
The yield to maturity on the Class ( ) Certificates will be affected by
the rate of principal payments on the Mortgage Loans including, for this
purpose, prepayments, which may include amounts received by virtue of
liquidation due to default, repurchase, condemnation or insurance. The yield
to maturity on the Class ( ) Certificates will also be affected by the level
of the Index. The rate of principal payments on the Class ( ) Certificates
will correspond to the rate of principal payments (including prepayments) on
the related Mortgage Loans.
(Description of factors affecting yield, prepayment and maturity of the
Mortgage Loans and Class ( ) Certificates depending upon characteristics of
the Mortgage Loans.)
WEIGHTED AVERAGE LIFE OF THE CLASS ( ) CERTIFICATES
Weighted average life refers to the average amount of time 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 Class ( )
Certificates will be influenced by the rate at which principal payments
(including scheduled payments and principal prepayments) on the Mortgage
Loans are made. Principal payments on the Mortgage Loans may be in the form
of scheduled amortization or prepayments (for this purpose, the term
"prepayment" includes prepayments and liquidations due to a default or other
dispositions of the Mortgage Loans).
The table entitled "Percent of Initial Certificate Balance Outstanding
for the Class ( ) Certificates at the respective percentages of (CPR) (SPA)"
set forth below indicates the weighted average life of such Certificates and
sets forth the percentage of the initial principal amount of such
Certificates that would be outstanding after each of the dates shown at the
indicated percentages of (CPR)(SPA). The table has been prepared on the
basis of the following assumptions regarding the characteristics of the
Mortgage Loans: (i) an outstanding principal balance of $_________, a
remaining amortization term of ___ months and a term to balloon of ___
months: (ii) an interest rate equal to ____% per annum until the Due
Date ___ and thereafter an interest rate equal to % per annum (at an assumed
Index of ____%) and __ Monthly Payments that would fully amortize the remaining
balance of the Mortgage Loan over its remaining amortization term; (iii) the
Mortgage Loans prepay at the indicated percentage of (CPR)(SPA); (iv) the
maturity date of each of the Balloon Mortgage Loans is not extended; (v)
distributions on the Class ( ) Certificates are received in cash, on the ( )th
day of each month, commencing in_____________; (vi) no defaults or
delinquencies in, or modifications, waivers or amendments respecting,
the payment by the mortgagors of principal and interest on the Mortgage
Loans occur; (vii) the initial Certificate Balance of the Class ( )
Certificates is $________; (viii) prepayments represent payment in full
of individual Mortgage Loans and are received on the respective Due Dates
and include 30 days' interest thereon; (ix) there are no repurchases of
Mortgage Loans due to breaches of any representation and warranty or
otherwise; (x) the Class ( ) Certificates are purchased on ________;
(xi) the Servicing Fee is ____% per annum; and (xii) the Index on each
Interest Rate Adjustment Date is ________% per annum.
Based on the foregoing assumptions, the table indicates the weighted
average life of the Class ( ) Certificates and sets forth the percentages of
the initial Certificate Balance of the Class ( ) Certificates that would be
outstanding after the Distribution Date in ___________ of each of the years
indicated, at various percentages of (CPR)(SPA). Neither (CPR)(SPA) nor any
other prepayment model or assumption purports to be a historical description
of prepayment experience or a prediction of the anticipated rate of
prepayment of any pool of mortgage loans, including the Mortgage Loans
included in the Mortgage Pool. Variations in the actual prepayment
experience and the balance of the Mortgage Loans that prepay may increase or
decrease the percentage of initial Certificate Balance (and weighted average
life) shown in the following table. Such variations may occur even if the
average prepayment experience of all such Mortgage Loans is the same as any
of the specified assumptions.
Percent of Initial Class ( ) Certificate Balance Outstanding
at the Following Percentages of (CPR)(SPA)
Distribution Date
- -----------------
Initial Percent . . . . . . . ___% __% __% __% __% __%
____________ __, 1997 . . . . .
____________ __, 1998 . . . . .
____________ __, 1999 . . . . .
____________ __, 2000 . . . . .
____________ __, 2001 . . . . .
____________ __, 2002 . . . . .
____________ __, 2003 . . . . .
____________ __, 2004 . . . . .
____________ __, 2005 . . . . .
____________ __, 2006 . . . . .
____________ __, 2007 . . . . .
Weighted Average Life
(Years) (+) . . . . . . . . . . . .
+ The weighted average life of the Class ( ) Certificates is determined by
(i) multiplying the amount of each distribution of principal by the
number of years from the date of issuance to the related Distribution
Date, (ii) adding the results and (iii) dividing the sum by the total
principal distributions on such class of Certificates.
(Class ( ) Yield Consideration)
(Will describe assumption for various scenarios showing sensitivity of
certain classes to prepayment and default risks and set forth resulting
yield.)
POOLING AND SERVICING AGREEMENT
GENERAL
The Certificates will be issued pursuant to a Pooling and Servicing
Agreement to be dated as of ____________ 1, 199_ (the "Pooling and Servicing
Agreement"), by and among the Depositor, the Master Servicer and the Trustee.
Reference is made to the Prospectus for important information in
addition to that set forth herein regarding the terms and conditions of the
Pooling and Servicing Agreement and the Class ( ) Certificates. The
Depositor will provide to a prospective or actual Class ( ) Certificateholder
without charge, upon written request, a copy (without exhibits) of the
Pooling and Servicing Agreement.
ASSIGNMENT OF THE MORTGAGE LOANS
On or prior to the Closing Date, the Depositor will assign or cause to
be assigned the Mortgage Loans, without recourse, to the Trustee for the
benefit of the Certificateholders. Prior to the Closing Date, the Depositor
will, as to each Mortgage Loan, deliver to the Trustee (or the custodian
hereinafter referred to), among other things, the following documents
(collectively, as to such Mortgage Loan, the "Mortgage File"): (i) the
original or, if accompanied by a "lost note" affidavit, a copy of the
Mortgage Note, endorsed by ____________________ which transferred such
Mortgage Loan, without recourse, in blank or to the order of Trustee; (ii)
the original Mortgage or a certified copy thereof, and any intervening
assignments thereof, or certified copies of such intervening assignments, in
each case with evidence of recording thereon; (iii) an assignment of the
Mortgage, executed by the ____________________ which transferred such
Mortgage Loan, in blank or to the order of the Trustee, in recordable form;
(iv) assignments of any related assignment of leases, rents and profits and
any related security agreement (if, in either case, such item is a document
separate from the Mortgage), executed by ____________________ which
transferred such Mortgage Loan, in blank or to the order of the Trustee; (v)
originals or certified copies of all assumption, modification and
substitution agreements in those instances where the terms or provisions of
the Mortgage or Mortgage Note have been modified or the Mortgage or Mortgage
Note has been assumed; and (vi) the originals or certificates of a lender's
title insurance policy issued on the date of the origination of such Mortgage
Loan or, with respect to each Mortgage Loan not covered by a lender's title
insurance policy, an attorney's opinion of title given by an attorney
licensed to practice law in the jurisdiction where the Mortgaged Property is
located. (The Pooling and Servicing Agreement will require the Depositor
promptly (and in any event within _____ days of the Closing Date) to cause
each assignment of the Mortgage described in clause (iii) above to be
submitted for recording in the real property records of the jurisdiction in
which the related Mortgaged Property is located. Any such assignment
delivered in blank will be completed to the order of the Trustee prior to
recording. The Pooling and Servicing Agreement will also require the
Depositor to cause the endorsements on the Mortgage Notes delivered in blank
to be completed to the order of the Trustee.)
THE MASTER SERVICER
General. ____________________, a __________________ corporation, will
act as Master Servicer (in such capacity, the "Master Servicer") for the
Mortgage Loans pursuant to the Pooling and Servicing Agreement. The Master
Servicer(, a wholly-owned subsidiary of __________,) (is engaged in the
mortgage banking business and, as such, originates, purchases, sells and
services mortgage loans. _________________ primarily originates mortgage
loans through a branch system consisting of _______________________ offices
in __________ states, and through mortgage loan brokers.)
The executive offices of the Master Servicer are located at
_______________, telephone number (__)__________.
Delinquency and Foreclosure Experience. The following tables set forth
certain information concerning the delinquency experience (including pending
foreclosures) on one- to four- family residential mortgage loans included in
the Master Servicer's servicing portfolio (which includes mortgage loans that
are subserviced by others). The indicated periods of delinquency are based
on the number of days past due on a contractual basis. No mortgage loan is
considered delinquent for these purposes until 31 days past due on a
contractual basis.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
As of December 31, 19 As of December 31, 19 As of , 19
------------------------ ----------------------- --------------
By Dollar By Dollar By Dollar
By No. of Amount of By No. of Amount of By No. of Amount of
Loans Loans Loans Loans Loans Loans
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
(Dollar Amount in Thousands)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Total Portfolio ________ ________ $______ ________ $________
$______
Period of
Delinquency
31 to 59 days
60 to 89 days
90 days or more ________ ________ _________ ________ ________ ________
Total Delinquent ________ $_______ _________ $________ ________
Loans $_______
Percent of Portfolio % % % % %
%
Foreclosures pending
(1)
Percent of Portfolio % % % % %
%
Foreclosures
Percent of Portfolio % % % % %
%
</TABLE>
____________________
(1) Includes bankruptcies which preclude foreclosure.
There can be no assurance that the delinquency and foreclosure
experience of the Mortgage Loans comprising the Mortgage Pool will correspond
to the delinquency and foreclosure experience of the Master Servicer's
mortgage portfolio set forth in the foregoing tables. The aggregate
delinquency and foreclosure experience on the Mortgage Loans comprising the
Mortgage Pool will depend on the results obtained over the life of the
Mortgage Pool.
CERTIFICATE ACCOUNT
The Master Servicer is required to deposit on a daily basis all amounts
received with respect to the Mortgage Loans of the Mortgage Pool, net of its
servicing compensation, into a separate Certificate Account maintained with
____________. Interest or other income earned on funds in the Certificate
Account will be paid to the Master Servicer as additional servicing
compensation. See "Description of the Trust Funds -- Mortgage Assets" and
"Description of the Agreements -- Certificate Account and Other Collection
Accounts" in the Prospectus.
SERVICING AND OTHER COMPENSATION AND PAYMENT OF EXPENSES
(Include description of Servicing Standard)
----------------------------------
The principal compensation to be paid to the Master Servicer in respect
of its master servicing activities will be the Servicing Fee. The Servicing
Fee will be payable monthly only from amounts received in respect of interest
on each Mortgage Loan, will accrue at the Servicing Fee Rate and will be
computed on the basis of the same principal amount and for the same period
respecting which any related interest payment on such Mortgage Loan is
computed. The Servicing Fee Rate (with respect to each Mortgage Loan equals
___% per annum) (equals the weighted average of the excesses of the Mortgage
Rates over the respective Net Mortgage Rates).
As additional servicing compensation, the Master Servicer is entitled to
retain all assumption fees, prepayment penalties and late payment charges, to
the extent collected from mortgagors, together with any interest or other
income earned on funds held in the Certificate Account and any escrow
accounts. The Servicing Standard requires the Master Servicer to, among
other things, diligently service and administer the Mortgage Loans on behalf
of the Trustee and in the best interests of the Certificateholders, but
without regard to the Master Servicer's right to receive such additional
servicing compensation. The Master Servicer is obligated to pay certain
ongoing expenses associated with the Mortgage Pool and incurred by the Master
Servicer in connection with its responsibilities under the Agreement. See
"Description of the Agreements -- Retained Interest; Servicing Compensation
and Payment of Expenses" in the Prospectus for information regarding other
possible compensation payable to the Master Servicer and for information
regarding expenses payable by the Master Servicer (and "Certain Federal
Income Tax Consequences" herein regarding certain taxes payable by the Master
Servicer).
REPORTS TO CERTIFICATEHOLDERS
On each Distribution Date the Master Servicer shall furnish to each
Certificateholder, to the Depositor, to the Trustee and to the Rating Agency
a statement setting forth certain information with respect to the Mortgage
Loans and the Certificates required pursuant to the Pooling and Servicing
Agreement. In addition, within a reasonable period of time after each
calendar year, the Master Servicer shall furnish to each person who at any
time during such calendar year was the holder of a Certificate a statement
containing certain information with respect to the Certificates required
pursuant to the Pooling and Servicing Agreement, aggregated for such calendar
year or portion thereof during which such person was a Certificateholder.
See "Description of the Certificates -- Reports to Certificateholders" in the
Prospectus.
VOTING RIGHTS
At all times during the term of this Agreement, the Voting Rights shall
be allocated among the Classes of Certificateholders in proportion to the
respective Certificate Balances of their Certificates ((net, in the case of
the Class ( ), Class ( ) and Class ( ) Certificates, of any Uncovered Portion
of the related Certificate Balance)). Voting Rights allocated to a class of
Certificateholders shall be allocated among such Certificateholders in
proportion to the Percentage Interests evidenced by their respective
Certificates.
TERMINATION
The obligations created by the Pooling and Servicing Agreement will
terminate following the earliest of (i) the final payment or other
liquidation of the last Mortgage Loan or REO Property subject thereto, and
(ii) the purchase of all of the assets of the Trust Fund by the Master
Servicer. Written notice of termination of the Pooling and Servicing
Agreement will be given to each Certificateholder, and the final distribution
will be made only upon surrender and cancellation of the Certificates at the
office of the Certificate Registrar specified in such notice of termination.
Any such purchase by the Master Servicer of all the Mortgage Loans and
other assets in the Trust Fund is required to be made at a price equal to the
greater of (1) the aggregate fair market value of all the Mortgage Loans and
REO Properties then included in the Trust Fund, as mutually determined by the
Master Servicer and the Trustee, and (2) the excess of (a) the sum of (i) the
aggregate Purchase Price of all the Mortgage Loans then included in the Trust
Fund and (ii) the fair market value of all REO Properties then included in
the Trust Fund, as determined by an appraiser mutually agreed upon by the
Master Servicer and the Trustee, over (b) the aggregate of amounts payable or
reimbursable to the Master Servicer under the Pooling and Servicing
Agreement. Such purchase will effect early retirement of the then
outstanding Class ( ) Certificates, but the right of the Master Servicer to
effect such termination is subject to the requirement that the aggregate
Stated Principal Balance of the Mortgage Loans then in the Trust Fund is less
than __% of the aggregate principal balance of the Mortgage Loans as of the
Cut-off Date. (In addition, the Master Servicer may at its option purchase
any class or classes of Class ( ) Certificates with a Certificate Balance
less than __% of the original balance thereof at a price equal to such
Certificate Balance plus accrued interest through _________.)
USE OF PROCEEDS
The net proceeds from the sale of Class ( ) Certificates will be used by
the Depositor to pay the purchase price of the Mortgage Loans.
CERTAIN FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES
Upon the issuance of the Class ( ) Certificates, _____________, counsel
to the Depositor, will deliver its opinion generally to the effect that,
assuming compliance with all provisions of the Pooling and Servicing
Agreement, for federal income tax purposes, the Trust Fund will qualify as a
REMIC under the Code.
For federal income tax purposes, the Class ( ) Certificates will be the
sole class of "residual interests" in the REMIC and the Class ( ), Class ( )
and Class ( ) Certificates will be the "regular interests" in the REMIC and
will be treated as debt instruments of the REMIC.
See "Certain Federal Income Tax Consequences -- REMICS" in the
Prospectus.
(The Class ( ) Certificates (may)(will not) be treated as having been
issued with original issue discount for federal income tax reporting
purposes. The prepayment assumption that will be used in determining the
rate of accrual of original issue discount, market discount and premium, if
any, for federal income tax purposes will be based on the assumption that
subsequent to the date of any determination the Mortgage Loans will prepay at
a rate equal to ___% (CPR)(SPA). No representation is made that the Mortgage
Loans will prepay at that rate or at any other rate. See "Certain Federal
Income Tax Consequences -- REMICS -- Taxation of Owners of REMIC Regular
Certificates" and "--Original Issue Discount" in the Prospectus.)
The Class ( ) Certificates may be treated for federal income tax
purposes as having been issued at a premium. Whether any holder of such a
class of Certificates will be treated as holding a certificate with
amortizable bond premium will depend on such Certificateholder's purchase
price and the distributions remaining to be made on such Certificate at the
time of its acquisition by such Certificateholder. Holders of such class of
Certificates should consult their own tax advisors regarding the possibility
of making an election to amortize such premium. See "Certain Federal Income
Tax Consequences -- REMICS -- Taxation of Owners of REMIC Regular
Certificates" and "-- Premium" in the Prospectus.
(The Class ( ) Certificates will be treated as "qualifying real property
loans" within the meaning of Section 593(d) of the Code(, assets described in
Section 7701(a)(19)(C) of the Code) and "real estate assets" within the
meaning of Section 856(c)(5)(A) of the Code generally in the same proportion
that the assets of the REMIC underlying such Certificates would be so
treated.) (In addition, interest (including original issue discount) on the
Class ( ) Certificates will be interests described in Section 856(c)(3)(B) of
the Code to the extent that such Class ( ) Certificates are treated as "real
estate assets" under Section 856(c)(5)(A) of the Code.) (Moreover, the Class
( ) 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.) (The Class ( ) Certificates will not be
considered to represent an interest in "loans . . . secured by an interest
in real property" within the meaning of Section 7701 (a)(19)(C)(v) of the
Code.) See "Certain Federal Income Tax Consequences -- REMICS --
Characterization of Investments in REMIC Certificates" in the Prospectus.
For further information regarding the federal income tax consequences of
investing in the Class ( ) Certificates, see "Certain Federal Income Tax
Consequences -- REMICS" in the Prospectus.
ERISA CONSIDERATIONS
(A fiduciary of any employee benefit plan or 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 is subject to the Employee
Retirement 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 Class [ ] Certificates could give rise to a
transaction that is prohibited or is not otherwise permitted either under
ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code.
(The U.S. Department of Labor issued an individual exemption, Prohibited
Transaction Exemption (90-29) (the "Exemption"), (on May 24, 1990) to the
Underwriter, 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 Sections 4975(a) and (b) of the
Code and Section 501(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) Merrill Lynch,
Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, (b) any person directly or indirectly,
through one or more intermediaries, controlling, controlled by or under
common control with Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated 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 the
Class ( ) Certificates.
The Exemption sets forth six general conditions which must be satisfied
for a transaction involving the purchase, sale and holding of the Class ( )
Certificates to be eligible for exemptive relief thereunder. First, the
acquisition of the Class ( ) Certificates by certain employee benefit plans
subject to Section 4975 of the Code (each, 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 rights and interests
evidenced by the Class ( ) Certificates must not be subordinate to the rights
and interests evidenced by the other certificates of the same trust. Third,
the Class ( ) 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 Credit
Rating Co. 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 Master Servicer, each sub-servicer and
any mortgagor with respect to Mortgage Loans constituting more than 5% of
the aggregate unamortized principal balance of the Mortgage Loans as of the
date of initial issuance of the Class ( ) Certificates. Fifth, the sum of
all payments made to and retained by the Underwriter must represent not more
than reasonable compensation for underwriting the Class ( ) Certificates;
the sum of all payments made to and retained by the Underwriter must
represent not more than reasonable compensation for underwriting the
Class ( ) Certificates; the sum of all payments made to and retained
by the Depositor pursuant to the assignment of the Mortgage Loans to
the 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 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.
Because the Class ( ) Certificates are not subordinate to any other
class of Certificates, the second general condition set forth above is
satisfied with respect to such Certificates. It is a condition of the
issuance of the Class ( ) Certificates that they be rated (not lower than)
"____" by ___________________. A fiduciary of a Plan contemplating
purchasing a Class ( ) Certificate in the secondary market must make its own
determination that at the time of such acquisition, the Class ( )
Certificates continue to satisfy the third general condition set forth above.
The Depositor expects that the fourth general condition set forth above will
be satisfied with respect to the Class ( ) Certificates. A fiduciary of a
Plan contemplating purchasing a Class ( ) Certificate must make its own
determination that the first, third, fifth and sixth general conditions set
forth above will be satisfied with respect to such Class ( ) Certificate.
Before purchasing a Class ( ) Certificate, a fiduciary of a Plan should
itself confirm (a) that such Certificates constitute "certificates" for
purposes of the Exemption and (b) that the specific and general conditions of
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 the availability of any other prohibited
transaction exemptions, in particular, Prohibited Transaction Class Exemption
83-1. See "ERISA Considerations" in the Prospectus.
Any Plan fiduciary considering whether to purchase a Class ( )
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 Class ( ) Certificates (will) (will not) constitute "mortgage
related securities" for purposes of the Secondary Mortgage Market Enhancement
Act of 1984 ("SMMEA") (so long as they are rated in at least the second
highest rating category by the Rating Agency, and, as such, are legal
investments for certain entities to the extent provided in SMMEA). SMMEA
provided that states could override its provisions on legal investment and
restrict or condition investment in mortgage related securities by taking
statutory action on or prior to October 3, 1991. Certain states have enacted
legislation which overrides the preemption provisions of SMMEA.
The Depositor makes no representations as to the proper characterization
of the Class ( ) Certificates for legal investment or other purposes, or as
to the ability of particular investors to purchase the Class ( ) Certificates
under applicable legal investment restrictions. These uncertainties may
adversely affect the liquidity of the Class ( ) Certificates. Accordingly,
all institutions whose investment activities are subject to legal investment
laws and regulations, regulatory capital requirements or review by regulatory
authorities should consult with their own legal advisors in determining
whether and to what extent the Class ( ) Certificates constitute a legal
investment under SMMEA or is subject to investment, capital or other
restrictions.
See "Legal Investment" in the Prospectus.
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the Underwriting
Agreement between the Depositor and the Underwriter, the Class ( )
Certificates will be purchased from the Depositor by the Underwriter, an
affiliate of the Depositor, upon issuance. Distribution of the Class ( )
Certificates will be made by the Underwriter from time to time in negotiated
transactions or otherwise at varying prices to be determined at the time of
sale. Proceeds to the Depositor from the Certificates will be __% of the
initial aggregate principal balance thereof as of the Cut-off Date, plus
accrued interest from the Cut-off Date at a rate of __% per annum, before
deducting expenses payable by the Depositor. In connection with the purchase
and sale of the Class ( ) Certificates, the Underwriter may be deemed to have
received compensation from the Depositor in the form of underwriting
discounts.
The Depositor also has been advised by the Underwriter that it, through
one or more of its affiliates currently expects to make a market in the Class
( ) Certificates offered hereby; however, it has no obligation to do so, any
market making may be discontinued at any time, and there can be no assurance
that an active public market for the Class ( ) Certificates will develop.
The Depositor has agreed to indemnify the Underwriter against, or make
contributions to the Underwriter with respect to, certain liabilities,
including liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933.
LEGAL MATTERS
Certain legal matters will be passed upon for the Depositor by Brown &
Wood LLP, New York, New York and for the Underwriter by Brown & Wood LLP.
RATING
It is a condition to issuance that the Class ( ) Certificates be rated
(not lower than) "______" by ________________. However, no person is
obligated to maintain the rating on the Class ( ) Certificates, and
_______________ is not obligated to monitor its rating following the Closing
Date.
________________'s ratings on mortgage pass-through certificates address
the likelihood of the receipt by holders thereof of payments to which they
are entitled. _____________'s ratings take into consideration the credit
quality of the mortgage pool, structural and legal aspects associated with
the certificates, and the extent to which the payment stream in the mortgage
pool is adequate to make payments required under the certificates.
_________________'s rating on the Class ( ) Certificates does not, however,
constitute a statement regarding frequency of prepayments on the Mortgage
Loans. (The rating of the Class ( ) Certificates does not address the
possibility that the holders of such Certificates may fail to fully recover
their initial investments.) See "Special Considerations" herein.
There can be no assurance as to whether any rating agency not requested
to rate the Class ( ) Certificates will nonetheless issue a rating and, if
so, what such rating would be. A rating assigned to the Class ( )
Certificates by a rating agency that has not been requested by the
Depositor to do so may be lower than the rating assigned by
________________'s pursuant to the Depositor's request.
The rating of the Class ( ) Certificates should be evaluated
independently from similar ratings on other types of securities. A security
rating is not a recommendation to buy, sell or hold securities and may be
subject to revision or withdrawal at any time by the assigning rating agency.
ANNEX A
(TITLE, SERIES OF MBS)
TERM SHEET
CUT-OFF DATE: ( ) MORTGAGE POOL CUT-OFF DATE BALANCE: $( )
DATE OF INITIAL REFERENCE DATE BALANCE: $( )
ISSUANCE: ( )
RELATED TRUSTEE: ( ) PERCENT OF ORIGINAL MORTGAGE POOL ( )%
MATURITY DATE: ( ) REMAINING AS OF REFERENCE DATE:
Initial
Class Certificate
of Pass-Through Principal
Certificates Rate Balance Features
------------ ------------ ----------- --------
( ) ( )% $( ) ( )
(First MBS Distribution Date on which the MBS may receive a portion of
prepayments: (date))
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
MINIMUM SERVICING FEE RATE:* ( )% per annum AS OF DATE OF
MAXIMUM SERVICING FEE RATE:* ( )% per annum INITIAL ISSUANCE
----------------
<S> <C> <C>
SPECIAL HAZARD AMOUNT: $( )
FRAUD LOSS AMOUNT: $( )
BANKRUPTCY AMOUNT: $( )
</TABLE>
As of As of Date of
Delivery Date Initial Issuance
------------- ----------------
SENIOR PERCENTAGE ( )% ( )%
SUBORDINATE PERCENTAGE ( )% ( )%
Ratings: Rating Agency Class Voting Rights:
------------- ----- -------------
( ) ( )
( )
( )
( )
Information contained herein is subject to completion or amendment. A
registration statement relating to these securities has been filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission. These securities may not be sold nor may
offers to buy be accepted prior to the time the registration statement
becomes effective. This prospectus supplement and the prospectus to which it
relates shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer
to buy nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any State in which
such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or
qualification under the securities laws of any such State.
PROSPECTUS
- ----------
SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED ___________ __, 1997
ASSET BACKED CERTIFICATES
ASSET BACKED NOTES
(Issuable in Series)
MERRILL LYNCH MORTGAGE INVESTORS, INC.
Depositor
________
The Asset Backed Certificates (the "Certificates") and Asset Backed
Notes (the "Notes" and, together with the Certificates, the "Securities")
offered hereby and by Supplements to this Prospectus (the "Offered
Securities") will be offered from time to time in one or more series. Each
series of Certificates will represent in the aggregate the entire beneficial
ownership interest in a trust fund (with respect to any series, the "Trust
Fund") consisting of one or more segregated pools of various types of single
family and/or multifamily mortgage loans (or certain balances thereof)
(collectively, the "Mortgage Loans"), unsecured home improvement installment
sales contracts and installment loans ("Unsecured Home Improvement Loans"),
mortgage participations ("Mortgage Participations"), mortgage pass-through
certificates or mortgage-backed securities evidencing interests therein or
secured thereby (the "MBS"), manufactured housing installment sale contracts
or installment loan agreements ("Contracts"), certain direct obligations of
the United States, agencies thereof or agencies created thereby (the
"Government Securities"), certain small business loans described herein or a
combination of Mortgage Loans, Unsecured Home Improvement Loans, Mortgage
Participations, MBS, Contracts, Government Securities and/or such small
business loans (with respect to any series, collectively, "Assets"). The
Mortgage Loans, Mortgage Participations and MBS are collectively referred to
herein as the "Mortgage Assets." If a series of Securities includes Notes,
such Notes will be issued and secured pursuant to an indenture and will
represent indebtedness of the Trust Fund. If so specified in the related
Prospectus Supplement, the Trust Fund for a series of Securities may include
letters of credit, insurance policies, guarantees, reserve funds or other
types of credit support, or any combination thereof (with respect to any
series, collectively, "Credit Support"), and currency or interest rate
exchange agreements and other financial assets, or any combination thereof
(with respect to any series, collectively, "Cash Flow Agreements"). See
"Description of the Trust Funds," "Description of the Securities" and
"Description of Credit Support."
Each series of Securities will consist of one or more classes of
Securities that may (i) provide for the accrual of interest thereon based on
fixed, variable or adjustable rates; (ii) be senior or subordinate to one or
more other classes of Securities in respect of certain distributions on the
Securities; (iii) be entitled to principal distributions, with
disproportionately low, nominal or no interest distributions; (iv) be
entitled to interest distributions, with disproportionately low, nominal or
no principal distributions; (v) provide for distributions of accrued interest
thereon commencing only following the occurrence of certain events, such as
the retirement of one or more other classes of Securities of such series;
(vi) provide for distributions of principal as described in the related
Prospectus Supplement; and/or (vii) provide for distributions based on a
combination of two or more components thereof with one or more of the
characteristics described in this paragraph, to the extent of available
funds, in each case as described in the related Prospectus Supplement. Any
such classes may include classes of Offered Securities. See "Description of
the Securities."
Principal and interest with respect to Securities will be distributable
monthly, quarterly, semi-annually or at such other intervals and on the dates
specified in the related Prospectus Supplement. Distributions on the
Securities of any series will be made only from the assets of the related
Trust Fund.
The Securities of each series will not represent an obligation of or
interest in the Depositor, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
Incorporated, any Master Servicer, any Sub-Servicer or any of their
respective affiliates, except to the limited extent described herein and
in the related Prospectus Supplement. Neither the Securities nor any
assets in the related Trust Fund will be guaranteed or insured by any
governmental agency or instrumentality or by any other person, unless
otherwise provided in the related Prospectus Supplement. The assets in
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.
The yield on each class of Securities of a series will be affected by,
among other things, the rate of payment of principal (including prepayments,
repurchase and defaults) on the Assets in the related Trust Fund and the
timing of receipt of such payments as described under the caption "Yield
Considerations" herein and in the related Prospectus Supplement. A Trust Fund
may be subject to early termination under the circumstances described herein
and in the related Prospectus Supplement.
Prospective investors should review the information appearing under the
caption "Special Considerations" herein and such information as may be set
forth under the caption "Special Considerations" in the related Prospectus
Supplement before purchasing any Offered Security.
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 also "Certain Federal Income Tax Consequences" herein.
________
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 OR THE RELATED PROSPECTUS
SUPPLEMENT. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
________
Prior to issuance there will have been no market for the Securities of
any series and there can be no assurance that a secondary market for any
Offered Securities will develop or that, if it does develop, it will
continue. This Prospectus may not be used to consummate sales of the Offered
Securities of any series unless accompanied by the Prospectus Supplement for
such series.
Offers of the Offered Securities may be made through one or more
different methods, including offerings through underwriters, as more fully
described under "Plan of Distribution" herein and in the related Prospectus
Supplement.
________
MERRILL LYNCH & CO.
The date of this Prospectus is ______, 199_.
Until 90 days after the date of each Prospectus Supplement, all dealers
effecting transactions in the Offered Securities covered by such Prospectus
Supplement, whether or not participating in the distribution thereof, may be
required to deliver such Prospectus Supplement and this Prospectus. This is
in addition to the obligation of dealers to deliver a Prospectus and
Prospectus Supplement when acting as underwriters and with respect to their
unsold allotments or subscriptions.
PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
As more particularly described herein, the Prospectus Supplement
relating to the Offered Securities of each series will, among other things,
set forth with respect to such Securities, as appropriate: (i) a description
of the class or classes of Securities, the payment provisions with respect to
each such class and the Pass-Through Rate or interest rate or method of
determining the Pass-Through Rate or interest rate with respect to each such
class; (ii) the aggregate principal amount and distribution dates relating to
such series and, if applicable, the initial and final scheduled distribution
dates for each class; (iii) information as to the assets comprising the Trust
Fund, including the general characteristics of the assets included therein,
including the Assets and any Credit Support and Cash Flow Agreements (with
respect to the Securities of any series, the "Trust Assets"); (iv) the
circumstances, if any, under which the Trust Fund may be subject to early
termination; (v) additional information with respect to the method of
distribution of such Certificates; (vi) whether one or more REMIC elections
will be made and designation of the regular interests and residual interests;
(vii) the aggregate original percentage ownership interest in the Trust Fund
to be evidenced by each class of Securities; (viii) information as to any
Master Servicer, any Sub-Servicer and the Trustee, as applicable;
(ix) information as to the nature and extent of subordination with respect to
any class of Securities that is subordinate in right of payment to any other
class; and (x) whether such Securities will be initially issued in definitive
or book-entry form.
AVAILABLE INFORMATION
The Depositor has filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the
"Commission") a Registration Statement (of which this Prospectus forms a
part) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, with respect to the
Offered Securities. This Prospectus and the Prospectus Supplement relating
to each series of Securities contain summaries of the material terms of the
documents referred to herein and therein, but do not contain all of the
information set forth in the Registration Statement pursuant to the rules and
regulations of the Commission. For further information, reference is made to
such Registration Statement and the exhibits thereto. Such Registration
Statement and exhibits can be inspected and copied at prescribed rates at the
public reference facilities maintained by the Commission at its Public
Reference Section, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, and at its
Regional Offices located as follows: Chicago Regional Office, Suite 1400,
Citicorp Center, 500 West Madison Street, Chicago, Illinois 60661; and New
York Regional Office, Seven World Trade Center, 13th Floor, New York, New
York 10048. The Commission maintains a Web site at http://www.sec.gov
containing reports, proxy and information statements and other information
regarding registrants, including the Depositor, that file electronically with
the Commission.
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
Offered Securities or an offer of the Offered Securities to any person in any
state or other jurisdiction in which such offer would be unlawful. The
delivery of this Prospectus and any Prospectus Supplement hereto at any time
does not imply that information herein is correct as of any time subsequent
to its date.
A Master Servicer or the Trustee will be required to mail to holders of
Offered Securities of each series periodic unaudited reports concerning the
related Trust Fund. Unless and until definitive Securities are issued, or
unless otherwise provided in the related Prospectus Supplement, such reports
will be sent on behalf of the related Trust Fund to Cede & Co. ("Cede"), as
nominee of The Depository Trust Company ("DTC") and registered holder of the
Offered Securities, pursuant to the applicable Agreement. Such reports may be
available to holders of interests in the Securities (the "Securityholders")
upon request to their respective DTC participants. See "Description of the
Securities-Reports to Securityholders" and "Description of the Agreements-
Evidence as to Compliance." The Depositor will file or cause to be filed with
the Commission such periodic reports with respect to each Trust Fund as are
required under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange
Act"), the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder, as interpreted
by the staff of the Commission thereunder.
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 an offering of Offered Securities evidencing interests
therein. Upon request, 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 Securities, 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 Securities, 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
Merrill Lynch Mortgage Investors, Inc., 250 Vesey Street, World Financial
Center - North Tower, 10th Floor, New York, New York 10281-1310, Attention:
Secretary, or by telephone at (212) 449-0357. The Depositor has determined
that its financial statements are not material to the offering of any Offered
Securities.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE
PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
AVAILABLE INFORMATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN INFORMATION BY REFERENCE . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
SUMMARY OF PROSPECTUS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
DESCRIPTION OF THE TRUST FUNDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
USE OF PROCEEDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
YIELD CONSIDERATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
THE DEPOSITOR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
DESCRIPTION OF THE SECURITIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
DESCRIPTION OF THE AGREEMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
DESCRIPTION OF CREDIT SUPPORT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
CERTAIN LEGAL ASPECTS OF MORTGAGE LOANS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
CERTAIN FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
ERISA CONSIDERATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
LEGAL INVESTMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
LEGAL MATTERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
FINANCIAL INFORMATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112
RATING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
INDEX OF PRINCIPAL DEFINITIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114
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 Securities 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.
Title of Certificates . . . . . . . Asset-Backed Certificates (the
"Certificates") and Asset Backed
Notes (the "Notes" and, together
with the Certificates, the
"Securities"), issuable in series.
Depositor . . . . . . . . . . . . . Merrill Lynch Mortgage Investors,
Inc. (the "Depositor"), a wholly
owned subsidiary of Merrill Lynch
Mortgage Capital, Inc., which is a
wholly-owned indirect subsidiary of
Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. The
Depositor is an affiliate of
Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner &
Smith Incorporated. Neither
Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. nor any
of its affiliates, including the
Depositor and Merrill Lynch,
Pierce, Fenner & Smith
Incorporated, will insure or
guarantee the Certificates or the
Mortgage Loans or be otherwise
obligated in respect thereof.
Master Servicer . . . . . . . . . . The master servicer or master
servicers (each, a "Master
Servicer"), if any, or a servicer
for substantially all the Mortgage
Loans for each series of
Securities, which servicer or
master servicer(s) may be
affiliates of the Depositor, will
be named in the related Prospectus
Supplement. See "Description of the
Agreements-General" and "-
Collection and Other Servicing
Procedures."
Trustee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The trustee (the "Trustee") for
each series of Certificates will be
named in the related Prospectus
Supplement. See "Description of the
Agreements-The Trustee."
The Trust Assets . . . . . . . . . Each series of Certificates will
represent in the aggregate the
entire beneficial ownership
interest in a Trust Fund. If a
series of Securities includes
Notes, such Notes will represent
indebtedness of the Trust Fund and
will be secured by a security
interest in the Assets of the Trust
Fund. A Trust Fund will consist
primarily of any of the following
assets (the Mortgage Assets,
Unsecured Home Improvement Loans,
Contracts, Government Securities
and the small business loans
described herein may be referred to
collectively or individually as
"Assets"):
(a) Mortgage Assets . . . The Mortgage Assets with respect to
a series of Certificates will
consist of a pool of single family
and/or multifamily loans (or
certain balances thereof)
(collectively, the "Mortgage
Loans"), mortgage participations
("Mortgage Participations") or
mortgage pass-through certificates
or other mortgage-backed securities
evidencing interests in or secured
by Mortgage Loans (collectively,
the "MBS") or a combination of
Mortgage Loans, Mortgage
Participations and/or MBS. The
Mortgage Loans will not be
guaranteed or insured by the
Depositor or any of its affiliates
or, unless otherwise provided in
the Prospectus Supplement, by any
governmental agency or
instrumentality or other person.
The Mortgage Loans will be secured
by first and/or junior liens on (i)
one- to four-family residential
properties or security interests in
shares issued by cooperative
housing corporations ("Single
Family Properties") and/or (ii)
residential properties consisting
of five or more dwelling units,
including mixed residential and
commercial structures ("Multifamily
Properties"). The Mortgage Loans
may include (i) closed-end and/or
revolving home equity loans or
certain balances thereof ("Home
Equity Loans") and/or (ii) home
improvement installment sales
contracts and installment loan
agreements ("Home Improvement
Contracts"). The Mortgaged
Properties may be located in any
one of the fifty states, the
District of Columbia or the
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. The
Prospectus Supplement will indicate
additional jurisdictions (which may
be outside the United States), if
any, in which the Mortgaged
Properties may be located. Unless
otherwise provided in the related
Prospectus Supplement, all Mortgage
Loans will have individual
principal balances at origination
of not less than $25,000 and
original terms to maturity of not
more than 40 years. All Mortgage
Loans will have been originated by
persons other than the Depositor,
and all Mortgage Assets 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. The related
Prospectus Supplement will indicate
if any such persons are affiliates
of the Depositor.
Each Mortgage Loan may provide for
accrual of interest thereon at an
interest rate (a "Mortgage Rate")
that is fixed over its term or that
adjusts from time to time, or that
may be converted from an adjustable
to a fixed Mortgage Rate, or from a
fixed to an adjustable Mortgage
Rate, from time to time at the
mortgagor's election, in each case
as described in the related
Prospectus Supplement. Adjustable
Mortgage Rates on the Mortgage
Loans in a Trust Fund may be based
on one or more indices. Each
Mortgage Loan may provide for
scheduled payments to maturity,
payments that adjust from time to
time to accommodate changes in the
Mortgage Rate or to reflect the
occurrence of certain events, and
may provide for negative
amortization or accelerated
amortization, in each case as
described in the related Prospectus
Supplement. Each Mortgage Loan may
be fully amortizing or require a
balloon payment due on its stated
maturity date, in each case as
described in the related Prospectus
Supplement. Each Mortgage Loan may
contain prohibitions on prepayment
or require payment of a premium or
a yield maintenance penalty in
connection with a prepayment, in
each case as described in the
related Prospectus Supplement. The
Mortgage Loans may provide for
payments of principal, interest or
both, on due dates that occur
monthly, quarterly, semi-annually
or at such other interval as is
specified in the related Prospectus
Supplement. See "Description of the
Trust Funds-Assets."
(b) Unsecured Home The Assets with respect to a series
Improvement Loans. . . of Securities may consist of or
include home improvement
installment sales contracts or
installment loans that are
unsecured ("Unsecured Home
Improvement Loans"). The Unsecured
Home Improvement Loans may have any
of the features described under
"(a) Mortgage Assets" above,
except that they will not be
secured by a lien on or other
security interest in any property.
Unless the context otherwise
requires, references in this
Prospectus to Mortgage Loans, Whole
Loans and related terms shall
include Unsecured Home Improvement
Loans and related terms to the
extent relevant (e.g., a
---
reference to a Mortgaged Property
or hazard insurance does not relate
to an Unsecured Home Improvement
Contract).
(c) Contracts . . . . . . The Contracts with respect to a
series of Securities will consist
of manufactured housing installment
sale contracts and installment loan
agreements secured by a security
interest in a new or used
manufactured home (each, a
"Manufactured Home"), and, to the
extent, if any, indicated in the
related Prospectus Supplement, by
real property. The Contracts will
not be insured or guaranteed by the
Depositor or any of its affiliates
or, unless otherwise specified in
the related Prospectus Supplement,
by any governmental agency or
instrumentality or any other
person. The Manufactured Homes may
be located in any of the fifty
states or any other jurisdiction
specified in the related Prospectus
Supplement. All Contracts will
have been originated by persons
other than the Depositor, and all
Contracts 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. The
related Prospectus Supplement will
indicate if any such persons are
affiliates of the Depositor. Each
Contract may provide for an annual
percentage rate thereon (a
"Contract Rate") that is fixed over
its term or that adjusts as
described in the related Prospectus
Supplement. The manner of
determining scheduled payments due
on the Contract will be described
in the Prospectus Supplement. The
Prospectus Supplement will describe
the minimum principal balance of
the Contracts at origination and
the maximum original term to
maturity of the Contracts.
(d) Government Securities . If so provided in the related
Prospectus Supplement, the Trust
Fund may include, in addition to
Mortgage Assets and/or Contracts,
certain direct obligations of the
United States, agencies thereof or
agencies created thereby which
provide for payment of interest
and/or principal (collectively,
"Government Securities").
(e) SBA Loans and SBA If so provided in the related
504 Loans . . . . . . . Prospectus Supplement, the Trust
Fund may include (i) the
unguaranteed portion of loans ("SBA
Loans") originated under the
general business loan program (the
"Section 7(a) Program") of the U.S.
Small Business Association (the
"SBA") created pursuant to Section
7(a) of the Small Business Act of
1953 (the "SBA Act") and/or (ii)
loans ("SBA 504 Loans") originated
under the SBA's 504 program (the
"SBA 504 Loan Program"). The loans
originated by the originators under
the SBA 504 Loan Program are not
guaranteed by the SBA. Unless the
context otherwise requires,
references in this Prospectus to
Mortgage Loans and related terms
shall include SBA Loans and SBA 504
Loans and related terms to the
extent relevant (e.g., a reference
---
to a Mortgaged Property or hazard
insurance does not relate to a SBA
Loan or a SBA 504 Loan).
(f) Collection Accounts . Each Trust Fund will include one or
more accounts established and
maintained on behalf of the
Securityholders into which the
person or persons designated in the
related Prospectus Supplement will,
to the extent described herein and
in such Prospectus Supplement,
deposit all payments and
collections received or advanced
with respect to the Assets and
other assets in the Trust Fund.
Such an account may be maintained
as an interest bearing or a
non-interest bearing account, and
funds held therein may be held as
cash or invested in certain
short-term, investment grade
obligations, in each case as
described in the related Prospectus
Supplement. See "Description of the
Agreements-Collection Account and
Related Accounts."
(g) Credit Support . . . . If so provided in the related
Prospectus Supplement, partial or
full protection against certain
defaults and losses on the Assets
in the related Trust Fund may be
provided to one or more classes of
Securities of the related series in
the form of subordination of one or
more other classes of Securities of
such series, which other classes
may include one or more classes of
Offered Securities, or by one or
more other types of credit support,
such as a letter of credit,
insurance policy, guarantee,
reserve fund or another type of
credit support, or a combination
thereof (any such coverage with
respect to the Securities of any
series, "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 Securities. The
Prospectus Supplement for any
series of Securities evidencing an
interest in a Trust Fund that
includes MBS will describe any
similar forms of credit support
that are provided by or with
respect to, or are included as part
of the trust fund evidenced by or
providing security for, such MBS.
See "Special Considerations-Credit
Support Limitations" and
"Description of Credit Support."
(h) Cash Flow Agreements . If so provided in the related
Prospectus Supplement, the Trust
Fund may include guaranteed
investment contracts pursuant to
which moneys held in the funds and
accounts established for the
related series will be invested at
a specified rate. The Trust Fund
may also include certain other
agreements, such as interest rate
exchange agreements, interest rate
cap or floor agreements, currency
exchange agreements or similar
agreements provided to reduce the
effects of interest rate or
currency exchange rate fluctuations
on the Assets or on one or more
classes of Securities. (Currency
exchange agreements might be
included in the Trust Fund if some
or all of the Mortgage Assets (such
as Mortgage Loans secured by
Mortgaged Properties located
outside the United States) were
denominated in a non-United States
currency.) The principal terms of
any such guaranteed investment
contract or other agreement (any
such agreement, a "Cash Flow
Agreement"), including, without
limitation, provisions relating to
the timing, manner and amount of
payments thereunder and provisions
relating to the termination
thereof, will be described in the
Prospectus Supplement for the
related series. In addition, the
related Prospectus Supplement will
provide certain information with
respect to the obligor under any
such Cash Flow Agreement. The
Prospectus Supplement for any
series of Securities evidencing an
interest in a Trust Fund that
includes MBS will describe any cash
flow agreements that are included
as part of the trust fund evidenced
by or providing security for such
MBS. See "Description of the Trust
Funds-Cash Flow Agreements."
(i) Pre-Funding Account . To the extent provided in a
Prospectus Supplement, the
Depositor will be obligated
(subject only to the availability
thereof) to sell at a predetermined
price, and the Trust Fund for the
related series of Securities will
be obligated to purchase (subject
to the satisfaction of certain
conditions described in the
applicable Agreement), additional
Assets (the "Subsequent Assets")
from time to time (as frequently as
daily) within the number of months
specified in the Prospectus
Supplement after the issuance of
such series of Securities having an
aggregate principal balance
approximately equal to the amount
on deposit in the Pre-Funding
Account (the "Pre-Funded Amount")
for such series on date of such
issuance.
Description of Securities . . . . . Each series of Certificates will
evidence an interest in the related
Trust Fund and will be issued
pursuant to a pooling and servicing
agreement or a trust agreement.
Pooling and servicing agreements
and trust agreements are referred
to herein as the "Agreements." If
a series of Securities includes
Notes, such Notes will represent
indebtedness of the related Trust
Fund and will be secured by a
security interest in the Assets of
the Trust Fund (or a specified
group thereof) pursuant to an
indenture.
Each series of Securities will
include one or more classes. Each
class of Securities (other than
certain Stripped Interest
Securities, as defined below) will
have a stated principal amount (a
"Security Balance") and except for
certain Stripped Principal
Securities, as defined below, will
accrue interest thereon based on a
fixed, variable or adjustable
interest rate (in the case of
Certificates, a "Pass-Through
Rate"). The related Prospectus
Supplement will specify the
Security Balance, if any, and the
Pass-Through Rate or interest rate
for each class of Securities or, in
the case of a variable or
adjustable Pass-Through Rate or
interest rate, the method for
determining the Pass-Through Rate
or interest rate.
Distributions on Securities . . . . Each series of Securities will
consist of one or more classes of
Securities that may (i) provide for
the accrual of interest thereon
based on fixed, variable or
adjustable rates; (ii) be senior
(collectively, "Senior Securities")
or subordinate (collectively,
"Subordinate Securities") to one or
more other classes of Securities in
respect of certain distributions on
the Securities; (iii) be entitled
to principal distributions, with
disproportionately low, nominal or
no interest distributions
(collectively, "Stripped Principal
Securities"); (iv) be entitled to
interest distributions, with
disproportionately low, nominal or
no principal distributions
(collectively, "Stripped Interest
Securities"); (v) provide for
distributions of accrued interest
thereon commencing only following
the occurrence of certain events,
such as the retirement of one or
more other classes of Securities of
such series (collectively, "Accrual
Securities"); (vi) provide for
distributions of principal as
described in the related Prospectus
Supplement; and/or (vii) provide
for distributions based on a
combination of two or more
components thereof with one or more
of the characteristics described in
this paragraph, including a
Stripped Principal Security
component and a Stripped Interest
Security component, to the extent
of available funds, in each case as
described in the related Prospectus
Supplement. If so specified in the
related Prospectus Supplement,
distributions on one or more
classes of a series of Securities
may be limited to collections from
a designated portion of the
Mortgage Loans in the related
Mortgage Pool or Contracts in the
related Contract Pool (each such
portion of Mortgage Loans, a
"Mortgage Loan Group" and each such
portion of the Contracts, a
"Contract Group"). See
"Description of the Securities--
General." Any such classes may
include classes of Offered
Securities. With respect to
Securities with two or more
components, references herein to
Security Balance, notional amount
and Pass-Through Rate or interest
rate refer to the principal
balance, if any, notional amount,
if any, and the Pass-Through Rate
or interest rate, if any, for any
such component.
The Securities will not be
guaranteed or insured by the
Depositor or any of its affiliates,
by any governmental agency or
instrumentality or by any other
person, unless otherwise provided
in the related Prospectus
Supplement. See "Special
Considerations-Limited Assets" and
"Description of the Securities."
(a) Interest . . . . . . . . . Interest on each class of Offered
Securities (other than Stripped
Principal Securities and certain
classes of Stripped Interest
Securities) of each series will
accrue at the applicable
Pass-Through Rate or interest rate
on the outstanding Security Balance
thereof and will be distributed to
Securityholders as provided in the
related Prospectus Supplement. The
specified date on which
distributions are to be made is a
"Distribution Date." Distributions
with respect to interest on
Stripped Interest Securities may be
made on each Distribution Date on
the basis of a notional amount as
described in the related Prospectus
Supplement. Distributions of
interest with respect to one or
more classes of Securities may be
reduced to the extent of certain
delinquencies, losses, prepayment
interest shortfalls, and other
contingencies described herein and
in the related Prospectus
Supplement. See "Special
Considerations-Average Life of
Securities; Prepayments; Yields,"
"Yield Considerations" and
"Description of the Securities-
Distributions of Interest on the
Securities."
(b) Principal . . . . . . . . The Securities of each series
initially will have an aggregate
Security Balance no greater than
the outstanding principal balance
of the 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
Security Balance of a Security
outstanding from time to time
represents the maximum amount that
the holder thereof is then entitled
to receive in respect of principal
from future cash flow on the assets
in the related Trust Fund. Unless
otherwise provided in the related
Prospectus Supplement,
distributions of principal will be
made on each Distribution Date to
the class or classes of Securities
entitled thereto until the Security
Balances of such Securities have
been reduced to zero. Unless
otherwise specified in the related
Prospectus Supplement,
distributions of principal of any
class of Securities will be made on
a pro rata basis among all of the
Securities of such class or by
random selection, as described in
the related Prospectus Supplement
or otherwise established by the
related Trustee. Stripped Interest
Securities with no Security Balance
will not receive distributions in
respect of principal. See
"Description of the Securities-
Distributions of Principal of the
Securities."
Advances . . . . . . . . . . . . . Unless otherwise provided in the
related Prospectus Supplement, the
Master Servicer will be obligated
as part of its servicing
responsibilities to make certain
advances that in its good faith
judgment it deems recoverable with
respect to delinquent scheduled
payments on the Whole Loans or
Contracts in such Trust Fund.
Neither the Depositor nor any of
its affiliates will have any
responsibility to make such
advances. Advances made by a
Master Servicer are reimbursable
generally from subsequent
recoveries in respect of such Whole
Loans or Contracts and otherwise to
the extent described herein and in
the related Prospectus Supplement.
If and to the extent provided in
the Prospectus Supplement for any
series, the Master Servicer will be
entitled to receive interest on its
outstanding advances, payable from
amounts in the related Trust Fund.
The Prospectus Supplement for any
series of Securities evidencing an
interest in a Trust Fund that
includes MBS will describe any
corresponding advancing obligation
of any person in connection with
such MBS. See "Description of the
Securities-Advances in Respect of
Delinquencies."
Termination . . . . . . . . . . . . If so specified in the related
Prospectus Supplement, a series of
Securities 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 therein. If so provided in
the related Prospectus Supplement,
upon the reduction of the Security
Balance of a specified class or
classes of Securities to a
specified percentage or amount or
on and after a date specified in
such Prospectus Supplement, the
party specified therein will
solicit bids for the purchase of
all of the Assets of the Trust
Fund, or of a sufficient portion of
such Assets to retire such class or
classes, or purchase such Assets at
a price set forth in the related
Prospectus Supplement. In
addition, if so provided in the
related Prospectus Supplement,
certain classes of Securities may
be purchased subject to similar
conditions. See "Description of the
Securities-Termination."
Registration of Securities . . . . If so provided in the related
Prospectus Supplement, one or more
classes of the Offered Securities
will initially be represented by
one or more certificates or notes,
as applicable, registered in the
name of Cede & Co., as the nominee
of DTC. No person acquiring an
interest in Offered Securities so
registered will be entitled to
receive a definitive certificate or
note, as applicable, representing
such person's interest except in
the event that definitive
certificates or notes, as
applicable, are issued under the
limited circumstances described
herein. See "Special
Considerations-Book-Entry
Registration" and "Description of
the Securities-Book-Entry
Registration and Definitive
Securities."
Tax Status of the Certificates . . The Certificates of each series
will constitute, as specified in
the related Prospectus Supplement,
either (i) "regular interests"
("REMIC Regular Certificates") and
"residual interests" ("REMIC
Residual Certificates") in a Trust
Fund treated as a real estate
mortgage investment conduit
("REMIC") under Sections 860A
through 860G of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986, as amended
(the "Code"), (ii) interests
("Grantor Trust Certificates") in a
Trust Fund treated as a grantor
trust under applicable provisions
of the Code or (iii) an interest in
a Trust Fund treated as a
partnership for purposes of federal
and state income tax.
(a) REMIC . . . . . . . . . . REMIC Regular Certificates
generally will be treated as debt
obligations of the applicable REMIC
for federal income tax purposes.
Certain REMIC Regular Certificates
may be issued with original issue
discount for federal income tax
purposes. See "Certain Federal
Income Tax Consequences" herein and
in the related Prospectus
Supplement.
The Offered Certificates evidencing
an interest in a Trust Fund
containing Mortgage Loans (not
including Unsecured Home
Improvement Loans, SBA Loans and
SBA 504 Loans) will be treated as
(i) "qualifying real property
loans" within the meaning of
section 593(d)(1) of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986, as amended
(the "Code"), (ii) assets described
in section 7701(a)(19)(C) of the
Code and (iii) "real estate assets"
within the meaning of section
856(c)(5)(A) of the Code, in each
case to the extent described herein
and in the Prospectus. See
"Certain Federal Income Tax
Consequences" herein and in the
related Prospectus Supplement.
(b) Grantor Trust . . . . . . If the related Prospectus
Supplement specifies that the
related Trust Fund will be a
grantor trust, the Trust Fund will
be classified as a grantor trust
and not as an association taxable
as a corporation for federal income
tax purposes, and therefore holders
of Certificates will be treated as
the owners of undivided pro rata
interests in the Assets held by the
Trust Fund.
(c) Partnership . . . . . . . If so specified in a Prospectus
Supplement, the related Trust Fund
will be treated as a partnership
for purposes of federal and state
income tax, and each
Certificateholder, by the
acceptance of a Certificate of such
Trust Fund, will agree to treat the
Trust Fund as a partnership in
which such Certificateholder is a
partner for federal income and
state tax purposes. Alternative
characterizations of such Trust
Fund and such Certificates are
possible, but would not result in
materially adverse tax consequences
to Certificateholders.
Investors are advised to consult
their tax advisors and to review
"Certain Federal Income Tax
Consequences" herein and in the
related Prospectus Supplement.
Tax Status of Notes . . . . . . . . Unless otherwise specified in the
related Prospectus Supplement,
Notes of a series will be treated
as indebtedness for federal and
state income tax purposes and the
Noteholder, in accepting the Note,
will agree to treat such Note as
indebtedness. See "Certain Federal
Income Tax Consequences" herein and
in such Prospectus Supplement.
Investors are advised to consult
their tax advisors and to review
"Certain Federal Income Tax
Consequences" herein and in the
related Prospectus Supplement.
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 Offered
Securities could give rise to a
transaction that is prohibited or
is not otherwise permissible either
under ERISA or Section 4975 of the
Code. See "ERISA Considerations"
herein and in the related
Prospectus Supplement. Certain
classes of Securities may not be
transferred unless the Trustee and
the Depositor are furnished with a
letter of representations or an
opinion of counsel to the effect
that such transfer will not result
in a violation of the prohibited
transaction provisions of ERISA and
the Code and will not subject the
Trustee, the Depositor or the
Master Servicer to additional
obligations. See "Description of
the Securities-General" and "ERISA
Considerations".
Legal Investment . . . . . . . . . Each Prospectus Supplement will
specify which class or classes of
Offered Securities, if any, will
constitute "mortgage-related
securities" for purposes of the
Secondary Mortgage Market
Enhancement Act of 1984 ("SMMEA").
Institutions whose investment
activities are subject to legal
investment laws and regulations or
review by certain regulatory
authorities may be subject to
restrictions on investment in
certain classes of the Offered
Securities. See "Legal Investment"
herein and in the related
Prospectus Supplement.
Rating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . At the date of issuance, as to each
series, each class of Offered
Securities will be rated not lower
than investment grade by one or
more nationally recognized
statistical rating agencies (each,
a "Rating Agency"). See "Rating"
herein and in the related
Prospectus Supplement.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS
Investors should consider, in connection with the purchase of Offered
Securities, among other things, the following factors.
LIMITED LIQUIDITY
At the time of issuance of a series of Securities, there will be no
secondary market for any of the Securities. Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner &
Smith Incorporated currently expects to make a secondary market in the
Offered Securities, but has no obligation to do so. There can be no
assurance that a secondary market for the Securities of any series will
develop or, if it does develop, that it will provide holders with liquidity
of investment or will continue while Securities of such series remain
outstanding.
LIMITED ASSETS
The Securities will not represent an interest in or obligation of the
Depositor, the Master Servicer or any of their affiliates. The only
obligations with respect to the Securities or the Assets will be the
obligations (if any) of the Warranting Party (as defined herein) pursuant to
certain limited representations and warranties made with respect to the
Mortgage Loans or Contracts, the Master Servicer's and any Sub-Servicer's
servicing obligations under the related Agreement (including the limited
obligation to make certain advances in the event of delinquencies on the
Mortgage Loans or Contracts, but only to the extent deemed recoverable) and,
if and to the extent expressly described in the related Prospectus
Supplement, certain limited obligations of the Master Servicer in connection
with an agreement to purchase or act as remarketing agent with respect to a
convertible ARM Loan (as defined herein) upon conversion to a fixed rate or a
different index. Since certain representations and warranties with respect
to the Mortgage Assets or Contracts may have been made and/or assigned in
connection with transfers of such Mortgage Assets or Contracts prior to the
Closing Date, the rights of the Trustee and the Securityholders with respect
to such representations or warranties will be limited to their rights as an
assignee thereof. Unless otherwise specified in the related Prospectus
Supplement, none of the Depositor, the Master Servicer or any affiliate
thereof will have any obligation with respect to representations or
warranties made by any other entity. Unless otherwise specified in the
related Prospectus Supplement, neither the Securities nor the underlying
Assets will be guaranteed or insured by any governmental agency or
instrumentality, or by the Depositor, the Master Servicer, any Sub-Servicer
or any of their affiliates. Proceeds of the assets included in the related
Trust Fund for each series of Securities (including the Assets and any form
of credit enhancement) will be the sole source of payments on the Securities,
and there will be no recourse to the Depositor or any other entity in the
event that such proceeds are insufficient or otherwise unavailable to make
all payments provided for under the Securities.
Unless otherwise specified in the related Prospectus Supplement, a
series of Securities will not have any claim against or security interest in
the Trust Funds for any other series. If the related Trust Fund is
insufficient to make payments on such Securities, no other assets will be
available for payment of the deficiency. Additionally, certain amounts
remaining in certain funds or accounts, including the Collection Account and
any accounts maintained as Credit Support, may be withdrawn under certain
conditions, as described in the related Prospectus Supplement. In the event
of such withdrawal, such amounts will not be available for future payment of
principal of or interest on the Securities. If so provided in the Prospectus
Supplement for a series of Securities consisting of one or more classes of
Subordinate Securities, on any Distribution Date in respect of which losses
or shortfalls in collections on the Assets have been incurred, the amount of
such losses or shortfalls will be borne first by one or more classes of the
Subordinate Securities, and, thereafter, by the remaining classes of
Securities in the priority and manner and subject to the limitations
specified in such Prospectus Supplement.
AVERAGE LIFE OF SECURITIES; PREPAYMENTS; YIELDS
Prepayments (including those caused by defaults) on the Assets in any
Trust Fund generally will result in a faster rate of principal payments on
one or more classes of the related Securities than if payments on such Assets
were made as scheduled. Thus, the prepayment experience on the Assets may
affect the average life of each class of related Securities. The rate of
principal payments on pools of mortgage loans or manufactured housing
contracts varies between pools and from time to time is influenced by a
variety of economic, demographic, geographic, social, tax, legal and
other factors. There can be no assurance as to the rate of
prepayment on the Assets in any Trust Fund or that the rate of payments
will conform to any model described herein or in any Prospectus
Supplement. If prevailing interest rates fall significantly below the
applicable mortgage interest rates, principal prepayments are likely to
be higher than if prevailing rates remain at or above the rates borne
by the Mortgage Loans underlying or comprising the Mortgage Assets in any
Trust Fund. As a result, the actual maturity of any class of Securities
evidencing an interest in a Trust Fund containing Mortgage Assets could
occur significantly earlier than expected. The relationship of prevailing
interest rates and prepayment rates on Contracts will be discussed in the
related Prospectus Supplement. In addition, certain prepayments may
result in the collection of less interest than would otherwise be the case
in the month of prepayment.
A series of Securities may include one or more classes of Securities
with priorities of payment and, as a result, yields on other classes of
Securities, including classes of Offered Securities, of such series may be
more sensitive to prepayments on Assets. A series of Securities may include
one or more classes offered at a significant premium or discount. Yields on
such classes of Securities will be sensitive, and in some cases extremely
sensitive, to prepayments on Mortgage Assets and, where the amount of
interest payable with respect to a class is disproportionately high, as
compared to the amount of principal, as with certain classes of Stripped
Interest Securities, a holder might, in some prepayment scenarios, fail to
recoup its original investment. A series of Securities may include one or
more classes of Securities, including classes of Offered Securities, that
provide for distribution of principal thereof from amounts attributable to
interest accrued but not currently distributable on one or more classes of
Accrual Securities and, as a result, yields on such Securities will be
sensitive to (a) the provisions of such Accrual Securities relating to the
timing of distributions of interest thereon and (b) if such Accrual
Securities accrue interest at a variable or adjustable Pass-Through Rate or
interest rate, changes in such rate. See "Yield Considerations" herein and,
if applicable, in the related Prospectus Supplement.
LIMITED NATURE OF RATINGS
Any rating assigned by a Rating Agency to a class of Securities will
reflect such Rating Agency's assessment solely of the likelihood that holders
of Securities of such class will receive payments to which such
Securityholders are entitled under the related Agreement. Such rating will
not constitute an assessment of the likelihood that principal prepayments
(including those caused by defaults) on the related Mortgage Assets will be
made, the degree to which the rate of such prepayments might differ from that
originally anticipated or the likelihood of early optional termination of the
series of Securities. Such rating will not address the possibility that
prepayment at higher or lower rates than anticipated by an investor may cause
such investor to experience a lower than anticipated yield or that an
investor purchasing a Security at a significant premium might fail to recoup
its initial investment under certain prepayment scenarios. Each Prospectus
Supplement will identify any payment to which holders of Offered Securities
of the related series are entitled that is not covered by the applicable
rating.
MORTGAGE LOANS AND MORTGAGED PROPERTIES IN GENERAL
An investment in securities such as the Securities which generally
represent interests in Mortgage Loans may be affected by, among other things,
a decline in real estate values and changes in the mortgagors' financial
condition. No assurance can be given that values of the Mortgaged Properties
have remained or will remain at their levels on the 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
balances of the Mortgage Loans, and any secondary financing on the Mortgaged
Properties, become equal to or greater than the value of the Mortgaged
Properties, the actual rates of delinquencies, foreclosures and losses could
be higher than those now generally experienced in the mortgage lending
industry. In addition, in the case of Mortgage Loans that are subject to
negative amortization, due to the addition to principal balance of deferred
interest, the principal balances of such Mortgage Loans could be increased to
an amount equal to or in excess of the value of the underlying Mortgaged
Properties, thereby increasing the likelihood of default. To the extent that
such losses are not covered by the applicable Credit Support, if any, holders
of Securities of the series evidencing interests in the related Mortgage
Loans will bear all risk of loss resulting from default by mortgagors and
will have to look primarily to the value of the Mortgaged Properties for
recovery of the outstanding principal and unpaid interest on the defaulted
Mortgage Loans. Certain of the types of Mortgage Loans may involve
additional uncertainties not present in traditional types of loans. For
example, certain of the Mortgage Loans provide for escalating or variable
payments by the mortgagor under the Mortgage Loan, as to which the
mortgagor is generally qualified on the basis of the initial payment
amount. In some instances the Mortgagor's income may not be sufficient
to enable them to continue to make their loan payments as such payments
increase and thus the likelihood of default will increase. In
addition to the foregoing, certain geographic regions of the United States
from time to time will experience weaker regional economic conditions and
housing markets, and, consequently, will experience higher rates of loss
and delinquency than will be experienced on mortgage loans generally. The
Mortgage Loans underlying certain series of Certificates may be
concentrated in these regions, and such concentration may present risk
considerations in addition to those generally present for similar
mortgage-backed securities without such concentration. Furthermore, the
rate of default on Mortgage Loans that are refinance or limited
documentation mortgage loans, and on Mortgage Loans with high Loan-
to-Value Ratios, may be higher than for other types of Mortgage
Loans. Additionally, a decline in the value of the Mortgaged
Properties will increase the risk of loss particularly with respect to
any related junior Mortgage Loans. See "-Junior Mortgage Loans."
Mortgage Loans secured by Multifamily Properties may entail risks of
delinquency and foreclosure, and risks of loss in the event thereof, that are
greater than similar risks associated with loans secured by Single Family
Properties. The ability of a borrower to repay a loan secured by an income-
producing property typically is dependent primarily upon the successful
operation of such property rather than upon the existence of independent
income or assets of the borrower; thus, the value of an income-producing
property typically is directly related to the net operating income derived
from such property. If the net operating income of the property is reduced
(for example, if rental or occupancy rates decline or real estate tax rates
or other operating expenses increase), the borrower's ability to repay the
loan may be impaired. In addition, the concentration of default, foreclosure
and loss risk for a pool of Mortgage Loans secured by Multifamily Properties
may be greater than for a pool of Mortgage Loans secured by Single Family
Properties of comparable aggregate unpaid principal balance because the pool
of Mortgage Loans secured by Multifamily Properties is likely to consist of a
smaller number of higher balance loans.
If applicable, certain legal aspects of the Mortgage Loans for a series
of Certificates may be described in the related Prospectus Supplement. See
also "Certain Legal Aspects of Mortgage Loans" herein.
BALLOON PAYMENTS
Certain of the Mortgage Loans (the "Balloon Mortgage Loans") as of the
Cut-off Date may not be fully amortizing over their terms to maturity and,
thus, will require substantial principal payments (i.e., balloon payments) at
their stated maturity. Mortgage Loans with balloon payments involve a greater
degree of risk because the ability of a mortgagor to make a balloon payment
typically will depend upon its ability either to timely refinance the loan or
to timely sell the related Mortgaged Property. The ability of a mortgagor to
accomplish either of these goals will be affected by a number of factors,
including the level of available mortgage interest rates at the time of sale
or refinancing, the mortgagor's equity in the related Mortgaged Property, the
financial condition of the mortgagor, the value of the Mortgaged Property,
tax laws, prevailing general economic conditions and the availability of
credit for single family or multifamily real properties generally.
JUNIOR MORTGAGE LOANS
Certain of the Mortgage Loans may be secured by junior liens and the
related first and other senior liens, if any (collectively, the "senior
lien"), 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 lien to satisfy fully both the senior lien and the Mortgage
Loan. In the event that a holder of the 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 lien. The claims of the
holder of the senior lien 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
lien. 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 lien or purchase the Mortgaged Property
subject to the senior lien. In the event that such proceeds from a
foreclosure or similar sale of the related Mortgaged Property were
insufficient to satisfy both loans in the aggregate, the Trust Fund, as
the holder of the junior lien, and, accordingly, holders of the
Certificates, would bear the risk of delay in distributions while a
deficiency judgment against the borrower was being obtained and the risk
of loss if the deficiency judgment were 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 mortgage.
CONTRACTS AND MANUFACTURED HOMES IN GENERAL
An investment in Certificates evidencing an interest in a Trust Fund
containing Contracts may be affected by, among other things, a downturn in
national, regional or local economic conditions. The geographic location of
the Manufactured Homes in any Contract Pool at origination of the related
Contract will be set forth in the related Prospectus Supplement under "The
Contract Pool". Regional and local economic conditions are often volatile
and, historically, regional and local economic conditions, as well as
national economic conditions, have affected the delinquency, loan loss and
repossession experience of manufactured housing installment sales contracts
and/or installment loan contracts (hereinafter generally referred to as
"contracts" or "manufactured housing contracts"). Moreover, regardless of
its location, manufactured housing generally depreciates in value. Thus,
such Securityholders should expect that, as a general matter, the market
value of any Manufactured Home will be lower than the outstanding principal
balance of the related Contract. Sufficiently high delinquencies and
liquidation losses on the Contracts in an Contract Pool will have the effect
of reducing, and could eliminate, the protection against loss afforded by any
credit enhancement supporting any class of the related Securities. If such
protection is eliminated with respect to a class of Securities, the holders
of such Securities will bear all risk of loss on the related Contracts and
will have to rely on the value of the related Manufactured Homes for recovery
of the outstanding principal of and unpaid interest on any defaulted
Contracts in the related Contract Pool. See "Description of Credit Support."
SECURITY INTERESTS AND CERTAIN OTHER LEGAL ASPECTS OF THE CONTRACTS
The Asset Seller in respect of a Contract will represent that such
Contract is secured by a security interest in a Manufactured Home.
Perfection of security interests in the Manufactured Homes and enforcement of
rights to realize upon the value of the Manufactured Homes as collateral for
the Contracts are subject to a number of Federal and state laws, including
the Uniform Commercial Code as adopted in each state and each state's
certificate of title statutes. The steps necessary to perfect the security
interest in a Manufactured Home will vary from state to state. Because of
the expense and administrative inconvenience involved, the Master Servicer
will not amend any certificates of title to change the lienholder specified
therein from the Asset Seller to the Trustee and will not deliver any
certificate of title to the Trustee or note thereon the Trustee's interest.
Consequently, in some states, in the absence of such an amendment, the
assignment to the Trustee of the security interest in the Manufactured Home
may not be effective or such security interest may not be perfected and, in
the absence of such notation or delivery to the Trustee, the assignment of
the security interest in the Manufactured Home may not be effective against
creditors of the Asset Seller or a trustee in bankruptcy of the Asset Seller.
In addition, numerous Federal and state consumer protection laws impose
requirements on lending under installment sales contracts and installment
loan agreements such as the Contracts, and the failure by the lender or
seller of goods to comply with such requirements could give rise to
liabilities of assignees for amounts due under such agreements and claims by
such assignees may be subject to set-off as result of such lender's or
seller's noncompliance. These laws would apply to the Trustee as assignee of
the Contracts. The Asset Seller of the Contracts to the Depositor will
warrant that each Contracts complies with all requirements of law and will
make certain warranties relating to the validity, subsistence, perfection and
priority of the security interest in each Manufactured Home securing a
Contract. A breach of any such warranty that materially adversely affects
any Contract would create an obligation of the Asset Seller to repurchase
such Contract unless such breach is cured. If the Credit Support is
exhausted and recovery of amounts due on the Contracts is dependent on
repossession and resale of Manufactured Homes securing Contracts that are
in default, certain other factors may limit the ability of the
Certificateholders to realize upon the Manufactured Home or may limit
the amount realized to less than the amount due. See "Certain Legal
Aspects of the Contracts."
UNSECURED HOME IMPROVEMENT LOANS
The obligations of the borrower under any Unsecured Home Improvement
Loan included in a Trust Fund will not be secured by an interest in the
related real estate or any other property, and the Trust Fund will be a
general unsecured creditor as to such obligations. In the event of a default
under an Unsecured Home Improvement Loan, the related Trust Fund will have
recourse only against the borrower's assets generally, along with all other
general unsecured creditors of the borrower. In a bankruptcy or insolvency
proceeding relating to a borrower on an Unsecured Home Improvement Loan, the
obligations of the borrower under such Unsecured Home Improvement Loan may be
discharged in their entirety, notwithstanding the fact that the portion of
such borrower's assets made available to the related Trust Fund as a general
unsecured creditor to pay amounts due and owing thereunder are insufficient
to pay all such amounts. A borrower on an Unsecured Home Improvement Loan
may not demonstrate the same degree of concern over performance of the
borrower's obligations under such Home Improvement Loan as if such
obligations were secured by the real estate or other assets owned by such
borrower.
CREDIT SUPPORT LIMITATIONS
The Prospectus Supplement for a series of Certificates will describe any
Credit Support in the related Trust Fund, which may include letters of
credit, insurance policies, guarantees, reserve funds or other types of
credit support, or combinations thereof. Use of Credit Support will be
subject to the conditions and limitations described herein and in the related
Prospectus Supplement. Moreover, such Credit Support may not cover all
potential losses or risks; for example, Credit Support may or may not cover
fraud or negligence by a mortgage loan or contract originator or other
parties.
A series of Securities may include one or more classes of Subordinate
Securities (which may include Offered Securities), if so provided in the
related Prospectus Supplement. Although subordination is intended to reduce
the risk to holders of Senior Securities of delinquent distributions or
ultimate losses, the amount of subordination will be limited and may decline
under certain circumstances. In addition, if principal payments on one or
more classes of Securities of a series are made in a specified order of
priority, any limits with respect to the aggregate amount of claims under any
related Credit Support may be exhausted before the principal of the lower
priority classes of Securities of such series has been repaid. As a result,
the impact of significant losses and shortfalls on the Assets may fall
primarily upon those classes of Securities having a lower priority of
payment. Moreover, if a form of Credit Support covers more than one series of
Securities (each, a "Covered Trust"), holders of Securities evidencing an
interest in a Covered Trust will be subject to the risk that such Credit
Support will be exhausted by the claims of other Covered Trusts.
The amount of any applicable Credit Support supporting one or more
classes of Offered Securities, including the subordination of one or more
classes of Securities, will be determined on the basis of criteria
established by each Rating Agency rating such classes of Securities based on
an assumed level of defaults, delinquencies, other losses or other factors.
There can, however, be no assurance that the loss experience on the related
Assets will not exceed such assumed levels. See "-Limited Nature of Ratings,"
"Description of the Securities" and "Description of Credit Support."
Regardless of the form of credit enhancement provided, the amount of
coverage will be limited in amount and in most cases will be subject to
periodic reduction in accordance with a schedule or formula. The Master
Servicer will generally be permitted to reduce, terminate or substitute all
or a portion of the credit enhancement for any series of Securities, if the
applicable Rating Agency indicates that the then-current rating thereof will
not be adversely affected. The rating of any series of Securities by any
applicable Rating Agency may be lowered following the initial issuance
thereof as a result of the downgrading of the obligations of any applicable
Credit Support provider, or as a result of losses on the related Assets
substantially in excess of the levels contemplated by such Rating Agency at
the time of its initial rating analysis. None of the Depositor, the Master
Servicer or any of their affiliates will have any obligation to replace or
supplement any Credit Support or to take any other action to maintain any
rating of any series of Securities.
SUBORDINATION OF THE SUBORDINATE CERTIFICATES; EFFECT OF LOSSES ON THE ASSETS
The rights of Subordinate Securityholders to receive distributions to
which they would otherwise be entitled with respect to the Assets will be
subordinate to the rights of the Master Servicer (to the extent that the
Master Servicer is paid its servicing fee, including any unpaid servicing
fees with respect to one or more prior Due Periods, and is reimbursed for
certain unreimbursed advances and unreimbursed liquidation expenses) and the
Senior Securityholders to the extent described in the related Prospectus
Supplement. As a result of the foregoing, investors must be prepared to bear
the risk that they may be subject to delays in payment and may not recover
their initial investments in the Subordinate Securities. See "Description of
the Securities-- General" and "--Allocation of Losses and Shortfalls."
The yields on the Subordinate Securities may be extremely sensitive to
the loss experience of the Assets and the timing of any such losses. If the
actual rate and amount of losses experienced by the Assets exceed the rate
and amount of such losses assumed by an investor, the yields to maturity on
the Subordinate Securities may be lower than anticipated.
CERTAIN FEDERAL TAX CONSIDERATIONS REGARDING REMIC RESIDUAL CERTIFICATES
Holders of REMIC Residual Certificates will be required to report on
their federal income tax returns as ordinary income their pro rata share of
the taxable income of the REMIC, regardless of the amount or timing of their
receipt of cash payments, as described in "Certain Federal Income Tax
Consequences-REMICs." Accordingly, under certain circumstances, holders of
Offered Securities that constitute REMIC Residual Certificates may have
taxable income and tax liabilities arising from such investment during a
taxable year in excess of the cash received during such period. Individual
holders of REMIC Residual Certificates may be limited in their ability to
deduct servicing fees and other expenses of the REMIC. In addition, REMIC
Residual Certificates are subject to certain restrictions on transfer.
Because of the special tax treatment of REMIC Residual Certificates, the
taxable income arising in a given year on a REMIC Residual Certificate will
not be equal to the taxable income associated with investment in a corporate
bond or stripped instrument having similar cash flow characteristics and
pre-tax yield. Therefore, the after-tax yield on the REMIC Residual
Certificate may be significantly less than that of a corporate bond or
stripped instrument having similar cash flow characteristics. Additionally,
prospective purchasers of a REMIC Residual Certificate should be aware that
recently issued temporary regulations provide restrictions on the ability to
mark-to-market certain "negative value" REMIC residual interests. See
"Certain Federal Income Tax Consequences-REMICs."
BOOK-ENTRY REGISTRATION
If so provided in the Prospectus Supplement, one or more classes of the
Securities will be initially represented by one or more certificates
registered in the name of Cede, the nominee for DTC, and will not be
registered in the names of the Securityholders or their nominees. Because of
this, unless and until Definitive Securities are issued, Securityholders will
not be recognized by the Trustee as "Securityholders" (as that term is to be
used in the related Agreement). Hence, until such time, Securityholders will
be able to exercise the rights of Securityholders only indirectly through DTC
and its participating organizations. See "Description of the Securities--
Book-Entry Registration and Definitive Securities.
DESCRIPTION OF THE TRUST FUNDS
ASSETS
The primary assets of each Trust Fund (the "Assets") will include
(i) single family and/or multifamily mortgage loans (or certain balances
thereof) (collectively, the "Mortgage Loans"), including without limitation,
Home Equity Loans and Home Improvement Contracts, (ii) unsecured home
improvement loans ("Unsecured Home Improvement Loans"), (iii) mortgage
participations ("Mortgage Participations"), (iv) pass-through certificates or
other mortgage-backed securities evidencing interests in or secured by one or
more Mortgage Loans or other similar participations, certificates or
securities ("MBS"), (v) manufactured housing installment sale contracts and
installment loan agreements (the "Contracts"), (vi) direct obligations of the
United States, agencies thereof or agencies created thereby which are not
subject to redemption prior to maturity at the option of the issuer and
are (a) interest-bearing securities, (b) non-interest-bearing securities,
(c) originally interest- bearing securities from which coupons
representing the right to payment of interest have been removed, or (d)
interest-bearing securities from which the right to payment of principal has
been removed (the "Government Securities"), (vii) certain small business
loans defined below ("SBA Loans" and "SBA 504 Loans") or (viii) a
combination of Mortgage Loans, Unsecured Home Improvement Loans, Mortgage
Participations, Contracts, MBS and Government Securities. As used herein,
"Mortgage Loans" refers to both whole Mortgage Loans (or certain balances
thereof) and Mortgage Loans underlying Mortgage Participations or MBS.
Mortgage Loans that secure, or interests in which are evidenced by, MBS are
herein sometimes referred to as "Underlying Mortgage Loans." Mortgage
Loans (or certain balances thereof) that are not Underlying Mortgage
Loans are sometimes referred to as "Whole Loans." Any pass-through
certificates or other asset-backed certificates in which an MBS evidences
an interest or which secure an MBS are sometimes referred to herein
also as MBS or as "Underlying MBS." Mortgage Loans, Mortgage
Participations and MBS are sometimes referred to herein as "Mortgage
Assets." The Mortgage Assets will not be guaranteed or insured by Merrill
Lynch Mortgage Investors, Inc. (the "Depositor") or any of its affiliates
or, unless otherwise provided in the Prospectus Supplement, by any
governmental agency or instrumentality or by any other person. Each Asset
will be selected by the Depositor for inclusion in a Trust Fund from among
those purchased, either directly or indirectly, from a prior holder thereof
(an "Asset Seller"), which may be an affiliate of the Depositor and, with
respect to Assets, which prior holder may or may not be the originator of
such Mortgage Loan or Contract or the issuer of such MBS.
Unless otherwise specified in the related Prospectus Supplement, the
Securities will be entitled to payment only from the assets of the related
Trust Fund and will not be entitled to payments in respect of the assets of
any other trust fund established by the Depositor. If specified in the
related Prospectus Supplement, the assets of a Trust Fund will consist of
certificates representing beneficial ownership interests in, or indebtedness
of, another trust fund that contains the Assets.
MORTGAGE LOANS
General
Unless otherwise specified in the related Prospectus Supplement, each
Mortgage Loan will be secured by (i) a lien on a Mortgaged Property
consisting of a one- to four-family residential property (a "Single Family
Property" and the related Mortgage Loan a "Single Family Mortgage Loan") or a
residential property consisting of five or more dwelling units in multi-story
structures (a "Multifamily Property" and the related Mortgage Loan a
"Multifamily Mortgage Loan") or (ii) a security interests in shares issued by
private cooperative housing corporations ("Cooperatives"). If so specified
in the related Prospectus Supplement, a Mortgaged Property may include some
commercial use. Mortgaged Properties will be located, unless otherwise
specified in the related Prospectus Supplement, in any one of the fifty
states, the District of Columbia or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. To the
extent specified in the related Prospectus Supplement, the Mortgage Loans
will be secured by first and/or junior mortgages or deeds of trust or other
similar security instruments creating a first or junior lien on Mortgaged
Property. The Mortgaged Properties may include apartments owned by
Cooperatives. The Mortgaged Properties may include leasehold interests in
properties, the title to which is held by third party lessors. Unless
otherwise specified in the Prospectus Supplement, the term of any such
leasehold shall exceed the term of the related mortgage note by at least five
years. Each Mortgage Loan will have been originated by a person (the
"Originator") other than the Depositor. The related Prospectus Supplement
will indicate if any Originator is an affiliate of the Depositor. The
Mortgage Loans will be evidenced by promissory notes (the "Mortgage Notes")
secured by mortgages, deeds of trust or other security instruments (the
"Mortgages") creating a lien on the Mortgaged Properties.
Loan-to-Value Ratio
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 to the Value of the related Mortgaged Property. The
"Value" of a Mortgaged Property, other than with respect to Refinance Loans,
is generally 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. Unless otherwise set forth in the related
Prospectus Supplement, 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. The Value of
a Mortgaged Property as of the date of initial issuance of the related
series of Certificates may be less than the value at origination and will
fluctuate from time to time based upon changes in economic conditions
and the real estate market.
Mortgage Loan Information in Prospectus Supplements
Each Prospectus Supplement will contain information, as of the dates
specified in such Prospectus Supplement and to the extent then applicable and
specifically known to the Depositor, with respect to the Mortgage Loans,
including (i) the aggregate outstanding principal balance and the largest,
smallest and average outstanding principal balance of the Mortgage Loans as
of the applicable Cut-off Date, (ii) the type of property securing the
Mortgage Loans, (iii) the weighted average (by principal balance) of the
original and remaining terms to maturity of the Mortgage Loans, (iv) the
earliest and latest origination date and maturity date of the Mortgage Loans,
(v) the range of the Loan-to-Value Ratios at origination of the Mortgage
Loans, (vi) the Mortgage Rates or range of Mortgage Rates and the weighted
average Mortgage Rate borne by the Mortgage Loans, (vii) the state or states
in which most of the Mortgaged Properties are located, (viii) information
with respect to the prepayment provisions, if any, of the Mortgage Loans,
(ix) with respect to Mortgage Loans with adjustable Mortgage Rates ("ARM
Loans"), the index, the frequency of the adjustment dates, the range of
margins added to the index, and the maximum Mortgage Rate or monthly payment
variation at the time of any adjustment thereof and over the life of the ARM
Loan and (x) information regarding the payment characteristics of the
Mortgage Loans, including without limitation balloon payment and other
amortization provisions. If specific information respecting the Mortgage
Loans is not known to the Depositor at the time Securities 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
Securities at or before the initial issuance thereof and will be filed as
part of a Current Report on Form 8-K with the Securities and Exchange
Commission within fifteen days after such initial issuance.
The related Prospectus Supplement may specify whether the Mortgage Loans
include (i) closed-end and/or revolving home equity loans or certain balances
thereof ("Home Equity Loans"), which may be secured by Mortgages that are
junior to other liens on the related Mortgaged Property and/or (ii) home
improvement installment sales contracts or installment loan agreements (the
"Home Improvement Contracts") originated by a home improvement contractor and
secured by a Mortgage on the related Mortgaged Property that is junior to
other liens on the Mortgaged Property. Except as otherwise described in the
related Prospectus Supplement, the home improvements purchased with the Home
Improvement Contracts will generally be replacement windows, house siding,
roofs, swimming pools, satellite dishes, kitchen and bathroom remodeling
goods and solar heating panels. The related Prospectus Supplement will
specify whether the Home Improvement Contracts are partially insured under
Title I of the National Housing Act and, if so, the limitations on such
insurance.
If specified in the related Prospectus Supplement, new draws by borrowers
under the revolving Home Equity Loans will, during a specified period of time,
automatically become part of the Trust Fund for a series. As a result, the
aggregate balance of the revolving Home Equity Loans will fluctuate from day to
day as new draws by borrowers are added to the Trust Fund and principal
payments are applied to such balances and such amounts will usually differ
each day, as more specifically described in the related Prospectus Supplement.
If specified in the related Prospectus Supplement, principal collections
received on the closed-end Home Equity Loans may be applied to purchase
additional closed-end Home Equity Loans which will become part of the Trust
Fund for a series.
Payment Provisions of the Mortgage Loans
Unless otherwise specified in the related Prospectus Supplement, all of
the Mortgage Loans will (i) have individual principal balances at origination
of not less than $25,000, (ii) have original terms to maturity of not more
than 40 years and (iii) provide for payments of principal, interest or both,
on due dates that occur monthly, quarterly or semi-annually or at such other
interval as is specified in the related Prospectus Supplement. Each Mortgage
Loan may provide for no accrual of interest or for accrual of interest
thereon at an interest rate (a "Mortgage Rate") that is fixed over its term
or that adjusts from time to time, or that may be converted from an
adjustable to a fixed Mortgage Rate or a different adjustable Mortgage Rate,
or from a fixed to an adjustable Mortgage Rate, from time to time pursuant to
an election or as otherwise specified on the related Mortgage Note, in each
case as described in the related Prospectus Supplement. Each Mortgage Loan
may provide for scheduled payments to maturity or payments that adjust from
time to time to accommodate changes in the Mortgage Rate or to reflect the
occurrence of certain events or that adjust on the basis of other
methodologies, and may provide for negative amortization or accelerated
amortization, in each case as described in the related Prospectus Supplement.
Each Mortgage Loan may be fully amortizing or require a balloon payment due
on its stated maturity date, in each case as described in the related
Prospectus Supplement. Each Mortgage Loan may contain prohibitions on
prepayment (a "Lock-out Period" and, the date of expiration thereof, a
"Lock-out Date") or require payment of a premium or a yield maintenance
penalty (a "Prepayment Premium") in connection with a prepayment, in
each case as described in the related Prospectus Supplement. In the event
that holders of any class or classes of Offered Securities will be entitled
to all or a portion of any Prepayment Premiums collected in respect of
Mortgage Loans, the related Prospectus Supplement will specify the method or
methods by which any such amounts will be allocated.
Mortgage Participations
Mortgage Participations will evidence an undivided participation
interest in Underlying Mortgage Loans. To the extent available to the
Depositor, the related Prospectus Supplement will contain information in
respect of the Underlying Mortgage Loans substantially similar to the
information described above in respect of Mortgage Loans. Such Prospectus
Supplement will also specify the amount of the participation interest and
describe the servicing provisions of the participation and servicing
agreements.
UNSECURED HOME IMPROVEMENT LOANS
The Unsecured Home Improvement Loans may consist of conventional
unsecured home improvement loans and FHA insured unsecured home improvement
loans. Except as otherwise set forth in the related Prospectus Supplement,
the Unsecured Home Improvement Loans will be fully amortizing and will bear
interest at a fixed or variable annual percentage rate. Unless the context
otherwise requires, references in this Prospectus to Mortgage Loans, Whole
Loans and related terms shall include Unsecured Home Improvement Loans and
related terms to the extent relevant (e.g., a reference to a Mortgaged
Property or hazard insurance does not relate to an Unsecured Home Improvement
Loan).
MBS
Any MBS will have been issued pursuant to a pooling and servicing
agreement, a trust agreement, an indenture or similar agreement (an "MBS
Agreement"). A seller (the "MBS Issuer") and/or servicer (the "MBS Servicer")
of the underlying Mortgage Loans (or Underlying MBS) will have entered into
the MBS Agreement with a trustee or a custodian under the MBS Agreement (the
"MBS Trustee"), if any, or with the original purchaser of the interest in the
underlying Mortgage Loans or MBS evidenced by the MBS.
Distributions of any principal or interest, as applicable, will be made
on MBS on the dates specified in the related Prospectus Supplement. The MBS
may be issued in one or more classes with characteristics similar to the
classes of Securities described in this Prospectus. Any principal or interest
distributions will be made on the MBS by the MBS Trustee or the MBS Servicer.
The MBS Issuer or the MBS Servicer or another person specified in the related
Prospectus Supplement may have the right or obligation to repurchase or
substitute assets underlying the MBS after a certain date or under other
circumstances specified in the related Prospectus Supplement.
Enhancement in the form of reserve funds, subordination or other forms
of credit support similar to that described for the Securities under
"Description of Credit Support" may be provided with respect to the MBS. The
type, characteristics and amount of such credit support, if any, will be a
function of certain characteristics of the Underlying Mortgage Loans or
Underlying MBS evidenced by or securing such MBS and other factors and
generally will have been established for the MBS on the basis of requirements
of either any Rating Agency that may have assigned a rating to the MBS or the
initial purchasers of the MBS.
The Prospectus Supplement for a series of Securities evidencing
interests in Mortgage Assets that include MBS will specify, to the extent
available to the Depositor, (i) the aggregate approximate initial and
outstanding principal amount or notional amount, as applicable, and type of
the MBS to be included in the Trust Fund, (ii) the original and remaining
term to stated maturity of the MBS, if applicable, (iii) whether such MBS is
entitled only to interest payments, only to principal payments or to both,
(iv) the pass-through or bond rate of the MBS or formula for determining such
rates, if any, (v) the applicable payment provisions for the MBS,
including, but not limited to, any priorities, payment schedules and
subordination features, (vi) the MBS Issuer, MBS Servicer and MBS
Trustee, as applicable, (vii) certain characteristics of the credit
support, if any, such as subordination, reserve funds, insurance
policies, letters of credit or guarantees relating to the related
Underlying Mortgage Loans, the Underlying MBS or directly to such MBS,
(viii) the terms on which the related Underlying Mortgage Loans or
Underlying MBS for such MBS or the MBS may, or are required to, be
purchased prior to their maturity, (ix) the terms on which Mortgage Loans
or Underlying MBS may be substituted for those originally underlying the
MBS, (x) the servicing fees payable under the MBS Agreement, (xi) the
type of information in respect of the Underlying Mortgage Loans
described under "-Mortgage Loans-Mortgage Loan Information in Prospectus
Supplements" above, and the type of information in respect of the Underlying
MBS described in this paragraph, (xii) the characteristics of any cash flow
agreements that are included as part of the trust fund evidenced or
secured by the MBS and (xiii) whether the MBS is in certificated form or
held through a depository such as The Depository Trust Company or the
Participants Trust Company.
CONTRACTS
General
Unless otherwise specified in the related Prospectus Supplement, each
Contract will be secured by a security interest in a new or used Manufactured
Home. Such Prospectus Supplement will specify the states or other
jurisdictions in which the Manufactured Homes are located as of the related
Cut-off Date. The method of computing the "Loan-to-Value Ratio" of a
Contract will be described in the related Prospectus Supplement.
Contract Information in Prospectus Supplements
Each Prospectus Supplement will contain certain information, as of the
dates specified in such Prospectus Supplement and to the extent then
applicable and specifically known to the Depositor, with respect to the
Contracts, including (i) the aggregate outstanding principal balance and the
largest, smallest and average outstanding principal balance of the Contracts
as of the applicable Cut-off Date, (ii) whether the Manufactured Homes were
new or used as of the origination of the related Contracts, (iii) the
weighted average (by principal balance) of the original and remaining terms
to maturity of the Contracts, (iv) the earliest and latest origination date
and maturity date of the Contracts, (v) the range of the Loan-to-Value Ratios
at origination of the Contracts, (vi) the Contract Rates or range of Contract
Rates and the weighted average Contract Rate borne by the Contracts, (vii)
the state or states in which most of the Manufactured Homes are located at
origination, (viii) information with respect to the prepayment provisions, if
any, of the Contracts, (ix) with respect to Contracts with adjustable
Contract Rates ("ARM Contracts"), the index, the frequency of the adjustment
dates, and the maximum Contract Rate or monthly payment variation at the time
of any adjustment thereof and over the life of the ARM Contract, and (x)
information regarding the payment characteristics of the Contracts. If
specific information respecting the Contracts is not known to the Depositor
at the time Securities 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 Securities at or before the initial issuance
thereof and will be filed as part of a Current Report on Form 8-K with the
Securities and Exchange Commission within fifteen dates after such initial
issuance.
Payment Provisions of the Contracts
Unless otherwise specified in the related Prospectus Supplement, all of
the Contracts will (i) have individual principal balances at origination of
not less than $1,000, (ii) have original terms to maturity of not more than
40 years and (iii) provide for payments of principal, interest or both, on
due dates that occur monthly or at such other interval as is specified in the
related Prospectus Supplement. Each Contract may provide for no accrual of
interest or for accrual of interest thereon at an annual percentage rate (a
"Contract Rate") that is fixed over its term or that adjusts from time to
time, or as otherwise specified in the related Prospectus Supplement. Each
Contract may provide for scheduled payments to maturity or payments that
adjust from time to time to accommodate changes in the Contract Rate as
otherwise described in the related Prospectus Supplement.
GOVERNMENT SECURITIES
The Prospectus Supplement for a series of Securities evidencing
interests in Assets of a Trust Fund that include Government Securities will
specify, to the extent available, (i) the aggregate approximate initial and
outstanding principal amounts or notional amounts, as applicable, and types
of the Government Securities to be included in the Trust Fund, (ii) the
original and remaining terms to stated maturity of the Government Securities,
(iii) whether such Government Securities are entitled only to interest
payments, only to principal payments or to both, (iv) the interest rates of
the Government Securities or the formula to determine such rates, if any, (v)
the applicable payment provisions for the Government Securities and (vi) to
what extent, if any, the obligation evidenced thereby is backed by the full
faith and credit of the United States.
SBA LOANS
The SBA Loans will consist of the Unguaranteed Interests (as defined
below) in loans originated under Section 7(a) (the "Section 7(a) Program") of
the Small Business Act of 1953 (the "SBA Act"), which Act created the Small
Business Administration (the "SBA"). The Section 7(a) Program was intended
to encourage lenders to provide loans to existing qualifying small
businesses. Loans made under the Section 7(a) Program can be used to
construct, purchase, expand or convert facilities or to purchase building
equipment, leaseholds or materials. Money lent under the Section 7(a)
Program also can be used for working capital.
The SBA Loans are partially guaranteed by the SBA pursuant to a Small
Business Administration Loan Guaranty Agreement between the originator and
the SBA and pursuant to pertinent SBA regulations found at 13 C.F.R. parts
120 and 122. As to any SBA Loan, the right to receive the guaranteed portion
of the principal balance thereof together with interest thereon at a per
annum rate in effect from time to time plus a fee paid to the SBA's fiscal
and transfer agent is referred to herein as the "Guaranteed Interest." The
Guaranteed Interest varies from SBA Loan to SBA Loan, will not be included in
the related Trust Fund and Securityholders will have no right or interest
therein. As to any SBA Loan, the "Unguaranteed Interest" will equal all
payments and other recoveries on such SBA Loan not constituting the
Guaranteed Interest therein.
The SBA administers three levels of lender participation in the Section
7(a) Program. Under the first level, known as the "Guaranteed Participant
Program," the lender gathers and processes data from applicants and forwards
it, along with a request for the SBA's guaranty, to a local SBA office. The
SBA then completes an independent analysis and decides whether to guaranty
the loan. SBA turnaround time on such applications varies greatly, depending
on its backlog of loan applications.
Under the second level of lender participation, known as the "Certified
Lender Program," the lender (the "Certified Lender") gathers and processes
data from applicants and makes a request to the SBA, as in the Guaranteed
Participant Program procedure. The SBA then performs an expedited review of
the lender's credit analysis, which generally is completed within three
working days. The SBA requires that lenders originate loans meeting certain
portfolio and volume criteria before authorizing them to participate in the
Certified Lender Program.
Under the third level of lender participation, known as the "Preferred
Lender Program", the lender (the "Preferred Lender") has the authority to
approve a loan and obligate the SBA to guarantee the loan without submitting
an application to the SBA for credit review. The lender is required to
notify the SBA of the approved loan and submit certain documents. The
standards established for participants in the Preferred Lender Program are
more stringent than those for participants in the Certified Lender Program
and involve meeting additional portfolio quality and volume requirements. In
addition, before being granted preferred lender status under the Preferred
Lender Program in a particular SBA district, the lender must have been a
Certified Lender under the Certified Lender Program in such SBA district for
at least 12 months.
Unless the context otherwise requires, references in this Prospectus to
Mortgage Loans, Whole Loans and related terms shall include SBA Loans and
related terms to the extent relevant (e.g., a reference to a Mortgaged
Property or hazard insurance does not relate to a SBA Loan).
SBA 504 LOANS
The SBA 504 Loans will consist of loans originated by the originators
under the SBA 504 Loan Program (the "SBA 504 Loan Program"). The SBA 504
Loan Program was established under the SBA Act to encourage lenders to
provide fixed asset financing to existing qualifying small businesses. SBA
504 Loans may be used for plant acquisition, construction, renovation,
expansion, land and site improvements, acquisition and installation of
machinery and equipment and the interest on interim financing. The
Originators provide at least 50% of project costs in a conventional loan
agreement with borrowers, with the SBA providing the remainder of the
financing. Each loan by the Originators must be approved by the SBA.
The funds used by the SBA to originate its portion of a project
generated pursuant to the SBA 504 Loan Program are generated by issuing SBA-
guaranteed debentures on behalf of a certified development company (a "CDC").
A CDC is a non-profit organization sponsored by private interests or by state
or local governments. The debentures are pooled monthly and sold through a
certificate mechanism to the public market. The loans originated by the
originators under the SBA 504 Loan Program are not guaranteed by the SBA.
Unless the context otherwise requires, references in this Prospectus to
Mortgage Loans, Whole Loans and related terms shall include SBA 504 Loans and
related terms to the extent relevant (e.g., a reference to a Mortgaged
Property or hazard insurance does not relate to a SBA 504 Loan).
PRE-FUNDING ACCOUNT
To the extent provided in a Prospectus Supplement, the Depositor will be
obligated (subject only to the availability thereof) to sell at a
predetermined price, and the Trust Fund for the related series of Securities
will be obligated to purchase (subject to the satisfaction of certain
conditions described in the applicable Agreement), additional Assets (the
"Subsequent Assets") from time to time (as frequently as daily) within the
number of months specified in the related Prospectus Supplement after the
issuance of such series of Securities having an aggregate principal balance
approximately equal to the amount on deposit in the Pre-Funding Account (the
"Pre-Funded Amount") for such series on date of such issuance.
ACCOUNTS
Each Trust Fund will include one or more accounts established and
maintained on behalf of the Securityholders into which the person or persons
designated in the related Prospectus Supplement will, to the extent described
herein and in such Prospectus Supplement deposit all payments and collections
received or advanced with respect to the Assets and other assets in the Trust
Fund. Such an account may be maintained as an interest bearing or a
non-interest bearing account, and funds held therein may be held as cash or
invested in certain short-term, investment grade obligations, in each case as
described in the related Prospectus Supplement. See "Description of the
Agreement-Collection Account and Related Accounts."
CREDIT SUPPORT
If so provided in the related Prospectus Supplement, partial or full
protection against certain defaults and losses on the Assets in the related
Trust Fund may be provided to one or more classes of Securities in the
related series in the form of subordination of one or more other classes of
Securities in such series or by one or more other types of credit support,
such as a letter of credit, insurance policy, guarantee, reserve fund or
another type of credit support, or a combination thereof (any such coverage
with respect to the Securities of any series, "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 Securities. See "Special Considerations-Credit Support
Limitations" and "Description of Credit Support."
CASH FLOW AGREEMENTS
If so provided in the related Prospectus Supplement, the Trust Fund may
include guaranteed investment contracts pursuant to which moneys held in the
funds and accounts established for the related series will be invested at a
specified rate. The Trust Fund may also include certain other agreements,
such as interest rate exchange agreements, interest rate cap or floor
agreements, currency exchange agreements or similar agreements provided to
reduce the effects of interest rate or currency exchange rate fluctuations on
the Assets or on one or more classes of Securities. (Currency exchange
agreements might be included in the Trust Fund if some or all of the Mortgage
Assets (such as Mortgage Loans secured by Mortgaged Properties located
outside the United States) were denominated in a non-United States currency.)
The principal terms of any such guaranteed investment contract or other
agreement (any such agreement, a "Cash Flow Agreement"), including, without
limitation, provisions relating to the timing, manner and amount of payments
thereunder and provisions relating to the termination thereof, will be
described in the Prospectus Supplement for the related series. In addition,
the related Prospectus Supplement will provide certain information with
respect to the obligor under any such Cash Flow Agreement.
USE OF PROCEEDS
The net proceeds to be received from the sale of the Securities will be
applied by the Depositor to the purchase of Assets, or the payment of the
financing incurred in such purchase, and to pay for certain expenses incurred
in connection with such purchase of Assets and sale of Securities. The
Depositor expects to sell the Securities from time to time, but the timing
and amount of offerings of Securities will depend on a number of factors,
including the volume of Assets acquired by the Depositor, prevailing interest
rates, availability of funds and general market conditions.
YIELD CONSIDERATIONS
GENERAL
The yield on any Offered Security will depend on the price paid by the
Securityholder, the Pass-Through Rate of the Security, the receipt and timing
of receipt of distributions on the Security and the weighted average life of
the Assets in the related Trust Fund (which may be affected by prepayments,
defaults, liquidations or repurchases). See "Special Considerations."
PASS-THROUGH RATE AND INTEREST RATE
Securities of any class within a series may have fixed, variable or
adjustable Pass-Through Rates or interest rates, which may or may not be
based upon the interest rates borne by the Assets in the related Trust Fund.
The Prospectus Supplement with respect to any series of Securities will
specify the Pass-Through Rate or interest rate for each class of such
Securities or, in the case of a variable or adjustable Pass-Through Rate or
interest rate, the method of determining the Pass-Through Rate or interest
rate; the effect, if any, of the prepayment of any Asset on the Pass-Through
Rate or interest rate of one or more classes of Securities; and whether the
distributions of interest on the Securities of any class will be dependent,
in whole or in part, on the performance of any obligor under a Cash Flow
Agreement.
If so specified in the related Prospectus Supplement, the effective
yield to maturity to each holder of Securities entitled to payments of
interest will be below that otherwise produced by the applicable Pass-Through
Rate or interest rate and purchase price of such Security because, while
interest may accrue on each Asset during a certain period, the distribution
of such interest will be made on a day which may be several days, weeks or
months following the period of accrual.
TIMING OF PAYMENT OF INTEREST
Each payment of interest on the Securities (or addition to the Security
Balance of a class of Accrual Securities) on a Distribution Date will include
interest accrued during the Interest Accrual Period for such Distribution
Date. As indicated above under "-Pass-Through Rate and Interest Rate," if
the Interest Accrual Period ends on a date other than the day before a
Distribution Date for the related series, the yield realized by the holders
of such Securities may be lower than the yield that would result if the
Interest Accrual Period ended on such day before the Distribution Date.
PAYMENTS OF PRINCIPAL; PREPAYMENTS
The yield to maturity on the Securities will be affected by the rate of
principal payments on the Assets (including principal prepayments on Mortgage
Loans and Contracts resulting from both voluntary prepayments by the
borrowers and involuntary liquidations). The rate at which principal
prepayments occur on the Mortgage Loans and Contracts will be affected by a
variety of factors, including, without limitation, the terms of the Mortgage
Loans and Contracts, the level of prevailing interest rates, the availability
of mortgage credit and economic, demographic, geographic, tax, legal and
other factors. In general, however, if prevailing interest rates fall
significantly below the Mortgage Rates on the Mortgage Loans comprising or
underlying the Assets in a particular Trust Fund, such Mortgage Loans are
likely to be the subject of higher principal prepayments than if prevailing
rates remain at or above the rates borne by such Mortgage Loans. In this
regard, it should be noted that certain Assets may consist of Mortgage Loans
with different Mortgage Rates and the stated pass-through or pay-through
interest rate of certain MBS may be a number of percentage points higher or
lower than certain of the Underlying Mortgage Loans. The rate of principal
payments on some or all of the classes of Securities of a series will
correspond to the rate of principal payments on the Assets in the related
Trust Fund and is likely to be affected by the existence of Lock-out Periods
and Prepayment Premium provisions of the Mortgage Loans underlying or
comprising such Assets, and by the extent to which the servicer of any such
Mortgage Loan is able to enforce such provisions. Mortgage Loans with a
Lock-out Period or a Prepayment Premium provision, to the extent enforceable,
generally would be expected to experience a lower rate of principal
prepayments than otherwise identical Mortgage Loans without such provisions,
with shorter Lock-out Periods or with lower Prepayment Premiums.
Because of the depreciating nature of manufactured housing, which limits
the possibilities for refinancing, and because the terms and principal
amounts of manufactured housing contracts are generally shorter and smaller
than the terms and principal amounts of mortgage loans secured by site-built
homes, changes in interest rates have a correspondingly smaller effect on the
amount of the monthly payments on manufactured housing contracts than on the
amount of the monthly payments on mortgage loans secured by site-built homes.
Consequently, changes in interest rates may play a smaller role in prepayment
behavior of manufactured housing contracts than they do in the prepayment
behavior of loans secured by mortgage on site-built homes. Conversely, local
economic conditions and certain of the other factors mentioned above may play
a larger role in the prepayment behavior of manufactured housing contracts
than they do in the prepayment behavior of loans secured by mortgages on
site-built homes.
If the purchaser of a Security offered at a discount calculates its
anticipated yield to maturity based on an assumed rate of distributions of
principal that is faster than that actually experienced on the Assets, the
actual yield to maturity will be lower than that so calculated. Conversely,
if the purchaser of a Security offered at a premium calculates its
anticipated yield to maturity based on an assumed rate of distributions of
principal that is slower than that actually experienced on the Assets, the
actual yield to maturity will be lower than that so calculated. In either
case, if so provided in the Prospectus Supplement for a series of Securities,
the effect on yield on one or more classes of the Securities of such series
of prepayments of the Assets in the related Trust Fund may be mitigated or
exacerbated by any provisions for sequential or selective distribution of
principal to such classes.
Unless otherwise specified in the related Prospectus Supplement, when a
full prepayment is made on a Mortgage Loan or a Contract, the obligor is
charged interest on the principal amount of the Mortgage Loan or Contract so
prepaid for the number of days in the month actually elapsed up to the date
of the prepayment. Unless otherwise specified in the related Prospectus
Supplement, the effect of prepayments in full will be to reduce the amount of
interest paid in the following month to holders of Securities entitled to
payments of interest because interest on the principal amount of any
Mortgage Loan or Contract so prepaid will be paid only to the date of
prepayment rather than for a full month. Unless otherwise specified in
the related Prospectus Supplement, a partial prepayment of principal is
applied so as to reduce the outstanding principal balance of the related
Mortgage Loan or Contract as of the Due Date in the month in which such
partial prepayment is received.
The timing of changes in the rate of principal payments on the Assets
may significantly affect an investor's actual yield to maturity, even if the
average rate of distributions of principal is consistent with an investor's
expectation. In general, the earlier a principal payment is received on the
Mortgage Assets and distributed on a Security, the greater the effect on such
investor's yield to maturity. The effect on an investor's yield of principal
payments occurring at a rate higher (or lower) than the rate anticipated by
the investor during a given period may not be offset by a subsequent like
decrease (or increase) in the rate of principal payments.
The Securityholder will bear the risk of being able to reinvest
principal received in respect of a Security at a yield at least equal to the
yield on such Security.
PREPAYMENTS -- MATURITY AND WEIGHTED AVERAGE LIFE
The rates at which principal payments are received on the Assets
included in or comprising a Trust Fund and the rate at which payments are
made from any Credit Support or Cash Flow Agreement for the related series of
Securities may affect the ultimate maturity and the weighted average life of
each class of such series. Prepayments on the Mortgage Loans or Contracts
comprising or underlying the Assets in a particular Trust Fund will generally
accelerate the rate at which principal is paid on some or all of the classes
of the Securities of the related series.
If so provided in the Prospectus Supplement for a series of Securities,
one or more classes of Securities may have a final scheduled Distribution
Date, which is the date on or prior to which the Security Balance thereof is
scheduled to be reduced to zero, calculated on the basis of the assumptions
applicable to such series set forth therein.
Weighted average life refers to the average amount of time that will
elapse from the date of issue of a security until each dollar of principal of
such security will be repaid to the investor. The weighted average life of a
class of Securities of a series will be influenced by the rate at which
principal on the Mortgage Loans or Contracts comprising or underlying the
Assets is paid to such class, which 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).
In addition, the weighted average life of the Securities may be affected
by the varying maturities of the Mortgage Loans or Contracts comprising or
underlying the Assets in a Trust Fund. If any Mortgage Loans or Contracts
comprising or underlying the Assets in a particular Trust Fund have actual
terms to maturity less than those assumed in calculating final scheduled
Distribution Dates for the classes of Securities of the related series, one
or more classes of such Securities may be fully paid prior to their
respective final scheduled Distribution Dates, even in the absence of
prepayments. Accordingly, the prepayment experience of the Assets will, to
some extent, be a function of the mix of Mortgage Rates or Contract Rates and
maturities of the Mortgage Loans or Contracts comprising or underlying such
Assets. See "Description of the Trust Funds."
Prepayments on loans are also commonly measured relative to a prepayment
standard or model, such as the Constant Prepayment Rate ("CPR") prepayment
model or the Standard Prepayment Assumption ("SPA") prepayment model, each as
described below. CPR represents a constant assumed rate of prepayment each
month relative to the then outstanding principal balance of a pool of loans
for the life of such loans. SPA represents an assumed rate of prepayment each
month relative to the then outstanding principal balance of a pool of loans.
A prepayment assumption of 100% of SPA assumes prepayment rates of 0.2% per
annum of the then outstanding principal balance of such loans in the first
month of the life of the loans and an additional 0.2% per annum in each month
thereafter until the thirtieth month. Beginning in the thirtieth month and in
each month thereafter during the life of the loans, 100% of SPA assumes a
constant prepayment rate of 6% per annum each month.
Neither CPR nor SPA nor any other prepayment model or assumption
purports to be a historical description of prepayment experience or a
prediction of the anticipated rate of prepayment of any pool of loans,
including the Mortgage Loans or Contracts underlying or comprising the
Assets.
The Prospectus Supplement with respect to each series of Securities may
contain tables, if applicable, setting forth the projected weighted average
life of each class of Offered Securities of such series and the percentage of
the initial Security Balance of each such class that would be outstanding on
specified Distribution Dates based on the assumptions stated in such
Prospectus Supplement, including assumptions that prepayments on the Mortgage
Loans comprising or underlying the related Assets are made at rates
corresponding to various percentages of CPR, SPA or such other standard
specified in such Prospectus Supplement. Such tables and assumptions are
intended to illustrate the sensitivity of the weighted average life of the
Securities to various prepayment rates and will not be intended to predict or
to provide information that will enable investors to predict the actual
weighted average life of the Securities. It is unlikely that prepayment of
any Mortgage Loans or Contracts comprising or underlying the Assets for any
series will conform to any particular level of CPR, SPA or any other rate
specified in the related Prospectus Supplement.
OTHER FACTORS AFFECTING WEIGHTED AVERAGE LIFE
Type of Mortgage Asset or Contract
If so specified in the related Prospectus Supplement, a number of
Mortgage Loans may have balloon payments due at maturity, and because the
ability of a mortgagor to make a balloon payment typically will depend upon
its ability either to refinance the loan or to sell the related Mortgaged
Property, there is a risk that a number of Mortgage Loans having balloon
payments may default at maturity. In the case of defaults, recovery of
proceeds may be delayed by, among other things, bankruptcy of the mortgagor
or adverse conditions in the market where the property is located. In order
to minimize losses on defaulted Mortgage Loans, the servicer may, to the
extent and under the circumstances set forth in the related Prospectus
Supplement, be permitted to modify Mortgage Loans that are in default or as
to which a payment default is imminent. Any defaulted balloon payment or
modification that extends the maturity of a Mortgage Loan will tend to extend
the weighted average life of the Securities, thereby lengthening the period
of time elapsed from the date of issuance of a Security until it is retired.
With respect to certain Mortgage Loans, including ARM Loans, the
Mortgage Rate at origination may be below the rate that would result if the
index and margin relating thereto were applied at origination. With respect
to certain Contracts, the Contract Rate may be "stepped up" during its term
or may otherwise vary or be adjusted. Under the applicable underwriting
standards, the mortgagor under each Mortgage Loan or Contract generally will
be qualified on the basis of the Mortgage Rate or Contract Rate in effect at
origination. The repayment of any such Mortgage Loan or Contract may thus be
dependent on the ability of the mortgagor or obligor to make larger level
monthly payments following the adjustment of the Mortgage Rate or Contract
Rate. In addition, certain Mortgage Loans may be subject to temporary buydown
plans ("Buydown Mortgage Loans") pursuant to which the monthly payments made
by the mortgagor during the early years of the Mortgage Loan will be less
than the scheduled monthly payments thereon (the "Buydown Period"). The
periodic increase in the amount paid by the mortgagor of a Buydown Mortgage
Loan during or at the end of the applicable Buydown Period may create a
greater financial burden for the mortgagor, who might not have otherwise
qualified for a mortgage, and may accordingly increase the risk of default
with respect to the related Mortgage Loan.
The Mortgage Rates on certain ARM Loans subject to negative amortization
generally adjust monthly and their amortization schedules adjust less
frequently. During a period of rising interest rates as well as immediately
after origination (initial Mortgage Rates are generally lower than the sum of
the applicable index at origination and the related margin over such index at
which interest accrues), the amount of interest accruing on the principal
balance of such Mortgage Loans may exceed the amount of the minimum scheduled
monthly payment thereon. As a result, a portion of the accrued interest on
negatively amortizing Mortgage Loans may be added to the principal balance
thereof and will bear interest at the applicable Mortgage Rate. The addition
of any such deferred interest to the principal balance of any related class
or classes of Securities will lengthen the weighted average life thereof and
may adversely affect yield to holders thereof, depending upon the price at
which such Securities were purchased. In addition, with respect to certain
ARM Loans subject to negative amortization, during a period of declining
interest rates, it might be expected that each minimum scheduled monthly
payment on such a Mortgage Loan would exceed the amount of scheduled
principal and accrued interest on the principal balance thereof, and
since such excess will be applied to reduce the principal balance of
the related class or classes of Securities, the weighted average life of
such Securities will be reduced and may adversely affect yield to holders
thereof, depending upon the price at which such Securities were
purchased.
Defaults
The rate of defaults on the Mortgage Loans or Contracts will also affect
the rate, timing and amount of principal payments on the Assets and thus the
yield on the Securities. In general, defaults on mortgage loans or contracts
are expected to occur with greater frequency in their early years. The rate
of default on Mortgage Loans which are refinance or limited documentation
mortgage loans, and on Mortgage Loans with high Loan-to-Value Ratios, may be
higher than for other types of Mortgage Loans. Furthermore, the rate and
timing of prepayments, defaults and liquidations on the Mortgage Loans and
Contracts will be affected by the general economic condition of the region of
the country in which the related Mortgage Properties or Manufactured Homes
are located. The risk of delinquencies and loss is greater and prepayments
are less likely in regions where a weak or deteriorating economy exists, as
may be evidenced by, among other factors, increasing unemployment or falling
property values.
Foreclosures
The number of foreclosures or repossessions and the principal amount of
the Mortgage Loans or Contracts comprising or underlying the Assets that are
foreclosed or repossessed in relation to the number and principal amount of
Mortgage Loans or Contracts that are repaid in accordance with their terms
will affect the weighted average life of the Mortgage Loans or Contracts
comprising or underlying the Assets and that of the related series of
Securities.
Refinancing
At the request of a mortgagor, the Master Servicer or a Sub-Servicer may
allow the refinancing of a Mortgage Loan or Contract in any Trust Fund by
accepting prepayments thereon and permitting a new loan secured by a mortgage
on the same property. In the event of such a refinancing, the new loan would
not be included in the related Trust Fund and, therefore, such refinancing
would have the same effect as a prepayment in full of the related Mortgage
Loan or Contract. A Sub-Servicer or the Master Servicer may, from time to
time, implement programs designed to encourage refinancing. Such programs may
include, without limitation, modifications of existing loans, general or
targeted solicitations, the offering of pre-approved applications, reduced
origination fees or closing costs, or other financial incentives. In
addition, Sub-Servicers may encourage the refinancing of Mortgage Loans or
Contracts, including defaulted Mortgage Loans or Contracts, that would permit
creditworthy borrowers to assume the outstanding indebtedness of such
Mortgage Loans or Contracts.
Due-on-Sale Clauses
Acceleration of mortgage payments as a result of certain transfers of
underlying Mortgaged Property is another factor affecting prepayment rates
that may not be reflected in the prepayment standards or models used in the
relevant Prospectus Supplement. A number of the Mortgage Loans comprising or
underlying the Assets may include "due-on-sale" clauses that allow the holder
of the Mortgage Loans to demand payment in full of the remaining principal
balance of the Mortgage Loans upon sale, transfer or conveyance of the
related Mortgaged Property. With respect to any Whole Loans, unless otherwise
provided in the related Prospectus Supplement, the Master Servicer will
generally enforce any due-on-sale clause to the extent it has knowledge of
the conveyance or proposed conveyance of the underlying Mortgaged Property
and it is entitled to do so under applicable law; provided, however, that the
Master Servicer will not take any action in relation to the enforcement of
any due-on-sale provision which would adversely affect or jeopardize coverage
under any applicable insurance policy. See "Certain Legal Aspects of Mortgage
Loans--Due-on-Sale Clauses" and "Description of the Agreements--Due-on-Sale
Provisions." Unless otherwise specified in the related Prospectus
Supplement, the Contracts, in general, prohibit the sale or transfer of
the related Manufactured Homes without the consent of the Master Servicer
and permit the acceleration of the maturity of the Contracts by the
Master Servicer upon any such sale or transfer that is not consented to.
Unless otherwise specified in the related Prospectus Supplement, it is
expected that the Master Servicer will permit most transfers of Manufactured
Homes and not accelerate the maturity of the related Contracts. In
certain cases, the transfer may be made by a delinquent obligor in order to
avoid a repossession of the Manufactured Home. In the case of a transfer
of a Manufactured Home after 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. See "Certain Legal Aspects of the
Contracts-Transfers of Manufactured Homes; Due-on-Sale Clauses".
THE DEPOSITOR
Merrill Lynch Mortgage Investors, Inc., the Depositor, is a direct
wholly-owned subsidiary of Merrill Lynch Mortgage Capital Inc. and was
incorporated in the State of Delaware on June 13, 1986. The principal
executive offices of the Depositor are located at 250 Vesey Street, World
Financial Center, North Tower, 10th Floor, New York, New York 10218-1310.
Its telephone number is (212) 449-0357.
The Depositor does not have, nor is it expected in the future to have,
any significant assets.
DESCRIPTION OF THE SECURITIES
GENERAL
The Certificates of each series (including any class of Certificates not
offered hereby) will represent the entire beneficial ownership interest in
the Trust Fund created pursuant to the related Agreement. If a series of
Securities includes Notes, such Notes will represent indebtedness of the
related Trust Fund and will be issued and secured pursuant to an indenture
(an "Indenture"). Each series of Securities will consist of one or more
classes of Securities that may (i) provide for the accrual of interest
thereon based on fixed, variable or adjustable rates; (ii) be senior
(collectively, "Senior Securities") or subordinate (collectively,
"Subordinate Securities") to one or more other classes of Securities in
respect of certain distributions on the Securities; (iii) be entitled to
principal distributions, with disproportionately low, nominal or no interest
distributions (collectively, "Stripped Principal Securities"); (iv) be
entitled to interest distributions, with disproportionately low, nominal or
no principal distributions (collectively, "Stripped Interest Securities");
(v) provide for distributions of accrued interest thereon commencing only
following the occurrence of certain events, such as the retirement of one or
more other classes of Securities of such series (collectively, "Accrual
Securities"); (vi) provide for payments of principal as described in the
related Prospectus Supplement, from all or only a portion of the Assets in
such Trust Fund, to the extent of available funds, in each case as described
in the related Prospectus Supplement; and/or (vii) provide for distributions
based on a combination of two or more components thereof with one or more of
the characteristics described in this paragraph including a Stripped
Principal Security component and a Stripped Interest Security component. If
so specified in the related Prospectus Supplement, a Trust Fund may include
(i) additional Mortgage Loans (or certain balances thereof) that will be
transferred to the Trust from time to time and/or (ii) in the case of
revolving home equity loans or certain balances thereof, any additional
balances advanced to the borrowers under the revolving home equity loans
during certain periods. If so specified in the related Prospectus Supplement,
distributions on one or more classes of a series of Securities may be
limited to collections from a designated portion of the Whole Loans in the
related Mortgage Pool (each such portion of Whole Loans, a "Mortgage Loan
Group") or a designated portion of Contracts in the related Contract Pool
(each such portion of Contracts, a "Contract Group"). Any such classes may
include classes of Offered Securities.
Each class of Offered Securities of a series will be issued in minimum
denominations corresponding to the Security Balances or, in case of Stripped
Interest Securities, notional amounts or percentage interests specified in
the related Prospectus Supplement. The transfer of any Offered Securities may
be registered and such Securities may be exchanged without the payment of any
service charge payable in connection with such registration of transfer or
exchange, 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.
One or more classes of Securities of a series may be issued in definitive
form ("Definitive Securities") or in book-entry form ("Book-Entry
Securities"), as provided in the related Prospectus Supplement. See "Special
Considerations--Book-Entry Registration" and "Description of the
Securities-Book-Entry Registration and Definitive Securities."
Definitive Securities will be exchangeable for other Securities of the
same class and series of a like aggregate Security Balance, notional
amount or percentage interest but of different authorized
denominations. See "Special Considerations--Limited Liquidity" and
"--Limited Assets."
DISTRIBUTIONS
Distributions on the Securities of each series will be made by or on
behalf of the Trustee on each Distribution Date as specified in the related
Prospectus Supplement from the Available Distribution Amount for such series
and such Distribution Date. Except as otherwise specified in the related
Prospectus Supplement, distributions (other than the final distribution) will
be made to the persons in whose names the Securities 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 Securities on each
Distribution Date will be allocated pro rata among the outstanding Securities
in such class or by random selection, as described in the related Prospectus
Supplement or otherwise established by the related Trustee. Payments will be
made either by wire transfer in immediately available funds to the account of
a Securityholder at a bank or other entity having appropriate facilities
therefor, if such Securityholder has so notified the Trustee or other person
required to make such payments no later than the date specified in the
related Prospectus Supplement (and, if so provided in the related Prospectus
Supplement, holds Securities in the requisite amount specified therein), or
by check mailed to the address of the person entitled thereto as it appears
on the Security Register; provided, however, that the final distribution in
retirement of the Securities (whether Definitive Securities or Book-Entry
Securities) will be made only upon presentation and surrender of the
Securities at the location specified in the notice to Securityholders of such
final distribution.
AVAILABLE DISTRIBUTION AMOUNT
All distributions on the Securities 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 Collection
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) unless the related Prospectus Supplement provides otherwise, all
prepayments, together with related payments of the interest thereon
and related Prepayment Premiums, Liquidation Proceeds, Insurance
Proceeds and other unscheduled recoveries received subsequent to the
related Due Period, and
(c) all amounts in the Collection Account that are due or
reimbursable to the Depositor, the Trustee, an Asset Seller, a
Sub-Servicer, the Master Servicer or any other entity as specified
in the related Prospectus Supplement 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 Collection Account,
including any net amounts paid under any Cash Flow Agreements;
(iii) all advances made by a Master Servicer or any other entity as
specified in the related Prospectus Supplement with respect to such
Distribution Date;
(iv) if and to the extent the related Prospectus Supplement so
provides, amounts paid by a Master Servicer or any other entity as
specified in the related Prospectus Supplement with respect to interest
shortfalls resulting from prepayments during the related Prepayment
Period; and
(v) unless the related Prospectus Supplement provides otherwise, to the
extent not on deposit in the related Collection 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 Securities (including any Securities 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.
DISTRIBUTIONS OF INTEREST ON THE SECURITIES
Each class of Securities (other than classes of Stripped Principal
Securities that have no Pass-Through Rate or interest rate) may have a
different Pass-Through Rate or interest rate, which will be a fixed, variable
or adjustable rate at which interest will accrue on such class or a component
thereof (the "Pass-Through Rate" in the case of Certificates). The related
Prospectus Supplement will specify the Pass-Through Rate or interest rate for
each class or component or, in the case of a variable or adjustable
Pass-Through Rate or interest rate, the method for determining the
Pass-Through Rate or interest rate. Unless otherwise specified in the related
Prospectus Supplement, interest on the Securities will be calculated on the
basis of a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months.
Distributions of interest in respect of the Securities of any class will
be made on each Distribution Date (other than any class of Accrual
Securities, which will be entitled to distributions of accrued interest
commencing only on the Distribution Date, or under the circumstances,
specified in the related Prospectus Supplement, and any class of Stripped
Principal Securities that are not entitled to any distributions of interest)
based on the Accrued Security Interest for such class and such Distribution
Date, subject to the sufficiency of the portion of the Available Distribution
Amount allocable to such class on such Distribution Date. Prior to the time
interest is distributable on any class of Accrual Securities, the amount of
Accrued Security Interest otherwise distributable on such class will be added
to the Security Balance thereof on each Distribution Date. With respect to
each class of Securities and each Distribution Date (other than certain
classes of Stripped Interest Securities), "Accrued Security Interest" will be
equal to interest accrued for a specified period on the outstanding Security
Balance thereof immediately prior to the Distribution Date, at the applicable
Pass-Through Rate or interest rate, reduced as described below. Unless
otherwise provided in the Prospectus Supplement, Accrued Security Interest on
Stripped Interest Securities will be equal to interest accrued for a
specified period on the outstanding notional amount thereof immediately prior
to each Distribution Date, at the applicable Pass-Through Rate or interest
rate, reduced as described below. The method of determining the notional
amount for any class of Stripped Interest Securities will be described in the
related Prospectus Supplement. Reference to notional amount is solely for
convenience in certain calculations and does not represent the right to
receive any distributions of principal. Unless otherwise provided in the
related Prospectus Supplement, the Accrued Security Interest on a series of
Securities will be reduced in the event of prepayment interest shortfalls,
which are shortfalls in collections of interest for a full accrual period
resulting from prepayments prior to the due date in such accrual period on
the Mortgage Loans or Contracts comprising or underlying the Assets in the
Trust Fund for such series. The particular manner in which such shortfalls
are to be allocated among some or all of the classes of Securities of that
series will be specified in the related Prospectus Supplement. The related
Prospectus Supplement will also describe the extent to which the amount of
Accrued Certificate Interest that is otherwise distributable on (or, in the
case of Accrual Securities, that may otherwise be added to the Security
Balance of) a class of Offered Securities may be reduced as a result of any
other contingencies, including delinquencies, losses and deferred interest on
or in respect of the Mortgage Loans or Contracts comprising or underlying the
Assets in the related Trust Fund. Unless otherwise provided in the related
Prospectus Supplement, any reduction in the amount of Accrued Security
Interest otherwise distributable on a class of Securities by reason of the
allocation to such class of a portion of any deferred interest on the
Mortgage Loans or Contracts comprising or underlying the Assets in the
related Trust Fund will result in a corresponding increase in the Security
Balance of such class. See "Special Considerations--Average Life of
Securities; Prepayments; Yields" and "Yield Considerations."
DISTRIBUTIONS OF PRINCIPAL OF THE SECURITIES
The Securities of each series, other than certain classes of Stripped
Interest Securities, will have a "Security Balance" which, at any time, will
equal the then maximum amount that the holder will be entitled to receive in
respect of principal out of the future cash flow on the Assets and other
assets included in the related Trust Fund. The outstanding Security Balance
of a Security will be reduced to the extent of distributions of principal
thereon from time to time and, if and to the extent so provided in the
related Prospectus Supplement, by the amount of losses incurred in respect of
the related Assets, may be increased in respect of deferred interest on the
related Mortgage Loans to the extent provided in the related Prospectus
Supplement and, in the case of Accrual Securities prior to the Distribution
Date on which distributions of interest are required to commence, will be
increased by any related Accrued Security Interest. Unless otherwise provided
in the related Prospectus Supplement, the initial aggregate Security Balance
of all classes of Securities of a series will not be greater than the
outstanding aggregate principal balance of the related Assets as of the
applicable Cut-off Date. The initial aggregate Security 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 Securities entitled thereto in accordance with the
provisions described in such Prospectus Supplement until the Security Balance
of such class has been reduced to zero. Stripped Interest Securities with no
Security Balance are not entitled to any distributions of principal.
COMPONENTS
To the extent specified in the related Prospectus Supplement,
distribution on a class of Securities may be based on a combination of two or
more different components as described under "--General" above. To such
extent, the descriptions set forth under "--Distributions of Interests on the
Securities" and "--Distributions of Principal of the Securities" above also
relate to components of such a class of Securities. In such case, reference
in such sections to Security Balance and Pass-Through Rate or interest rate
refer to the principal balance, if any, of any such component and the Pass-
Through Rate or interest rate, if any, on any such component, respectively.
DISTRIBUTIONS ON THE SECURITIES OF PREPAYMENT PREMIUMS
If so provided in the related Prospectus Supplement, Prepayment Premiums
that are collected on the Mortgage Assets in the related Trust Fund will be
distributed on each Distribution Date to the class or classes of Securities
entitled thereto in accordance with the provisions described in such
Prospectus Supplement.
ALLOCATION OF LOSSES AND SHORTFALLS
If so provided in the Prospectus Supplement for a series of Securities
consisting of one or more classes of Subordinate Securities, on any
Distribution Date in respect of which losses or shortfalls in collections on
the Assets have been incurred, the amount of such losses or shortfalls will
be borne first by a class of Subordinate Securities in the priority and
manner and subject to the limitations specified in such Prospectus
Supplement. See "Description of Credit Support" for a description of the
types of protection that may be included in a Trust Fund against losses and
shortfalls on Assets comprising such Trust Fund.
ADVANCES IN RESPECT OF DELINQUENCIES
With respect to any series of Securities evidencing an interest in a
Trust Fund, unless otherwise provided in the related Prospectus Supplement,
the Master Servicer or another entity described therein will be required as
part of its servicing responsibilities to advance on or before each
Distribution Date its own funds or funds held in the Collection 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 (other
than any balloon payments) and interest (net of related servicing fees and
Retained Interest) that were due on the Whole Loans or Contracts in such
Trust Fund during the related Due Period and were delinquent on the related
Determination Date, subject to the Master Servicer's (or another entity's)
good faith determination that such advances will be reimbursable from Related
Proceeds (as defined below). In the case of a series of Securities that
includes one or more classes of Subordinate Securities and if so provided in
the related Prospectus Supplement, the Master Servicer's (or another
entity's) advance obligation may be limited only to the portion of such
delinquencies necessary to make the required distributions on one or more
classes of Senior Securities and/or may be subject to the Master Servicer's
(or another entity's) good faith determination that such advances will be
reimbursable not only from Related Proceeds but also from collections on
other Assets otherwise distributable on one or more classes of such
Subordinate Securities. See "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 (or another entity's) funds will be reimbursable only out
of related recoveries on the Mortgage Loans or Contracts (including amounts
received under any form of Credit Support) respecting which such advances
were made (as to any Mortgage Loan or Contract, "Related Proceeds") and, if
so provided in the Prospectus Supplement, out of any amounts otherwise
distributable on one or more classes of Subordinate Securities of such
series; provided, however, that any such advance will be reimbursable from
any amounts in the Collection Account prior to any distributions being made
on the Securities to the extent that the Master Servicer (or such other
entity) shall determine in good faith that such advance (a "Nonrecoverable
Advance") is not ultimately recoverable from Related Proceeds or, if
applicable, from collections on other Assets otherwise distributable on such
Subordinate Securities. If advances have been made by the Master Servicer
from excess funds in the Collection Account, the Master Servicer is required
to replace such funds in the Collection Account on any future Distribution
Date to the extent that funds in the Collection Account on such Distribution
Date are less than payments required to be made to Securityholders on such
date. If so specified in the related Prospectus Supplement, the obligations
of the Master Servicer (or another entity) to make advances may be secured by
a cash advance reserve fund, a surety bond, a letter of credit or another
form of limited guaranty. 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.
If and to the extent so provided in the related Prospectus Supplement,
the Master Servicer (or another entity) will be entitled to receive interest
at the rate specified therein on its outstanding advances and will be
entitled to pay itself such interest periodically from general collections on
the Assets prior to any payment to Securityholders or as otherwise provided
in the related Agreement and described in such Prospectus Supplement.
The Prospectus Supplement for any series of Securities evidencing an
interest in a Trust Fund that includes MBS will describe any corresponding
advancing obligation of any person in connection with such MBS.
REPORTS TO SECURITYHOLDERS
Unless otherwise provided in the Prospectus Supplement, with each
distribution to holders of any class of Securities of a series, the Master
Servicer or the Trustee, as provided in the related Prospectus Supplement,
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, in each case to the extent applicable and available:
(i) the amount of such distribution to holders of Securities of such
class applied to reduce the Security Balance thereof;
(ii) the amount of such distribution to holders of Securities of such
class allocable to Accrued Security Interest;
(iii) the amount of such distribution allocable to Prepayment
Premiums;
(iv) the amount of related servicing compensation received by a
Master Servicer (and, if payable directly out of the related Trust Fund, by
any Sub-Servicer) and such other customary information as any such Master
Servicer or the Trustee deems necessary or desirable, or that a
Securityholder reasonably requests, to enable Securityholders to prepare
their tax returns;
(v) 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;
(vi) the aggregate principal balance of the Assets at the close of
business on such Distribution Date;
(vii) the number and aggregate principal balance of Whole Loans or
Contracts in respect of which (a) one scheduled payment is delinquent,
(b) two scheduled payments are delinquent, (c) three or more scheduled
payments are delinquent and (d) foreclosure proceedings have been commenced;
(viii) with respect to any Whole Loan or Contract liquidated during the
related Due Period, (a) the portion of such liquidation proceeds payable or
reimbursable to the Master Servicer (or any other entity) in respect of such
Mortgage Loan and (b) the amount of any loss to Securityholders;
(ix) with respect to each REO Property relating to a Whole Loan or
Contract and included in the Trust Fund as of the end of the related Due
Period, (a) the loan number of the related Mortgage Loan or Contract and
(b) the date of acquisition;
(x) with respect to each REO Property relating to a Whole Loan or
Contract and included in the Trust Fund as of the end of the related Due
Period, (a) the book value, (b) the principal balance of the related Mortgage
Loan or Contract immediately following such Distribution Date (calculated as
if such Mortgage Loan or Contract were still outstanding taking into account
certain limited modifications to the terms thereof specified in the
Agreement), (c) the aggregate amount of unreimbursed servicing expenses and
unreimbursed advances in respect thereof and (d) if applicable, the aggregate
amount of interest accrued and payable on related servicing expenses and
related advances;
(xi) with respect to any such REO Property sold during the related
Due Period (a) the aggregate amount of sale proceeds, (b) the portion of such
sales proceeds payable or reimbursable to the Master Servicer in respect of
such REO Property or the related Mortgage Loan or Contract and (c) the amount
of any loss to Securityholders in respect of the related Mortgage Loan;
(xii) the aggregate Security Balance or notional amount, as the case
may be, of each class of Securities (including any class of Securities not
offered hereby) at the close of business on such Distribution Date,
separately identifying any reduction in such Security Balance due to the
allocation of any loss and increase in the Security Balance of a class of
Accrual Securities in the event that Accrued Security Interest has been added
to such balance;
(xiii) the aggregate amount of principal prepayments made during the
related Due Period;
(xiv) the amount deposited in the reserve fund, if any, on such
Distribution Date;
(xv) the amount remaining in the reserve fund, if any, as of the
close of business on such Distribution Date;
(xvi) the aggregate unpaid Accrued Security Interest, if any, on each
class of Securities at the close of business on such Distribution Date;
(xvii) in the case of Securities with a variable Pass-Through Rate or
interest rate, the Pass-Through Rate or interest rate applicable to such
Distribution Date, and, if available, the immediately succeeding Distribution
Date, as calculated in accordance with the method specified in the related
Prospectus Supplement;
(xviii) in the case of Securities with an adjustable Pass-Through Rate
or interest rate, for statements to be distributed in any month in which an
adjustment date occurs, the adjustable Pass-Through Rate or interest rate
applicable to such Distribution Date, if available, and the immediately
succeeding Distribution Date as calculated in accordance with the method
specified in the related Prospectus Supplement;
(xix) 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; and
(xx) the aggregate amount of payments by the obligors of (a) default
interest, (b) late charges and (c) assumption and modification fees collected
during the related Due Period.
In the case of information furnished pursuant to subclauses (i)-(iv)
above, the amounts shall be expressed as a dollar amount per minimum
denomination of Securities or for such other specified portion thereof. In
addition, in the case of information furnished pursuant to subclauses (i),
(ii), (xii), (xvi) and (xvii) above, such amounts shall also be provided with
respect to each component, if any, of a class of Securities. The Master
Servicer or the Trustee, as specified in the related Prospectus Supplement,
will forward or cause to be forwarded to each holder, to the Depositor and to
such other parties as may be specified in the Agreement, a copy of any
statements or reports received by the Master Servicer or the Trustee, as
applicable, with respect to any MBS. The Prospectus Supplement for each
series of Offered Securities will describe any additional information to be
included in reports to the holders of such Securities.
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 Security a statement containing the information set
forth in subclauses (i)-(iv) above, aggregated for such calendar year or the
applicable portion thereof during which such person was a Securityholder.
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. See "Description
of the Securities--Registration and Definitive Securities."
TERMINATION
The obligations created by the related Agreement for each series of
Certificates will terminate upon the payment to Certificateholders of that
series of all amounts held in the Collection Account or by the Master
Servicer, if any, or the Trustee 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 Asset subject thereto or the disposition of all
property acquired upon foreclosure of any Whole Loan or Contract subject
thereto 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 Securityholder, and the final distribution
will be made only upon presentation and surrender of the Securities at the
location to be specified in the notice of termination.
If so specified in the related Prospectus Supplement, a series of
Securities 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 therein. If so
provided in the related Prospectus Supplement, upon the reduction of the
Security Balance of a specified class or classes of Securities by a
specified percentage or amount, the party specified therein will solicit
bids for the purchase of all assets of the Trust Fund, or of a sufficient
portion of such assets to retire such class or classes or purchase such
class or classes at a price set forth in the related Prospectus
Supplement, in each case, under the circumstances and in the manner set
forth therein.
BOOK-ENTRY REGISTRATION AND DEFINITIVE SECURITIES
If so provided in the related Prospectus Supplement, one or more classes
of the Offered Securities of any series will be issued as Book-Entry
Securities, and each such class will be represented by one or more single
Securities registered in the name of a nominee for the depository, The
Depository Trust Company ("DTC").
DTC is a limited-purpose trust company organized under the laws of the
State of New York, a member of the Federal Reserve System, a "clearing
corporation" within the meaning of the Uniform Commercial Code ("UCC") and a
"clearing agency" registered pursuant to the provisions of Section 17A of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. DTC was created to hold
securities for its participating organizations ("Participants") and
facilitate the clearance and settlement of securities transactions between
Participants through electronic book-entry changes in their accounts, thereby
eliminating the need for physical movement of certificates. Participants
include Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, securities
brokers and dealers, banks, trust companies and clearing corporations and may
include certain other organizations. Indirect access to the DTC system also
is available to others such as banks, brokers, dealers and trust companies
that clear through or maintain a custodial relationship with a Participant,
either directly or indirectly ("Indirect Participants").
Unless otherwise provided in the related Prospectus Supplement,
investors that are not Participants or Indirect Participants but desire to
purchase, sell or otherwise transfer ownership of, or other interests in,
Book-Entry Securities may do so only through Participants and Indirect
Participants. In addition, such investors ("Security Owners") will receive
all distributions on the Book-Entry Securities through DTC and its
Participants. Under a book-entry format, Security Owners will receive
payments after the related Distribution Date because, while payments are
required to be forwarded to Cede & Co., as nominee for DTC ("Cede"), on each
such date, DTC will forward such payments to its Participants which
thereafter will be required to forward them to Indirect Participants or
Security Owners. Unless otherwise provided in the related Prospectus
Supplement, the only "Securityholder" (as such term is used in the Agreement)
will be Cede, as nominee of DTC, and the Security Owners will not be
recognized by the Trustee as Securityholders under the Agreement. Security
Owners will be permitted to exercise the rights of Securityholders under the
related Agreement, Trust Agreement or Indenture, as applicable, only
indirectly through the Participants who in turn will exercise their rights
through DTC.
Under the rules, regulations and procedures creating and affecting DTC
and its operations, DTC is required to make book-entry transfers among
Participants on whose behalf it acts with respect to the Book-Entry
Securities and is required to receive and transmit distributions of principal
of and interest on the Book-Entry Securities. Participants and Indirect
Participants with which Security Owners have accounts with respect to the
Book-Entry Securities similarly are required to make book-entry transfers and
receive and transmit such payments on behalf of their respective Security
Owners.
Because DTC can act only on behalf of Participants, who in turn act on
behalf of Indirect Participants and certain banks, the ability of a Security
Owner to pledge its interest in the Book-Entry Securities to persons or
entities that do not participate in the DTC system, or otherwise take actions
in respect of its interest in the Book-Entry Securities, may be limited due
to the lack of a physical certificate evidencing such interest.
DTC has advised the Depositor that it will take any action permitted to
be taken by a Securityholder under an Agreement only at the direction of one
or more Participants to whose account with DTC interests in the Book-Entry
Securities are credited.
Unless otherwise specified in the related Prospectus Supplement,
Securities initially issued in book-entry form will be issued in fully
registered, certificated form to Security Owners or their nominees
("Definitive Securities"), rather than to DTC or its nominee only if (i) the
Depositor advises the Trustee in writing that DTC is no longer willing or
able to properly discharge its responsibilities as depository with respect to
the Securities and the Depositor is unable to locate a qualified successor or
(ii) the Depositor, at its option, elects to terminate the book-entry system
through DTC.
Upon the occurrence of either of the events described in the immediately
preceding paragraph, DTC is required to notify all Participants of the
availability through DTC of Definitive Securities for the Security Owners.
Upon surrender by DTC of the certificate or certificates representing the
Book-Entry Securities, together with instructions for reregistration, the
Trustee will issue (or cause to be issued) to the Security Owners identified
in such instructions the Definitive Securities to which they are entitled,
and thereafter the Trustee will recognize the holders of such Definitive
Securities as Securityholders under the Agreement.
DESCRIPTION OF THE AGREEMENTS
AGREEMENTS APPLICABLE TO A SERIES
REMIC Certificates, Grantor Trust Certificates. Certificates that are
REMIC Certificates or Grantor Trust Certificates will be issued, and the
related Trust Fund will be created, pursuant to a pooling and servicing
agreement (a "Pooling and Servicing Agreement") among the Depositor, the
Master Servicer and the Trustee. The Assets of such Trust Fund will be
transferred to the Trust Fund and thereafter serviced in accordance with the
terms of the Pooling and Servicing Agreement. In the context of the
conveyance and servicing of the related Assets, the Pooling and Servicing
Agreement may be referred to herein as the "Agreement". Notwithstanding the
foregoing, if the Assets of the Trust Fund for such a series consists only of
Government Securities or MBS, such Assets will be conveyed to the Trust Fund
and administered pursuant to a trust agreement between the Depositor and the
Trustee (a "Trust Agreement"), which may also be referred to herein as the
"Agreement".
Certificates That Are Partnership Interests for Tax Purposes and Notes.
Certificates that are partnership interests for tax purposes will be issued,
and the related Trust Fund will be created, pursuant to a Trust Agreement
between the Depositor and the Trustee. The Assets of the related Trust Fund
will be transferred to the Trust Fund and thereafter serviced in accordance
with a servicing agreement (a "Servicing Agreement") between the Depositor,
the Servicer and the Trustee. In the context of the conveyance and servicing
of the related Assets, a Servicing may be referred to herein as the
"Agreement".
A series of Notes issued by a Trust Fund will be issued pursuant to the
indenture (the "Indenture") between the related Trust Fund and an indenture
trustee (the "Indenture Trustee") named in the related Prospectus Supplement.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Assets of a Trust Fund consist
only of MBS or Government Securities, such Assets will be conveyed to the
Trust Fund and administered in accordance with the terms of the Trust
Agreement, which in such context may be referred to herein as the Agreement.
General. Any Master Servicer and the Trustee with respect to any series
of Securities will be named in the related Prospectus Supplement. In any
series of Securities for which there are multiple Master Servicers, there may
also be multiple Mortgage Loan Groups or Contract Groups, each corresponding
to a particular Master Servicer; and, if the related Prospectus Supplement so
specifies, the servicing obligations of each such Master Servicer will be
limited to the Whole Loans in such corresponding Mortgage Loan Group or the
Contracts in the corresponding Contract Group. In lieu of appointing a
Master Servicer, a servicer may be appointed pursuant to the Agreement for
any Trust Fund. Such servicer will service all or a significant number of
Whole Loans or Contracts directly without a Sub-Servicer. Unless otherwise
specified in the related Prospectus Supplement, the obligations of any such
servicer shall be commensurate with those of the Master Servicer described
herein. References in this Prospectus to Master Servicer and its rights and
obligations, unless otherwise specified in the related Prospectus Supplement,
shall be deemed to also be references to any servicer servicing Whole Loans
or Contracts directly. A manager or administrator may be appointed pursuant
to the Trust Agreement for any Trust Fund to administer such Trust Fund. The
provisions of each Agreement will vary depending upon the nature of the
Securities to be issued thereunder and the nature of the related Trust Fund.
Forms of a Pooling and Servicing Agreement, a Sale and Servicing Agreement
and a Trust Agreement have been filed as exhibits to the Registration
Statement of which this Prospectus is a part.
The following summaries describe certain provisions that may appear in
each Agreement. The Prospectus Supplement for a series of Securities 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 description of such provisions in the
related Prospectus Supplement. As used herein with respect to any series, the
term "Security" refers to all of the Securities of that series, whether or
not offered hereby and by the related Prospectus Supplement, unless the
context otherwise requires. The Depositor will provide a copy of the
Agreement (without exhibits) relating to any series of Securities without
charge upon written request of a holder of a Security of such series
addressed to Merrill Lynch Mortgage Investors, Inc., 250 Vesey Street, World
Financial Center, North Tower, 10th Floor, New York, New York 10281-1310.
Attention: Jack Ross.
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSETS; REPURCHASES
At the time of issuance of any series of Securities, the Depositor will
assign (or cause to be assigned) to the designated Trustee the Assets to be
included in the related Trust Fund, together with all principal and interest
to be received on or with respect to such Assets after the Cut-off Date,
other than principal and interest due on or before the Cut-off Date and other
than any Retained Interest. The Trustee will, concurrently with such
assignment, deliver the Certificates to the Depositor in exchange for the
Assets and the other assets comprising the Trust Fund for such series. Each
Asset will be identified in a schedule appearing as an exhibit to the related
Agreement. Unless otherwise provided in the related Prospectus Supplement,
such schedule will include detailed information (i) in respect of each Whole
Loan included in the related Trust Fund, including without limitation, the
address of the related Mortgaged Property and type of such property, the
Mortgage Rate and, if applicable, the applicable index, margin, adjustment
date and any rate cap information, the original and remaining term to
maturity, the original and outstanding principal balance and balloon payment,
if any, the Value and Loan-to-Value Ratio as of the date indicated and
payment and prepayment provisions, if applicable; (ii) in respect of each
Contract included in the related Trust Fund, including without limitation the
Contract number, the outstanding principal amount and the Contract Rate; and
(iii) in respect of each MBS included in the related Trust Fund, including
without limitation, the MBS Issuer, MBS Servicer and MBS Trustee, the
pass-through or bond rate or formula for determining such rate, the issue
date and original and remaining term to maturity, if applicable, the original
and outstanding principal amount and payment provisions, if applicable.
With respect to each Whole Loan, except as otherwise specified in the
related Prospectus Supplement, the Depositor will deliver or cause to be
delivered to the Trustee (or to the custodian hereinafter referred to)
certain loan documents, which unless otherwise specified in the related
Prospectus Supplement will include the original Mortgage Note endorsed,
without recourse, in blank or to the order of the Trustee, the original
Mortgage (or a certified copy thereof) with evidence of recording indicated
thereon and an assignment of the Mortgage to the Trustee in recordable form.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, a Trust Fund may include Mortgage Loans where
the original Mortgage Note is not delivered to the Trustee if the Depositor
delivers to the Trustee or the custodian a copy or a duplicate original of
the Mortgage Note, together with an affidavit certifying that the original
thereof has been lost or destroyed. With respect to such Mortgage Loans, the
Trustee (or its nominee) may not be able to enforce the Mortgage Note against
the related borrower. Unless otherwise specified in the related Prospectus
Supplement, the Asset Seller will be required to agree to repurchase, or
substitute for, each such Mortgage Loan that is subsequently in default if
the enforcement thereof or of the related Mortgage is materially adversely
affected by the absence of the original Mortgage Note. Unless otherwise
provided in the related Prospectus Supplement, the related Agreement will
require the Depositor or another party specified therein to promptly cause
each such assignment of Mortgage 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 related
Whole Loan against the claim of any subsequent transferee or any successor
to or creditor of the Depositor, the Master Servicer, the relevant Asset
Seller or any other prior holder of the Whole Loan.
The Trustee (or a custodian) will review such Whole Loan documents
within a specified period of days after receipt thereof, and the Trustee (or
a 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 Asset Seller. If the Asset Seller cannot cure
the omission or defect within a specified number of days after receipt of
such notice, then unless otherwise specified in the related Prospectus
Supplement, the Asset Seller will be obligated, within a specified number of
days of receipt of such notice, to repurchase the related Whole Loan from the
Trustee at the Purchase Price or substitute for such Mortgage Loan. There can
be no assurance that an Asset Seller will fulfill this repurchase or
substitution obligation, and neither the Master Servicer nor the Depositor
will be obligated to repurchase or substitute for such Mortgage Loan if the
Asset 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. To
the extent specified in the related Prospectus Supplement, in lieu of curing
any omission or defect in the Asset or repurchasing or substituting for such
Asset, the Asset Seller may agree to cover any losses suffered by the Trust
Fund as a result of such breach or defect.
Notwithstanding the preceding two paragraphs, unless otherwise specified
in the related Prospectus Supplement, the documents with respect to Home
Equity Loans, Home Improvement Contracts and Unsecured Home Improvement Loans
will not be delivered to the Trustee (or a custodian), but will be retained
by the Master Servicer, which may also be the Asset Seller. In addition,
assignments of the related Mortgages to the Trustee will not be recorded,
unless otherwise provided in the related Prospectus Supplement.
With respect to each Contract, unless otherwise specified in the related
Prospectus Supplement, the Master Servicer (which may also be the Asset
Seller) will maintain custody of the original Contract and copies of
documents and instruments related to each Contract and the security interest
in the Manufactured Home securing each Contract. In order to give notice of
the right, title and interest of the Trustee in the Contracts, the Depositor
will cause UCC-1 financing statements to be executed by the related Asset
Seller identifying the Depositor as secured party and by the Depositor
identifying the Trustee as the secured party and, in each case, identifying
all Contracts as collateral. Unless otherwise specified in the related
Prospectus Supplement, the Contracts will not be stamped or otherwise marked
to reflect their assignment from the Company to the Trust. Therefore, if,
through negligence, fraud or otherwise, a subsequent purchaser were able to
take physical possession of the Contracts without notice of such assignment,
the interest of the Trustee in the Contracts could be defeated. See "Certain
Legal Aspects of the Contracts."
While the Contract documents will not be reviewed by the Trustee or the
Master Servicer, if the Master Servicer finds that any such document is
missing or defective in any material respect, the Master Servicer shall
immediately notify the Depositor and the relevant Asset Seller. If the Asset
Seller cannot cure the omission or defect within a specified number of days
after receipt of such notice, then unless otherwise specified in the related
Prospectus Supplement, the Asset Seller will be obligated, within a specified
number of days of receipt of such notice, to repurchase the related Contract
from the Trustee at the Purchase Price or substitute for such Contract.
There can be no assurance that an Asset Seller will fulfill this repurchase
or substitution obligation, and neither the Master Servicer nor the Depositor
will be obligated to repurchase or substitute for such Contract if the asset
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. To the extent
specified in the related Prospectus Supplement, in lieu of curing any
omission or defect in the Asset or repurchasing or substituting for such
Asset, the Asset Seller may agree to cover any losses suffered by the Trust
Fund as a result of such breach or defect.
With respect to each Government Security or MBS in certificated form,
the Depositor will deliver or cause to be delivered to the Trustee (or the
custodian) the original certificate or other definitive evidence of such
Government Security or MBS, as applicable, together with bond power or other
instruments, certifications or documents required to transfer fully such
Government Security or MBS, as applicable, to the Trustee for the benefit of
the Certificateholders. With respect to each Government Security or MBS
in uncertificated or book-entry form or held through a "clearing
corporation" within the meaning of the UCC, the Depositor and the Trustee
will cause such Government Security or MBS to be registered directly or on
the books of such clearing corporation or of a financial intermediary in
the name of the Trustee for the benefit of the Certificateholders. Unless
otherwise provided in the related Prospectus Supplement, the
related Agreement will require that either the Depositor or the Trustee
promptly cause any MBS and Government Securities in certificated form not
registered in the name of the Trustee to be re-registered, with the
applicable persons, in the name of the Trustee.
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES; REPURCHASES
Unless otherwise provided in the related Prospectus Supplement the
Depositor will, with respect to each Whole Loan or Contract, assign certain
representations and warranties, as of a specified date (the person making
such representations and warranties, the "Warranting Party") covering, by way
of example, the following types of matters: (i) the accuracy of the
information set forth for such Whole Loan or Contract on the schedule of
Assets appearing as an exhibit to the related Agreement; (ii) in the case of
a Whole Loan, the existence of title insurance insuring the lien priority of
the Whole Loan and, in the case of a Contract, that the Contract creates a
valid first security interest in or lien on the related Manufactured Home;
(iii) the authority of the Warranting Party to sell the Whole Loan or
Contract; (iv) the payment status of the Whole Loan or Contract; (v) in the
case of a Whole Loan, the existence of customary provisions in the related
Mortgage Note and Mortgage to permit realization against the Mortgaged
Property of the benefit of the security of the Mortgage; and (vi) the
existence of hazard and extended perils insurance coverage on the Mortgaged
Property or Manufactured Home.
Any Warranting Party shall be an Asset Seller or an affiliate thereof or
such other person acceptable to the Depositor and shall be identified in the
related Prospectus Supplement.
Representations and warranties made in respect of a Whole Loan or
Contract may have been made as of a date prior to the applicable Cut-off
Date. A substantial period of time may have elapsed between such date and the
date of initial issuance of the related series of Certificates evidencing an
interest in such Whole Loan or Contract. Unless otherwise specified in the
related Prospectus Supplement, in the event of a breach of any such
representation or warranty, the Warranting Party will be obligated to
reimburse the Trust Fund for losses caused by any such breach or either cure
such breach or repurchase or replace the affected Whole Loan or Contract as
described below. Since the representations and warranties may not address
events that may occur following the date as of which they were made, the
Warranting Party will have a reimbursement, 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 such date.
Such party would have no such obligations if the relevant event that causes
such breach occurs after such date.
Unless otherwise provided in the related Prospectus Supplement, each
Agreement will provide that the Master Servicer and/or Trustee will be
required to notify promptly the relevant Warranting Party of any breach of
any representation or warranty made by it in respect of a Whole Loan or
Contract that materially and adversely affects the value of such Whole Loan
or Contract or the interests therein of the Certificateholders. If such
Warranting Party cannot cure such breach within a specified period following
the date on which such party was notified of such breach, then such
Warranting Party will be obligated to repurchase such Whole Loan or Contract
from the Trustee within a specified period from the date on which the
Warranting Party was notified of such breach, at the Purchase Price therefor.
As to any Whole Loan or Contract, unless otherwise specified in the related
Prospectus Supplement, the "Purchase Price" is equal to the sum of the unpaid
principal balance thereof, plus unpaid accrued interest thereon at the
Mortgage Rate or Contract Rate from the date as to which interest was last
paid to the due date in the Due Period in which the relevant purchase is to
occur, plus certain servicing expenses that are reimbursable to the Master
Servicer. If so provided in the Prospectus Supplement for a series, a
Warranting Party, rather than repurchase a Whole Loan or Contract as to which
a breach has occurred, will have the option, within a specified period after
initial issuance of such series of Certificates, to cause the removal of such
Whole Loan or Contract from the Trust Fund and substitute in its place one or
more other Whole Loans or Contracts, as applicable, in accordance with the
standards described in the related Prospectus Supplement. If so provided in
the Prospectus Supplement for a series, a Warranting Party, rather than
repurchase or substitute a Whole Loan or Contract as to which a breach has
occurred, will have the option to reimburse the Trust Fund or the
Certificateholders for any losses caused by such breach. Unless otherwise
specified in the related Prospectus Supplement, this reimbursement,
repurchase or substitution obligation will constitute the sole remedy
available to holders of Certificates or the Trustee for a breach of
representation by a Warranting Party.
Neither the Depositor (except to the extent that it is the Warranting
Party) nor the Master Servicer will be obligated to purchase or substitute
for a Whole Loan or Contract if a Warranting Party defaults on its obligation
to do so, and no assurance can be given that Warranting Parties will carry
out such obligations with respect to Whole Loans or Contracts.
Unless otherwise provided in the related Prospectus Supplement the
Warranting Party will, with respect to a Trust Fund that includes Government
Securities or MBS, make or assign certain representations or warranties, as
of a specified date, with respect to such Government Securities or MBS,
covering (i) the accuracy of the information set forth therefor on the
schedule of Assets appearing as an exhibit to the related Agreement and (ii)
the authority of the Warranting Party to sell such Assets. The related
Prospectus Supplement will describe the remedies for a breach thereof.
A Master Servicer will make certain representations and warranties
regarding its authority to enter into, and its ability to perform its
obligations under, the related Agreement. A breach of any such representation
of the Master Servicer which materially and adversely affects the interests
of the Certificateholders and which continues unremedied for the number of
days specified in the Agreement after the giving of written notice of such
breach 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 (unless otherwise specified
in the related Prospectus Supplement), will constitute an Event of Default
under such Pooling and Servicing Agreement. See "Events of Default" and
"Rights Upon Event of Default."
COLLECTION ACCOUNT AND RELATED ACCOUNTS
General
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 Assets
(collectively, the "Collection Account"), which must be either (i) an account
or accounts the deposits in which are insured by the Bank Insurance Fund or
the Savings Association Insurance Fund of the Federal Deposit Insurance
Corporation ("FDIC") (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 Collection
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 Collection
Account is maintained or (ii) otherwise maintained with a bank or trust
company, and in a manner, satisfactory to the Rating Agency or Agencies
rating any class of Securities of such series. The collateral eligible to
secure amounts in the Collection Account is limited to United States
government securities and other investment grade obligations specified in the
Agreement ("Permitted Investments"). A Collection Account may be maintained
as an interest bearing or a non-interest bearing account and the funds held
therein may be invested pending each succeeding Distribution Date in certain
short-term Permitted Investments. Unless otherwise provided in the related
Prospectus Supplement, any interest or other income earned on funds in the
Collection Account will be paid to a Master Servicer or its designee as
additional servicing compensation. The Collection Account may be maintained
with an institution that is an affiliate of the Master Servicer, if
applicable, provided that such institution meets the standards imposed by the
Rating Agency or Agencies. If permitted by the Rating Agency or Agencies and
so specified in the related Prospectus Supplement, a Collection Account may
contain funds relating to more than one series of mortgage pass-through
certificates and may contain other funds respecting payments on mortgage
loans belonging to the Master Servicer or serviced or master serviced by it
on behalf of others.
Deposits
A Master Servicer or the Trustee will deposit or cause to be deposited
in the Collection Account for one or more Trust Funds on a daily basis,
unless otherwise provided in the related Agreement, the following payments
and collections received, or advances made, by the Master Servicer or the
Trustee 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 Assets;
(ii) all payments on account of interest on the Assets, including any
default interest collected, in each case net of any portion thereof retained
by a Master Servicer or a Sub-Servicer as its servicing compensation and net
of any Retained Interest;
(iii) all proceeds of the hazard insurance policies to be maintained
in respect of each Mortgaged Property securing a Whole Loan in the Trust Fund
(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 a Master Servicer or the related Sub-Servicer, subject to the
terms and conditions of the related Mortgage and Mortgage Note)
(collectively, "Insurance Proceeds") and all other amounts received and
retained in connection with the liquidation of defaulted Mortgage Loans in
the Trust Fund, 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 Securityholders by
foreclosure or by deed in lieu of foreclosure or otherwise;
(iv) any amounts paid under any instrument or drawn from any fund
that constitutes Credit Support for the related series of Securities as
described under "Description of Credit Support";
(v) any advances made as described under "Description of the Securities
- --Advances in Respect of Delinquencies";
(vi) any amounts paid under any Cash Flow Agreement, as described
under "Description of the Trust Funds--Cash Flow Agreements";
(vii) all proceeds of any Asset or, with respect to a Whole Loan,
property acquired in respect thereof purchased by the Depositor, any Asset
Seller or any other specified person as described under "Assignment of
Assets; Repurchases" and "Representations and Warranties; Repurchases," all
proceeds of any defaulted Mortgage Loan purchased as described under
"Realization Upon Defaulted Whole Loans," and all proceeds of any Asset
purchased as described under "Description of the Securities--Termination"
(also, "Liquidation Proceeds");
(viii) any amounts paid by a Master Servicer to cover certain interest
shortfalls arising out of the prepayment of Whole Loans or Contracts in the
Trust Fund as described under "Description of the Agreements--Retained
Interest; Servicing Compensation and Payment of Expenses";
(ix) to the extent that any such item does not constitute additional
servicing compensation to a Master Servicer, any payments on account of
modification or assumption fees, late payment charges or Prepayment Premiums
on the Mortgage Assets;
(x) all payments required to be deposited in the Collection Account with
respect to any deductible clause in any blanket insurance policy described
under "Hazard Insurance Policies";
(xi) any amount required to be deposited by a Master Servicer or the
Trustee in connection with losses realized on investments for the benefit of
the Master Servicer or the Trustee, as the case may be, of funds held in the
Collection Account; and
(xii) any other amounts required to be deposited in the Collection
Account as provided in the related Agreement and described in the related
Prospectus Supplement.
Withdrawals
A Master Servicer or the Trustee may, from time to time, unless
otherwise specified in the related Prospectus Supplement or the related
Agreement, make withdrawals from the Collection Account for each Trust Fund
for any of the following purposes:
(i) to make distributions to the Securityholders on each Distribution
Date;
(ii) to reimburse a Master Servicer for unreimbursed amounts advanced
as described under "Description of the Securities--Advances in Respect of
Delinquencies," such reimbursement to be made out of amounts received which
were identified and applied by the Master Servicer as late collections of
interest (net of related servicing fees and Retained Interest) on and
principal of the particular Whole Loans or Contracts with respect to which
the advances were made or out of amounts drawn under any form of Credit
Support with respect to such Whole Loans or Contracts;
(iii) to reimburse a Master Servicer for unpaid servicing fees earned
and certain unreimbursed servicing expenses incurred with respect to Whole
Loans or Contracts and properties acquired in respect thereof, such
reimbursement to be made out of amounts that represent Liquidation Proceeds
and Insurance Proceeds collected on the particular Whole Loans or Contracts
and properties, and net income collected on the particular properties, with
respect to which such fees were earned or such expenses were incurred or out
of amounts drawn under any form of Credit Support with respect to such Whole
Loans or Contracts and properties;
(iv) to reimburse a Master Servicer for any advances described in
clause (ii) above and any servicing expenses described in clause (iii) above
which, in the Master Servicer's good faith judgment, will not be recoverable
from the amounts described in clauses (ii) and (iii), respectively, such
reimbursement to be made from amounts collected on other Assets or, if and to
the extent so provided by the related Agreement and described in the related
Prospectus Supplement, just from that portion of amounts collected on other
Assets that is otherwise distributable on one or more classes of Subordinate
Securities, if any, remain outstanding, and otherwise any outstanding class
of Securities, of the related series;
(v) if and to the extent described in the related Prospectus Supplement,
to pay a Master Servicer interest accrued on the advances described in clause
(ii) above and the servicing expenses described in clause (iii) above while
such remain outstanding and unreimbursed;
(vi) to reimburse a Master Servicer, the Depositor, or any of their
respective directors, officers, employees and agents, as the case may be, for
certain expenses, costs and liabilities incurred thereby, as and to the
extent described under "Certain Matters Regarding a Master Servicer and the
Depositor";
(vii) if and to the extent described in the related Prospectus
Supplement, to pay (or to transfer to a separate account for purposes of
escrowing for the payment of) the Trustee's fees;
(viii) to reimburse the Trustee or any of its directors, officers,
employees and agents, as the case may be, for certain expenses, costs and
liabilities incurred thereby, as and to the extent described under "Certain
Matters Regarding the Trustee";
(ix) unless otherwise provided in the related Prospectus Supplement,
to pay a Master Servicer, as additional servicing compensation, interest and
investment income earned in respect of amounts held in the Collection
Account;
(x) to pay the person entitled thereto any amounts deposited in the
Collection Account that were identified and applied by the Master Servicer as
recoveries of Retained Interest;
(xi) to pay for costs reasonably incurred in connection with the
proper management and maintenance of any Mortgaged Property acquired for the
benefit of Securityholders by foreclosure or by deed in lieu of foreclosure
or otherwise, such payments to be made out of income received on such
property;
(xii) if one or more elections have been made to treat the Trust Fund
or designated portions thereof as a REMIC, to pay any federal, state or local
taxes imposed on the Trust Fund or its assets or transactions, as and to the
extent described under "Certain Federal Income Tax Consequences--REMICS--
Prohibited Transactions Tax and Other Taxes";
(xiii) to pay for the cost of an independent appraiser or other expert
in real estate matters retained to determine a fair sale price for a
defaulted Whole Loan or a property acquired in respect thereof in connection
with the liquidation of such Whole Loan or property;
(xiv) to pay for the cost of various opinions of counsel obtained
pursuant to the related Agreement for the benefit of Securityholders;
(xv) to pay for the costs of recording the related Agreement if such
recordation materially and beneficially affects the interests of
Securityholders, provided that such payment shall not constitute a waiver
with respect to the obligation of the Warranting Party to remedy any breach
of representation or warranty under the Agreement;
(xvi) to pay the person entitled thereto any amounts deposited in the
Collection Account in error, including amounts received on any Asset after
its removal from the Trust Fund whether by reason of purchase or substitution
as contemplated by "Assignment of Assets; Repurchase" and "Representations
and Warranties; Repurchases" or otherwise;
(xvii) to make any other withdrawals permitted by the related
Agreement; and
(xviii) to clear and terminate the Collection Account at the termination
of the Trust Fund.
Other Collection Accounts
Notwithstanding the foregoing, if so specified in the related Prospectus
Supplement, the Agreement for any series of Securities may provide for the
establishment and maintenance of a separate collection account into which the
Master Servicer or any related Sub-Servicer will deposit on a daily basis the
amounts described under "--Deposits" above for one or more series of
Securities. Any amounts on deposit in any such collection account will be
withdrawn therefrom and deposited into the appropriate Collection Account by
a time specified in the related Prospectus Supplement. To the extent
specified in the related Prospectus Supplement, any amounts which could be
withdrawn from the Collection Account as described under "--Withdrawals"
above, may also be withdrawn from any such collection account. The
Prospectus Supplement will set forth any restrictions with respect to any
such collection account, including investment restrictions and any
restrictions with respect to financial institutions with which any such
collection account may be maintained.
COLLECTION AND OTHER SERVICING PROCEDURES
The Master Servicer, directly or through Sub-Servicers, is required to
make reasonable efforts to collect all scheduled payments under the Whole
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
Whole Loans or manufactured housing contracts comparable to the Contracts and
held for its own account, provided such procedures are consistent with
(i) the terms of the related Agreement and any related hazard insurance
policy or instrument of Credit Support, if any, included in the related Trust
Fund described herein or under "Description of Credit Support,"
(ii) applicable law and (iii) the general servicing standard specified in the
related Prospectus Supplement or, if no such standard is so specified, its
normal servicing practices (in either case, the "Servicing Standard"). In
connection therewith, the Master Servicer will be permitted in its discretion
to waive any late payment charge or penalty interest in respect of a late
payment on a Whole Loan or Contract.
Each Master Servicer will also be required to perform other customary
functions of a servicer of comparable loans, including maintaining hazard
insurance policies as described herein and in any related Prospectus
Supplement, and filing and settling claims thereunder; maintaining escrow or
impoundment accounts of mortgagors for payment of taxes, insurance and other
items required to be paid by any mortgagor pursuant to a Whole Loan;
processing assumptions or substitutions in those cases where the Master
Servicer has determined not to enforce any applicable due-on-sale clause;
attempting to cure delinquencies; supervising foreclosures or repossessions;
inspecting and managing Mortgaged Properties or Manufactured Homes under
certain circumstances; and maintaining accounting records relating to the
Whole Loans or Contracts. Unless otherwise specified in the related
Prospectus Supplement, the Master Servicer will be responsible for filing and
settling claims in respect of particular Whole Loans or Contracts under any
applicable instrument of Credit Support. See "Description of Credit Support."
The Master Servicer may agree to modify, waive or amend any term of any
Whole Loan or Contract in a manner consistent with the Servicing Standard so
long as the modification, waiver or amendment will not (i) affect the amount
or timing of any scheduled payments of principal or interest on the Whole
Loan or Contract or (ii) in its judgment, materially impair the security for
the Whole Loan or Contract or reduce the likelihood of timely payment of
amounts due thereon. The Master Servicer also may agree to any modification,
waiver or amendment that would so affect or impair the payments on, or the
security for, a Whole Loan or Contract if, unless otherwise provided in the
related Prospectus Supplement, (i) in its judgment, a material default on the
Whole Loan or Contract has occurred or a payment default is imminent and
(ii) in its judgment, such modification, waiver or amendment is reasonably
likely to produce a greater recovery with respect to the Whole Loan or
Contract on a present value basis than would liquidation. The Master Servicer
is required to notify the Trustee in the event of any modification, waiver or
amendment of any Whole Loan or Contract.
In the case of Multifamily Loans, a Mortgagor's failure to make required
Mortgage Loan payments may mean that operating income is insufficient to
service the Mortgage Loan debt, or may reflect the diversion of that income
from the servicing of the Mortgage Loan debt. In addition, a Mortgagor under
a Multifamily Loan that is unable to make Mortgage Loan payments may also be
unable to make timely payment of all required taxes and otherwise to maintain
and insure the related Mortgaged Property. In general, the Servicer will be
required to monitor any Multifamily Loan that is in default, evaluate whether
the causes of the default can be corrected over a reasonable period without
significant impairment of the value of the related Mortgaged Property,
initiate corrective action in cooperation with the Mortgagor if cure is
likely, inspect the related Multifamily Property and take such other actions
as are consistent with the related Agreement. A significant period of time
may elapse before the Servicer is able to assess the success of any such
corrective action or the need for additional initiatives. The time within
which the Servicer can make the initial determination of appropriate action,
evaluate the success of corrective action, develop additional initiatives,
institute foreclosure proceedings and actually foreclose may vary
considerably depending on the particular Multifamily Loan, the Multifamily
Property, the Mortgagor, the presence of an acceptable to party to assume the
Multifamily Loan and the laws of the jurisdiction in which the Multifamily
Property is located.
SUB-SERVICERS
A Master Servicer may delegate its servicing obligations in respect of
the Whole Loans or Contracts to third-party servicers (each, a
"Sub-Servicer"), but such Master Servicer will remain obligated under the
related Agreement. Each sub-servicing agreement between a Master Servicer and
a Sub-Servicer (a "Sub-Servicing Agreement") must be consistent with the
terms of the related Agreement and must provide that, if for any reason the
Master Servicer for the related series of Securities is no longer acting in
such capacity, the Trustee or any successor Master Servicer may assume the
Master Servicer's rights and obligations under such Sub-Servicing Agreement.
Unless otherwise provided in the related Prospectus Supplement, 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 Whole Loans
or Contracts. 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 an Agreement. See "Retained Interest;
Servicing Compensation and Payment of Expenses."
REALIZATION UPON DEFAULTED WHOLE LOANS
Unless otherwise provided in the related Prospectus Supplement, the
Master Servicer is required to monitor any Whole Loan or Contract which is in
default, initiate corrective action in cooperation with the mortgagor or
obligor if cure is likely, inspect the Mortgaged Property or Manufactured
Home and take such other actions as are consistent with the Servicing
Standard. 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.
Any Agreement relating to a Trust Fund that includes Whole Loans or
Contracts may grant to the Master Servicer and/or the holder or holders of
certain classes of Securities a right of first refusal to purchase from the
Trust Fund at a predetermined purchase price any such Whole Loan or Contract
as to which a specified number of scheduled payments thereunder are
delinquent. Any such right granted to the holder of an Offered Security will
be described in the related Prospectus Supplement. The related Prospectus
Supplement will also describe any such right granted to any person if the
predetermined purchase price is less than the Purchase Price described under
"Representations and Warranties; Repurchases."
If so specified in the related Prospectus Supplement, the Master
Servicer may offer to sell any defaulted Whole Loan or Contract described in
the preceding paragraph and not otherwise purchased by any person having a
right of first refusal with respect thereto, if and when the Master Servicer
determines, consistent with the Servicing Standard, that such a sale would
produce a greater recovery on a present value basis than would liquidation
through foreclosure, repossession or similar proceedings. The related
Agreement will provide that any such offering be made in a commercially
reasonable manner for a specified period and that the Master Servicer accept
the highest cash bid received from any person (including itself, an affiliate
of the Master Servicer or any Certificateholder) that constitutes a fair
price for such defaulted Whole Loan or Contract. In the absence of any bid
determined in accordance with the related Agreement to be fair, the Master
Servicer shall proceed with respect to such defaulted Mortgage Loan or
Contract as described below. Any bid in an amount at least equal to the
Purchase Price described under "Representations and Warranties; Repurchases"
will in all cases be deemed fair.
The Master Servicer, on behalf of the Trustee, may at any time institute
foreclosure proceedings, exercise any power of sale contained in any
mortgage, obtain a deed in lieu of foreclosure, or otherwise acquire title to
a Mortgaged Property securing a Whole Loan by operation of law or otherwise
and may at any time repossess and realize upon any Manufactured Home, if such
action is consistent with the Servicing Standard and a default on such Whole
Loan or Contract has occurred or, in the Master Servicer's judgment, is
imminent.
Unless otherwise provided in the related Prospectus Supplement, if
title to any Mortgaged Property is acquired by a Trust Fund as to which a
REMIC election has been made, the Master Servicer, on behalf of the Trust
Fund, will be required to sell the Mortgaged Property within two years of
acquisition, unless (i) the Internal Revenue Service grants an extension of
time to sell such property or (ii) the Trustee receives an opinion of
independent counsel to the effect that the holding of the property by the
Trust Fund subsequent to two years after its acquisition will not result in
the imposition of a tax on the Trust Fund or cause the Trust Fund to fail to
qualify as a REMIC under the Code at any time that any Certificate is
outstanding. Subject to the foregoing, the Master Servicer will be
required to (i) solicit bids for any Mortgaged Property so acquired in
such a manner as will be reasonably likely to realize a fair price for such
property and (ii) accept the first (and, if multiple bids are
contemporaneously received, the highest) cash bid received from any person
that constitutes a fair price.
The limitations imposed by the related Agreement and the REMIC
provisions of the Code (if a REMIC election has been made with respect to the
related Trust Fund) on the ownership and management of any Mortgaged Property
acquired on behalf of the Trust Fund may result in the recovery of an amount
less than the amount that would otherwise be recovered. See "Certain Legal
Aspects of Mortgage Loans--Foreclosure."
If recovery on a defaulted Whole Loan or Contract under any related
instrument of Credit Support is not available, 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 Whole Loan or Contract. If the proceeds of any liquidation of
the property securing the defaulted Whole Loan or Contract are less than the
outstanding principal balance of the defaulted Whole Loan or Contract plus
interest accrued thereon at the Mortgage Rate or Contract Rate, as
applicable, 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 Collection Account out of the Liquidation Proceeds
recovered on any defaulted Whole Loan or Contract, prior to the distribution
of such Liquidation Proceeds to Certificateholders, amounts representing its
normal servicing compensation on the Whole Loan or Contract, unreimbursed
servicing expenses incurred with respect to the Whole Loan or Contract and
any unreimbursed advances of delinquent payments made with respect to the
Whole Loan or Contract.
If any property securing a defaulted Whole Loan or Contract is damaged
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 Whole Loan or
Contract 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.
As servicer of the Whole Loans or Contracts, a Master Servicer, on
behalf of itself, the Trustee and the Securityholders, will present claims to
the obligor under each instrument of Credit Support, and will take such
reasonable steps as are necessary to receive payment or to permit recovery
thereunder with respect to defaulted Whole Loans or Contracts.
If a Master Servicer or its designee recovers payments under any
instrument of Credit Support with respect to any defaulted Whole Loan or
Contract, the Master Servicer will be entitled to withdraw or cause to be
withdrawn from the Collection Account out of such proceeds, prior to
distribution thereof to Certificateholders, amounts representing its normal
servicing compensation on such Whole Loan or Contract, unreimbursed servicing
expenses incurred with respect to the Whole Loan or Contract and any
unreimbursed advances of delinquent payments made with respect to the Whole
Loan or Contract. See "Hazard Insurance Policies" and "Description of Credit
Support."
HAZARD INSURANCE POLICIES
Whole Loans
Unless otherwise specified in the related Prospectus Supplement, each
Agreement for a Trust Fund comprised of Whole Loans will require the Master
Servicer to cause the mortgagor on each Whole Loan to maintain a hazard
insurance policy providing for such coverage as is required under the related
Mortgage or, if any Mortgage permits the holder thereof to dictate to the
mortgagor the insurance coverage to be maintained on the related
Mortgaged Property, then such coverage as is consistent with the
Servicing Standard. 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 Whole 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 hazard insurance policy
and under any other insurance policy referred to below, or upon the
extent to which information in this regard is furnished by mortgagors.
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 mortgagor 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 Collection Account. The Agreement will provide that the Master
Servicer may satisfy its obligation to cause each mortgagor to
maintain such a hazard insurance policy by the Master Servicer's
maintaining a blanket policy insuring against hazard losses on the Whole
Loans. If such blanket policy contains a deductible clause, the Master
Servicer will be required to deposit in the Collection Account all sums
that would have been deposited therein but for such clause.
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 Whole 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 war, revolution, governmental actions, floods
and other water-related causes, earth movement (including earthquakes,
landslides and mudflows), wet or dry rot, vermin, domestic animals and
certain other kinds of uninsured risks.
The hazard insurance policies covering the Mortgaged Properties securing
the Whole Loans will 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.
Each Agreement for a Trust Fund comprised of Whole Loans will require
the Master Servicer to cause the mortgagor on each Whole Loan to maintain all
such other insurance coverage with respect to the related Mortgaged Property
as is consistent with the terms of the related Mortgage and the Servicing
Standard, which insurance may typically include flood insurance (if the
related Mortgaged Property was located at the time of origination in a
federally designated flood area).
Any cost incurred by the Master Servicer in maintaining any such
insurance policy will be added to the amount owing under the Mortgage Loan
where the terms of the Mortgage Loan so permit; provided, however, that the
addition of such cost will not be taken into account for purposes of
calculating the distribution to be made to Certificateholders. Such costs may
be recovered by the Master Servicer or Sub-Servicer, as the case may be, from
the Collection Account, with interest thereon, as provided by the Agreement.
Under the terms of the Whole Loans, mortgagors will generally be
required to present claims to insurers under hazard insurance policies
maintained on the related 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 securing the Whole Loans.
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 mortgagors.
Contracts
Except as otherwise specified in the related Prospectus Supplement, the
terms of the Agreement for a Trust Fund comprised of Contracts will require
the Master Servicer to cause to be maintained with respect to each Contract
one or more hazard insurance policies which provide, at a minimum, the same
coverage as a standard form fire and extended coverage insurance policy that
is customary for manufactured housing, issued by a company authorized to
issue such policies in the state in which the Manufactured Home is located,
and in an amount which is not less than the maximum insurable value of such
Manufactured Home or the principal balance due from the obligor on the
related Contract, whichever is less; provided, however, that the amount of
coverage provided by each such hazard insurance policy shall be sufficient to
avoid the application of any co-insurance clause contained therein. When a
Manufactured Home's location was, at the time of origination of the related
Contract, within a federally designated special flood hazard area, the Master
Servicer shall cause such flood insurance to be maintained, which coverage
shall be at least equal to the minimum amount specified in the preceding
sentence or such lesser amount as may be available under the federal flood
insurance program. Each hazard insurance policy caused to be maintained by
the Master Servicer shall contain a standard loss payee clause in favor of
the Master Servicer and its successors and assigns. If any obligor is in
default in the payment of premiums on its hazard insurance policy or
policies, the Master Servicer shall pay such premiums out of its own funds,
and may add separately such premium to the Obligor's obligation as provided
by the Contract, but may not add such premium to the remaining principal
balance of the Contract.
The Master Servicer may maintain, in lieu of causing individual hazard
insurance policies to be maintained with respect to each Manufactured Home,
and shall maintain, to the extent that the related Contract does not require
the Obligor to maintain a hazard insurance policy with respect to the related
Manufactured Home, one or more blanket insurance policies covering losses on
the obligor's interest in the Contracts resulting from the absence or
insufficiency of individual hazard insurance policies. The Master Servicer
shall pay the premium for such blanket policy on the basis described therein
and shall pay any deductible amount with respect to claims under such policy
relating to the Contracts.
FIDELITY BONDS AND ERRORS AND OMISSIONS INSURANCE
Unless otherwise specified in the related Prospectus Supplement, each
Agreement will require that the Master Servicer obtain and maintain in effect
a fidelity bond or similar form of insurance coverage (which may provide
blanket coverage) or any combination thereof insuring against loss occasioned
by fraud, theft or other intentional misconduct of the officers, employees
and agents of the Master Servicer. The related Agreement will allow the
Master Servicer to self-insure against loss occasioned by the errors and
omissions of the officers, employees and agents of the Master Servicer so
long as certain criteria set forth in the Agreement are met.
DUE-ON-SALE PROVISIONS
The Whole Loans may contain clauses requiring the consent of the
mortgagee to any sale or other transfer of the related Mortgaged Property, or
due-on-sale clauses entitling the mortgagee to accelerate payment of the
Whole Loan upon any sale, transfer or conveyance of the related Mortgaged
Property. Unless otherwise provided in the related Prospectus Supplement, the
Master Servicer will generally enforce any due-on-sale clause to the extent
it has knowledge of the conveyance or proposed conveyance of the underlying
Mortgaged Property and it is entitled to do so under applicable law;
provided, however, that the Master Servicer will not take any action in
relation to the enforcement of any due-on-sale provision which would
adversely affect or jeopardize coverage under any applicable insurance
policy. Unless otherwise specified in the related Prospectus Supplement, 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--Due-on-Sale and Due-on-Encumbrance." The Contracts may also contain
such clauses. Unless otherwise provided in the related Prospectus
Supplement, the Master Servicer will permit such transfer so long as the
transferee satisfies the Master Servicer's then applicable underwriting
standards. The purpose of such transfers is often to avoid a default by the
transferring obligor. See "Certain Legal Aspects of the Contracts--Transfers
of Manufactured Homes; Enforceability of Due-on-Sale Clauses".
RETAINED INTEREST; SERVICING COMPENSATION AND PAYMENT OF EXPENSES
The Prospectus Supplement for a series of Certificates will specify
whether there will be any Retained Interest in the Assets, and, if so, the
initial 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 an Asset represents a specified portion
of the interest payable thereon. The Retained Interest will be deducted from
mortgagor payments as received and will not be part of the related Trust
Fund.
Unless otherwise specified in the related Prospectus Supplement, the
Master Servicer's and a Sub-Servicer's primary servicing compensation with
respect to a series of Certificates will come from the periodic payment to it
of a portion of the interest payment on each Asset. Since any Retained
Interest and a Master Servicer's primary compensation are percentages of the
principal balance of each Asset, such amounts will decrease in accordance
with the amortization of the Assets. The Prospectus Supplement with respect
to a series of Certificates evidencing interests in a Trust Fund that
includes Whole Loans or Contracts may provide that, as additional
compensation, the Master Servicer or the Sub-Servicers may retain all or a
portion of assumption fees, modification fees, late payment charges or
Prepayment Premiums collected from mortgagors and any interest or other
income which may be earned on funds held in the Collection Account or any
account established by a Sub-Servicer pursuant to the Agreement.
The Master Servicer may, to the extent provided in the related
Prospectus Supplement, pay from its servicing compensation certain expenses
incurred in connection with its servicing and managing of the Assets,
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. Certain
other expenses, including certain expenses relating to defaults and
liquidations on the Whole Loans or Contracts and, to the extent so provided
in the related Prospectus Supplement, interest thereon at the rate specified
therein may be borne by the Trust Fund.
If and to the extent provided in the related Prospectus Supplement, the
Master Servicer may be required to apply a portion of the servicing
compensation otherwise payable to it in respect of any Due Period to certain
interest shortfalls resulting from the voluntary prepayment of any Whole
Loans or Contracts in the related Trust Fund during such period prior to
their respective due dates therein.
EVIDENCE AS TO COMPLIANCE
Each Agreement relating to Assets which include Whole Loans or Contracts
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
Attestation Program for Mortgage Bankers, the Audit Program for Mortgages
serviced for the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation ("FHLMC") or such
other program used by the Master Servicer, the servicing by or on behalf of
the Master Servicer of mortgage loans under agreements substantially similar
to each other (including the related Agreement) was conducted in compliance
with the terms of such agreements or such program 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 Attestation Program for Mortgage Bankers, or such other program,
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 Attestation Program for Mortgage Bankers
or the Audit Program for Mortgages serviced for FHLMC or such other program
used by such Sub-Servicer (rendered within one year of such statement) of
firms of independent public accountants with respect to the related
Sub-Servicer.
Each such 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
calendar year or other specified twelve-month period.
Unless otherwise provided in the related Prospectus Supplement, copies
of such annual accountants' statement and such statements of officers will be
obtainable by Certificateholders without charge upon written request to the
Master Servicer at the address set forth in the related Prospectus
Supplement.
CERTAIN MATTERS REGARDING A MASTER SERVICER AND THE DEPOSITOR
The Master Servicer, if any, or a servicer for substantially all the
Whole Loans or Contracts under each Agreement will be named in the related
Prospectus Supplement. The entity serving as Master Servicer (or as such
servicer) may be an affiliate of the Depositor and may have other normal
business relationships with the Depositor or the Depositor's affiliates.
Reference herein to the Master Servicer shall be deemed to be to the servicer
of substantially all of the Whole Loans or Contracts, if applicable.
Unless otherwise specified in the related Prospectus Supplement, the
related Agreement will provide that the Master Servicer may resign from its
obligations and duties thereunder only upon a determination that its duties
under the Agreement are no longer permissible under applicable law or are in
material conflict by reason of applicable law with any other activities
carried on by it, the other activities of the Master Servicer so causing such
a conflict being of a type and nature carried on by the Master Servicer at
the date of the Agreement. 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.
Unless otherwise specified in the related Prospectus Supplement, each
Agreement will further provide that neither any Master Servicer, the
Depositor nor any director, officer, employee, or agent of a Master Servicer
or the Depositor will be under any liability to the related Trust Fund or
Security holders for any action taken, or for refraining from the taking of
any action, in good faith pursuant to the Agreement; provided, however, that
neither a Master Servicer, the Depositor nor any such person will be
protected against any breach of a representation, warranty or covenant made
in such Agreement, or against any liability specifically imposed thereby, or
against any liability which would otherwise be imposed by reason of willful
misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in the performance of obligations
or duties thereunder or by reason of reckless disregard of obligations and
duties thereunder. Unless otherwise specified in the related Prospectus
Supplement, each Agreement will further provide that any Master Servicer, the
Depositor and any director, officer, employee or agent of a 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
Securities; provided, however, that such indemnification will not extend to
any loss, liability or expense (i) specifically imposed by such Agreement or
otherwise incidental to the performance of obligations and duties thereunder,
including, in the case of a Master Servicer, the prosecution of an
enforcement action in respect of any specific Whole Loan or Whole Loans or
Contract or Contracts (except as any such loss, liability or expense shall be
otherwise reimbursable pursuant to such Agreement); (ii) incurred in
connection with any breach of a representation, warranty or covenant made in
such Agreement; (iii) incurred by reason of misfeasance, bad faith or gross
negligence in the performance of obligations or duties thereunder, or by
reason of reckless disregard of such obligations or duties; (iv) incurred in
connection with any violation of any state or federal securities law; or (v)
imposed by any taxing authority if such loss, liability or expense is not
specifically reimbursable pursuant to the terms of the related Agreement. In
addition, each Agreement will provide that neither any 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. Any such 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 Securityholders 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 Securityholders, and
the Master Servicer or the Depositor, as the case may be, will be entitled to
be reimbursed therefor and to charge the Collection Account.
Any person into which the Master Servicer or the Depositor may be merged
or consolidated, or any person resulting from any merger or consolidation to
which the Master Servicer or the Depositor is a party, or any person
succeeding to the business of the Master Servicer or the Depositor, will be
the successor of the Master Servicer or the Depositor, as the case may be,
under the related Agreement.
EVENTS OF DEFAULT UNDER THE AGREEMENT
Unless otherwise provided in the related Prospectus Supplement for a
Trust Fund that includes Whole Loans or Contracts, Events of Default under
the related Agreement will include (i) any failure by the Master Servicer to
distribute or cause to be distributed to Certificateholders, or to remit to
the Trustee or Indenture Trustee, as applicable, for distribution to
Securityholders, any required payment that continues after a grace period, if
any; (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 after written notice of
such failure has been given to the Master Servicer by the Trustee or the
Depositor, or to the Master Servicer, the Depositor and the Trustee by the
holders of Securities evidencing not less than 25% of the Voting Rights;
(iii) any breach of a representation or warranty made by the Master Servicer
under the Agreement which materially and adversely affects the interests of
Securityholders and which continues unremedied for thirty days after written
notice of such breach has been given to the Master Servicer by the Trustee or
the Depositor, or to the Master Servicer, the Depositor and the Trustee by
the holders of Securities evidencing not less than 25% of the Voting Rights;
and (iv) 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. Material variations to the foregoing Events of Default
(other than to shorten cure periods or eliminate notice requirements) will be
specified in the related Prospectus Supplement. Unless otherwise specified in
the related Prospectus Supplement, the Trustee shall, not later than the
later of 60 days after the occurrence of any event which constitutes or, with
notice or lapse of time or both, would constitute an Event of Default and
five days after certain officers of the Trustee become aware of the
occurrence of such an event, transmit by mail to the Depositor and all
Securityholders of the applicable series notice of such occurrence, unless
such default shall have been cured or waived.
The manner of determining the "Voting Rights" of a Security or class or
classes of Securities will be specified in the related Prospectus Supplement.
RIGHTS UPON EVENT OF DEFAULT UNDER THE AGREEMENT
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
Securities evidencing not less than 51% (or such other percentage specified
in the related Prospectus Supplement) of the Voting Rights, the Trustee
shall, terminate all of the rights and obligations of the Master Servicer
under the Agreement and in and to the Mortgage Loans (other than as a
Securityholder or as the owner of any Retained Interest), whereupon the
Trustee will succeed to all of the responsibilities, duties and liabilities
of the Master Servicer under the Agreement (except that if the Trustee is
prohibited by law from obligating itself to make advances regarding
delinquent Mortgage Loans or Contracts, or if the related Prospectus
Supplement so specifies, then the Trustee will not be obligated to make such
advances) and will be entitled to similar compensation arrangements. Unless
otherwise specified in the related Prospectus Supplement, in the event that
the Trustee is unwilling or unable so to act, it may or, at the written
request of the holders of Securities entitled to at least 51% (or such other
percentage specified in the related Prospectus Supplement) of the Voting
Rights, it shall appoint, or petition a court of competent jurisdiction for
the appointment of, a loan servicing institution acceptable to the Rating
Agency with a net worth at the time of such appointment of at least
$15,000,000 (or such other amount specified in the related Prospectus
Supplement) 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.
Unless otherwise described in the related Prospectus Supplement, the
holders of Securities representing at least 66 2/3% (or such other percentage
specified in the related Prospectus Supplement) of the Voting Rights
allocated to the respective classes of Securities affected by any Event
of Default will be entitled to waive such Event of Default; provided,
however, that an Event of Default involving a failure to distribute
a required payment to Securityholders described in clause (i) under
"Events of Default" may be waived only by all of the Securityholders.
Upon any such waiver of an Event of Default, such Event of Default shall
cease to exist and shall be deemed to have been remedied for every purpose
under the Agreement.
No Securityholders 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 Securities
evidencing not less than 25% (or such other percentage specified in the
related Prospectus Supplement) 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 sixty days (or such other number of days specified in the related
Prospectus Supplement) has neglected or refused to institute any such
proceeding. 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 Securities covered by such Agreement,
unless such Securityholders have offered to the Trustee reasonable security
or indemnity against the costs, expenses and liabilities which may be
incurred therein or thereby.
AMENDMENT
Each Agreement may be amended by the parties thereto, without the
consent of any of the holders of Securities covered by the Agreement, (i) to
cure any ambiguity or mistake, (ii) to correct, modify or supplement any
provision therein which may be inconsistent with any other provision therein
or with the related Prospectus Supplement, (iii) to make any other provisions
with respect to matters or questions arising under the Agreement which are
not materially inconsistent with the provisions thereof, or (iv) to comply
with any requirements imposed by the Code; provided that, in the case of
clause (iii), such amendment will not (as evidenced by an opinion of counsel
to such effect) adversely affect in any material respect the interests of any
holder of Securities covered by the Agreement. Unless otherwise specified in
the related Prospectus Supplement, each Agreement may also be amended by the
Depositor, the Master Servicer, if any, and the Trustee, with the consent of
the holders of Securities affected thereby evidencing not less than 51% (or
such other percentage specified in the related Prospectus Supplement) of the
Voting Rights, for any purpose; provided, however, that unless otherwise
specified in the related Prospectus Supplement, no such amendment may
(i) reduce in any manner the amount of or delay the timing of, payments
received or advanced on Mortgage Loans or Contracts which are required to be
distributed on any Security without the consent of the holder of such
Security or (ii) reduce the consent percentages described in this paragraph
without the consent of the holders of all Securities 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 result in
the imposition of a tax on the related Trust Fund or cause the related Trust
Fund to fail to qualify as a REMIC at any time that the related Certificates
are outstanding.
THE TRUSTEE
The Trustee under each Agreement or Trust Agreement will be named in the
related Prospectus Supplement. The commercial bank, national banking
association, banking corporation or trust company serving as Trustee may have
a banking relationship with the Depositor and its affiliates and with any
Master Servicer and its affiliates.
DUTIES OF THE TRUSTEE
The Trustee will make no representations as to the validity or
sufficiency of any Agreement or Trust Agreement, the Securities or any Asset
or related document and is not accountable for the use or application by or
on behalf of any Master Servicer of any funds paid to the Master Servicer or
its designee in respect of the Securities or the Assets, or deposited into or
withdrawn from the Collection Account or any other account by or on behalf of
the Master Servicer. 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 or Trust Agreement, as applicable. 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 or Trust Agreement, as applicable.
CERTAIN MATTERS REGARDING THE TRUSTEE
Unless otherwise specified in the related Prospectus Supplement, the
Trustee and any director, officer, employee or agent of the Trustee shall be
entitled to indemnification out of the Collection Account for any loss,
liability or expense (including costs and expenses of litigation, and of
investigation, counsel fees, damages, judgments and amounts paid in
settlement) incurred in connection with the Trustee's (i) enforcing its
rights and remedies and protecting the interests, of the Securityholders
during the continuance of an Event of Default, (ii) defending or prosecuting
any legal action in respect of the related Agreement or series of Securities
(iii) being the mortgagee of record with respect to the Mortgage Loans in a
Trust Fund and the owner of record with respect to any Mortgaged Property
acquired in respect thereof for the benefit of Securityholders, or
(iv) acting or refraining from acting in good faith at the direction of the
holders of the related series of Securities entitled to not less than 25% (or
such other percentage as is specified in the related Agreement with respect
to any particular matter) of the Voting Rights for such series; provided,
however, that such indemnification will not extend to any loss, liability or
expense that constitutes a specific liability of the Trustee pursuant to the
related Agreement, or to any loss, liability or expense incurred by reason of
willful misfeasance, bad faith or negligence on the part of the Trustee in
the performance of its obligations and duties thereunder, or by reason of its
reckless disregard of such obligations or duties, or as may arise from a
breach of any representation, warranty or covenant of the Trustee made
therein.
RESIGNATION AND REMOVAL OF THE TRUSTEE
The Trustee may at any time resign from its obligations and duties under
an Agreement by giving written notice thereof to the Depositor, the Master
Servicer, if any, and all Securityholders. Upon receiving such notice of
resignation, the Depositor is required promptly to appoint a successor
trustee acceptable to the Master Servicer, if any. If no successor trustee
shall have been so appointed and have accepted appointment within 30 days
after the giving of such notice of resignation, the resigning Trustee may
petition any court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a
successor trustee.
If at any time the Trustee shall cease to be eligible to continue as
such under the related Agreement, or if at any time the Trustee shall become
incapable of acting, or shall be adjudged bankrupt or insolvent, or a
receiver of the Trustee or of its property shall be appointed, or any public
officer shall take charge or control of the Trustee or of its property or
affairs for the purpose of rehabilitation, conservation or liquidation, or if
a change in the financial condition of the Trustee has adversely affected or
will adversely affect the rating on any class of the Securities, then the
Depositor may remove the Trustee and appoint a successor trustee acceptable
to the Master Servicer, if any. Holders of the Securities of any series
entitled to at least 51% (or such other percentage specified in the related
Prospectus Supplement) of the Voting Rights for such series may at any time
remove the Trustee without cause and appoint a successor trustee.
Any resignation or removal of the Trustee and appointment of a successor
trustee shall not become effective until acceptance of appointment by the
successor trustee.
CERTAIN TERMS OF THE INDENTURE
Events of Default. Unless otherwise specified in the related Prospectus
Supplement, Events of Default under the Indenture for each Series of Notes
include: (i) a default for thirty (30) days (or such other number of days
specified in such Prospectus Supplement) or more in the payment of any
principal of or interest on any Note of such series; (ii) failure to perform
any other covenant of the Depositor or the Trust Fund in the Indenture which
continues for a period of sixty (60) days (or such other number of days
specified in such Prospectus Supplement) after notice thereof is given in
accordance with the procedures described in the related Prospectus
Supplement; (iii) any representation or warranty made by the Depositor or the
Trust Fund in the Indenture or in any certificate or other writing delivered
pursuant thereto or in connection therewith with respect to or affecting
such series having been incorrect in a material respect as of the time
made, and such breach is not cured within sixty (60) days (or such other
number of days specified in such Prospectus Supplement) after notice
thereof is given in accordance with the procedures described in the
related Prospectus Supplement; (iv) certain events of bankruptcy,
insolvency, receivership or liquidation of the Depositor or the Trust
Fund; or (v) any other Event of Default provided with respect to Notes of
that series.
If an Event of Default with respect to the Notes of any series at the
time outstanding occurs and is continuing, either the Indenture Trustee or
the holders of a majority of the then aggregate outstanding amount of the
Notes of such series may declare the principal amount (or, if the Notes of
that series are Accrual Securities, such portion of the principal amount as
may be specified in the terms of that series, as provided in the related
Prospectus Supplement) of all the Notes of such series to be due and payable
immediately. Such declaration may, under certain circumstances, be rescinded
and annulled by the holders of a majority in aggregate outstanding amount of
the Notes of such series.
If, following an Event of Default with respect to any series of Notes,
the Notes of such series have been declared to be due and payable, the
Indenture Trustee may, in its discretion, notwithstanding such acceleration,
elect to maintain possession of the collateral securing the Notes of such
series and to continue to apply distributions on such collateral as if there
had been no declaration of acceleration if such collateral continues to
provide sufficient funds for the payment of principal of and interest on the
Notes of such series as they would have become due if there had not been such
a declaration. In addition, the Indenture Trustee may not sell or otherwise
liquidate the collateral securing the Notes of a series following an Event of
Default, other than a default in the payment of any principal or interest on
any Note of such series for thirty (30) days or more, unless (a) the holders
of 100% (or such other percentage specified in the related Prospectus
Supplement) of the then aggregate outstanding amount of the Notes of such
series consent to such sale, (b) the proceeds of such sale or liquidation are
sufficient to pay in full the principal of and accrued interest, due and
unpaid, on the outstanding Notes of such series at the date of such sale or
(c) the Indenture Trustee determines that such collateral would not be
sufficient on an ongoing basis to make all payments on such Notes as such
payments would have become due if such Notes had not been declared due and
payable, and the Indenture Trustee obtains the consent of the holders of
662/3% (or such other percentage specified in the related Prospectus
Supplement) of the then aggregate outstanding amount of the Notes of such
series.
In the event that the Indenture Trustee liquidates the collateral in
connection with an Event of Default involving a default for thirty (30) days
(or such other number of days specified in the related Prospectus Supplement)
or more in the payment of principal of or interest on the Notes of a series,
the Indenture provides that the Indenture Trustee will have a prior lien on
the proceeds of any such liquidation for unpaid fees and expenses. As a
result, upon the occurrence of such an Event of Default, the amount available
for distribution to the Noteholders would be less than would otherwise be the
case. However, the Indenture Trustee may not institute a proceeding for the
enforcement of its lien except in connection with a proceeding for the
enforcement of the lien of the Indenture for the benefit of the Noteholders
after the occurrence of such an Event of Default.
Unless otherwise specified in the related Prospectus Supplement, in the
event the principal of the Notes of a series is declared due and payable, as
described above, the holders of any such Notes issued at a discount from par
may be entitled to receive no more than an amount equal to the unpaid
principal amount thereof less the amount of such discount which is
unamortized.
Subject to the provisions of the Indenture relating to the duties of the
Indenture Trustee, in case an Event of Default shall occur and be continuing
with respect to a series of Notes, the Indenture Trustee shall be under no
obligation to exercise any of the rights or powers under the Indenture at the
request or direction of any of the holders of Notes of such series, unless
such holders offered to the Indenture Trustee security or indemnity
satisfactory to it against the costs, expenses and liabilities which might be
incurred by it in complying with such request or direction. Subject to such
provisions for indemnification and certain limitations contained in the
Indenture, the holders of a majority of the then aggregate outstanding amount
of the Notes of such series shall have the right to direct the time, method
and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the
Indenture Trustee or exercising any trust or power conferred on the Indenture
Trustee with respect to the Notes of such series, and the holders of a
majority of the then aggregate outstanding amount of the Notes of such series
may, in certain cases, waive any default with respect thereto, except a
default in the payment of principal or interest or a default in respect of a
covenant or provision of the Indenture that cannot be modified without the
waiver or consent of all the holders of the outstanding Notes of such series
affected thereby.
Discharge Indenture. The Indenture will be discharged with respect to a
series of Notes (except with respect to certain continuing rights specified
in the Indenture) upon the delivery to the Indenture Trustee for cancellation
of all the Notes of such series or, with certain limitations, upon deposit
with the Indenture Trustee of funds sufficient for the payment in full of all
of the Notes of such series.
In addition to such discharge with certain limitations, the Indenture
will provide that, if so specified with respect to the Notes of any series,
the related Trust Fund will be discharged from any and all obligations in
respect of the Notes of such series (except for certain obligations relating
to temporary Notes and exchange of Notes, to register the transfer of or
exchange Notes of such series, to replace stolen, lost or mutilated Notes of
such series, to maintain paying agencies and to hold monies for payment in
trust) upon the deposit with the Indenture Trustee, in trust, of money and/or
direct obligations of or obligations guaranteed by the United States of
America which through the payment of interest and principal in respect
thereof in accordance with their terms will provide money in an amount
sufficient to pay the principal of and each installment of interest on the
Notes of such series on the maturity date for such Notes and any installment
of interest on such Notes in accordance with the terms of the Indenture and
the Notes of such series. In the event of any such defeasance and discharge
of Notes of such series, holders of Notes of such series would be able to
look only to such money and/or direct obligations for payment of principal
and interest, if any, on their Notes until maturity.
Indenture Trustee's Annual Report. The Indenture Trustee for each
series of Notes will be required to mail each year to all related Noteholders
a brief report relating to its eligibility and qualification to continue as
Indenture Trustee under the related Indenture, any amounts advanced by it
under the Indenture, the amount, interest rate and maturity date of certain
indebtedness owing by such Trust to the applicable Indenture Trustee in its
individual capacity, the property and funds physically held by such Indenture
Trustee as such and any action taken by it that materially affects such Notes
and that has not been previously reported.
The Indenture Trustee. The Indenture Trustee for a series of Notes will
be specified in the related Prospectus Supplement. The Indenture Trustee for
any series may resign at any time, in which event the Depositor will be
obligated to appoint a successor trustee for such series. The Depositor may
also remove any such Indenture Trustee if such Indenture Trustee ceases to be
eligible to continue as such under the related Indenture or if such Indenture
Trustee becomes insolvent. In such circumstances the Depositor will be
obligated to appoint a successor trustee for the applicable series of Notes.
Any resignation or removal of the Indenture Trustee and appointment of a
successor trustee for any series of Notes does not become effective until
acceptance of the appointment by the successor trustee for such series.
The bank or trust company serving as Indenture Trustee may have a
banking relationship with the Depositor or any of its affiliates or the
Master Servicer or any of its affiliates.
DESCRIPTION OF CREDIT SUPPORT
GENERAL
For any series of Securities Credit Support may be provided with respect
to one or more classes thereof or the related Assets. Credit Support may be
in the form of the subordination of one or more classes of Securities,
letters of credit, insurance policies, guarantees, the establishment of one
or more reserve funds or another method of Credit Support described in the
related Prospectus Supplement, or any combination of the foregoing. If so
provided in the related Prospectus Supplement, any form of Credit Support may
be structured so as to be drawn upon by more than one series to the extent
described therein.
Unless otherwise provided in the related Prospectus Supplement for a
series of Securities the Credit Support will not provide protection against
all risks of loss and will not guarantee repayment of the entire Security
Balance of the Securities and interest thereon. If losses or shortfalls occur
that exceed the amount covered by Credit Support or that are not covered by
Credit Support, Securityholders will bear their allocable share of
deficiencies. Moreover, if a form of Credit Support covers more than one
series of Securities (each, a "Covered Trust"), holders of Securities
evidencing interests in any of such Covered Trusts will be subject to the
risk that such Credit Support will be exhausted by the claims of other
Covered Trusts prior to such Covered Trust receiving any of its intended
share of such coverage.
If Credit Support is provided with respect to one or more classes of
Securities of a series, or the related Assets, the related Prospectus
Supplement will include a description of (a) the nature and amount of
coverage under such Credit Support, (b) any conditions to payment thereunder
not otherwise described herein, (c) the conditions (if any) under which the
amount of coverage under such Credit Support may be reduced and under which
such Credit Support may be terminated or replaced and (d) the material
provisions relating to such Credit Support. Additionally, the related
Prospectus Supplement will set forth certain information with respect to the
obligor under any instrument of Credit Support, including (i) a brief
description of its principal business activities, (ii) its principal place of
business, place of incorporation and the jurisdiction under which it is
chartered or licensed to do business, (iii) if applicable, the identity of
regulatory agencies that exercise primary jurisdiction over the conduct of
its business and (iv) its total assets, and its stockholders' or
policyholders' surplus, if applicable, as of the date specified in the
Prospectus Supplement. See "Special Considerations--Credit Support
Limitations."
SUBORDINATE CERTIFICATES
If so specified in the related Prospectus Supplement, one or more
classes of Securities of a series may be Subordinate Securities. To the
extent specified in the related Prospectus Supplement, the rights of the
holders of Subordinate Securities to receive distributions of principal and
interest from the Collection Account on any Distribution Date will be
subordinated to such rights of the holders of Senior Securities. If so
provided in the related Prospectus Supplement, the subordination of a class
may apply only in the event of (or may be limited to) certain types of losses
or shortfalls. The related Prospectus Supplement will set forth information
concerning the amount of subordination of a class or classes of Subordinate
Securities in a series, the circumstances in which such subordination will be
applicable and the manner, if any, in which the amount of subordination will
be effected.
CROSS-SUPPORT PROVISIONS
If the Assets for a series are divided into separate groups, each
supporting a separate class or classes of Securities of a series, credit
support may be provided by cross-support provisions requiring that
distributions be made on Senior Securities evidencing interests in one group
of Mortgage Assets prior to distributions on Subordinate Securities
evidencing interests in a different group of Mortgage Assets within the Trust
Fund. The Prospectus Supplement for a series that includes a cross-support
provision will describe the manner and conditions for applying such
provisions.
INSURANCE OR GUARANTEES WITH RESPECT TO THE WHOLE LOANS
If so provided in the Prospectus Supplement for a series of Securities,
the Whole Loans or Contracts in the related Trust Fund will be covered for
various default risks by insurance policies or guarantees.
LETTER OF CREDIT
If so provided in the Prospectus Supplement for a series of Securities,
deficiencies in amounts otherwise payable on such Securities or certain
classes thereof will be covered by one or more letters of credit, issued by a
bank or financial institution specified in such Prospectus Supplement (the
"L/C Bank"). Under a letter of credit, the L/C Bank will be obligated to
honor draws thereunder in an aggregate fixed dollar amount, net of
unreimbursed payments thereunder, generally equal to a percentage specified
in the related Prospectus Supplement of the aggregate principal balance of
the Assets on the related Cut-off Date or of the initial aggregate
Security Balance of one or more classes of Securities. If so specified in
the related Prospectus Supplement, the letter of credit may permit draws
in the event of only certain types of losses and shortfalls. The amount
available under the letter of credit will, in all cases, be reduced to
the extent of the unreimbursed payments thereunder and may otherwise be
reduced as described in the related Prospectus Supplement. The obligations
of the L/C Bank under the letter of credit for each series of Securities
will expire at the earlier of the date specified in the related Prospectus
Supplement or the termination of the Trust Fund.
INSURANCE POLICIES AND SURETY BONDS
If so provided in the Prospectus Supplement for a series of Securities,
deficiencies in amounts otherwise payable on such Securities or certain
classes thereof will be covered by insurance policies and/or surety bonds
provided by one or more insurance companies or sureties. Such instruments may
cover, with respect to one or more classes of Securities of the related
series, timely distributions of interest and/or 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.
RESERVE FUNDS
If so provided in the Prospectus Supplement for a series of Securities,
deficiencies in amounts otherwise payable on such Securities or certain
classes thereof will be covered by one or more reserve funds in which cash, a
letter of credit, Permitted Investments, a demand note or a combination
thereof will be deposited, in the amounts so specified in such Prospectus
Supplement. The reserve funds for a series may also be funded over time by
depositing therein a specified amount of the distributions received on the
related Assets as specified in the related Prospectus Supplement.
Amounts on deposit in any reserve fund for a series, together with the
reinvestment income thereon, if any, will be applied for the purposes, in the
manner, and to the extent specified in the related Prospectus Supplement. A
reserve fund may be provided to increase the likelihood of timely
distributions of principal of and interest on the Certificates. If so
specified in the related Prospectus Supplement, reserve funds may be
established to provide limited protection against only certain types of
losses and shortfalls. Following each Distribution Date amounts in a reserve
fund in excess of any amount required to be maintained therein may be
released from the reserve fund under the conditions and to the extent
specified in the related Prospectus Supplement and will not be available for
further application to the Securities.
Moneys deposited in any Reserve Funds will be invested in Permitted
Investments, except as otherwise specified in the related Prospectus
Supplement. Unless otherwise specified in the related Prospectus Supplement,
any reinvestment income or other gain from such investments will be credited
to the related Reserve Fund for such series, and any loss resulting from such
investments will be charged to such Reserve Fund. However, such income may be
payable to any related Master Servicer or another service provider as
additional compensation. The Reserve Fund, if any, for a series will not be a
part of the Trust Fund unless otherwise specified in the related Prospectus
Supplement.
Additional information concerning any Reserve Fund will be set forth in
the related Prospectus Supplement, including the initial balance of such
Reserve Fund, the balance required to be maintained in the Reserve Fund, the
manner in which such required balance will decrease over time, the manner of
funding such Reserve Fund, the purposes for which funds in the Reserve Fund
may be applied to make distributions to Securityholders and use of investment
earnings from the Reserve Fund, if any.
CREDIT SUPPORT WITH RESPECT TO MBS
If so provided in the Prospectus Supplement for a series of Securities,
the MBS in the related Trust Fund and/or the Mortgage Loans underlying such
MBS may be covered by one or more of the types of Credit Support described
herein. The related Prospectus Supplement will specify as to each such form
of Credit Support the information indicated above with respect thereto, to
the extent such information is material and available.
CERTAIN LEGAL ASPECTS OF MORTGAGE LOANS
The following discussion contains summaries, which are general in
nature, of certain legal aspects of loans secured by single-family or multi-
family residential properties. Because such legal aspects are governed
primarily 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 "Description of the Trust Funds--Assets."
GENERAL
All of the Mortgage Loans are loans evidenced by a note or bond and
secured by instruments granting a security interest in real property which
may be mortgages, deeds of trust, security deeds or deeds to secure debt,
depending upon the prevailing practice and law in the state in which the
Mortgaged Property is located. Mortgages, deeds of trust and deeds to secure
debt are herein collectively referred to as "mortgages." Any of the foregoing
types of mortgages 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 separate, recorded, contractual
arrangements with others holding interests in the mortgaged property, the
knowledge of the parties to such instrument as well as the order of
recordation of the instrument in the appropriate public recording office.
However, recording does not generally establish priority over governmental
claims for real estate taxes and assessments and other charges imposed under
governmental police powers.
TYPES OF MORTGAGE INSTRUMENTS
A mortgage either creates a lien against or constitutes a conveyance of
real property between two parties-a mortgagor (the borrower and usually the
owner of the subject property) and a mortgagee (the lender). In contrast, a
deed of trust is a three-party instrument, among a trustor (the equivalent of
a mortgagor), a trustee to whom the mortgaged property is conveyed, and a
beneficiary (the lender) for whose benefit the conveyance is made. As used in
this Prospectus, unless the context otherwise requires, "mortgagor" includes
the trustor under a deed of trust and a grantor under a security deed or a
deed to secure debt. Under a deed of trust, the mortgagor grants the
property, irrevocably until the debt is paid, in trust, generally with a
power of sale as security for the indebtedness evidenced by the related note.
A deed to secure debt typically has two parties. By executing a 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, generally with a power of sale as security for the
indebtedness evidenced by the related mortgage note. In case the mortgagor
under a mortgage is a land trust, there would be an additional party because
legal title to the property is held by a land trustee under a land trust
agreement for the benefit of the mortgagor. At origination of a mortgage loan
involving a land trust, the mortgagor executes a separate undertaking to make
payments on the mortgage note. The mortgagee's authority under a mortgage,
the trustee's authority under a deed of trust and the grantee's authority
under a deed to secure debt are governed by the express provisions of the
mortgage, the law of the state in which the real property is located, certain
federal laws (including, without limitation, the Soldiers' and Sailors' Civil
Relief Act of 1940) and, in some cases, in deed of trust transactions, the
directions of the beneficiary.
The Mortgages that encumber Multifamily Properties may contain an
assignment of rents and leases, pursuant to which the Mortgagor assigns to
the lender the Mortgagor's right, title and interest as landlord under each
lease and the income derived therefrom, while retaining a revocable license
to collect the rents for so long as there is no default. If the Mortgagor
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/or obtain a court-appointed receiver before becoming entitled to collect
the rents.
INTEREST IN REAL PROPERTY
The real property covered by a mortgage, deed of trust, security deed or
deed to secure debt is most often the fee estate in land and improvements.
However, such an instrument may encumber other interests in real property
such as a tenant's interest in a lease of land or improvements, or both, and
the leasehold estate created by such lease. An instrument covering an
interest in real property other than the fee estate requires special
provisions in the instrument creating such interest or in the mortgage, deed
of trust, security deed or deed to secure debt, to protect the mortgagee
against termination of such interest before the mortgage, deed of trust,
security deed or deed to secure debt is paid. Unless otherwise specified in
the Prospectus Supplement, the Depositor or the Asset Seller will make
certain representations and warranties in the Agreement with respect to any
Mortgage Loans that are secured by an interest in a leasehold estate. Such
representation and warranties, if applicable, will be set forth in the
Prospectus Supplement.
COOPERATIVE LOANS
If specified in the Prospectus Supplement relating to a series of
Offered Securities, the Mortgage Loans may also consist of cooperative
apartment loans ("Cooperative Loans") secured by security interests in shares
issued by a cooperative housing corporation (a "Cooperative") and in the
related proprietary leases or occupancy agreements granting exclusive rights
to occupy specific dwelling units in the cooperatives' buildings. The
security agreement will create a lien upon, or grant a title interest in, the
property which it covers, the priority of which will depend on the terms of
the particular security agreement as well as the order of recordation of the
agreement in the appropriate recording office. Such a lien or title interest
is not prior to the lien for real estate taxes and assessments and other
charges imposed under governmental police powers.
Each cooperative owns in fee 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 property
management and, in most cases, payment of real estate taxes, other
governmental impositions and hazard and liability insurance. If there is a
blanket mortgage or mortgages on the cooperative apartment building 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 property
mortgagor, or lessee, as the case may be, is also responsible for meeting
these 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 obtaining of capital by
the cooperative. The interest of the occupant under proprietary leases or
occupancy agreements as to which that cooperative is the landlord are
generally subordinate to the interest of the holder of a 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 a blanket mortgage, the
mortgagee holding a 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, a 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 maturity.
The inability of the cooperative to refinance a 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 cooperatives's interest in the property
and termination of all proprietary leases and occupancy agreement. In either
event, a foreclosure by the holder of a 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
Mortgage Loans, the collateral securing the Cooperative Loans.
The cooperative is owned by tenant-stockholders who, through ownership
of stock or shares in the corporation, receive proprietary lease 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 are 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--Cooperatives" below.
FORECLOSURE
General
Foreclosure is a legal procedure that allows the mortgagee to recover
its mortgage debt by enforcing its rights and available legal remedies under
the mortgage. If the mortgagor defaults in payment or performance of its
obligations under the note or mortgage, the mortgagee has the right to
institute foreclosure proceedings to sell the mortgaged property at public
auction to satisfy the indebtedness.
Foreclosure procedures with respect to the enforcement of a mortgage
vary from state to state. Two primary methods of foreclosing a mortgage are
judicial foreclosure and non-judicial foreclosure pursuant to a power of sale
granted in the mortgage instrument. There are several other foreclosure
procedures available in some states that are either infrequently used or
available only in certain limited circumstances, such as strict foreclosure.
Judicial Foreclosure
A judicial foreclosure proceeding is conducted in a court having
jurisdiction over the mortgaged property. Generally, the action is initiated
by the service of legal pleadings upon all parties having an interest of
record in the real property. Delays in completion of the foreclosure may
occasionally result from difficulties in locating defendants. When the
lender's right to foreclose is contested, the legal proceedings can be
time-consuming. Upon successful completion of a judicial foreclosure
proceeding, the court generally issues a judgment of foreclosure and appoints
a referee or other officer to conduct a public sale of the mortgaged
property, the proceeds of which are used to satisfy the judgment. Such sales
are made in accordance with procedures that vary from state to state.
Equitable Limitations on Enforceability of Certain Provisions
United States courts have traditionally imposed general equitable
principles to limit the remedies available to a mortgagee in connection with
foreclosure. These equitable principles are generally designed to relieve the
mortgagor from the legal effect of mortgage defaults, to the extent that such
effect is perceived as harsh or unfair. Relying on such principles, a court
may alter the specific terms of a loan to the extent it considers necessary
to prevent or remedy an injustice, undue oppression or overreaching, or may
require the lender to undertake affirmative and expensive actions to
determine the cause of the mortgagor's default and the likelihood that the
mortgagor will be able to reinstate the loan. In some cases, courts have
substituted their judgment for the lender's and have required that lenders
reinstate loans or recast payment schedules in order to accommodate
mortgagors who are suffering from a temporary financial disability. In other
cases, courts have limited the right of the lender to foreclose if the
default under the mortgage is not monetary, e.g., the mortgagor failed to
maintain the mortgaged property adequately or the mortgagor executed a junior
mortgage on the mortgaged property. The exercise by the court of its equity
powers will depend on the individual circumstances of each case presented to
it. Finally, some courts have been faced with the issue of whether federal or
state constitutional provisions reflecting due process concerns for adequate
notice require that a mortgagor receive notice in addition to
statutorily-prescribed minimum notice. For the most part, these cases have
upheld the reasonableness of the notice provisions or have found that a
public sale under a mortgage providing for a power of sale does not involve
sufficient state action to afford constitutional protections to the
mortgagor.
Non-Judicial Foreclosure/Power of Sale
Foreclosure of a deed of trust is generally accomplished by a
non-judicial trustee's sale pursuant to the power of sale granted in the deed
of trust. A power of sale is typically granted in a deed of trust. It may
also be contained in any other type of mortgage instrument. A power of sale
allows a non-judicial public sale to be conducted generally following a
request from the beneficiary/lender to the trustee to sell the property upon
any default by the mortgagor under the terms of the mortgage note or the
mortgage instrument and after notice of sale is given in accordance with the
terms of the mortgage instrument, as well as applicable state law. In some
states, prior to such sale, the trustee under a deed of trust must record a
notice of default and notice of sale and send a copy to the mortgagor and to
any other party who has recorded a request for a copy of a notice of default
and notice of sale. In addition, in some states the trustee must provide
notice to any other party having an interest of record in the real property,
including junior lienholders. A notice of sale must be posted in a public
place and, in most states, published for a specified period of time in one or
more newspapers. The mortgagor or junior lienholder may then have the right,
during a reinstatement period required in some states, to cure the default by
paying the entire actual amount in arrears (without acceleration) plus the
expenses incurred in enforcing the obligation. In other states, the mortgagor
or the junior lienholder is not provided a period to reinstate the loan, but
has only the right to pay off the entire debt to prevent the foreclosure
sale. Generally, the procedure for public sale, the parties entitled to
notice, the method of giving notice and the applicable time periods are
governed by state law and vary among the states. Foreclosure of a deed to
secure debt is also generally accomplished by a non-judicial sale similar to
that required by a deed of trust, except that the lender or its agent, rather
than a trustee, is typically empowered to perform the sale in accordance with
the terms of the deed to secure debt and applicable law.
Public Sale
A third party may be unwilling to purchase a mortgaged property at a
public sale because of the difficulty in determining the value of such
property at the time of sale, due to, among other things, redemption rights
which may exist and the possibility of physical deterioration of the property
during the foreclosure proceedings. For these reasons, it is common for the
lender to purchase the mortgaged property for an amount equal to or less than
the underlying debt and accrued and unpaid interest plus the expenses of
foreclosure. Generally, state law controls the amount of foreclosure costs
and expenses which may be recovered by a lender. Thereafter, subject to the
mortgagor's right in some states to remain in possession during a redemption
period, if applicable, the lender will become the owner of the property and
have both the benefits and burdens of ownership of the mortgaged property.
For example, the lender will become obligated to pay taxes, obtain casualty
insurance and to make such repairs at its own expense as are necessary to
render the property suitable for sale. The lender will commonly obtain the
services of a real estate broker and pay the broker's commission in
connection with the sale of the property. Depending upon market conditions,
the ultimate proceeds of the sale of the property may not equal the lender's
investment in the property. Moreover, a lender commonly incurs substantial
legal fees and court costs in acquiring a mortgaged property through
contested foreclosure and/or bankruptcy proceedings. Generally, state law
controls the amount of foreclosure expenses and costs, including attorneys'
fees, that may be recovered by a lender.
A junior mortgagee may not foreclose on the property securing the junior
mortgage unless it forecloses subject to senior mortgages and any other prior
liens, in which case it may be obliged to make payments on the senior
mortgages to avoid their foreclosure. In addition, in the event that the
foreclosure of a junior mortgage triggers the enforcement of a "due-on-sale"
clause contained in a senior mortgage, the junior mortgagee may be required
to pay the full amount of the senior mortgage to avoid its foreclosure.
Accordingly, with respect to those Mortgage Loans, if any, that are junior
mortgage loans, if the lender purchases the property the lender's title will
be subject to all senior mortgages, prior liens 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 under which the sale
was conducted. Any proceeds remaining after satisfaction of senior mortgage
debt are generally payable to the holders of junior mortgages and other liens
and claims in order of their priority, whether or not the mortgagor is in
default. Any additional proceeds are generally payable to the mortgagor. The
payment of the proceeds to the holders of junior mortgages may occur in the
foreclosure action of the senior mortgage or a subsequent ancillary
proceeding or may require the institution of separate legal proceedings by
such holders.
Rights of Redemption
The purposes of a foreclosure action are to enable the mortgagee to
realize upon its security and to bar the mortgagor, and all persons who have
an interest in the property which is subordinate to the mortgage being
foreclosed, from exercise of their "equity of redemption." The doctrine of
equity of redemption provides that, until the property covered by a mortgage
has been sold in accordance with a properly conducted foreclosure and
foreclosure sale, those having an interest which is subordinate to that of
the foreclosing mortgagee have an equity of redemption and may redeem the
property by paying the entire debt with interest. In addition, in some
states, when a foreclosure action has been commenced, the redeeming party
must pay certain costs of such action. Those having an equity of redemption
must generally be made parties and joined in the foreclosure proceeding in
order for their equity of redemption to be cut off and terminated.
The equity of redemption is a common-law (non-statutory) right which
exists prior to completion of the foreclosure, is not waivable by the
mortgagor, must be exercised prior to foreclosure sale and should be
distinguished from the post-sale statutory rights of redemption. In some
states, after sale pursuant to a deed of trust or foreclosure of a mortgage,
the mortgagor and foreclosed junior lienors are given a statutory period in
which to redeem the property from the foreclosure sale. In some states,
statutory redemption may occur only upon payment of the foreclosure sale
price. In other states, redemption may be authorized if the former mortgagor
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 exercise of a right of redemption would defeat the title of any
purchaser from a foreclosure sale or sale under a deed of trust.
Consequently, the practical effect of the redemption right is to force the
lender to maintain the property and pay the expenses of ownership until the
redemption period has expired. In some states, a post-sale statutory right of
redemption may exist following a judicial foreclosure, but not following a
trustee's sale under a deed of trust.
Under the REMIC Provisions currently in effect, property acquired by
foreclosure generally must not be held for more than two years. Unless
otherwise provided in the related Prospectus Supplement, with respect to a
series of Securities for which an election is made to qualify the Trust Fund
or a part thereof as a REMIC, the Agreement will permit foreclosed property
to be held for more than two years if the Internal Revenue Service grants an
extension of time within which to sell such property or independent counsel
renders an opinion to the effect that holding such property for such
additional period is permissible under the REMIC Provisions.
Cooperative Loans
The cooperative shares 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 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. The proprietary lease or occupancy agreement generally permit
the Cooperative to terminate such lease or agreement in the event an obligor
fails to make payments or defaults in the performance of covenants required
thereunder. Typically, the lender and the Cooperative enter into a
recognition agreement which establishes the rights and obligations of both
parties in the event of 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 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 the sale of the Cooperative
apartment, subject, however, to the Cooperative's right to sums due under
such 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.
In some 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 Cooperatives 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.
In the case of foreclosure on a building which was converted from a
rental building to a building owned by a Cooperative under a non-eviction
plan, some states require that a purchaser at a foreclosure sale take the
property subject to rent control and rent stabilization laws which apply to
certain tenants who elected to remain in the building was so converted.
JUNIOR MORTGAGES
Some of the Mortgage Loans may be secured by junior mortgages or deeds
of trust, which are subordinate to first or other senior mortgages or deeds
of trust held by other lenders. The rights of the Trust Fund as the holder of
a junior deed of trust or a junior mortgage are subordinate in lien and in
payment 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" herein.
Furthermore, because the terms of the junior mortgage or deed of trust
are subordinate to the terms of the first mortgage or deed of trust, in the
event of a conflict between the terms of the first mortgage or deed of trust
and the junior mortgage or deed of trust, the terms of the first mortgage or
deed of trust will generally govern. 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 first mortgagee
expends such sums, such sums will generally have priority over all sums due
under the junior mortgage.
ANTI-DEFICIENCY LEGISLATION AND OTHER LIMITATIONS ON LENDERS
Statutes in some states limit the right of a beneficiary under a deed of
trust or a mortgagee under a mortgage to obtain a deficiency judgment
against the mortgagor following foreclosure or sale under a deed of trust. A
deficiency judgment would be a personal judgment against the former mortgagor
equal to the difference between the net amount realized upon the public sale
of the real property and the amount due to the lender. Some states require
the lender to exhaust the security afforded under a mortgage by foreclosure
in an attempt to satisfy the full debt before bringing a personal action
against the mortgagor. In certain other states, the lender has the option of
bringing a personal action against the mortgagor on the debt without
first exhausting such security; however, in some of these states, the
lender, following judgment on such personal action, may be deemed to have
elected a remedy and may be precluded from exercising remedies with
respect to the security. In some cases, a lender will be precluded from
exercising any additional rights under the note or mortgage if it has taken
any prior enforcement action. Consequently, the practical effect of the
election requirement, in those states permitting such election, is that
lenders will usually proceed against the security first rather than
bringing a personal action against the mortgagor. Finally, other statutory
provisions limit any deficiency judgment against the former mortgagor
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 lender from obtaining a
large deficiency judgment against the former mortgagor as a result of low
or no bids at the judicial sale.
In addition to laws limiting or prohibiting deficiency judgments,
numerous other federal and state 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 or enforce a deficiency judgment. For example, with respect to
federal bankruptcy law, a court with federal bankruptcy jurisdiction may
permit a debtor through his or her Chapter 11 or Chapter 13 rehabilitative
plan to cure a monetary default in respect of 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 foreclosure had
been entered in state court (provided no sale of the residence had yet
occurred) prior to the filing of the debtor's 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.
Courts with federal bankruptcy jurisdiction have also indicated that the
terms of a mortgage loan secured by property of the debtor may be modified.
These courts have allowed modifications that include reducing the amount of
each monthly payment, changing the rate of interest, altering the repayment
schedule, forgiving all or a portion of the debt 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. Generally, however, the
terms of a mortgage loan secured only by a mortgage on real property that is
the debtor's principal residence may not be modified pursuant to a plan
confirmed pursuant to Chapter 11 or Chapter 13 except with respect to
mortgage payment arrearages, which may be cured within a reasonable time
period.
In the case of income-producing Multifamily Properties, federal
bankruptcy law may also have the effect of interfering with or affecting the
ability of the secured lender to enforce the borrower's assignment of rents
and leases related to the mortgaged property. Under Section 362 of the
Bankruptcy Code, the lender will be stayed from enforcing the assignment, and
the legal proceedings necessary to resolve the issue could be time-consuming,
with resulting delays in the lender's receipt of the rents.
Certain tax liens arising under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended, may in certain circumstances provide priority over the lien of a
mortgage or deed of trust. 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.
These 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.
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.
ENVIRONMENTAL LEGISLATION
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 will generally 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 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 or becomes involved in the operation or management of a
property so as to be deemed an "owner" or "operator" of the property 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 lender
(such as a Trust Fund) secured by residential real property. In the event
that title to a Mortgaged Property securing a Mortgage Loan in a Trust Fund
was acquired by the Trust Fund and cleanup costs were incurred in respect of
the Mortgaged Property, the holders of the related series of Certificates
might realize a loss if such costs were required to be paid by the Trust
Fund.
DUE-ON-SALE CLAUSES
Unless the related Prospectus Supplement indicates otherwise, the
Mortgage Loans will contain due-on-sale clauses. These clauses generally
provide that the lender may accelerate the maturity of the loan if the
mortgagor sells, transfers or conveys the related Mortgaged Property. The
enforceability of due-on-sale clauses has been the subject of legislation or
litigation in many states and, in some cases, the enforceability of these
clauses was limited or denied. However, with respect to certain loans the
Garn-St Germain Depository Institutions Act of 1982 preempts state
constitutional, statutory and case law that prohibits the enforcement of
due-on-sale clauses and permits lenders to enforce these clauses in
accordance with their terms, subject to certain limited exceptions. Due-on-
sale clauses contained in mortgage loans originated by federal savings and
loan associations of federal savings banks are fully enforceable pursuant to
regulations of the United States Federal Home Loan Bank Board, as succeeded
by the Office of Thrift Supervision, which preempt state law restrictions on
the enforcement of such clauses. Similarly, "due-on-sale" clauses in
mortgage loans made by national banks and federal credit unions are now fully
enforceable pursuant to preemptive regulations of the Comptroller of the
Currency and the National Credit Union Administration, respectively.
The Garn-St Germain Act also sets forth nine specific instances in which
a mortgage lender covered by the 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 that bears an interest rate
below the current market rate being assumed by a new home buyer rather than
being paid off, which may affect the average life of the Mortgage Loans and
the number of Mortgage Loans which may extend to maturity.
PREPAYMENT CHARGES
Under certain state laws, prepayment charges may not be imposed after a
certain period of time following the origination of mortgage loans secured by
liens encumbering owner-occupied residential properties, if such loans are
paid prior to maturity. With respect to Mortgaged Properties that are owner-
occupied, it is anticipated that prepayment charges may not be imposed with
respect to many of the Mortgage Loans. The absence of such a restraint on
prepayment, particularly with respect to fixed rate Mortgage Loans having
higher Mortgage Rates, may increase the likelihood of refinancing or other
early retirement of such loans.
SUBORDINATE FINANCING
Where a 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 any
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 proceedings 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 Office of Thrift Supervision is authorized to
issue rules and regulations and to publish interpretations governing
implementation of Title V. 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 believes that a court interpreting Title V would hold that
residential first mortgage loans that are 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 loan originated after the date of such state action will be eligible
for inclusion in a Trust Fund unless (i) such mortgage loan provides for such
interest rate, discount points and charges as are permitted in such state or
(ii) such mortgage loan provides that the terms thereof shall be construed in
accordance with the laws of another state under which such interest rate,
discount points and charges would not be usurious and the mortgagor's counsel
has rendered an opinion that such choice of law provision would be given
effect.
Statutes differ in their provisions as to the consequences of a usurious
loan. One group of statutes requires the lender to forfeit the interest due
above the applicable limit or impose a specified penalty. Under this
statutory scheme, the mortgagor may cancel the recorded mortgage or deed of
trust upon paying its debt with lawful interest, and the lender may
foreclose, but only for the debt plus lawful interest. A second group of
statutes is more severe. A violation of this type of usury law results in
the invalidation of the transaction, thereby permitting the mortgagor to
cancel the recorded mortgage or deed of trust without any payment or
prohibiting the lender from foreclosing.
ALTERNATIVE MORTGAGE INSTRUMENTS
Alternative mortgage instruments, including adjustable rate mortgage
loans and early ownership mortgage 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 was in compliance with
applicable law. These difficulties were alleviated 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, state-chartered banks may originate alternative mortgage
instruments in accordance with regulations promulgated by the
Comptroller of the Currency with respect to origination of
alternative mortgage instruments by national banks; 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 all other non-federally
chartered housing creditors, including state- chartered savings and
loan associations, state-chartered 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
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.
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 mortgagor who enters military service after
the origination of such mortgagor's Mortgage Loan (including a mortgagor 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 mortgagor's active duty
status, unless a court orders otherwise upon application of the lender. The
Relief Act applies to mortgagors 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 mortgagors 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 any
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 servicer to foreclose on an affected Mortgage Loan
during the mortgagor'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.
FORFEITURES IN DRUG AND RICO PROCEEDINGS
Federal law provides that property owned by persons convicted of
drug-related crimes or of criminal violations of the Racketeer Influenced and
Corrupt Organizations ("RICO") statute can be seized by the government if the
property was used in, or purchased with the proceeds of, such crimes. Under
procedures contained in the Comprehensive Crime Control Act of 1984 (the
"Crime Control Act"), the government may seize the property even before
conviction. The government must publish notice of the forfeiture proceeding
and may give notice to all parties "known to have an alleged interest in the
property," including the holders of mortgage loans.
A lender may avoid forfeiture of its interest in the property if it
establishes that: (i) its mortgage was executed and recorded before
commission of the crime upon which the forfeiture is based, or (ii) the
lender was, at the time of execution of the mortgage, "reasonably without
cause to believe" that the property was used in, or purchased with the
proceeds of, illegal drug or RICO activities.
CERTAIN LEGAL ASPECTS OF THE CONTRACTS
The following discussion contains summaries, which are general in
nature, of certain legal matters relating to the Contracts. Because such
legal aspects are governed primarily 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 Contracts is situated. The summaries
are qualified in their entirety by reference to the appropriate laws of the
states in which Contracts may be originated.
GENERAL
As a result of the assignment of the Contracts to the Trustee, the
Trustee will succeed collectively to all of the rights (including the right
to receive payment on the Contracts) of the obligee under the Contracts.
Each Contract evidences both (a) the obligation of the obligor to repay the
loan evidenced thereby, and (b) the grant of a security interest in the
Manufactured Home to secure repayment of such loan. Certain aspects of both
features of the Contracts are described more fully below.
The Contracts generally are "chattel paper" as defined in the Uniform
Commercial Code (the "UCC") in effect in the states in which the Manufactured
Homes initially were registered. Pursuant to the UCC, the sale of chattel
paper is treated in a manner similar to perfection of a security interest in
chattel paper. Under the Agreement, the Master Servicer will transfer
physical possession of the Contracts to the Trustee or its custodian or may
retain possession of the Contracts as custodian for the Trustee. In
addition, the Master Servicer will make an appropriate filing of a UCC-1
financing statement in the appropriate states to give notice of the Trustee's
ownership of the Contracts. Unless otherwise specified in the related
Prospectus Supplement, the Contracts will not be stamped or marked otherwise
to reflect their assignment from the Company to the Trustee. Therefore, if,
through negligence, fraud or otherwise, a subsequent purchaser were able to
take physical possession of the Contracts without notice of such assignment,
the Trustee's interest in Contracts could be defeated.
SECURITY INTERESTS IN THE MANUFACTURED HOMES
The Manufactured Homes securing the Contracts may be located in all 50
states. Security interests in manufactured homes may be perfected either by
notation of the secured party's lien on the certificate of title or by
delivery of the required documents and payment of a fee to the state motor
vehicle authority, depending on state law. In some nontitle states,
perfection pursuant to the provisions of the UCC is required. The Asset
Seller may effect such notation or delivery of the required documents and
fees, and obtain possession of the certificate of title, as appropriate under
the laws of the state in which any manufactured home securing a manufactured
housing conditional sales contract is registered. In the event the Asset
Seller fails, due to clerical error, 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 Asset
Seller 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 to move
them, courts in many states have held that manufactured homes, under certain
circumstances, may 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. Substantially all of
the Contracts contain provisions prohibiting the borrower from permanently
attaching the Manufactured Home to its site. So long as the borrower 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 which is prior to the security interest originally
retained by the Asset Seller and transferred to the Depositor. With respect
to a Series of Certificates and if so described in the related Prospectus
Supplement, the Master Servicer may be required to perfect a security
interest in the Manufactured Home under applicable real estate laws. The
Warranting Party will represent that as of the date of the sale to the
Depositor it has obtained a perfected first priority security interest by
proper notation or delivery of the required documents and fees with respect
to substantially all of the Manufactured Homes securing the Contracts.
The Depositor will cause the security interests in the Manufactured
Homes to be assigned to the Trustee on behalf of the Certificateholders.
Unless otherwise specified in the related Prospectus Supplement, neither the
Depositor nor the Trustee will amend the certificates of title (or file UCC-3
statements) to identify the Trustee as the new secured party, and neither the
Depositor nor the Master Servicer will deliver the certificates of title to
the Trustee or note thereon the interest of the Trustee. Accordingly, the
Asset Seller (or other originator of the Contracts) will continue to be named
as the secured party on the certificates of title relating to the
Manufactured Homes. In some 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 Master
Servicer's rights as the secured party. However, in some states, in the
absence of an amendment to the certificate of title (or the filing of a UCC-3
statement), such assignment of the security interest in the Manufactured Home
may not be held effective or such security interests may not be perfected and
in the absence of such notation or delivery to the Trustee, the assignment of
the security interest in the Manufactured Home may not be effective against
creditors of the Asset Seller (or such other originator of the Contracts) or
a trustee in bankruptcy of the Asset Seller (or such other originator).
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 Asset Seller (or other originator of the Contracts) on the certificate
of title or delivery of the required documents and fees will be sufficient to
protect the Certificateholders 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
security interest assigned to the Trustee is not perfected, 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 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 only if and after the owner re-registers the Manufactured Home in
such state. If the owner were to relocate a Manufactured Home to another
state and not re-register the Manufactured Home in such state, and if steps
are not taken to re-perfect the Trustee's security interest in such state,
the security interest in the Manufactured Home would cease to be perfected.
A majority of states generally require surrender of a certificate of title to
re-register a Manufactured Home; accordingly, the Master Servicer must
surrender possession if it holds the certificate of title to such
Manufactured Home or, in the case of Manufactured Homes registered in states
which provide for notation of lien, the Asset Seller (or other originator)
would receive notice of surrender if the security interest in the
Manufactured Home is noted on the certificate of title. Accordingly, the
Trustee would have the opportunity to re-perfect its security interest in the
Manufactured Home in the state of relocation. In states which do not require
a certificate of title for registration of a manufactured home,
re-registration could defeat perfection. In the ordinary course of servicing
the manufactured housing contracts, the Master Servicer takes steps to effect
such re-perfection upon receipt of notice of re-registration or information
from the obligor as to relocation. Similarly, when an obligor under a
manufactured housing contract sells a manufactured home, the Master Servicer
must surrender possession of the certificate of title or, if it is noted as
lienholder on the certificate of title, 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 the Agreement, the Master Servicer is
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 and liens for personal property taxes take priority even
over a perfected security interest. The Warranting Party will represent in
the Agreement that it has no knowledge of any such liens with respect to any
Manufactured Home securing payment on any 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.
ENFORCEMENT OF SECURITY INTERESTS IN MANUFACTURED HOMES
The Master Servicer on behalf of the Trustee, to the extent required by
the related Agreement, may take action to enforce the Trustee's security
interest with respect to Contracts in default by repossession and resale of
the Manufactured Homes securing such Defaulted Contracts. So long as the
Manufactured Home has not become subject to the real estate law, a creditor
can repossess a Manufactured Home securing a Contract by voluntary surrender,
by "self-help" repossession that is "peaceful" (i.e., without breach of the
peace) or, in the absence of voluntary surrender and the ability to repossess
without breach of the peace, by judicial process. The holder of a Contract
must give the debtor a number of days' notice, which varies from 10 to 30
days depending on the state, prior to commencement of any repossession. The
UCC and consumer protection laws in most states place restrictions on
repossession sales, including requiring prior notice to the debtor and
commercial reasonableness in effecting such a sale. The law in most states
also requires that the debtor be given notice of any sale prior to resale of
the unit so that the debtor may redeem at or before such resale. In the
event of such repossession and resale of a Manufactured Home, the Trustee
would be entitled to be paid out of the sale proceeds before such proceeds
could be applied to the payment of the claims of unsecured creditors or the
holders of subsequently perfected security interests or, thereafter, to the
debtor.
Under the laws applicable in most states, a creditor is entitled to
obtain a deficiency judgment from a debtor for any deficiency on repossession
and resale of the manufactured home securing such debtor's loan. However,
some states impose prohibitions or limitations on deficiency judgments, and
in many cases the defaulting borrower would have no assets with which to pay
a judgment.
Certain other statutory provisions, including federal and state
bankruptcy and insolvency laws and general equitable principles, may limit or
delay the ability of a lender to repossess and resell collateral or enforce a
deficiency judgment.
Under the terms of the federal Soldiers' and Sailors' Civil Relief Act
of 1940, as amended (the "Relief Act"), an Obligor who enters military
service after the origination of such Obligor's Contract (including an
Obligor who is a member of the National Guard or is in reserve status at the
time of the origination of the Contract and is later called to active duty)
may not be charged interest above an annual rate of 6% during the period of
such Obligor's active duty status, unless a court orders otherwise upon
application of the lender. It is possible that such action could have an
effect, for an indeterminate period of time, on the ability of the Master
Servicer to collect full amounts of interest on certain of the Contracts.
Any shortfall in interest collections resulting from the application of the
Relief Act, to the extent not covered by the subordination of a Class of
Subordinated Certificates, could result in losses to the holders of a Series
of Certificates. In addition, the Relief Act imposes limitations which would
impair the ability of the Master Servicer to foreclose on an affected
Contract during the Obligor's period of active duty status. Thus, in the
event that such a Contract goes into default, there may be delays and losses
occasioned by the inability to realize upon the Manufactured Home in a timely
fashion.
CONSUMER PROTECTION LAWS
The so-called "Holder-in-Due-Course" rule of the Federal Trade
Commission is intended to defeat the ability of the transferor of a consumer
credit contract which is the seller of goods which gave rise to the
transaction (and certain related lenders and assignees) to transfer such
contract free of notice of claims by the debtor thereunder. The effect of
this rule is to subject the assignee of such a contract to all claims and
defenses which the debtor could assert against the seller of goods.
Liability under this rule is limited to amounts paid under a Contract;
however, the obligor also may be able to assert the rule to set off remaining
amounts due as a defense against a claim brought by the Trustee against such
obligor. Numerous other federal and state consumer protection laws impose
requirements applicable to the origination and lending pursuant to the
Contracts, including the Truth in Lending Act, the Federal Trade Commission
Act, the Fair Credit Billing Act, the Fair Credit Reporting Act, the Equal
Credit Opportunity Act, the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act and the
Uniform Consumer Credit Code. In the case of some of these laws, the failure
to comply with their provisions may affect the enforceability of the related
Contract.
TRANSFERS OF MANUFACTURED HOMES; ENFORCEABILITY OF "DUE-ON-SALE" CLAUSES
The Contracts, in general, prohibit the sale or transfer of the related
Manufactured Homes without the consent of the Master Servicer and permit the
acceleration of the maturity of the Contracts by the Master Servicer upon any
such sale or transfer that is not consented to. Unless otherwise specified
in the related Prospectus Supplement, the Master Servicer expects that it
will permit most transfers of Manufactured Homes and not accelerate the
maturity of the related Contracts. 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 after 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 Depositary
Institutions Act of 1982 preempts, subject to certain exceptions and
conditions, state laws prohibiting enforcement of "due-on-sale" clauses
applicable to the Manufactured Homes. Consequently, in some states the
Master Servicer may be prohibited from enforcing a "due-on-sale" clause in
respect of certain Manufactured Homes.
APPLICABILITY OF USURY LAWS
Title V of the Depository Institutions Deregulation and Monetary Control
Act of 1980, as amended ("Title V"), provides that, subject to the following
conditions, state usury limitations shall not apply to any loan which 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 limiting discount points or other charges on loans covered
by Title V. The related Asset Seller will represent that all of the
Contracts comply with applicable usury law.
CERTAIN FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES
The following summary of the anticipated material federal income tax
consequences of the purchase, ownership and disposition of Offered
Certificates is based on the advice of Brown & Wood LLP, counsel to the
Depositor. This summary is based on laws, regulations, including the REMIC
regulations promulgated by the Treasury Department (the "REMIC Regulations"),
rulings and decisions now in effect or (with respect to regulations)
proposed, all of which are subject to change either prospectively or
retroactively. This summary does not address the federal income tax
consequences of an investment in Securities applicable to all categories of
investors, some of which (for example, banks and insurance companies) may be
subject to special rules. Prospective investors should consult their tax
advisors regarding the federal, state, local and any other tax consequences
to them of the purchase, ownership and disposition of Securities.
Unless otherwise stated or unless the context otherwise requires, in the
following discussion a reference to the term "Mortgage Loan" or "Mortgage
Asset" will also be deemed to include a reference to a "Contract".
GENERAL
The federal income tax consequences to Securityholders will vary
depending on whether an election is made to treat the Trust Fund relating to
a particular Series of Securities as a REMIC under the Code. The Prospectus
Supplement for each Series of Securities will specify whether a REMIC
election will be made.
GRANTOR TRUST FUNDS
If neither a REMIC election nor a partnership election is made, Brown &
Wood LLP will deliver its opinion that the Trust Fund will not be classified
as an association taxable as a corporation and that each such Trust Fund will
be classified as a grantor trust under subpart E, Part I of subchapter J of
the Code. In this case, owners of Certificates will be treated for federal
income tax purposes as owners of a portion of the Trust Fund's assets as
described below.
a. SINGLE CLASS OF GRANTOR TRUST CERTIFICATES
Characterization. The Trust Fund may be created with one class of
Grantor Trust Certificates. In this case, each Grantor Trust
Certificateholder will be treated as the owner of a pro rata undivided
interest in the interest and principal portions of the Trust Fund represented
by the Grantor Trust Certificates and will be considered the equitable owner
of a pro rata undivided interest in each of the Mortgage Assets in the Pool.
Any amounts received by a Grantor Trust Certificateholder in lieu of amounts
due with respect to any Mortgage Asset because of a default or delinquency in
payment will be treated for federal income tax purposes as having the same
character as the payments they replace.
Each Grantor Trust Certificateholder will be required to report on its
federal income tax return in accordance with such Grantor Trust
Certificateholder's method of accounting its pro rata share of the entire
income from the Mortgage Loans in the Trust Fund represented by Grantor Trust
Certificates, including interest, original issue discount ("OID"), if any,
prepayment fees, assumption fees, any gain recognized upon an assumption and
late payment charges received by the Master Servicer. Under Code Sections
162 or 212 each Grantor Trust Certificateholder will be entitled to deduct
its pro rata share of servicing fees, prepayment fees, assumption fees, any
loss recognized upon an assumption and late payment charges retained by the
Master Servicer, provided that such amounts are reasonable compensation for
services rendered to the Trust Fund. Grantor Trust Certificateholders that
are individuals, estates or trusts will be entitled to deduct their share of
expenses as itemized deductions only to the extent such expenses plus all
other Code Section 212 expenses exceed two percent of its adjusted gross
income. In addition, the amount of itemized deductions otherwise allowable
for the taxable year for an individual whose adjusted gross income exceeds
the applicable amount (which amount will be adjusted for inflation) will be
reduced by the lesser of (i) 3% of the excess of adjusted gross income over
the applicable amount and (ii) 80% of the amount of itemized deductions
otherwise allowable for such taxable year. A Grantor Trust Certificateholder
using the cash method of accounting must take into account its pro rata share
of income and deductions as and when collected by or paid to the Master
Servicer. A Grantor Trust Certificateholder using an accrual method of
accounting must take into account its pro rata share of income and deductions
as they become due or are paid to the Master Servicer, whichever is earlier.
If the servicing fees paid to the Master Servicer are deemed to exceed
reasonable servicing compensation, the amount of such excess could be
considered as an ownership interest retained by the Master Servicer (or any
person to whom the Master Servicer assigned for value all or a portion of the
servicing fees) in a portion of the interest payments on the Mortgage Assets.
The Mortgage Assets would then be subject to the "coupon stripping" rules of
the Code discussed below.
Unless otherwise specified in the related Prospectus Supplement, as to
each Series of Certificates evidencing an interest in a Trust Fund comprised
of Mortgage Loans (not including Contracts, Unsecured Home Improvement Loans,
SBA Loans or SBA 504 Loans), Brown & Wood LLP will have advised the Depositor
that:
(i) a Grantor Trust Certificate owned by a "domestic building and
loan association" within the meaning of Code Section 7701(a)(19)
representing principal and interest payments on Mortgage Assets will be
considered to represent "loans . . . secured by an interest in real
property which is . . . residential property" within the meaning of
Code Section 7701(a)(19)(C)(v), to the extent that the Mortgage Assets
represented by that Grantor Trust Certificate are of a type described in
such Code section;
(ii) a Grantor Trust Certificate owned by a financial institution
described in Code Section 593(a) representing principal and interest
payments on Mortgage Assets will be considered to represent "qualifying
real property loans" within the meaning of Code Section 593(d) and the
Treasury regulations under Code Section 593, to the extent that the
Mortgage Assets represented by that Grantor Trust Certificate are of a
type described in such Code section;
(iii) a Grantor Trust Certificate owned by a real estate investment
trust representing an interest in Mortgage Assets will be considered to
represent "real estate assets" within the meaning of Code Section
856(c)(5)(A), and interest income on the Mortgage Assets will be
considered "interest on obligations secured by mortgages on real
property" within the meaning of Code Section 856(c)(3)(B), to the extent
that the Mortgage Assets represented by that Grantor Trust Certificate
are of a type described in such Code section; and
(iv) a Grantor Trust Certificate owned by a REMIC will represent
"obligation(s) . . . which (are) principally secured by an interest in
real property" within the meaning of Code Section 860G(a)(3).
Under Code Section 7701(a)(19)(C)(v), "loans secured by an interest in
real property" include loans secured by mobile homes not used on a transient
basis. The Treasury regulations under Code Section 593 define "qualifying
real property loan" to include a loan secured by a mobile home unit
"permanently fixed to real property" except during a brief period in which
the unit is transported to its site. The Treasury regulations under Code
Section 856 state that the local law definitions are not controlling in
determining the meaning of the term "real property" for purposes of Code
Section 856, and the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") has ruled that
obligations secured by permanently installed mobile home units qualify as
"real estate assets" under this provision. Entities affected by the
foregoing Code provisions that are considering the purchase of Certificates
evidencing interests in Trust Fund comprised of Contracts should consult
their tax advisors regarding such provisions.
Stripped Bonds and Coupons. Certain Trust Funds may consist of
Government Securities which constitute "stripped bonds" or "stripped coupons"
as those terms are defined in section 1286 of the Code, and, as a result,
such assets would be subject to the stripped bond provisions of the Code.
Under these rules, such Government Securities are treated as having original
issue discount based on the purchase price and the stated redemption price at
maturity of each Security. As such, Grantor Trust Certificateholders would
be required to include in income their pro rata share of the original issue
discount on each Government Security recognized in any given year on an
economic accrual basis even if the Grantor Trust Certificateholder is a cash
method taxpayer. Accordingly, the sum of the income includible to the
Grantor Trust Certificateholder in any taxable year may exceed amounts
actually received during such year.
Buydown Loans. The assets constituting certain Trust Funds may include
Buydown Loans. The characterization of any investment in Buydown Loans will
depend upon the precise terms of the related buydown agreement, but to the
extent that such Buydown Loans are secured in part 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. There are no directly
applicable precedents with respect to the federal income tax treatment or the
characterization of investments in Buydown Loans. Accordingly, Grantor Trust
Certificateholders should consult their own tax advisors with respect to the
characterization of investments in Grantor Trust Certificates representing an
interest in a Trust Fund that includes Buydown Loans.
Premium. The price paid for a Grantor Trust Certificate by a holder
will be allocated to such holder's undivided interest in each Mortgage Asset
based on each Mortgage Asset's relative fair market value, so that such
holder's undivided interest in each Mortgage Asset will have its own tax
basis. A Grantor Trust Certificateholder that acquires an interest in
Mortgage Assets at a premium may elect to amortize such premium under a
constant interest method, provided that the underlying mortgage loans with
respect to such Mortgage Assets were originated after September 27, 1985.
Premium allocable to mortgage loans originated on or before September 27,
1985 should be allocated among the principal payments on such mortgage loans
and allowed as an ordinary deduction as principal payments are made.
Amortizable bond premium will be treated as an offset to interest income on
such Grantor Trust Certificate. The basis for such Grantor Trust Certificate
will be reduced to the extent that amortizable premium is applied to offset
interest payments. It is not clear whether a reasonable prepayment
assumption should be used in computing amortization of premium allowable
under Code Section 171. A Certificateholder that makes this election for a
Certificate that is acquired at a premium will be deemed to have made an
election to amortize bond premium with respect to all debt instruments having
amortizable bond premium that such Certificateholder acquires during the year
of the election or thereafter.
If a premium is not subject to amortization using a reasonable
prepayment assumption, the holder of a Grantor Trust Certificate acquired at
a premium should recognize a loss if a Mortgage Loan (or an underlying
mortgage loan with respect to a Mortgage Asset) prepays in full, equal to the
difference between the portion of the prepaid principal amount of such
Mortgage Loan (or underlying mortgage loan) that is allocable to the
Certificate and the portion of the adjusted basis of the Certificate that is
allocable to such Mortgage Loan (or underlying mortgage loan). If a
reasonable prepayment assumption is used to amortize such premium, it appears
that such a loss would be available, if at all, only if prepayments have
occurred at a rate faster than the reasonable assumed prepayment rate. It is
not clear whether any other adjustments would be required to reflect
differences between an assumed prepayment rate and the actual rate of
prepayments.
Original Issue Discount. The IRS has stated in published rulings that,
in circumstances similar to those described herein, the special rules of the
Code relating to original issue discount ("OID") (currently Code Sections
1271 through 1273 and 1275) and Treasury regulations issued on January 27,
1994, under such Sections (the "OID Regulations"), will be applicable to a
Grantor Trust Certificateholder's interest in those Mortgage Assets meeting
the conditions necessary for these sections to apply. Rules regarding
periodic inclusion of OID income are applicable to mortgages of corporations
originated after May 27, 1969, mortgages of noncorporate mortgagors (other
than individuals) originated after July 1, 1982, and mortgages of individuals
originated after March 2, 1984. Such OID could arise by the financing of
points or other charges by the originator of the mortgages in an amount
greater than a statutory de minimis exception to the extent that the points
are not currently deductible under applicable Code provisions or are not for
services provided by the lender. OID generally must be reported as ordinary
gross income as it accrues under a constant interest method. See "--Multiple
Classes of Grantor Trust Certificates--Accrual of Original Issue Discount"
below.
Market Discount. A Grantor Trust Certificateholder that acquires an
undivided interest in Mortgage Assets may be subject to the market discount
rules of Code Sections 1276 through 1278 to the extent an undivided interest
in a Mortgage Asset is considered to have been purchased at a "market
discount." Generally, the amount of market discount is equal to the excess
of the portion of the principal amount of such Mortgage Asset allocable to
such holder's undivided interest over such holder's tax basis in such
interest. Market discount with respect to a Grantor Trust Certificate will
be considered to be zero if the amount allocable to the Grantor Trust
Certificate is less than 0.25% of the Grantor Trust Certificate's stated
redemption price at maturity multiplied by the weighted average maturity
remaining after the date of purchase. Treasury regulations implementing the
market discount rules have not yet been issued; therefore, investors should
consult their own tax advisors regarding the application of these rules and
the advisability of making any of the elections allowed under Code Sections
1276 through 1278.
The Code provides that any principal payment (whether a scheduled
payment or a prepayment) or any gain on disposition of a market discount bond
acquired by the taxpayer after October 22, 1986 shall be treated as ordinary
income to the extent that it does not exceed the accrued market discount at
the time of such payment. The amount of accrued market discount for purposes
of determining the tax treatment of subsequent principal payments or
dispositions of the market discount bond is to be reduced by the amount so
treated as ordinary income.
The Code also grants the Treasury Department authority to issue
regulations providing for the computation of accrued market discount on debt
instruments, the principal of which is payable in more than one installment.
While the Treasury Department has not yet issued regulations, rules described
in the relevant legislative history will apply. Under those rules, the
holder of a market discount bond may elect to accrue market discount either
on the basis of a constant interest rate or according to one of the following
methods. If a Grantor Trust Certificate is issued with OID, the amount of
market discount that accrues during any accrual period would be equal to the
product of (i) the total remaining market discount and (ii) a fraction, the
numerator of which is the OID accruing during the period and the denominator
of which is the total remaining OID at the beginning of the accrual period.
For Grantor Trust Certificates issued without OID, the amount of market
discount that accrues during a period is equal to the product of (i) the
total remaining market discount and (ii) a fraction, the numerator of which
is the amount of stated interest paid during the accrual period and the
denominator of which is the total amount of stated interest remaining to be
paid at the beginning of the accrual period. For purposes of calculating
market discount under any of the above methods in the case of instruments
(such as the Grantor Trust Certificates) that provide for payments that may
be accelerated by reason of prepayments of other obligations securing
such instruments, the same prepayment assumption applicable to
calculating the accrual of OID will apply. Because the regulations
described above have not been issued, it is impossible to predict what
effect those regulations might have on the tax treatment of a Grantor
Trust Certificate purchased at a discount or premium in the secondary market.
A holder who acquired a Grantor Trust Certificate at a market discount
also 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 such Grantor Trust Certificate purchased with market
discount. For these purposes, the de minimis rule referred 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.
Election to Treat All Interest as OID. 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 for Certificates acquired on or after April
4, 1994. If such an election were to be made with respect to a Grantor Trust
Certificate with market discount, the Certificateholder would be deemed to
have made an election to include in income currently market discount with
respect to all other debt instruments having market discount that such
Certificateholder acquires during the year of the election or thereafter.
Similarly, a Certificateholder that makes this election for a Certificate
that is acquired at a premium will 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 "-- Regular
Certificates--Premium" herein. The election to accrue interest, discount and
premium on a constant yield method with respect to a Certificate is
irrevocable.
b. MULTIPLE CLASSES OF GRANTOR TRUST CERTIFICATES
1. Stripped Bonds and Stripped Coupons
Pursuant to Code Section 1286, the separation of ownership of the right
to receive some or all of the interest payments on an obligation from
ownership of the right to receive some or all of the principal payments
results in the creation of "stripped bonds" with respect to principal
payments and "stripped coupons" with respect to interest payments. For
purposes of Code Sections 1271 through 1288, Code Section 1286 treats a
stripped bond or a stripped coupon as an obligation issued on the date that
such stripped interest is created. If a Trust Fund is created with two
classes of Grantor Trust Certificates, one class of Grantor Trust
Certificates may represent the right to principal and interest, or principal
only, on all or a portion of the Mortgage Assets (the "Stripped Bond
Certificates"), while the second class of Grantor Trust Certificates may
represent the right to some or all of the interest on such portion (the
"Stripped Coupon Certificates").
Servicing fees in excess of reasonable servicing fees ("excess
servicing") will be treated under the stripped bond rules. If the excess
servicing fee is less than 100 basis points (i.e., 1% interest on the
Mortgage Asset principal balance) or the Certificates are initially sold with
a de minimis discount (assuming no prepayment assumption is required), any
non-de minimis discount arising from a subsequent transfer of the
Certificates should be treated as market discount. The IRS appears to
require that reasonable servicing fees be calculated on a Mortgage Asset by
Mortgage Asset basis, which could result in some Mortgage Assets being
treated as having more than 100 basis points of interest stripped off. See
"--Non-REMIC Certificates" and "Multiple Classes of Grantor Trust
Certificates--Stripped Bonds and Stripped Coupons" herein.
Although not entirely clear, a Stripped Bond Certificate generally
should be treated as an in interest in Mortgage Assets issued on the day such
Certificate is purchased for purposes of calculating any OID. Generally, if
the discount on a Mortgage Asset is larger than a de minimis amount (as
calculated for purposes of the OID rules) a purchaser of such a Certificate
will be required to accrue the discount under the OID rules of the Code. See
"--Non-REMIC Certificates" and "--Single Class of Grantor Trust Certificates-
- -Original Issue Discount" herein. However, a purchaser of a Stripped Bond
Certificate will be required to account for any discount on the Mortgage
Assets as market discount rather than OID if either (i) the amount of
OID with respect to the Mortgage Assets is treated as zero under the
OID de minimis rule when the Certificate was stripped or (ii) no more than
100 basis points (including any amount of servicing fees in excess of
reasonable servicing fees) is stripped off of the Trust Fund's
Mortgage Assets. Pursuant to Revenue Procedure 91-49, issued on August 8,
1991, purchasers of Stripped Bond Certificates using an inconsistent
method of accounting must change their method of accounting and request
the consent of the IRS to the change in their accounting method on a
statement attached to their first timely tax return filed after August 8,
1991.
The precise tax treatment of Stripped Coupon Certificates is
substantially uncertain. The Code could be read literally to require that
OID computations be made for each payment from each Mortgage Asset. However,
based on the recent IRS guidance, it appears that all payments from a
Mortgage Asset underlying a Stripped Coupon Certificate should be treated as
a single installment obligation subject to the OID rules of the Code, in
which case, all payments from such Mortgage Asset would be included in the
Mortgage Asset's stated redemption price at maturity for purposes of
calculating income on such certificate under the OID rules of the Code.
It is unclear under what circumstances, if any, the prepayment of
Mortgage Assets will give rise to a loss to the holder of a Stripped Bond
Certificate purchased at a premium or a Stripped Coupon Certificate. If such
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 Certificate, it appears
that no loss will be available as a result of any particular prepayment
unless prepayments occur at a rate faster than the assumed prepayment rate.
However, if such Certificate is treated as an interest in discrete Mortgage
Assets, or if no prepayment assumption is used, then when a Mortgage Asset is
prepaid, the holder of such Certificate should be able to recognize a loss
equal to the portion of the adjusted issue price of such Certificate that is
allocable to such Mortgage Asset.
Holders of Stripped Bond Certificates and Stripped Coupon Certificates
are urged to consult with their own tax advisors regarding the proper
treatment of these Certificates for federal income tax purposes.
Treatment of Certain Owners. Several Code sections provide beneficial
treatment to certain taxpayers that invest in Mortgage Assets of the type
that make up the Trust Fund. With respect to these Code sections, no
specific legal authority exists regarding whether the character of the
Grantor Trust Certificates, for federal income tax purposes, will be the same
as that of the underlying Mortgage Assets. While Code Section 1286 treats a
stripped obligation as a separate obligation for purposes of the Code
provisions addressing OID, it is not clear whether such characterization
would apply with regard to these other Code sections. Although the issue is
not free from doubt, based on policy considerations, each class of Grantor
Trust Certificates, unless otherwise specified in the related Prospectus
Supplement, should be considered to represent "qualifying real property
loans" within the meaning of Code Section 593(d), "real estate assets" within
the meaning of Code Section 856(c)(5)(A) and "loans . . . secured by, an
interest in real property which is . . . residential real property" within
the meaning of Code Section 7701(a)(19)(C)(v), and interest income
attributable to Grantor Trust Certificates should be considered to represent
"interest on obligations secured by mortgages on real property" within the
meaning of Code Section 856(c)(3)(B), provided that in each case the
underlying Mortgage Assets and interest on such Mortgage Assets qualify for
such treatment. Prospective purchasers to which such characterization of an
investment in Certificates is material should consult their own tax advisors
regarding the characterization of the Grantor Trust Certificates and the
income therefrom. Grantor Trust Certificates will be "obligation(s) ...
which (are) principally secured, directly or indirectly, by an interest in
real property" within the meaning of Code Section 860G(a)(3).
2. Grantor Trust Certificates Representing Interests in Loans Other
Than ARM Loans
The original issue discount rules of Code Sections 1271 through 1275
will be applicable to a Certificateholder's interest in those Mortgage Assets
as to which the conditions for the application of those sections are met.
Rules regarding periodic inclusion of original issue discount in income are
applicable to mortgages of corporations originated after May 27, 1969,
mortgages of noncorporate mortgagors (other than individuals) originated
after July 1, 1982, and mortgages of individuals originated after March 2,
1984. Under the OID Regulations, such original issue discount could arise by
the charging of points by the originator of the mortgage in an amount greater
than the statutory de minimis exception, including a payment of points that
is currently deductible by the borrower under applicable Code
provisions, or under certain circumstances, by the presence of "teaser"
rates on the Mortgage Assets. OID on each Grantor Trust Certificate must
be included in the owner's ordinary income for federal income tax
purposes as it accrues, in accordance with a constant interest method
that takes into account the compounding of interest, in advance of
receipt of the cash attributable to such income. The amount of OID
required to be included in an owner's income in any taxable year with
respect to a Grantor Trust Certificate representing an interest in
Mortgage Assets other than Mortgage Assets with interest rates that
adjust periodically ("ARM Loans") likely will be computed as described
below under "--Accrual of Original Issue Discount." The following
discussion is based in part on the OID Regulations and in part on the
provisions of the Tax Reform Act of 1986 (the "1986 Act"). The OID
Regulations generally are effective for debt instruments issued on or
after April 4, 1994, but may be relied upon as authority with respect
to debt instruments, such as the Grantor Trust Certificates, issued
after December 21, 1992. Alternatively, proposed Treasury regulations
issued December 21, 1992 may be treated as authority for debt instruments
issued after December 21, 1992 and prior to April 4, 1994, and proposed
Treasury regulations issued in 1986 and 1991 may be treated as authority
for instruments issued before December 21, 1992. In applying these dates,
the issued date of the Mortgage Assets should be used, or, in the case of
Stripped Bond Certificates or Stripped Coupon Certificates, the date such
Certificates are acquired. The holder of a Certificate should be
aware, however, that neither the proposed OID Regulations nor the OID
Regulations adequately address certain issues relevant to prepayable
securities.
Under the Code, the Mortgage Assets underlying the Grantor Trust
Certificate will be treated as having been issued on the date they were
originated with an amount of OID equal to the excess of such Mortgage Asset's
stated redemption price at maturity over its issue price. The issue price of
a Mortgage Asset is generally the amount lent to the mortgagee, which may be
adjusted to take into account certain loan origination fees. The stated
redemption price at maturity of a Mortgage Asset is the sum of all payments
to be made on such Mortgage Asset other than payments that are treated as
qualified stated interest payments. The accrual of this OID, as described
below under "--Accrual of Original Issue Discount," will, unless otherwise
specified in the related Prospectus Supplement, utilize the original yield to
maturity of the Grantor Trust Certificate calculated based on a reasonable
assumed prepayment rate for the mortgage loans underlying the Grantor Trust
Certificates (the "Prepayment Assumption"), and will take into account events
that occur during the calculation period. The Prepayment Assumption will be
determined in the manner prescribed by regulations that have not yet been
issued. The legislative history of the 1986 Act (the "Legislative History")
provides, however, that the regulations will require that the Prepayment
Assumption be the prepayment assumption that is used in determining the
offering price of such Certificate. No representation is made that any
Certificate will prepay at the Prepayment Assumption or at any other rate.
The prepayment assumption contained in the Code literally only applies to
debt instruments collateralized by other debt instruments that are subject to
prepayment rather than direct ownership interests in such debt instruments,
such as the Certificates represent. However, no other legal authority
provides guidance with regard to the proper method for accruing OID on
obligations that are subject to prepayment, and, until further guidance is
issued, the Master Servicer intends to calculate and report OID under the
method described below.
Accrual of Original Issue Discount. Generally, the owner of a Grantor
Trust Certificate must include in gross income the sum of the "daily
portions," as defined below, of the OID on such Grantor Trust Certificate for
each day on which it owns such Certificate, including the date of purchase
but excluding the date of disposition. In the case of an original owner, the
daily portions of OID with respect to each component generally will be
determined as set forth under the OID Regulations. A calculation will be
made by the Master Servicer or such other entity specified in the related
Prospectus Supplement of the portion of OID that accrues during each
successive monthly accrual period (or shorter period from the date of
original issue) that ends on the day in the calendar year corresponding to
each of the Distribution Dates on the Grantor Trust Certificates (or the day
prior to each such date). This will be done, in the case of each full month
accrual period, by (i) adding (a) the present value at the end of the accrual
period (determined by using as a discount factor the original yield to
maturity of the respective component under the Prepayment Assumption) of all
remaining payments to be received under the Prepayment Assumption on the
respective component and (b) any payments included in the state redemption
price at maturity received during such accrual period, and (ii) subtracting
from that total the "adjusted issue price" of the respective component at the
beginning of such accrual period. The adjusted issue price of a Grantor
Trust Certificate at the beginning of the first accrual period is its issue
price; the adjusted issue price of a Grantor Trust Certificate at the
beginning of a subsequent accrual period is the adjusted issue price at the
beginning of the immediately preceding accrual period plus the amount of OID
allocable to that accrual period reduced by the amount of any payment other
than a payment of qualified stated interest made at the end of or during that
accrual period. The OID accruing during such accrual period will then be
divided by the number of days in the period to determine the daily portion
of OID for each day in the period. With respect to an initial accrual
period shorter than a full monthly accrual period, the daily portions
of OID must be determined according to an appropriate allocation under
any reasonable method.
Original issue discount generally must be reported as ordinary gross
income as it accrues under a constant interest method that takes into account
the compounding of interest as it accrues rather than when received.
However, the amount of original issue discount includible in the income of a
holder of an obligation is reduced when the obligation is acquired after its
initial issuance at a price greater than the sum of the original issue price
and the previously accrued original issue discount, less prior payments of
principal. Accordingly, if such Mortgage Assets acquired by a
Certificateholder are purchased at a price equal to the then unpaid principal
amount of such Mortgage Asset, no original issue discount attributable to the
difference between the issue price and the original principal amount of such
Mortgage Asset (i.e. points) will be includible by such holder. Other
original issue discount on the Mortgage Assets (e.g., that arising from a
"teaser" rate) would still need to be accrued.
3. Grantor Trust Certificates Representing Interests in ARM Loans
The OID Regulations do not address the treatment of instruments, such as
the Grantor Trust Certificates, which represent interests in ARM Loans.
Additionally, the IRS has not issued guidance under the Code's coupon
stripping rules with respect to such instruments. In the absence of any
authority, the Master Servicer will report OID on Grantor Trust Certificates
attributable to ARM Loans ("Stripped ARM Obligations") to holders in a manner
it believes is consistent with the rules described above under the heading "-
- -Grantor Trust Certificates Representing Interests in Loans Other Than ARM
Loans" and with the OID Regulations. In general, application of these rules
may require inclusion of income on a Stripped ARM Obligation in advance of
the receipt of cash attributable to such income. Further, the addition of
interest deferred by reason of negative amortization ("Deferred Interest") to
the principal balance of an ARM Loan may require the inclusion of such amount
in the income of the Grantor Trust Certificateholder when such amount
accrues. Furthermore, the addition of Deferred Interest to the Grantor Trust
Certificate's principal balance will result in additional income (including
possibly OID income) to the Grantor Trust Certificateholder over the
remaining life of such Grantor Trust Certificates.
Because the treatment of Stripped ARM Obligations is uncertain,
investors are urged to consult their tax advisors regarding how income will
be includible with respect to such Certificates.
c. SALE OR EXCHANGE OF A GRANTOR TRUST CERTIFICATE
Sale or exchange of a Grantor Trust Certificate prior to its maturity
will result in gain or loss equal to the difference, if any, between the
amount received and the owner's adjusted basis in the Grantor Trust
Certificate. Such adjusted basis generally will equal the seller's purchase
price for the Grantor Trust Certificate, increased by the OID included in the
seller's gross income with respect to the Grantor Trust Certificate, and
reduced by principal payments on the Grantor Trust Certificate previously
received by the seller. Such gain or loss will be capital gain or loss to an
owner for which a Grantor Trust Certificate is a "capital asset" within the
meaning of Code Section 1221, and will be long-term or short-term depending
on whether the Grantor Trust Certificate has been owned for the long-term
capital gain holding period (currently more than one year).
Grantor Trust Certificates will be "evidences of indebtedness" within
the meaning of Code Section 582(c)(1), so that gain or loss recognized from
the sale of a Grantor Trust Certificate by a bank or a thrift institution to
which such section applies will be treated as ordinary income or loss.
d. NON-U.S. PERSONS
Generally, to the extent that a Grantor Trust Certificate evidences
ownership in underlying Mortgage Assets that were issued on or before July
18, 1984, interest or OID paid by the person required to withhold tax under
Code Section 1441 or 1442 to (i) an owner that is not a U.S. Person (as
defined below) or (ii) a Grantor Trust Certificateholder holding on behalf
of an owner that is not a U.S. Person will be subject to federal
income tax, collected by withholding, at a rate of 30% or such lower
rate as may be provided for interest by an applicable tax treaty.
Accrued OID recognized by the owner on the sale or exchange of such a
Grantor Trust Certificate also will be subject to federal income tax at the
same rate. Generally, such payments would not be subject to withholding
to the extent that a Grantor Trust Certificate evidences ownership in
Mortgage Assets issued after July 18, 1984, by natural persons if such
Grantor Trust Certificateholder complies with certain identification
requirements (including delivery of a statement, signed by the Grantor Trust
Certificateholder under penalties of perjury, certifying that such
Grantor Trust Certificateholder is not a U.S. Person and providing the name
and address of such Grantor Trust Certificateholder). Additional
restrictions apply to Mortgage Assets of where the mortgagor is not a
natural person in order to qualify for the exemption from withholding.
As used herein, a "U.S. Person" means a citizen or resident of the
United States, a corporation or a partnership organized in or under the laws
of the United States or any political subdivision thereof or an estate or
trust, the income of which from sources outside the United States is
includible in gross income for federal income tax purposes regardless of its
connection with the conduct of a trade or business within the United States.
e. INFORMATION REPORTING AND BACKUP WITHHOLDING
The Master Servicer will furnish or make available, within a reasonable
time after the end of each calendar year, to each person who was a
Certificateholder at any time during such year, such information as may be
deemed necessary or desirable to assist Certificateholders in preparing their
federal income tax returns, or to enable holders to make such information
available to beneficial owners or financial intermediaries that hold such
Certificates as nominees on behalf of beneficial owners. If a holder,
beneficial owner, financial intermediary or other recipient of a payment on
behalf of a beneficial owner fails to supply a certified taxpayer
identification number or if the Secretary of the Treasury determines that
such person has not reported all interest and dividend income required to be
shown on its federal income tax return, 31% backup withholding may be
required with respect to any payments. Any amounts deducted and withheld
from a distribution to a recipient would be allowed as a credit against such
recipient's federal income tax liability.
REMICS
THE DISCUSSION UNDER THIS HEADING "REMICS" DOES NOT APPLY TO ANY TRUST
FUND CONTAINING UNSECURED HOME IMPROVEMENT LOANS, SBA LOANS OR SBA 504 LOANS.
The Trust Fund relating to a Series of Certificates may elect to be
treated as a REMIC. Qualification as a REMIC requires ongoing compliance
with certain conditions. Although a REMIC is not generally subject to
federal income tax (see, however "--Taxation of Owners of REMIC Residual
Certificates" and "--Prohibited Transactions" below), if a Trust Fund with
respect to which a REMIC election is made fails to comply with one or more of
the ongoing requirements of the Code for REMIC status during any taxable
year, including the implementation of restrictions on the purchase and
transfer of the residual interests in a REMIC as described below under
"Taxation of Owners of REMIC Residual Certificates," the Code provides that a
Trust Fund will not be treated as a REMIC for such year and thereafter. In
that event, such entity may be taxable as a separate corporation, and the
related Certificates (the "REMIC Certificates") may not be accorded the
status or given the tax treatment described below. While the Code authorizes
the Treasury Department to issue regulations providing relief in the event of
an inadvertent termination of the status of a trust fund as a REMIC, 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 REMIC's income for the period in which the requirements for such
status are not satisfied. With respect to each Trust Fund that elects REMIC
status, Brown & Wood LLP will deliver its opinion generally to the effect
that, under then existing law and assuming compliance with all provisions of
the related Pooling and Servicing Agreement, such Trust Fund will qualify as
a REMIC, and the related Certificates will be considered to be regular
interests ("REMIC Regular Certificates") or a sole class of residual
interests ("REMIC Residual Certificates") in the REMIC. The related
Prospectus Supplement for each Series of Certificates will indicate whether
the Trust Fund will make a REMIC election and whether a class of
Certificates will be treated as a regular or residual interest in the REMIC.
In general, with respect to each Series of Certificates for which a
REMIC election is made, (i) Certificates evidencing an interest in a Trust
Fund comprised of Mortgage Loans (not including Contracts or Unsecured Home
Improvement Loans) held by a thrift institution taxed as a "mutual savings
bank" or "domestic building and loan association" will represent interests in
"qualifying real property loans" within the meaning of Code Section
593(d)(1); (ii) such Certificates held by a thrift institution taxed as a
"domestic building and loan association" will constitute assets described in
Code Section 7701(a)(19)(C); (iii) such Certificates held by a real estate
investment trust will constitute "real estate assets" within the meaning of
Code Section 856(c)(5)(A); and (iv) interest on such Certificates held by a
real estate investment trust will be considered "interest on obligations
secured by mortgages on real property" within the meaning of Code Section
856(c)(3)(B). Under Code Section 7701(a)(19)(C)(v), "loans secured by an
interest in real property" include loans secured by mobile homes not used on
a transient basis. The Treasury regulations under Code Section 593 define
"qualifying real property loan" to include a loan secured by a mobile home
unit "permanently fixed to real property" except during a brief period in
which the unit is transported to its site. The Treasury regulations under
Code Section 856 state that the local law definitions are not controlling in
determining the meaning of the term "real property" for purposes of Section
856, and the IRS has ruled that obligations secured by permanently installed
mobile home units qualify as "real estate assets" under this provision.
Entities affected by the foregoing Code provisions that are considering the
purchase of Certificates evidencing interests in a Trust Fund comprised of
Contracts should consult their tax advisors regarding such provisions. If
less than 95% of the REMIC's assets are assets qualifying under any of the
foregoing Code sections, the Certificates will be qualifying assets only to
the extent that the REMIC's assets are qualifying assets. In addition,
payments on Mortgage Assets held pending distribution on the REMIC
Certificates will be considered to be qualifying real property loans for
purposes of Code Section 593(d)(1) and real estate assets for purposes of
Code Section 856(c).
In some instances the Mortgage Assets may not be treated entirely as
assets described in the foregoing sections. See, in this regard, the
discussion of Buydown Loans contained in "--Non-REMIC Certificates--Single
Class of Grantor Trust Certificates" above. REMIC Certificates held by a
real estate investment trust will not constitute "Government Securities"
within the meaning of Code Section 856(c)(5)(A), and REMIC Certificates held
by a regulated investment company will not constitute "Government Securities"
within the meaning of Code Section 851(b)(4)(A)(ii). REMIC Certificates held
by certain financial institutions will constitute "evidences of indebtedness"
within the meaning of Code Section 582(c)(1).
A "qualified mortgage" for REMIC purposes is any obligation (including
certificates of participation in such an obligation) that is principally
secured by an interest in real property and that is transferred to the REMIC
within a prescribed time period in exchange for regular or residual interests
in the REMIC. The REMIC Regulations provide that manufactured housing or
mobile homes (not including recreational vehicles, campers or similar
vehicles) that are "single family residences" under Code Section 25(e)(10)
will qualify as real property without regard to state law classifications.
Under Code Section 25(e)(10), a single family residence includes any
manufactured home that has a minimum of 400 square feet of living space and a
minimum width in excess of 102 inches and that is of a kind customarily used
at a fixed location.
Tiered REMIC Structures. For certain Series of Certificates, two
separate elections may be made to treat designated portions of the related
Trust Fund as REMICs (respectively, the "Subsidiary REMIC" and the "Master
REMIC") for federal income tax purposes. Upon the issuance of any such
Series of Certificates, Brown & Wood LLP, counsel to the Depositor, will
deliver its opinion generally to the effect that, assuming compliance with
all provisions of the related Agreement, the Master REMIC as well as any
Subsidiary REMIC will each qualify as a REMIC, and the REMIC Certificates
issued by the Master REMIC and the Subsidiary REMIC, 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.
Only REMIC Certificates, other than the residual interest in the
Subsidiary REMIC, issued by the Master REMIC will be offered hereunder. The
Subsidiary REMIC and the Master REMIC will be treated as one REMIC solely for
purposes of determining whether the REMIC Certificates will be (i)
"qualifying real property loans" under Section 593(d) of the Code; (ii) "real
estate assets" within the meaning of Section 856(c)(5)(A) of the Code; (iii)
"loans secured by an interest in real property" under Section 7701(a)(19)(C)
of the Code; and (iv) whether the income on such Certificates is interest
described in Section 856(c)(3)(B) of the Code.
a. 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 and Premium. The REMIC Regular Certificates may
be issued with OID. Generally, such OID, if any, will equal the difference
between the "stated redemption price at maturity" of a REMIC Regular
Certificate and its "issue price." Holders of any class of Certificates
issued with OID will be required to include such OID in gross income for
federal income tax purposes as it accrues, in accordance with a constant
interest method based on the compounding of interest as it accrues rather
than in accordance with receipt of the interest payments. The following
discussion is based in part on the OID Regulations and in part on the
provisions of the Tax Reform Act of 1986 (the "1986 Act"). Holders of REMIC
Regular Certificates (the "REMIC Regular Certificateholders") should be
aware, however, that the OID Regulations do not adequately address certain
issues relevant to prepayable securities, such as the REMIC Regular
Certificates.
Rules governing OID are set forth in Code Sections 1271 through 1273 and
1275. These rules require that the amount and rate of accrual of OID be
calculated based on the Prepayment Assumption and the anticipated
reinvestment rate, if any, relating to the REMIC Regular Certificates and
prescribe a method for adjusting the amount and rate of accrual of such
discount where the actual prepayment rate differs from the Prepayment
Assumption. Under the Code, the Prepayment Assumption must be determined in
the manner prescribed by regulations, which regulations have not yet been
issued. The Legislative History provides, however, that Congress intended
the regulations to require that the Prepayment Assumption be the prepayment
assumption that is used in determining the initial offering price of such
REMIC Regular Certificates. The Prospectus Supplement for each Series of
REMIC Regular Certificates will specify the Prepayment Assumption to be used
for the purpose of determining the amount and rate of accrual of OID. No
representation is made that the REMIC Regular Certificates will prepay at the
Prepayment Assumption or at any other rate.
In general, each REMIC Regular Certificate will be treated as a single
installment obligation issued with an amount of OID equal to the excess of
its "stated redemption price at maturity" over its "issue price." The issue
price of a REMIC Regular Certificate is the first price at which a
substantial amount of REMIC Regular Certificates of that class are first sold
to the public (excluding bond houses, brokers, underwriters or wholesalers).
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 treated
as the fair market value of such class on the Closing Date. The issue price
of a REMIC Regular Certificate also includes the amount paid by an initial
Certificateholder for accrued interest that relates to a period prior to the
issue date of the REMIC Regular Certificate. The stated redemption price at
maturity of a REMIC Regular Certificate includes the original principal
amount of the REMIC Regular Certificate, but generally will not include
distributions of interest if such distributions constitute "qualified stated
interest." Qualified stated interest generally means interest payable at a
single fixed rate or qualified variable rate (as described below) provided
that such interest payments are unconditionally payable at intervals of one
year or less during the entire term of the REMIC Regular Certificate.
Interest is payable at a single fixed rate only if the rate appropriately
takes into account the length of the interval between payments.
Distributions of interest on REMIC Regular Certificates with respect to which
Deferred Interest will accrue will not constitute qualified stated interest
payments, and the stated redemption price at maturity of such REMIC Regular
Certificates includes all distributions of interest as well as principal
thereon.
Where the interval between the issue date and the first Distribution
Date on a REMIC Regular Certificate is longer than the interval between
subsequent Distribution Dates, the greater of any original issue discount
(disregarding the rate in the first period) and any interest foregone during
the first period is treated as the amount by which the stated redemption
price at maturity of the Certificate exceeds its issue price for purposes of
the de minimis rule described below. The OID Regulations suggest that all
interest on a long first period REMIC Regular Certificate that is issued with
non-de minimis OID, as determined under the foregoing rule, will be treated
as OID. Where the interval between the issue date and the first Distribution
Date on a REMIC Regular Certificate is shorter than the interval between
subsequent Distribution Dates, interest due on the first Distribution Date in
excess of the amount that accrued during the first period would be added to
the Certificates stated redemption price at maturity. REMIC Regular
Certificateholders should consult their own tax advisors to determine the
issue price and stated redemption price at maturity of a REMIC Regular
Certificate.
Under the de minimis rule, OID on a REMIC Regular Certificate will be
considered to be zero if such OID is less than 0.25% of the stated redemption
price at maturity of the REMIC Regular Certificate multiplied by the weighted
average maturity of the REMIC Regular Certificate. For this purpose, the
weighted average maturity of the REMIC Regular Certificate is computed as the
sum of the amounts determined by multiplying the number of full years (i.e.,
rounding down partial years) from the issue date until each distribution in
reduction of stated redemption price at maturity is scheduled to be made by a
fraction, the numerator of which is the amount of each distribution included
in the stated redemption price at maturity of the REMIC Regular Certificate
and the denominator of which is the stated redemption price at maturity of
the REMIC Regular Certificate. Although currently unclear, it appears that
the schedule of such distributions should be determined in accordance with
the Prepayment Assumption. The Prepayment Assumption with respect to a
Series of REMIC Regular Certificates will be set forth in the related
Prospectus Supplement. Holders generally must report de minimis OID pro rata
as principal payments are received, and such income will be capital gain if
the REMIC Regular Certificate is held as a capital asset. However, accrual
method holders may elect to accrue all de minimis OID as well as market
discount under a constant interest method.
The Prospectus Supplement with respect to a Trust Fund may provide for
certain REMIC Regular Certificates to be issued at prices significantly
exceeding their principal amounts or based on notional principal balances
(the "Super-Premium Certificates"). The income tax treatment of such REMIC
Regular Certificates is not entirely certain. For information reporting
purposes, the Trust Fund intends to take the position that the stated
redemption price at maturity of such REMIC Regular Certificates is the sum of
all payments to be made on such REMIC Regular Certificates determined under
the Prepayment Assumption, with the result that such REMIC Regular
Certificates would be issued with OID. The calculation of income in this
manner could result in negative original issue discount (which delays future
accruals of OID rather than being immediately deductible) when prepayments on
the Mortgage Assets exceed those estimated under the Prepayment Assumption.
The IRS might contend, however, that certain proposed contingent payment
rules contained in regulations issued on December 15, 1994, with respect to
original issue discount, should apply to such Certificates. Although such
rules are not applicable to instruments governed by Code Section 1276(a)(6),
they represent the only guidance regarding the current views of the IRS with
respect to contingent payment instruments. In the alternative, the IRS could
assert that the stated redemption price at maturity of such REMIC Regular
Certificates should be limited to their principal amount (subject to the
discussion below under "--Accrued Interest Certificates"), so that such REMIC
Regular Certificates would be considered for federal income tax purposes to
be issued at a premium. If such a position were to prevail, the rules
described below under "--Taxation of Owners of REMIC Regular Certificates--
Premium" would apply. It is unclear when a loss may be claimed for any
unrecovered basis for a Super-Premium Certificate. It is possible that a
holder of a Super-Premium Certificate may only claim a loss when its
remaining basis exceeds the maximum amount of future payments, assuming no
further prepayments or when the final payment is received with respect to
such Super-Premium Certificate.
Under the REMIC Regulations, if the issue price of a REMIC Regular
Certificate (other than REMIC Regular Certificate based on a notional amount)
does not exceed 125% of its actual principal amount, the interest rate is not
considered disproportionately high. Accordingly, such REMIC Regular
Certificate generally should not be treated as a Super-Premium Certificate
and the rules described below under "--REMIC Regular Certificates--Premium"
should apply. However, it is possible that holders of REMIC Regular
Certificates issued at a premium, even if the premium is less than 25% of
such Certificate's actual principal balance, will be required to amortize the
premium under an original issue discount method or contingent interest
method even though no election under Code Section 171 is made to amortize
such premium.
Generally, a REMIC Regular Certificateholder must include in gross
income the "daily portions," as determined below, of the OID that accrues on
a REMIC Regular Certificate for each day a Certificateholder holds the REMIC
Regular Certificate, including the purchase date but excluding the
disposition date. In the case of an original holder of a REMIC Regular
Certificate, a calculation will be made of the portion of the OID that
accrues during each successive period ("an accrual period") that ends on the
day in the calendar year corresponding to a Distribution Date (or if
Distribution Dates are on the first day or first business day of the
immediately preceding month, interest may be treated as payable on the last
day of the immediately preceding month) and begins on the day after the end
of the immediately preceding accrual period (or on the issue date in the case
of the first accrual period). This will be done, in the case of each full
accrual period, by (i) adding (a) the present value at the end of the accrual
period (determined by using as a discount factor the original yield to
maturity of the REMIC Regular Certificates as calculated under the Prepayment
Assumption) of all remaining payments to be received on the REMIC Regular
Certificates under the Prepayment Assumption and (b) any payments included in
the stated redemption price at maturity received during such accrual period,
and (ii) subtracting from that total the adjusted issue price of the REMIC
Regular Certificates at the beginning of such accrual period. The adjusted
issue price of a REMIC Regular Certificate at the beginning of the first
accrual period is its issue price; the adjusted issue price of a REMIC
Regular Certificate at the beginning of a subsequent accrual period is the
adjusted issue price at the beginning of the immediately preceding accrual
period plus the amount of OID allocable to that accrual period and reduced by
the amount of any payment other than a payment of qualified stated interest
made at the end of or during that accrual period. The OID accrued during an
accrual period will then be divided by the number of days in the period to
determine the daily portion of OID for each day in the accrual period. The
calculation of OID under the method described above will cause the accrual of
OID to either increase or decrease (but never below zero) in a given accrual
period to reflect the fact that prepayments are occurring faster or slower
than under the Prepayment Assumption. With respect to an initial accrual
period shorter than a full accrual period, the daily portions of OID may be
determined according to an appropriate allocation under any reasonable
method.
A subsequent purchaser of a REMIC Regular Certificate issued with OID
who purchases the REMIC Regular Certificate at a cost less than the remaining
stated redemption price at maturity will also be required to include in gross
income the sum of the daily portions of OID on that REMIC Regular
Certificate. In computing the daily portions of OID for such a purchaser (as
well as an initial purchaser that purchases at a price higher than the
adjusted issue price but less than the stated redemption price at maturity),
however, the daily portion is reduced by the amount that would be the daily
portion for such day (computed in accordance with the rules set forth above)
multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which is the amount, if any, by
which the price paid by such holder for that REMIC Regular Certificate
exceeds the following amount: (a) the sum of the issue price plus the
aggregate amount of OID that would have been includible in the gross income
of an original REMIC Regular Certificateholder (who purchased the REMIC
Regular Certificate at its issue price), less (b) any prior payments included
in the stated redemption price at maturity, and the denominator of which is
the sum of the daily portions for that REMIC Regular Certificate for all days
beginning on the date after the purchase date and ending on the maturity date
computed under the Prepayment Assumption. A holder who pays an acquisition
premium instead may elect to accrue OID by treating the purchase as a
purchase at original issue.
Variable Rate REMIC Regular Certificates. REMIC Regular Certificates
may provide for interest based on a variable rate. Interest based on a
variable rate will constitute qualified stated interest and not contingent
interest if, generally, (i) such interest is unconditionally payable at least
annually, (ii) the issue price of the debt instrument does not exceed the
total noncontingent principal payments and (iii) interest is based on a
"qualified floating rate," an "objective rate," a combination of a single
fixed rate and one or more "qualified floating rates," one "qualified inverse
floating rate," or a combination of "qualified floating rates" that do not
operate in a manner that significantly accelerates or defers interest
payments on such REMIC Regular Certificate.
The amount of OID with respect to a REMIC Regular Certificate bearing a
variable rate of interest will accrue in the manner described above under "--
Original Issue Discount and Premium" by assuming generally that the index
used for the variable rate will remain fixed throughout the term of the
Certificate. Appropriate adjustments are made for the actual variable rate.
Although unclear at present, the Depositor intends to treat interest on
a REMIC Regular Certificate that is a weighted average of the net interest
rates on Mortgage Loans as qualified stated interest. In such case, the
weighted average rate used to compute the initial pass-through rate on the
REMIC Regular Certificates will be deemed to be the index in effect through
the life of the REMIC Regular Certificates. It is possible, however, that
the IRS may treat some or all of the interest on REMIC Regular Certificates
with a weighted average rate as taxable under the rules relating to
obligations providing for contingent payments. Such treatment may effect the
timing of income accruals on such REMIC Regular Certificates.
Election to Treat All Interest as OID. 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 to be made with
respect to a REMIC Regular Certificate with market discount, the
Certificateholder would be deemed to have made an election to include in
income currently market discount with respect to all other debt instruments
having market discount that such Certificateholder acquires during the year
of the election or thereafter. Similarly, a Certificateholder that makes
this election for a Certificate that is acquired at a premium will 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 "-- REMIC Regular Certificates--Premium" herein. The
election to accrue interest, discount and premium on a constant yield method
with respect to a Certificate is irrevocable.
Market Discount. A purchaser of a REMIC Regular Certificate may also be
subject to the market discount provisions of Code Sections 1276 through 1278.
Under these provisions and the OID Regulations, "market discount" equals the
excess, if any, of (i) the REMIC Regular Certificate's stated principal
amount or, in the case of a REMIC Regular Certificate with OID, the adjusted
issue price (determined for this purpose as if the purchaser had purchased
such REMIC Regular Certificate from an original holder) over (ii) the price
for such REMIC Regular Certificate paid by the purchaser. A
Certificateholder that purchases a REMIC Regular Certificate at a market
discount will recognize income upon receipt of each distribution representing
amounts included in such certificate's stated redemption price at maturity.
In particular, under Section 1276 of the Code such a holder generally will be
required to allocate each such distribution 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.
Market discount with respect to a REMIC Regular Certificate will be
considered to be zero if the amount allocable to the REMIC Regular
Certificate is less than 0.25% of such REMIC Regular Certificate's stated
redemption price at maturity multiplied by such REMIC Regular Certificate's
weighted average maturity remaining after the date of purchase. If market
discount on a REMIC Regular Certificate is considered to be zero under this
rule, the actual amount of market discount must be allocated to the remaining
principal payments on the REMIC Regular Certificate, and gain equal to such
allocated amount will be recognized when the corresponding principal payment
is made. Treasury regulations implementing the market discount rules have
not yet been issued; therefore, investors should consult their own tax
advisors regarding the application of these rules and the advisability of
making any of the elections allowed under Code Sections 1276 through 1278.
The Code provides that any principal payment (whether a scheduled
payment or a prepayment) or any gain on disposition of a market discount bond
acquired by the taxpayer after October 22, 1986, shall be treated as ordinary
income to the extent that it does not exceed the accrued market discount at
the time of such payment. The amount of accrued market discount for purposes
of determining the tax treatment of subsequent principal payments or
dispositions of the market discount bond is to be reduced by the amount so
treated as ordinary income.
The Code also grants authority to the Treasury Department to issue
regulations providing for the computation of accrued 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, rules described in
the Legislative History will apply. Under those rules, the holder of a
market discount bond may elect to accrue market discount either on the basis
of a constant interest method rate or according to one of the following
methods. For REMIC Regular Certificates issued with OID, the amount of
market discount that accrues during a period is equal to the product of
(i) the total remaining market discount and (ii) a fraction, the
numerator of which is the OID accruing during the period and the
denominator of which is the total remaining OID at the beginning of the
period. For REMIC Regular Certificates issued without OID, the amount of
market discount that accrues during a period is equal to the product of
(a) the total remaining market discount and (b) a fraction, the numerator
of which is the amount of stated interest paid during the accrual
period and the denominator of which is the total amount of stated
interest remaining to be paid at the beginning of the period. For
purposes of calculating market discount under any of the above methods in
the case of instruments (such as the REMIC Regular Certificates) that
provide for payments that may be accelerated by reason of
prepayments of other obligations securing such instruments, the same
Prepayment Assumption applicable to calculating the accrual of OID will
apply.
A holder who acquired a REMIC Regular Certificate at a market discount
also 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 such 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 purchaser of a REMIC Regular Certificate that purchases the
REMIC Regular Certificate at a cost (not including accrued qualified stated
interest) greater than its remaining stated redemption price at maturity will
be considered to have purchased the REMIC Regular Certificate at a premium
and may elect to amortize such premium under a constant yield method. A
Certificateholder that makes this election for a Certificate that is acquired
at a premium will be deemed to have made an election to amortize bond premium
with respect to all debt instruments having amortizable bond premium that
such Certificateholder acquires during the year of the election or
thereafter. It is not clear whether the Prepayment Assumption would be taken
into account in determining the life of the REMIC Regular Certificate for
this purpose. However, the Legislative History states that the same rules
that apply to accrual of market discount (which rules require use of a
Prepayment Assumption in accruing market discount with respect to REMIC
Regular Certificates without regard to whether such Certificates have OID)
will also apply in amortizing bond premium under Code Section 171. The Code
provides that amortizable bond premium will be allocated among the interest
payments on such REMIC Regular Certificates and will be applied as an offset
against such interest payment.
Deferred Interest. Certain classes of REMIC Regular Certificates may
provide for the accrual of Deferred Interest with respect to one or more ARM
Loans. Any Deferred Interest that accrues with respect to a class of REMIC
Regular Certificates will constitute income to the holders of such
Certificates prior to the time distributions of cash with respect to such
Deferred Interest are made. It is unclear, under the OID Regulations,
whether any of the interest on such Certificates will constitute qualified
stated interest or whether all or a portion of the interest payable on such
Certificates must be included in the stated redemption price at maturity of
the Certificates and accounted for as OID (which could accelerate such
inclusion). Interest on REMIC Regular Certificates must in any event be
accounted for under an accrual method by the holders of such Certificates
and, therefore, applying the latter analysis may result only in a slight
difference in the timing of the inclusion in income of interest on such REMIC
Regular Certificates.
Effects of Defaults and Delinquencies. Certain Series of Certificates
may contain one or more classes of Subordinated Certificates, and in the
event there are defaults or delinquencies on the Mortgage Assets, amounts
that would otherwise be distributed on the Subordinated Certificates may
instead be distributed on the Senior Certificates. Subordinated
Certificateholders nevertheless will be required to report income with
respect to such Certificates under an accrual method without giving effect to
delays and reductions in distributions on such Subordinated Certificates
attributable to defaults and delinquencies on the Mortgage Assets, except to
the extent that it can be established that such amounts are uncollectible.
As a result, the amount of income reported by a Subordinated
Certificateholder in any period could significantly exceed the amount of cash
distributed to such holder in that period. The holder will eventually be
allowed a loss (or will be allowed to report a lesser amount of income) to
the extent that the aggregate amount of distributions on the Subordinated
Certificate is reduced as a result of defaults and delinquencies on the
Mortgage Assets. Timing and characterization of such losses is discussed
in "--REMIC Regular Certificates--Treatment of Realized Losses" below.
Sale, Exchange or Redemption. If a REMIC Regular Certificate is sold,
exchanged, redeemed or retired, the seller will recognize gain or loss equal
to the difference between the amount realized on the sale, exchange,
redemption, or retirement and the seller's adjusted basis in the REMIC
Regular Certificate. Such adjusted basis generally will equal the cost of
the REMIC Regular Certificate to the seller, increased by any OID and market
discount included in the seller's gross income with respect to the REMIC
Regular Certificate, and reduced (but not below zero) by payments included in
the stated redemption price at maturity previously received by the seller and
by any amortized premium. Similarly, a holder who receives a payment that is
part of the stated redemption price at maturity of a REMIC Regular
Certificate will recognize gain equal to the excess, if any, of the amount of
the payment over the holder's adjusted basis in the REMIC Regular
Certificate. A REMIC Regular Certificateholder who receives a final payment
that is less than the holder's adjusted basis in the REMIC Regular
Certificate will generally recognize a loss. Except as provided in the
following paragraph and as provided under "--Market Discount" above, any such
gain or loss will be capital gain or loss, provided that the REMIC Regular
Certificate is held as a "capital asset" (generally, property held for
investment) within the meaning of Code Section 1221.
Gain from the sale or other disposition of a REMIC Regular Certificate
that might otherwise be capital gain will be treated as ordinary income to
the extent that such gain does not exceed the excess, if any, of (i) the
amount that would have been includible in such holder's income with respect
to the REMIC Regular Certificate had income accrued thereon at a rate equal
to 110% of the AFR as defined in Code Section 1274(d) determined as of the
date of purchase of such REMIC Regular Certificate, over (ii) the amount
actually includible in such holder's income.
The Certificates will be "evidences of indebtedness" within the meaning
of Code Section 582(c)(1), so that gain or loss recognized from the sale of a
REMIC Regular Certificate by a bank or a thrift institution to which such
section applies will be ordinary income or loss.
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 necessary to compute the accrual of any market discount that may
arise upon secondary trading of REMIC Regular Certificates. Because exact
computation of the accrual of market discount on a constant yield method
would require information relating to the holder's purchase price which the
REMIC may not have, it appears that the information reports will only require
information pertaining to the appropriate proportionate method of accruing
market discount.
Accrued Interest Certificates. Certain of the REMIC Regular
Certificates ("Payment Lag Certificates") may provide for payments of
interest based on a period that corresponds to the interval between
Distribution Dates but that ends prior to each such Distribution Date. The
period between the Closing Date for Payment Lag Certificates and their first
Distribution Date may or may not exceed such interval. Purchasers of Payment
Lag Certificates for which the period between the Closing Date and the first
Distribution Date does not exceed such interval could pay upon purchase of
the REMIC Regular Certificates accrued interest in excess of the accrued
interest that would be paid if the interest paid on the Distribution Date
were interest accrued from Distribution Date to Distribution Date. If a
portion of the initial purchase price of a REMIC Regular Certificate is
allocable to interest that has accrued prior to the issue date ("pre-issuance
accrued interest") and the REMIC Regular Certificate provides for a payment
of stated interest on the first payment date (and the first payment date is
within one year of the issue date) that equals or exceeds the amount of the
pre-issuance accrued interest, then the REMIC Regular Certificates' issue
price may be computed by subtracting from the issue price the amount of pre-
issuance accrued interest, rather than as an amount payable on the REMIC
Regular Certificate. However, it is unclear under this method how the OID
Regulations treat interest on Payment Lag Certificates. Therefore, in the
case of a Payment Lag Certificate, the Trust Fund intends to include accrued
interest in the issue price and report interest payments made on the first
Distribution Date as interest to the extent such payments represent interest
for the number of days that the Certificateholder has held such Payment Lag
Certificate during the first accrual period.
Investors should consult their own tax advisors concerning the treatment
for federal income tax purposes of Payment Lag Certificates.
Non-Interest Expenses of the REMIC. Under temporary Treasury
regulations, if the REMIC is considered to be a "single-class REMIC," a
portion of the REMIC's servicing, administrative and other non-interest
expenses will be allocated as a separate item to those REMIC Regular
Certificateholders that are "pass-through interest holders."
Certificateholders that are pass-through interest holders should consult
their own tax advisors about the impact of these rules on an investment in
the REMIC Regular Certificates. See "Pass-Through of Non-Interest Expenses
of the REMIC" under "Taxation of Owners of REMIC Residual Certificates"
below.
Treatment of Realized Losses. Although not entirely clear, it appears
that holders of REMIC Regular Certificates that are corporations should in
general be allowed to deduct as an ordinary loss any loss sustained during
the taxable year on account of any such Certificates becoming wholly or
partially worthless, and that, in general, holders of Certificates that are
not corporations should be allowed to deduct as a short-term capital loss any
loss sustained during the taxable year on account of any such Certificates
becoming wholly worthless. Although the matter is not entirely clear, non-
corporate holders of Certificates may be allowed a bad debt deduction at such
time that the principal balance of any such Certificate is reduced to reflect
realized losses resulting from any liquidated Mortgage Assets. The Internal
Revenue Service, however, could take the position that non-corporate holders
will be allowed a bad debt deduction to reflect realized losses only after
all Mortgage Assets remaining in the related Trust Fund have been liquidated
or the Certificates of the related Series have been otherwise retired.
Potential investors and holders of the Certificates are urged to consult
their own tax advisors regarding the appropriate timing, amount and character
of any loss sustained with respect to such Certificates, including any loss
resulting from the failure to recover previously accrued interest or discount
income. Special loss rules are applicable to banks and thrift institutions,
including rules regarding reserves for bad debts. Such taxpayers are advised
to consult their tax advisors regarding the treatment of losses on
Certificates.
Non-U.S. Persons. Generally, payments of interest (including any
payment with respect to accrued OID) on the REMIC Regular Certificates to a
REMIC Regular Certificateholder who is not a U.S. Person and is not engaged
in a trade or business within the United States will not be subject to
federal withholding tax if (i) such REMIC Regular Certificateholder does not
actually or constructively own 10 percent or more of the combined voting
power of all classes of equity in the Issuer; (ii) such REMIC Regular
Certificateholder is not a controlled foreign corporation (within the meaning
of Code Section 957) related to the Issuer; and (iii) such REMIC Regular
Certificateholder complies with certain identification requirements
(including delivery of a statement, signed by the REMIC Regular
Certificateholder under penalties of perjury, certifying that such REMIC
Regular Certificateholder is a foreign person and providing the name and
address of such REMIC Regular Certificateholder). If a REMIC Regular
Certificateholder is not exempt from withholding, distributions of interest
to such holder, including distributions in respect of accrued OID, may be
subject to a 30% withholding tax, subject to reduction under any applicable
tax treaty.
Further, a REMIC Regular Certificate will not be included in the estate
of a non-resident alien individual and will not be subject to United States
estate taxes. However, Certificateholders who are non-resident alien
individuals should consult their tax advisors concerning this question.
REMIC Regular Certificateholders who are not U.S. Persons and persons
related to such holders should not acquire any REMIC Residual Certificates,
and holders of REMIC Residual Certificates (the "REMIC Residual
Certificateholder") and persons related to REMIC Residual Certificateholders
should not acquire any REMIC Regular Certificates without consulting their
tax advisors as to the possible adverse tax consequences of doing so.
Information Reporting and Backup Withholding. The Master Servicer will
furnish or make available, within a reasonable time after the end of each
calendar year, to each person who was a REMIC Regular Certificateholder at
any time during such year, such information as may be deemed necessary or
desirable to assist REMIC Regular Certificateholders in preparing their
federal income tax returns, or to enable holders to make such information
available to beneficial owners or financial intermediaries that hold such
REMIC Regular Certificates on behalf of beneficial owners. If a holder,
beneficial owner, financial intermediary or other recipient of a payment on
behalf of a beneficial owner fails to supply a certified taxpayer
identification number or if the Secretary of the Treasury determines that
such person has not reported all interest and dividend income required to be
shown on its federal income tax return, 31% backup withholding may be
required with respect to any payments. Any amounts deducted and withheld
from a distribution to a recipient would be allowed as a credit against such
recipient's federal income tax liability.
b. TAXATION OF OWNERS OF REMIC RESIDUAL CERTIFICATES
Allocation of the Income of the REMIC to the REMIC Residual
Certificates. The REMIC will not be subject to federal income tax except
with respect to income from prohibited transactions and certain other
transactions. See "--Prohibited Transactions and Other Taxes" below.
Instead, each original holder of a REMIC Residual Certificate will report on
its federal income tax return, as ordinary income, its share of the taxable
income of the REMIC for each day during the taxable year on which such holder
owns any REMIC Residual Certificates. The taxable income of the REMIC for
each day will be determined by allocating the taxable income of the REMIC for
each calendar quarter ratably to each day in the quarter. Such a holder's
share of the taxable income of the REMIC for each day will be based on the
portion of the outstanding REMIC Residual Certificates that such holder owns
on that day. The taxable income of the REMIC will be determined under an
accrual method and will be taxable to the holders of REMIC Residual
Certificates without regard to the timing or amounts 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 the
limitations on the deductibility of "passive losses." As residual interests,
the REMIC Residual Certificates will be subject to tax rules, described
below, that differ from those that would apply if the REMIC Residual
Certificates were treated for federal income tax purposes as direct ownership
interests in the Certificates or as debt instruments issued by the REMIC.
A REMIC Residual Certificateholder may be required to include taxable
income from the REMIC Residual Certificate in excess of the cash distributed.
For example, a structure where principal distributions are made serially on
regular interests (that is, a fast-pay, slow-pay structure) may generate such
a mismatching of income and cash distributions (that is, "phantom income").
This mismatching may be caused by the use of certain required tax accounting
methods by the REMIC, variations in the prepayment rate of the underlying
Mortgage Assets and certain other factors. Depending upon the structure of a
particular transaction, the aforementioned factors may significantly reduce
the after-tax yield of a REMIC Residual Certificate to a REMIC Residual
Certificateholder. Investors should consult their own tax advisors
concerning the federal income tax treatment of a REMIC Residual Certificate
and the impact of such tax treatment on the after-tax yield of a REMIC
Residual Certificate.
A subsequent REMIC Residual Certificateholder also will report on its
federal income tax return amounts representing a daily share of the taxable
income of the REMIC for each day that such REMIC Residual Certificateholder
owns such REMIC Residual Certificate. Those daily amounts generally would
equal the amounts that would have been reported for the same days by an
original REMIC Residual Certificateholder, as described above. The
Legislative History indicates that certain adjustments may be appropriate to
reduce (or increase) the income of a subsequent holder of a REMIC Residual
Certificate that purchased such REMIC Residual Certificate at a price greater
than (or less than) the adjusted basis such REMIC Residual Certificate would
have in the hands of an original REMIC Residual Certificateholder. See
"--Sale or Exchange of REMIC Residual Certificates" below. It is not clear,
however, whether such adjustments will in fact be permitted or required and,
if so, how they would be made. The REMIC Regulations do not provide for any
such adjustments.
Taxable Income of the REMIC Attributable to Residual Interests. The
taxable income of the REMIC will reflect a netting of (i) the income from the
Mortgage Assets and the REMIC's other assets and (ii) the deductions allowed
to the REMIC for interest and OID on the REMIC Regular Certificates and,
except as described above under "--Taxation of Owners of REMIC Regular
Certificates--Non-Interest Expenses of the REMIC," other expenses. REMIC
taxable income is generally determined in the same manner as the taxable
income of an individual using the accrual method of accounting, except that
(i) the limitations on deductibility of investment interest expense and
expenses for the production of income do not apply, (ii) all bad loans will
be deductible as business bad debts, and (iii) the limitation on the
deductibility of interest and expenses related to tax-exempt income will
apply. The REMIC's gross income includes interest, original issue discount
income, and market discount income, if any, on the Mortgage Loans, reduced by
amortization of any premium on the Mortgage Loans, plus income on
reinvestment of cash flows and reserve assets, plus any cancellation of
indebtedness income upon allocation of realized losses to the REMIC Regular
Certificates. Note that the timing of cancellation of indebtedness income
recognized by REMIC Residual Certificateholders resulting from defaults and
delinquencies on Mortgage Assets may differ from the time of the actual loss
on the Mortgage Asset. The REMIC's deductions include interest and original
issue discount expense on the REMIC Regular Certificates, servicing fees on
the Mortgage Loans, other administrative expenses of the REMIC and realized
losses on the Mortgage Loans. The requirement that REMIC Residual
Certificateholders report their pro rata share of taxable income or net
loss of the REMIC will continue until there are no Certificates of any
class of the related Series outstanding.
For purposes of determining its taxable income, the REMIC will have an
initial aggregate tax basis in its assets equal to the sum of the issue
prices of the REMIC Regular Certificates and the REMIC Residual Certificates
(or, if a class of Certificates is not sold initially, its fair market
value). Such aggregate basis will be allocated among the Mortgage Assets and
other assets of the REMIC in proportion to their respective fair market
value. A Mortgage Asset will be deemed to have been acquired with discount
or premium to the extent that the REMIC's basis therein is less than or
greater than its principal balance, respectively. Any such discount (whether
market discount or OID) 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 OID on the REMIC
Regular Certificates. The REMIC expects to elect under Code Section 171 to
amortize any premium on the Mortgage Assets. Premium on any Mortgage Asset
to which such election applies would be amortized under a constant yield
method. It is not clear whether the yield of a Mortgage Asset would be
calculated for this purpose based on scheduled payments or taking account of
the Prepayment Assumption. Additionally, such an election would not apply to
the yield with respect to any underlying mortgage loan originated on or
before September 27, 1985. Instead, premium with respect to such a mortgage
loan would be allocated among the principal payments thereon and would be
deductible by the REMIC as those payments become due.
The REMIC will be allowed a deduction for interest and OID on the REMIC
Regular Certificates. The amount and method of accrual of OID will be
calculated for this purpose in the same manner as described above with
respect to REMIC Regular Certificates except that the 0.25% per annum de
minimis rule and adjustments for subsequent holders described therein will
not apply.
A REMIC Residual Certificateholder will not be permitted to amortize the
cost of the REMIC Residual Certificate as an offset to its share of the
REMIC's taxable income. However, REMIC taxable income will not include cash
received by the REMIC that represents a recovery of the REMIC's basis in its
assets, and, as described above, the issue price of the REMIC Residual
Certificates will be added to the issue price of the REMIC Regular
Certificates in determining the REMIC's initial basis in its assets. See "--
Sale or Exchange of REMIC Residual Certificates" below. For a discussion of
possible adjustments to income of a subsequent holder of a REMIC Residual
Certificate to reflect any difference between the actual cost of such REMIC
Residual Certificate to such holder and the adjusted basis such REMIC
Residual Certificate would have in the hands of an original REMIC Residual
Certificateholder, see "--Allocation of the Income of the REMIC to the REMIC
Residual Certificates" above.
Net Losses of the REMIC. The REMIC will have a net loss for any
calendar quarter in which its deductions exceed its gross income. Such net
loss would be allocated among the REMIC Residual Certificateholders in the
same manner as the REMIC's taxable income. The net loss allocable to any
REMIC Residual Certificate will not be deductible by the holder to the extent
that such net loss exceeds such holder's adjusted basis in such REMIC
Residual Certificate. Any net loss that is not currently deductible by
reason of this limitation may only be used by such REMIC Residual
Certificateholder to offset its share of the REMIC's taxable income in future
periods (but not otherwise). The ability of REMIC Residual
Certificateholders that are individuals or closely held corporations to
deduct net losses may be subject to additional limitations under the Code.
Mark to Market Rules. Prospective purchasers of a REMIC Residual
Certificate should be aware that the IRS recently released proposed
regulations (the "Proposed Mark-to-Market Regulations") which provide that a
REMIC Residual Certificate acquired after January 3, 1995 cannot be marked to
market. The Proposed Mark-to-Market Regulations change the temporary
regulations which allowed a Residual Certificate to be marked to market
provided that it was not a "negative value" residual interest and did not
have the same economic effect as a "negative value" residual interest.
Pass-Through of Non-Interest Expenses of the REMIC. As a general rule,
all of the fees and expenses of a REMIC will be taken into account by holders
of the REMIC Residual Certificates. In the case of a single class REMIC,
however, the expenses and a matching amount of additional income will be
allocated, under temporary Treasury regulations, among the REMIC Regular
Certificateholders and the REMIC Residual Certificateholders on a daily basis
in proportion to the relative amounts of income accruing to each
Certificateholder on that day. In general terms, a single class REMIC is one
that either (i) would qualify, under existing Treasury regulations, as a
grantor trust if it were not a REMIC (treating all interests as ownership
interests, even if they would be classified as debt for federal income tax
purposes) or (ii) is similar to such a trust and is structured with the
principal purpose of avoiding the single class REMIC rules. Unless otherwise
stated in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, the expenses of the REMIC
will be allocated to holders of the related REMIC Residual Certificates in
their entirety and not to holders of the related REMIC Regular Certificates.
In the case of individuals (or trusts, estates or other persons that
compute their income in the same manner as individuals) who own an interest
in a REMIC Regular Certificate or a REMIC Residual Certificate directly or
through a pass-through interest holder that is required to pass miscellaneous
itemized deductions through to its owners or beneficiaries (e.g. a
partnership, an S corporation or a grantor trust), such expenses will be
deductible under Code Section 67 only to the extent that such expenses, plus
other "miscellaneous itemized deductions" of the individual, exceed 2% of
such individual's adjusted gross income. In addition, Code Section 68
provides that the amount of itemized deductions otherwise allowable for an
individual whose adjusted gross income exceeds a certain amount (the
"Applicable Amount") will be reduced by the lesser of (i) 3% of the excess of
the individual's adjusted gross income over the Applicable Amount or (ii) 80%
of the amount of itemized deductions otherwise allowable for the taxable
year. The amount of additional taxable income recognized by REMIC Residual
Certificateholders who are subject to the limitations of either Code Section
67 or Code Section 68 may be substantial. Further, holders (other than
corporations) subject to the alternative minimum tax may not deduct
miscellaneous itemized deductions in determining such holders' alternative
minimum taxable income. The REMIC is required to report to each pass-through
interest holder and to the IRS such holder's allocable share, if any, of the
REMIC's non-interest expenses. The term "pass-through interest holder"
generally refers to individuals, entities taxed as individuals and certain
pass-through entities, but does not include real estate investment trusts.
REMIC Residual Certificateholders that are pass-through interest holders
should consult their own tax advisors about the impact of these rules on an
investment in the REMIC Residual Certificates.
Excess Inclusions. A portion of the income on a REMIC Residual
Certificate (referred to in the Code as an "excess inclusion") for any
calendar quarter will, with an exception discussed below for certain thrift
institutions, be subject to federal income tax in all events. Thus, for
example, an excess inclusion (i) may not, except as described below, be
offset by any unrelated losses, deductions or loss carryovers of a REMIC
Residual Certificateholder; (ii) will be treated as "unrelated business
taxable income" within the meaning of Code Section 512 if the REMIC Residual
Certificateholder is a pension fund or any other organization that is subject
to tax only on its unrelated business taxable income (see "--Tax-Exempt
Investors" below); and (iii) is not eligible for any reduction in the rate of
withholding tax in the case of a REMIC Residual Certificateholder that is a
foreign investor. See "--Non-U.S. Persons" below. The exception for thrift
institutions is available only to the institution holding the REMIC Residual
Certificate and not to any affiliate of the institution, unless the affiliate
is a subsidiary all the stock of which, and substantially all the
indebtedness of which, is held by the institution, and which is organized and
operated exclusively in connection with the organization and operation of one
or more REMICs.
Except as discussed in the following paragraph, with respect to any
REMIC Residual Certificateholder, the excess inclusions for any calendar
quarter is the excess, if any, of (i) the income of such REMIC Residual
Certificateholder for that calendar quarter from its REMIC Residual
Certificate over (ii) the sum of the "daily accruals" (as defined below) for
all days during the calendar quarter on which the REMIC Residual
Certificateholder holds such REMIC Residual Certificate. For this purpose,
the daily accruals with respect to a REMIC Residual Certificate are
determined by allocating to each day in the calendar quarter its ratable
portion of the product of the "adjusted issue price" (as defined below) of
the REMIC Residual Certificate at the beginning of the calendar quarter and
120 percent of the "Federal long-term rate" in effect at the time the REMIC
Residual Certificate is issued. For this purpose, the "adjusted issue price"
of a REMIC Residual Certificate at the beginning of any calendar quarter
equals the issue price of the REMIC Residual Certificate, increased by the
amount of daily accruals for all prior quarters, and decreased (but not below
zero) by the aggregate amount of payments made on the REMIC Residual
Certificate before the beginning of such quarter. The "federal long-term
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.
As an exception to the general rule described above, the Treasury
Department has authority to issue regulations that would treat the entire
amount of income accruing on a REMIC Residual Certificate as excess
inclusions if the REMIC Residual Certificates in the aggregate are considered
not to have "significant value." Under the REMIC Regulations, REMIC Residual
Certificateholders that are thrift institutions described in Code Section 593
can offset excess inclusions with unrelated deductions, losses and loss
carryovers provided the REMIC Residual Certificates have "significant value".
For purposes of applying this rule, thrift institutions that are members of
an affiliated group filing a consolidated return, together with their
subsidiaries formed to issue REMICs, are treated as separate corporations.
REMIC Residual Certificates have "significant value" if: (i) the REMIC
Residual Certificates have an aggregate issue price that is at least equal to
2% of the aggregate issue price of all REMIC Residual Certificates and REMIC
Regular Certificates with respect to the REMIC and (ii) the anticipated
weighted average life of the REMIC Residual Certificates is at least 20% of
the anticipated weighted average life of the REMIC based on the anticipated
principal payments to be received with respect thereto (using the Prepayment
Assumption and any required or permitted clean up calls or required
liquidation provided for in the REMIC's organizational documents), except
that all anticipated distributions are to be used to calculate the weighted
average life of REMIC Regular Certificates that are not entitled to any
principal payments or are entitled to a disproportionately small principal
amount relative to interest payments thereon and all anticipated
distributions are to be used to calculate the weighted average life of the
REMIC Residual Certificates. The principal amount will be considered
disproportionately small if the issue price of the REMIC Residual
Certificates exceeds 125% of their initial principal amount. Finally, an
ordering rule under the REMIC Regulations provides that a thrift institution
may only offset its excess inclusion income with deductions after it has
first applied its deductions against income that is not excess inclusion
income.
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 Code Section
857(b)(2), 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. Regulated investment companies, common trust
funds and certain cooperatives are subject to similar rules.
Payments. Any distribution made on a REMIC Residual Certificate to a
REMIC Residual Certificateholder will be treated as a non-taxable return of
capital to the extent it does not exceed the REMIC Residual
Certificateholder's adjusted basis in such REMIC Residual Certificate. To
the extent a distribution exceeds such adjusted basis, it will be treated as
gain from the sale of the REMIC Residual Certificate.
Sale or Exchange of REMIC Residual Certificates. If a REMIC Residual
Certificate is sold or exchanged, the seller will generally recognize gain or
loss equal to the difference between the amount realized on the sale or
exchange and its adjusted basis in the REMIC Residual Certificate (except
that the recognition of loss may be limited under the "wash sale" rules
described below). A holder's adjusted basis in a REMIC Residual Certificate
generally equals the cost of such REMIC Residual Certificate to such REMIC
Residual Certificateholder, increased by the taxable income of the REMIC that
was included in the income of such REMIC Residual Certificateholder with
respect to such REMIC Residual Certificate, and decreased (but not below
zero) by the net losses that have been allowed as deductions to such REMIC
Residual Certificateholder with respect to such REMIC Residual Certificate
and by the distributions received thereon by such REMIC Residual
Certificateholder. In general, any such gain or loss will be capital gain or
loss provided the REMIC Residual Certificate is held as a capital asset.
However, REMIC Residual Certificates will be "evidences of indebtedness"
within the meaning of Code Section 582(c)(1), so that gain or loss recognized
from sale of a REMIC Residual Certificate by a bank or thrift institution to
which such section applies would be ordinary income or loss.
Except as 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 REMIC Residual Certificate, any residual
interest in another REMIC or similar interest in a "taxable mortgage pool"
(as defined in Code Section 7701(i)) 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 Code Section 1091. In that event, any
loss realized by the REMIC Residual Certificateholder on the sale will not be
deductible, but, instead, will increase such REMIC Residual
Certificateholder's adjusted basis in the newly acquired asset.
c. PROHIBITED TRANSACTIONS AND OTHER TAXES
The Code imposes a tax on REMICs equal to 100% of the net income derived
from "prohibited transactions" (the "Prohibited Transactions Tax"). In
general, subject to certain specified exceptions, a prohibited transaction
means the disposition of a Mortgage Asset, the receipt of income from a
source other than a Mortgage Asset 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 Assets for temporary
investment pending distribution on the Certificates. It is not anticipated
that the Trust Fund for any Series of Certificates will engage in any
prohibited transactions in which it would recognize a material amount of net
income.
In addition, certain contributions to a Trust Fund as to which an
election has been made to treat such Trust Fund as a REMIC made after the day
on which such Trust Fund issues all of its interests could result in the
imposition of a tax on the Trust Fund equal to 100% of the value of the
contributed property (the "Contributions Tax"). No Trust Fund for any Series
of Certificates will accept contributions that would subject it to such tax.
In addition, a Trust Fund as to which an election has been made to treat
such Trust Fund as a REMIC may also be 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 income from foreclosure
property other than qualifying income for a real estate investment trust.
Where 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 a REMIC relating to any Series of Certificates arises
out of or results from (i) a breach of the related Master Servicer's,
Trustee's or Asset Seller's obligations, as the case may be, under the
related Agreement for such Series, such tax will be borne by such Master
Servicer, Trustee or Asset Seller, as the case may be, out of its own funds
or (ii) the Asset Seller's obligation to repurchase a Mortgage Loan, such tax
will be borne by the Asset Seller. In the event that such Master Servicer,
Trustee or Asset Seller, as the case may be, fails to pay or is not required
to pay any such tax as provided above, such tax will be payable out of the
Trust Fund for such Series and will result in a reduction in amounts
available to be distributed to the Certificateholders of such Series.
d. LIQUIDATION AND TERMINATION
If the REMIC adopts a plan of complete liquidation, within the meaning
of Code Section 860F(a)(4)(A)(i), which may be accomplished by designating in
the REMIC's final tax return a date on which such adoption is deemed to
occur, and sells all of its assets (other than cash) within a 90-day period
beginning on such date, the REMIC will not be subject to any Prohibited
Transaction Tax, provided that the REMIC credits or distributes in
liquidation all of the sale proceeds plus its cash (other than the amounts
retained to meet claims) to holders of Regular and REMIC Residual
Certificates within the 90-day period.
The REMIC will terminate shortly following the retirement of the REMIC
Regular Certificates. If a REMIC Residual Certificateholder's adjusted basis
in the REMIC Residual Certificate exceeds the amount of cash distributed to
such REMIC Residual Certificateholder in final liquidation of its interest,
then it would appear that the REMIC Residual Certificateholder would be
entitled to a loss equal to the amount of such excess. It is unclear whether
such a loss, if allowed, will be a capital loss or an ordinary loss.
e. ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
Solely for the purpose of the administrative provisions of the Code, the
REMIC generally will be treated as a partnership and the REMIC Residual
Certificateholders will be treated as the partners. Certain information will
be furnished quarterly to each REMIC Residual Certificateholder who held a
REMIC Residual Certificate on any day in the previous calendar quarter.
Each REMIC Residual Certificateholder is required to treat items on its
return consistently with their treatment on the REMIC's return, unless the
REMIC Residual Certificateholder either files a statement identifying the
inconsistency or establishes that the inconsistency resulted from incorrect
information received from the REMIC. The IRS may assert a deficiency
resulting from a failure to comply with the consistency requirement without
instituting an administrative proceeding at the REMIC level. The REMIC does
not intend to register as a tax shelter pursuant to Code Section 6111 because
it is not anticipated that the 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.
f. TAX-EXEMPT INVESTORS
Any REMIC Residual Certificateholder that is a pension fund or other
entity that is subject to federal income taxation only on its "unrelated
business taxable income" within the meaning of Code Section 512 will be
subject to such tax on that portion of the distributions received on a REMIC
Residual Certificate that is considered an excess inclusion. See
"--Taxation of Owners of REMIC Residual Certificates--Excess Inclusions" above.
g. RESIDUAL CERTIFICATE PAYMENTS--NON-U.S. PERSONS
Amounts paid to REMIC Residual Certificateholders who are not U.S.
Persons (see "--Taxation of Owners of REMIC Regular Certificates--Non-U.S.
Persons" above) are treated as interest for purposes of the 30% (or lower
treaty rate) United States withholding tax. Amounts distributed to holders
of REMIC Residual Certificates should qualify as "portfolio interest,"
subject to the conditions described in "--Taxation of Owners of REMIC Regular
Certificates" above, but only to the extent that the underlying mortgage
loans were originated after July 18, 1984. Furthermore, the rate of
withholding on any income on a REMIC Residual Certificate that is excess
inclusion income will not be subject to reduction under any applicable tax
treaties. See "--Taxation of Owners of REMIC Residual Certificates--Excess
Inclusions" above. If the portfolio interest exemption is unavailable, such
amount will be subject to United States withholding tax when paid or
otherwise distributed (or when the REMIC Residual Certificate is disposed of)
under rules similar to those for withholding upon disposition of debt
instruments that have OID. The Code, however, grants the Treasury Department
authority to issue regulations requiring that those amounts be taken into
account earlier than otherwise provided where necessary to prevent avoidance
of tax (for example, where the REMIC Residual Certificates do not have
significant value). See "--Taxation of Owners of REMIC Residual
Certificates--Excess Inclusions" above. If the amounts paid to REMIC
Residual Certificateholders that are not U.S. Persons are effectively
connected with their conduct of a trade or business within the United States,
the 30% (or lower treaty rate) withholding will not apply. Instead, the
amounts paid to such non-U.S. Person will be subject to U.S. federal income
taxation at regular graduated rates. For special restrictions on the
transfer of REMIC Residual Certificates, see "--Tax-Related Restrictions on
Transfers of REMIC Residual Certificates" below.
REMIC Regular Certificateholders and persons related to such holders
should not acquire any REMIC Residual Certificates, and REMIC Residual
Certificateholders and persons related to REMIC Residual Certificateholders
should not acquire any REMIC Regular Certificates, without consulting their
tax advisors as to the possible adverse tax consequences of such acquisition.
TAX-RELATED RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFERS OF REMIC RESIDUAL CERTIFICATES
Disqualified Organizations. An entity may not qualify as a REMIC unless
there are reasonable arrangements designed to ensure that residual interests
in such entity are not held by "disqualified organizations" (as defined
below). Further, a tax is imposed on the transfer of a residual interest in
a REMIC to a "disqualified organization." The amount of the tax equals the
product of (A) an amount (as determined under the REMIC Regulations) equal to
the present value of the total anticipated "excess inclusions" with respect
to such interest for periods after the transfer and (ii) the highest marginal
federal income tax rate applicable to corporations. The tax is imposed on
the transferor unless the transfer is through an agent (including a broker or
other middleman) for a disqualified organization, in which event the tax is
imposed on the agent. The person otherwise liable for the tax shall be
relieved of liability for the tax if the transferee furnished to such
person an affidavit that the transferee is not a disqualified
organization and, at the time of the transfer, such person does not have
actual knowledge that the affidavit is false. A "disqualified
organization" means (A) the United States, any State, possession or
political subdivision thereof, any foreign government, any international
organization or any agency or instrumentality of any of the foregoing
(provided that such term does not include an instrumentality if all its
activities are subject to tax and, except for FHLMC, a majority of its
board of directors is not selected by any such governmental agency), (B)
any organization (other than certain farmers' cooperatives) generally
exempt from federal income taxes unless such organization is subject to
the tax on "unrelated business taxable income" and (C) a rural electric or
telephone cooperative.
A tax is imposed on a "pass-through entity" (as defined below) holding a
residual interest in a REMIC if at any time during the taxable year of the
pass-through entity a disqualified organization is the record holder of an
interest in such entity. The amount of the tax is equal to the product of
(A) the amount of excess inclusions for the taxable year allocable to the
interest held by the disqualified organization and (B) the highest marginal
federal income tax rate applicable to corporations. The pass-through entity
otherwise liable for the tax, for any period during which the disqualified
organization is the record holder of an interest in such entity, will be
relieved of liability for the tax if such record holder furnishes to such
entity an affidavit that such record holder is not a disqualified
organization and, for such period, the pass-through entity does not have
actual knowledge that the affidavit is false. For this purpose, a
"pass-through entity" means (i) a regulated investment company, real estate
investment trust or common trust fund, (ii) a partnership, trust or estate
and (iii) certain cooperatives. Except as may be provided in Treasury
regulations not yet issued, any person holding an interest in a pass-through
entity as a nominee for another will, with respect to such interest, be
treated as a pass-through entity. The tax on pass-through entities is
generally effective for periods after March 31, 1988, except that in the case
of regulated investment companies, real estate investment trusts, common
trust funds and publicly-traded partnerships the tax shall apply only to
taxable years of such entities beginning after December 31, 1988. Under
proposed legislation, large partnerships (generally with 250 or more
partners) will be taxable on excess inclusion income as if all partners were
disqualified organizations.
In order to comply with these rules, the Agreement will provide that no
record or beneficial ownership interest in a REMIC Residual Certificate may
be purchased, transferred or sold, directly or indirectly, without the
express written consent of the Master Servicer. The Master Servicer will
grant such consent to a proposed transfer only if it receives the following:
(i) an affidavit from the proposed transferee to the effect that it is not a
disqualified organization and is not acquiring the REMIC Residual Certificate
as a nominee or agent for a disqualified organization and (ii) a covenant by
the proposed transferee to the effect that the proposed transferee agrees to
be bound by and to abide by the transfer restrictions applicable to the REMIC
Residual Certificate.
Noneconomic REMIC Residual Certificates. The REMIC Regulations
disregard, for federal income tax purposes, any transfer of a Noneconomic
REMIC Residual Certificate to a "U.S. Person," as defined above, unless no
significant purpose of the transfer is to enable the transferor to impede the
assessment or collection of tax. A Noneconomic REMIC Residual Certificate is
any REMIC Residual Certificate (including a REMIC Residual Certificate with a
positive value at issuance) unless, at the time of transfer, taking into
account the Prepayment Assumption and any required or permitted clean up
calls or required liquidation provided for in the REMIC's organizational
documents, (i) the present value of the expected future distributions on the
REMIC Residual Certificate at least equals the product of the present value
of the anticipated excess inclusions and the highest corporate income tax
rate in effect for the year in which the transfer occurs and (ii) the
transferor reasonably expects that the transferee will receive distributions
from the REMIC at or after the time at which taxes accrue on the anticipated
excess inclusions in an amount sufficient to satisfy the accrued taxes. A
significant purpose to impede the assessment or collection of tax exists if
the transferor, at the time of the transfer, either knew or should have known
that the transferee would be unwilling or unable to pay taxes due on its
share of the taxable income of the REMIC. A transferor is presumed not to
have such knowledge if (i) the transferor conducted a reasonable
investigation of the transferee and (ii) the transferee acknowledges to the
transferor that the residual interest may generate tax liabilities in excess
of the cash flow and the transferee represents that it intends to pay such
taxes associated with the residual interest as they become due. If a
transfer of a Noneconomic REMIC Residual Certificate is disregarded, the
transferor would continue to be treated as the owner of the REMIC Residual
Certificate and would continue to be subject to tax on its allocable portion
of the net income of the REMIC.
Foreign Investors. The REMIC Regulations provide that the transfer of a
REMIC Residual Certificate that has a "tax avoidance potential" to a "foreign
person" will be disregarded for federal income tax purposes. This rule
appears to apply to a transferee who is not a U.S. Person unless such
transferee's income in respect of the REMIC Residual Certificate is
effectively connected with the conduct of a United Sates trade or business.
A REMIC Residual Certificate is deemed to have a tax avoidance potential
unless, at the time of transfer, the transferor reasonably expect that the
REMIC will distribute to the transferee amounts that will equal at least 30
percent of each excess inclusion, and that such amounts will be distributed
at or after the time the excess inclusion accrues and not later than the end
of the calendar year following the year of accrual. If the non-U.S. Person
transfers the REMIC Residual Certificate to a U.S. Person, the transfer will
be disregarded, and the foreign transferor will continue to be treated as the
owner, if the transfer has the effect of allowing the transferor to avoid tax
on accrued excess inclusions. The provisions in the REMIC Regulations
regarding transfers of REMIC Residual Certificates that have tax avoidance
potential to foreign persons are effective for all transfers after June 30,
1992. The Agreement will provide that no record or beneficial ownership
interest in a REMIC Residual Certificate may be transferred, directly or
indirectly, to a non-U.S. Person unless such person provides the Trustee with
a duly completed I.R.S. Form 4224 and the Trustee consents to such transfer
in writing.
Any attempted transfer or pledge in violation of the transfer
restrictions shall be absolutely null and void and shall vest no rights in
any purported transferee. Investors in REMIC Residual Certificates are
advised to consult their own tax advisors with respect to transfers of the
REMIC Residual Certificates and, in addition, pass-through entities are
advised to consult their own tax advisors with respect to any tax which may
be imposed on a pass-through entity.
TAX CHARACTERIZATION OF A TRUST FUND AS A PARTNERSHIP
Brown & Wood LLP, special counsel to the Depositor, will deliver its
opinion that a Trust Fund for which a partnership election is made will not
be 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 Trust 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 or the issuance of
the Certificates has been structured as a private placement under an IRS safe
harbor, so that the Trust Fund will not be characterized as a publicly traded
partnership taxable as a corporation.
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, possibly reduced by its interest expense on the Notes. Any such
corporate income tax could materially reduce cash available to make payments
on the Notes and distributions on the Certificates, and Certificateholders
could be liable for any such tax that is unpaid by the Trust Fund.
a. TAX CONSEQUENCES TO HOLDERS OF THE NOTES
Treatment of the Notes as Indebtedness. The Trust Fund will agree, and
the Noteholders will agree by their purchase of Notes, to treat the Notes as
debt for federal income tax purposes. Special counsel to the Depositor will,
except as otherwise provided in the related Prospectus Supplement, advise the
Depositor that the Notes will be classified as debt for federal income tax
purposes. The discussion below assumes this characterization of the Notes is
correct.
OID, etc. The discussion below assumes that all payments on the Notes
are denominated in U.S. dollars. Moreover, the discussion assumes that the
interest formula for the Notes meets the requirements for "qualified stated
interest" under the OID regulations, and that any OID on the Notes (i.e., any
excess of the principal amount of the Notes over their issue price) does not
exceed a de minimis amount (i.e., 1/4% of their principal amount multiplied
by the number of full years included in their term), all within the meaning
of the OID regulations. If these conditions are not satisfied with respect
to any given series of Notes, additional tax considerations with respect to
such Notes will be disclosed in the applicable Prospectus Supplement.
Interest Income on the Notes. Based on the above assumptions, except as
discussed in the following paragraph, the Notes will not be considered issued
with OID. The stated interest thereon will be taxable to a Noteholder as
ordinary interest income when received or accrued in accordance with such
Noteholder's method of tax accounting. Under the OID regulations, a holder
of a Note issued with a de minimis amount of OID must include such OID in
income, on a pro rata basis, as principal payments are made on the Note. It
is believed that any prepayment premium paid as a result of a mandatory
redemption will be taxable as contingent interest when it becomes fixed and
unconditionally payable. A purchaser who buys a Note for more or less than
its principal amount will generally be subject, respectively, to the premium
amortization or market discount rules of the Code.
A holder of a Note that has a fixed maturity date of not more than one
year from the issue date of such Note (a "Short-Term Note") may be subject to
special rules. An accrual basis holder of a Short-Term Note (and certain
cash method holders, including regulated investment companies, as set forth
in Section 1281 of the Code) generally would be required to report interest
income as interest accrues on a straight-line basis over the term of each
interest period. Other cash basis holders of a Short-Term Note would, in
general, be required to report interest income as interest is paid (or, if
earlier, upon the taxable disposition of the Short-Term Note). However, a
cash basis holder of a Short-Term Note reporting interest income as it is
paid may be required to defer a portion of any interest expense otherwise
deductible on indebtedness incurred to purchase or carry the Short-Term Note
until the taxable disposition of the Short-Term Note. A cash basis taxpayer
may elect under Section 1281 of the Code to accrue interest income on all
nongovernment debt obligations with a term of one year or less, in which case
the taxpayer would include interest on the Short-Term Note in income as it
accrues, but would not be subject to the interest expense deferral rule
referred to in the preceding sentence. Certain special rules apply if a
Short-Term Note is purchased for more or less than its principal amount.
Sale or Other Disposition. If a Noteholder sells a Note, the holder
will recognize gain or loss in an amount equal to the difference between the
amount realized on the sale and the holder's adjusted tax basis in the Note.
The adjusted tax basis of a Note to a particular Noteholder will equal the
holder's cost for the Note, increased by any market discount, acquisition
discount, OID and gain previously included by such Noteholder in income with
respect to the Note and decreased by the amount of bond premium (if any)
previously amortized and by the amount of principal payments previously
received by such Noteholder with respect to such Note. Any such gain or loss
will be capital gain or loss if the Note was held as a capital asset, except
for gain representing accrued interest and accrued market discount not
previously included in income. Capital losses generally may be used only to
offset capital gains.
Foreign Holders. Interest payments made (or accrued) to a Noteholder
who is a nonresident alien, foreign corporation or other non-United States
person (a "foreign person") generally will be considered "portfolio
interest", and generally will not be subject to United States federal income
tax and withholding tax, if the interest is not effectively connected with
the conduct of a trade or business within the United States by the foreign
person and the foreign person (i) is not actually or constructively a "10
percent shareholder" of the Trust or the Depositor (including a holder of 10%
of the outstanding Certificates) or a "controlled foreign corporation" with
respect to which the Trust Fund or the Asset Seller is a "related person"
within the meaning of the Code and (ii) provides the Owner Trustee or other
person who is otherwise required to withhold U.S. tax with respect to the
Notes with an appropriate statement (on Form W-8 or a similar form), signed
under penalties of perjury, certifying that the beneficial owner of the Note
is a foreign person and providing the foreign person's name and address. If
a Note is held through a securities clearing organization or certain other
financial institutions, the organization or institution may provide the
relevant signed statement to the withholding agent; in that case, however,
the signed statement must be accompanied by a Form W-8 or substitute form
provided by the foreign person that owns the Note. If such interest is not
portfolio interest, then it will be subject to United States federal income
and withholding tax at a rate of 30 percent, unless reduced or eliminated
pursuant to an applicable tax treaty.
Any capital gain realized on the sale, redemption, retirement or other
taxable disposition of a Note by a foreign person will be exempt from United
States federal income and withholding tax, provided that (i) such gain is not
effectively connected with the conduct of a trade or business in the United
States by the foreign person and (ii) in the case of an individual foreign
person, the foreign person is not present in the United States for 183 days
or more in the taxable year.
Backup Withholding. Each holder of a Note (other than an exempt holder
such as a corporation, tax-exempt organization, qualified pension and
profit-sharing trust, individual retirement account or nonresident alien who
provides certification as to status as a nonresident) will be required
to provide, under penalties of perjury, a certificate containing the
holder's name, address, correct federal taxpayer identification number and
a statement that the holder is not subject to backup withholding.
Should a nonexempt Noteholder fail to provide the required certification,
the Trust Fund will be required to withhold 31 percent of the amount
otherwise payable to the holder, and remit the withheld amount to the
IRS as a credit against the holder's federal income tax liability.
Possible Alternative Treatments of the Notes. If, contrary to the
opinion of special counsel to the Depositor, the IRS successfully asserted
that one or more of the Notes did not represent debt for federal income tax
purposes, the Notes might be treated as equity interests in the Trust Fund.
If so treated, the Trust Fund might be taxable as a corporation with the
adverse consequences described above (and the taxable corporation would not
be able to reduce its taxable income by deductions for interest expense on
Notes recharacterized as equity). Alternatively, and most likely in the view
of special counsel to the Depositor, the Trust Fund might be treated as a
publicly traded partnership that would not be taxable as a corporation
because it would meet certain qualifying income tests. Nonetheless,
treatment of the Notes as equity interests in such a publicly traded
partnership could have adverse tax consequences to certain holders. For
example, income to certain tax-exempt entities (including pension funds)
would be "unrelated business taxable income", income to foreign holders
generally would be subject to U.S. tax and U.S. tax return filing and
withholding requirements, and individual holders might be subject to certain
limitations on their ability to deduct their share of the Trust Fund's
expenses.
b. TAX CONSEQUENCES TO HOLDER OF THE CERTIFICATES
Treatment of the Trust Fund as a Partnership. The Depositor will agree,
and the Certificateholders will agree by their purchase of Certificates, to
treat the 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 Trust
Fund, the partners of the partnership being the Certificateholders, and the
Notes being debt of the partnership. However, the proper characterization of
the arrangement involving the Trust Fund, the Certificates, the Notes, the
Trust Fund and the Master Servicer 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 the Certificates have certain features characteristic of debt, the
Certificates might be considered debt of the Trust Fund. Any such
characterization would not result in materially adverse tax consequences to
Certificateholders as compared to the consequences from treatment of the
Certificates as equity in a partnership, described below. The following
discussion assumes that the Certificates represent equity interests in a
partnership.
Indexed Securities, etc. The following discussion assumes that all
payments on the Certificates are denominated in U.S. dollars, none of the
Certificates are Indexed Securities or Strip Certificates, and that a Series
of Securities includes a single class of Certificates. If these conditions
are not satisfied with respect to any given Series of Certificates,
additional tax considerations with respect to such Certificates will be
disclosed in the applicable Prospectus Supplement.
Partnership Taxation. As a partnership, the 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 Trust Fund. The Trust
Fund's income will consist primarily of interest and finance charges earned
on the Mortgage Loans (including appropriate adjustments for market discount,
OID and bond premium) and any gain upon collection or disposition of Mortgage
Loans. The Trust Fund's deductions will consist primarily of interest
accruing with respect to the Notes, servicing and other fees, and losses or
deductions upon collection or disposition of Mortgage Loans.
The tax items of a partnership are allocable to the partners in
accordance with the Code, Treasury regulations and the partnership agreement
(here, the Trust Agreement and related documents). The Trust Agreement will
provide, in general, that the Certificateholders will be allocated taxable
income of the Trust Fund for each month equal to the sum of (i) the interest
that accrues on the Certificates in accordance with their terms for such
month, including interest accruing at the Pass-Through Rate for such month
and interest on amounts previously due on the Certificates but not yet
distributed; (ii) any Trust Fund income attributable to discount on the
Mortgage Loans that corresponds to any excess of the principal amount of the
Certificates over their initial issue price; (iii) prepayment premium payable
to the Certificateholders for such month; and (iv) any other amounts of
income payable to the Certificateholders for such month. Such allocation
will be reduced by any amortization by the Trust Fund of premium on Mortgage
Loans that corresponds to any excess of the issue price of Certificates over
their principal amount. All remaining taxable income of the Trust Fund will
be allocated to the Company. Based on the economic arrangement of the
parties, this approach for allocating 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
Certificates on the accrual basis and Certificateholders may become liable
for taxes on Trust Fund income even if they have not received cash from the
Trust Fund to pay such taxes. In addition, because tax allocations and tax
reporting will be done on a uniform basis for all Certificateholders but
Certificateholders may be purchasing Certificates at different times and at
different prices Certificateholders may be required to report on their tax
returns taxable income that is greater or less than the amount reported to
them by the Trust Fund.
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.
An individual taxpayer's share of expenses of the Trust Fund (including
fees to the Master Servicer but not interest expense) would be miscellaneous
itemized deductions. 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 Trust Fund.
The Trust Fund intends to make all tax calculations relating to income
and allocations to Certificateholders on an aggregate basis. If the IRS were
to require that such calculations be made separately for each Mortgage Loan,
the 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. It is believed that the Loans were not issued
with OID, and, therefore, the Trust should not have OID income. However, the
purchase price paid by the Trust Fund for the Mortgage Loans may be greater
or less than the remaining principal balance of the Loans at the time of
purchase. If so, the Loan will have been acquired at a premium or discount,
as the case may be. (As indicated above, the 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 Trust Fund acquires the Mortgage Loans at a market discount or
premium, the 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 Trust Fund
will be deemed to terminate for federal income tax purposes if 50% or more of
the capital and profits interests in the Trust Fund are sold or exchanged
within a 12-month period. If such a termination occurs, the Trust Fund will
be considered to distribute its assets to the partners, who would then be
treated as recontributing those assets to the Trust Fund as a new
partnership. The Trust Fund will not comply with certain technical
requirements that might apply when such a constructive termination occurs.
As a result, the 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 Trust Fund might not be able to comply due to
lack of data.
Disposition of Certificates. Generally, capital gain or loss will be
recognized on a sale of Certificates in an amount equal to the difference
between the amount realized and the seller's tax basis in the Certificates
sold. A Certificateholder's tax basis in a Certificate will generally equal
the holder's cost increased by the holder's share of Trust Fund income
(includible in income) and decreased by any distributions received
with respect to such Certificate. In addition, both the tax basis in the
Certificates and the amount realized on a sale of a Certificate would
include the holder's share of the Notes and other liabilities of the
Trust Fund. A holder acquiring Certificates at different prices may be
required to maintain a single aggregate adjusted tax basis in such
Certificates, and, upon sale or other disposition of some of the
Certificates, allocate a portion of such aggregate tax basis to the
Certificates sold (rather than maintaining a separate tax basis in
each Certificate for purposes of computing gain or loss on a sale of that
Certificate).
Any gain on the sale of a 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 Trust Fund does not expect to have any other
assets that would give rise to such special reporting requirements. Thus, to
avoid those special reporting requirements, the 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 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 Certificates.
Allocations Between Transferors and Transferees. In general, the Trust
Fund's taxable income and losses will be determined monthly and the tax items
for a particular calendar month will be apportioned among the
Certificateholders in proportion to the principal amount of Certificates
owned by them as of the close of the last day of such month. As a result, a
holder purchasing 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 monthly convention may not be permitted by existing
regulations. If a monthly convention is not allowed (or only applies to
transfers of less than all of the partner's interest), taxable income or
losses of the Trust Fund might be reallocated among the Certificateholders.
The Trust Fund's method of allocation between transferors and transferees may
be revised to conform to a method permitted by future regulations.
Section 754 Election. In the event that a Certificateholder sells its
Certificates at a profit (loss), the purchasing Certificateholder will have a
higher (lower) basis in the Certificates than the selling Certificateholder
had. The tax basis of the Trust Fund's assets will not be adjusted to
reflect that higher (or lower) basis unless the 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 Trust
Fund will not make such election. As a result, Certificateholders might be
allocated a greater or lesser amount of Trust Fund income than would be
appropriate based on their own purchase price for Certificates.
Administrative Matters. The Trustee is required to keep or have kept
complete and accurate books of the Trust Fund. Such books will be maintained
for financial reporting and tax purposes on an accrual basis and the fiscal
year of the Trust 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 Trust Fund and will report each Certificateholder's allocable
share of items of Trust Fund income and expense to holders and the IRS on
Schedule K-1. The Trust Fund will provide the Schedule K-1 information to
nominees that fail to provide the Trust Fund with the information statement
described below and such nominees will be required to forward such
information to the beneficial owners of the Certificates. Generally, holders
must file tax returns that are consistent with the information return filed
by the 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 Certificates as a
nominee at any time during a calendar year is required to furnish the Trust
Fund with a statement containing certain information on the nominee, the
beneficial owners and the 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 Certificates that were held, bought or sold on
behalf of such person throughout the year. In addition, brokers and
financial institutions that hold Certificates through a nominee are required
to furnish directly to the Trust Fund information as to themselves and
their ownership of Certificates. A clearing agency registered under Section
17A of the Exchange Act is not required to furnish any such information
statement to the Trust Fund. The information referred to above for any
calendar year must be furnished to the Trust Fund on or before the
following January 31. Nominees, brokers and financial institutions that
fail to provide the Trust Fund with the information described above may be
subject to penalties.
The Company will be designated as the tax matters partner in the related
Trust 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 before three years after the date on which
the partnership information return is filed. Any adverse determination
following an audit of the return of the 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 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 Trust Fund.
Tax Consequences to Foreign Certificateholders. It is not clear whether
the 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 Trust Fund would be engaged in a trade or business in
the United States for such purposes, the Trust Fund will withhold as if it
were so engaged in order to protect the Trust Fund from possible adverse
consequences of a failure to withhold. The 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. Subsequent adoption of Treasury regulations or the issuance
of other administrative pronouncements may require the Trust Fund to change
its withholding procedures. In determining a holder's withholding status,
the 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 Trust Fund's income. Each foreign
holder must obtain a taxpayer identification number from the IRS and submit
that number to the 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 Trust Fund taking the position that no taxes were due because
the Trust Fund was not engaged in a U.S. trade or business. However,
interest payments 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 Trust Fund. If
these interest payments are properly characterized as guaranteed payments,
then the interest will not be considered "portfolio interest." As a result,
Certificateholders 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 enticed 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 Certificates and
proceeds from the sale of the 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.
RECENT LEGISLATION
During 1996, President Clinton signed into law the "Small Business Job
Protection Act of 1996" (the "Act"). The Act creates a new type of entity
for federal income tax purposes called a "financial asset securitization
investment trust" or "FASIT." Beginning in September of 1997, the Act
generally enables certain arrangements similar to a Trust Fund that is
treated as a partnership to elect to be treated as a FASIT. Under the Act, a
FASIT generally would avoid federal income taxation and could issue
securities substantially similar to the Certificates and Notes, and those
securities would be treated as debt for federal income tax purposes. If so
provided in the related Prospectus Supplement, the Agreement, the Trust
Agreement and/or the Indenture will set forth certain conditions which,
if satisfied, will permit the Depositor to amend such Agreement,
Trust Agreement and/or Indenture in order to enable all or a portion of
the Trust Fund to qualify as a FASIT and to permit a FASIT election to be
made with respect thereto, and to make such modifications to such
Agreement, Trust Agreement and/or Indenture as may be permitted by
reason of the making of such an election. However, the Depositor may, but
is not obligated to, cause a FASIT election and there can be no assurance
that the Depositor will or will not cause any permissible FASIT election to
be made with respect to a Trust Fund or amend the related Agreement,
Trust Agreement and/or the Indenture in connection with any election.
Furthermore, any such election will be made only if an opinion of federal
tax counsel or special federal tax counsel is rendered that such election
will not have material adverse federal income consequences to any holder of
a Note or Certificate.
STATE TAX CONSIDERATIONS
In addition to the federal income tax consequences described in "Certain
Federal Income Tax Considerations," potential investors should consider the
state and local income tax consequences of the acquisition, ownership, and
disposition of the Offered Securities. State and local income tax law may
differ substantially from the corresponding federal law, and this discussion
does not purport to describe any aspect of the income tax laws of any state
or locality. Therefore, potential investors should consult their own tax
advisors with respect to the various state and local tax consequences of an
investment in the Offered Securities.
ERISA CONSIDERATIONS
GENERAL
The Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended
("ERISA"), imposes certain restrictions on employee benefit plans subject to
ERISA ("Plans") and on persons who are parties in interest or disqualified
persons ("parties in interest") with respect to such Plans. Certain employee
benefit plans, such as governmental plans and church plans (if no election
has been made under Section 410(d) of the Code), are not subject to the
restrictions of ERISA, and assets of such plans may be invested in the
Securities without regard to the ERISA considerations described below,
subject to other applicable federal and state law. However, any such
governmental or church plan which is qualified under Section 401(a) of the
Code and exempt from taxation under Section 501(a) of the Code is subject to
the prohibited transaction rules set forth in Section 503 of the Code.
Investments by Plans are subject to ERISA's general fiduciary
requirements, including the requirement of investment prudence and
diversification and the requirement that a Plan's investments be made in
accordance with the documents governing the Plan.
PROHIBITED TRANSACTIONS
General
Section 406 of ERISA prohibits parties in interest with respect to a
Plan from engaging in certain transactions involving a Plan and its assets
unless a statutory or administrative exemption applies to the transaction.
Section 4975 of the Code imposes certain excise taxes (or, in some cases, a
civil penalty may be assessed pursuant to Section 502(i) of ERISA) on parties
in interest which engage in non-exempt prohibited transactions.
The United States Department of Labor ("Labor") has issued a final
regulation (29 C.F.R. Section 2510.3-101) containing rules for determining
what constitutes the assets of a Plan. This regulation provides that, as a
general rule, the underlying assets and properties of corporations,
partnerships, trusts and certain other entities in which a Plan makes an
"equity investment" will be deemed for purposes of ERISA to be assets of the
Plan unless certain exceptions apply.
Under the terms of the regulation, the Trust Fund may be deemed to hold
plan assets by reason of a Plan's investment in a Security; such plan assets
would include an undivided interest in the Mortgage Loans or Contracts and
any other assets held by the Trust Fund. In such an event, the Asset Seller,
the Master Servicer, the Trustee, any insurer of the Assets and other
persons, in providing services with respect to the assets of the Trust Fund,
may be parties in interest, subject to the fiduciary responsibility
provisions of Title I of ERISA, including the prohibited transaction
provisions of Section 406 of ERISA (and of Section 4975 of the Code), with
respect to transactions involving such assets unless such transactions are
subject to a statutory or administrative exemption.
The regulations contain a de minimis safe-harbor rule that exempts any
entity from plan assets status as long as the aggregate equity investment in
such entity by plans is not significant. For this purpose, equity
participation in the entity will be significant if immediately after any
acquisition of any equity interest in the entity, "benefit plan investors" in
the aggregate, own at least 25% of the value of any class of equity interest.
------
"Benefit plan investors" are defined as Plans as well as employee benefit
plans not subject to ERISA (e.g., governmental plans). The 25% limitation
must be met with respect to each class of certificates, regardless of the
portion of total equity value represented by such class, on an ongoing basis.
One such exception applies if the interest described is treated as
indebtedness under applicable local law and which has no substantial equity
features. Generally, a profits interest in a partnership, an undivided
ownership interest in property and a beneficial ownership interest in a trust
are deemed to be "equity interest" under the final regulation. If Notes of a
particular Series were deemed to be indebtedness under applicable local law
without any substantial equity features, an investing Plan's assets would
include such Notes, but not, by reason of such purchase, the underlying
assets of the Trust Fund.
Availability of Underwriter's Exemption for Certificates
Labor has granted to Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated
Prohibited Transaction Exemption 90-29, Exemption Application No. D-8012, 55
Fed. Reg. 21,450 (1990) (the "Exemption") which exempts from the application
of the prohibited transaction rules transactions relating to: (1) the
acquisition, sale and holding by Plans of certain certificates representing
an undivided interest in certain asset-backed pass-through trusts, with
respect to which Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated or any of
its affiliates is the sole underwriter or the manager or co-manager of the
underwriting syndicate; and (2) the servicing, operation and management of
such asset-backed pass-through trusts, provided that the general conditions
and certain other conditions set forth in the Exemption are satisfied. The
Exemption does not apply to Certificates evidencing an interest in a Trust
Fund containing Unsecured Home Improvement Loans, SBA Loans or SBA 504 Loans.
With respect to a series of Notes, the related Prospectus Supplement will
discuss whether the Exemption may be applicable to such Notes.
General Conditions of the Exemption. Section II of the Exemption sets
forth the following general conditions which must be satisfied before a
transaction involving the acquisition, sale and holding of the Certificates
or a transaction in connection with the servicing, operation and management
of the Trust may be eligible for exemptive relief thereunder:
(1) The acquisition of the Certificates by a Plan is on terms
(including the price for such Certificates) that are at least as
favorable to the investing Plan as they would be in an arm's-length
transaction with an unrelated party;
(2) The rights and interests evidenced by the Certificates acquired
by the Plan are not subordinated to the rights and interests evidenced
by other certificates of the Trust;
(3) The Certificates acquired by the Plan have received a rating at
the time of such acquisition that is in one of the three highest generic
rating categories from any of Duff & Phelps Inc., Fitch Investors
Service, Inc., Moody's Investors Service, Inc. and Standard & Poor's
Ratings Group.
(4) The Trustee is not an affiliate of the Underwriter, the Asset
Seller, the Master Servicer, any insurer of the Mortgage Assets, any
borrower whose obligations under one or more Assets constitute more than
5% of the aggregate unamortized principal balance of the assets in the
Trust Fund, or any of their respective affiliates (the "Restricted
Group");
(5) The sum of all payments made to and retained by the Underwriter
in connection with the distribution of the Certificates represents not
more than reasonable compensation for underwriting such Certificates;
the sum of all payments made to and retained by the Asset Seller
pursuant to the sale of the Assets to the Trust Fund represents not more
than the fair market value of such Assets; the sum of all payments made
to and retained by the Master Servicer represent not more than
reasonable compensation for the Master Servicer's services under the
Agreement and reimbursement of the Master Servicer's reasonable expenses
in connection therewith; and
(6) The Plan investing in the Certificates is 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.
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.
REVIEW BY PLAN FIDUCIARIES
Any Plan fiduciary considering whether to purchase any Securities 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. Among other things, before purchasing
any Securities, a fiduciary of a Plan subject to the fiduciary responsibility
provisions of ERISA or an employee benefit plan subject to the prohibited
transaction provisions of the Code should make its own determination as to
the availability of the exemptive relief provided in the Exemption, and also
consider the availability of any other prohibited transaction exemptions. In
particular, in connection with a contemplated purchase of Securities
representing a beneficial ownership interest in a pool of single family
residential first mortgage loans, such Plan fiduciary should consider the
availability of the Exemption or 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 Securities may
contain additional information regarding the application of the Exemption,
PTCE 83-1, or any other exemption, with respect to the Securities offered
thereby. PTCE 83-1 is not applicable to manufactured housing contract pool
investment trusts or multifamily mortgage pool investment trusts.
Purchasers that are insurance companies should consult with their
counsel with respect to the recent United States Supreme Court case
interpreting the fiduciary responsibility rules of ERISA, John Hancock Mutual
Life Insurance Co. v. Harris Trust & Savings Bank (decided December 13,
1993). In John Hancock, the Supreme Court ruled that assets held in an
insurance company's general account may be deemed to be "plan assets" for
ERISA purposes under certain circumstances. Prospective purchasers should
determine whether the decision affects their ability to make purchases of the
Securities. In particular, such an insurance company should consider the
exemptive relief granted by Labor for transactions involving insurance
company general accounts in Prohibited Transactions Exemption 95-60, 60 Fed.
Reg. 35925 (July 12, 1995).
LEGAL INVESTMENT
Each class of Offered Securities will be rated at the date of issuance
in one of the four highest rating categories by at least one Rating Agency.
The related Prospectus Supplement will specify which classes of the
Securities, if any, will constitute "mortgage related securities" ("SMMEA
Securities") for purposes of the Secondary Mortgage Market Enhancement Act
of 1984 ("SMMEA"). SMMEA Securities will constitute legal investments for
persons, trusts, corporations, partnerships, associations, business
trusts and business entities (including, but not limited to, state
chartered savings banks, commercial banks, savings and loan associations
and insurance companies, as well as trustees and state government
employee retirement systems) created pursuant to or existing under the
laws of the United States or of any state (including the District of
Columbia and Puerto Rico) whose authorized investments are subject to
state regulation 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 such entities. Alaska, Arkansas, Colorado,
Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kansas, Maryland,
Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New York, North Carolina,
Ohio, South Dakota, Utah, Virginia and West Virginia enacted legislation
before the October 4, 1991 cutoff established by SMMEA for such
enactments, limiting to varying extents the ability of certain entities
(in particular, insurance companies) to invest in mortgage related
securities, in most cases by requiring the affected investors to rely
solely upon existing state law, and not SMMEA. Investors affected
by such legislation will be authorized to invest in SMMEA Certificates
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. In this
connection, federal credit unions should review the National Credit Union
Administration ("NCUA") Letter to Credit Unions No. 96, as modified by Letter
to Credit Unions No. 108, which includes guidelines to assist federal credit
unions in making investment decisions for mortgage related securities, and
the NCUA's regulation "Investment and Deposit Activities" (12 C.F.R. Part
703), which sets forth certain restrictions on investment by federal credit
unions in mortgage related securities.
Institutions where investment activities are subject to legal investment
laws or regulations or review by certain regulatory authorities may be
subject to restrictions on investment in certain classes of Offered
Securities. Any financial institution which is subject to the jurisdiction
of the Comptroller of the Currency, the Board of Governors of the Federal
Reserve System, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation ("FDIC"), the
Office of Thrift Supervision ("OTS"), the NCUA or other federal or state
agencies with similar authority should review any applicable rules,
guidelines and regulations prior to purchasing any Offered Security. The
Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council, for example, has issued a
Supervisory Policy Statement on Securities Activities effective February 10,
1992 (the "Policy Statement") setting forth guidelines for and significant
restrictions on investments in "high-risk mortgage securities." The Policy
Statement has been adopted by the Comptroller of the Currency, the Federal
Reserve Board, the FDIC, the OTS and the NCUA (with certain modifications),
with respect to the depository institutions that they regulate. The Policy
Statement generally indicates that a mortgage derivative product will be
deemed to be high risk if it exhibits greater price volatility than a
standard fixed rate thirty-year mortgage security. According to the Policy
Statement, prior to purchase, a depository institution will be required to
determine whether a mortgage derivative product that it is considering
acquiring is high-risk, and if so that the proposed acquisition would reduce
the institution's overall interest rate risk. Reliance on analysis and
documentation obtained from a securities dealer or other outside party
without internal analysis by the institution would be unacceptable. There
can be no assurance that any classes of Offered Securities will not be
treated as high-risk under the Policy Statement.
The predecessor to the OTS issued a bulletin, entitled, "Mortgage
Derivative Products and Mortgage Swaps", which is applicable to thrift
institutions regulated by the OTS. The bulletin established guidelines for
the investment by savings institutions in certain "high-risk" mortgage
derivative securities and limitations on the use of such securities by
insolvent, undercapitalized or otherwise "troubled" institutions. According
to the bulletin, such "high-risk" mortgage derivative securities include
securities having certain specified characteristics, which may include
certain classes of Securities. In accordance with Section 402 of the
Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery and Enhancement Act of 1989, the
foregoing bulletin will remain in effect unless and until modified,
terminated, set aside or superseded by the FDIC. Similar policy
statements have been issued by regulators having jurisdiction over
the types of depository institutions.
In September 1993 the National Association of Insurance Commissioners
released a draft model investment law (the "Model Law") which sets forth
model investment guidelines for the insurance industry. Institutions subject
to insurance regulatory authorities may be subject to restrictions on
investment similar to those set forth in the Model Law and other
restrictions.
If specified in the related Prospectus Supplement, other classes of
Offered Securities offered pursuant to this Prospectus will not constitute
"mortgage related securities" under SMMEA. The appropriate characterization
of this Offered Security under various legal investment restrictions, and
thus the ability of investors subject to these restrictions to purchase such
Offered Securities, may be subject to significant interpretive uncertainties.
Except as to the status of SMMEA Securities identified in the Prospectus
Supplement for a series as "mortgage related securities" under SMMEA, the
Depositor will make no representations as to the proper characterization of
the Offered Certificates for legal investment or financial institution
regulatory purposes, or as to the ability of particular investors to purchase
any Offered Certificates under applicable legal investment restrictions. The
uncertainties described above (and any unfavorable future determinations
concerning legal investment or financial institution regulatory
characteristics of the Offered Securities) may adversely affect the liquidity
of the Offered Securities.
The foregoing does not take into consideration the applicability of
statutes, rules, regulations, orders, guidelines or agreements generally
governing investments made by a particular investor, including, but not
limited to, "prudent investor" provisions, percentage-of-assets limits and
provisions which may restrict or prohibit investment in securities which are
not "interest bearing" or "income paying."
There may be other restrictions on the ability of certain investors,
including depository institutions, either to purchase Offered Securities or
to purchase Offered Securities representing more than a specified percentage
of the investor's assets. Accordingly, all investors whose investment
activities are subject to legal investment laws and regulations, regulatory
capital requirements or review by regulatory authorities should consult with
their own legal advisors in determining whether and to what extent the
Offered Securities of any class constitute legal investments or are subject
to investment, capital or other restrictions, and, if applicable, whether
SMMEA has been overridden in any jurisdiction relevant to such investor.
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
The Offered Securities offered hereby and by the Supplements to this
Prospectus will be offered in series. The distribution of the Securities 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 Offered
Securities will be distributed in a firm commitment underwriting, subject to
the terms and conditions of the underwriting agreement, by Merrill Lynch,
Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated ("Merrill Lynch") 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 Offered Securities agreed to be purchased by purchasers pursuant
to purchase agreements acceptable to the Depositor. In connection with the
sale of Offered Certificates, underwriters may receive compensation from the
Depositor or from purchasers of Offered Securities in the form of discounts,
concessions or commissions. The Prospectus Supplement will describe any such
compensation paid by the Depositor.
Alternatively, the Prospectus Supplement may specify that Offered
Securities will be distributed by Merrill Lynch acting as agent or in some
cases as principal with respect to Offered Securities that it has previously
purchased or agreed to purchase. If Merrill Lynch acts as agent in the sale
of Offered Securities, Merrill Lynch will receive a selling commission with
respect to such Offered Securities, depending on market conditions,
expressed as a percentage of the aggregate Certificate Balance or notional
amount of such Offered Securities as of the Cut-off Date. The exact
percentage for each series of Securities will be disclosed in the
related Prospectus Supplement. To the extent that Merrill Lynch elects to
purchase Offered Securities as principal, Merrill Lynch 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 Offered Securities of such series.
The Depositor will indemnify Merrill Lynch and any underwriters against
certain civil liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act of
1933, or will contribute to payments Merrill Lynch and any underwriters may
be required to make in respect thereof.
In the ordinary course of business, Merrill Lynch and the Depositor may
engage in various securities and financing transactions, including repurchase
agreements to provide interim financing of the Depositor's or Asset Seller's
Assets pending the sale of such Assets or interests therein,including the
Securities.
Offered Securities will often be sold primarily to institutional
investors. Purchasers of Offered Securities, 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 Offered Securities. Securityholders should
consult with their legal advisors in this regard prior to any such reoffer or
sale.
As to each series of Securities, only those classes rated in an
investment grade rating category by any Rating Agency will be offered hereby.
Any non-investment-grade class may be initially retained by the Depositor or
Asset Seller, and may be sold by the Depositor or Asset Seller at any time in
private transactions.
Upon receipt of a request by an investor who has received an electronic
Prospectus Supplement and Prospectus from the Underwriter or a request by
such investor's representative within the period during which there is an
obligation to deliver a Prospectus Supplement and Prospectus, the Depositor
or the Underwriter will promptly deliver, or cause to be delivered, without
charge, a paper copy of the Prospectus Supplement and Prospectus.
LEGAL MATTERS
Certain legal matters in connection with the Securities, including
certain federal income tax consequences, will be passed upon for the
Depositor by Brown & Wood LLP, New York, New York.
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
A new Trust Fund will be formed with respect to each series of
Securities and no Trust Fund will engage in any business activities or have
any assets or obligations prior to the issuance of the related series of
Securities. Accordingly, no financial statements with respect to any Trust
Fund will be included in this Prospectus or in the related Prospectus
Supplement.
RATING
It is a condition to the issuance of any class of Offered Securities
that they shall have been rated not lower than investment grade, that is, in
one of the four highest rating categories, by a Rating Agency.
Ratings on mortgage pass-through certificates address the likelihood of
receipt by certificateholders of all distributions on the underlying mortgage
loans. These ratings address the structural, legal and issuer-related aspects
associated with such certificates, the nature of the underlying assets and
the credit quality of the guarantor, if any. Ratings on mortgage
pass-through certificates and other asset backed securities do not
represent any assessment of the likelihood of principal prepayments by
borrowers or of the degree by which such prepayments might differ from
those originally anticipated. As a result, securityholders might suffer
a lower than anticipated yield, and, in addition, holders of stripped
interest certificates in extreme cases might fail to recoup their initial
investments.
A security rating is not a recommendation to buy, sell or hold
securities and may be subject to revision or withdrawal at any time by the
assigning rating organization. Each security rating should be evaluated
independently of any other security rating.
INDEX OF PRINCIPAL DEFINITIONS
PAGE(S) ON WHICH
TERM IS DEFINED
TERMS IN THE PROSPECTUS
Accrual Securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11, 35
Accrued Security Interest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Agreement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
ARM Loans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24, 88
Asset Seller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1, 6, 22
Available Distribution Amount . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Balloon Mortgage Loans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Book-Entry Securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Buydown Mortgage Loans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Buydown Period . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Cash Flow Agreement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10, 29
Cede . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Certificate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1, 6
Code . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Collection Account . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Commission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Contract Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Contracts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1, 8, 22
Contributions Tax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Cooperatives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Covered Trust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21, 65
CPR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Credit Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Cut-off Date . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Definitive Securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35, 43
Depositor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6, 22
Determination Date . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Distribution Date . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
DTC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Due Period . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
ERISA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14, 115
Exchange Act . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Exemption . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
FDIC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Government Securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1, 8, 22
Grantor Trust Certificates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Home Equity Loan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7, 24
Home Improvement Contract . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Indenture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Indenture Trustee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Indirect Participants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Insurance Proceeds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
L/C Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
Legislative History . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Liquidation Proceeds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Loan-to-Value Ratio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Lock-out Date . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Lock-out Period . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
manufactured housing contracts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Master Servicer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
MBS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1, 6, 22
MBS Agreement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
MBS Issuer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
MBS Servicer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
MBS Trustee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Merrill Lynch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112
Mortgage Assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Mortgage Loan Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Mortgage Loans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1, 6, 22
Mortgage Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Mortgage Participations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1, 6, 22
Mortgages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Mortgage Rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7, 24
Multifamily Mortgage Loan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Multifamily Property . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7, 23
Nonrecoverable Advance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1, 6
Offered Securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
OID . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
OID Regulations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Originator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Participants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Pass-Through Rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10, 37
Permitted Investments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Plans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
Pooling and Servicing Agreement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Pre-Funded Amount . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10, 28
Pre-Funding Account . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10, 28
Prepayment Assumption . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
Prepayment Premium . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Purchase Price . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Rating Agency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Record Date . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Refinance Loans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Related Proceeds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Relief Act . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
REMIC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
REMIC Certificates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
REMIC Regular Certificates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13, 91
REMIC Regulations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
REMIC Residual Certificates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13, 91
Restricted Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
Retained Interest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
SBA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10, 27
SBA Act . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8, 27
SBA 504 Loan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8, 22
SBA 504 Loan Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8, 22, 28
Section 7(a) Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8, 27
Securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1, 6
Security Balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11, 38
Security Owners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Securityholders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Senior Securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11, 35
Servicing Agreement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Servicing Standard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Single Family Mortgage Loan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Single Family Property . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7, 23
SMMEA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14, 117
SMMEA Securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
SPA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Stripped ARM Obligations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Stripped Interest Certificates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11, 35
Stripped Principal Securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11, 35
Sub-Servicer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Sub-Servicing Agreement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Subordinate Securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11, 35
Subsequent Assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10, 28
Title V . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
Trust Agreement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Trust Fund . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Trustee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
UCC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Underlying MBS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Underlying Mortgage Loans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Unsecured Home Improvement Loans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1, 7, 22
Value . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Voting Rights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Warranting Party . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Whole Loans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
PART II
INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
ITEM 14. OTHER EXPENSES OF ISSUANCE AND DISTRIBUTION.
The following table sets forth the estimated expenses in connection with
the offering of the Securities being registered under this Registration
Statement, other than underwriting discounts and commissions:
SEC Registration Fee $ 304
Printing and Engraving $
Legal Fees and Expenses $
Trustee Fees and Expenses $
Blue Sky Fees and Expenses $
Rating Agency Fees $
Miscellaneous $
Total $
ITEM 15. INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS.
The Registrant's By-Laws provide for indemnification of directors and
officers of the Registrant to the full extent permitted by Delaware law.
Section 145 of the Delaware General Corporation Law provides, in
substance, that Delaware corporations shall have the power, under specified
circumstances, to indemnify their directors, officers, employees and agents
in connection with actions, suits or proceedings brought against them by a
third party or in the right of the corporation, by reason of the fact that
they were or are such directors, officers, employees or agents, against
expenses incurred in any such action, suit or proceeding. The Delaware
General Corporation Law also provides that the Registrant may purchase
insurance on behalf of any such director, officer, employee or agent.
ITEM 16. EXHIBITS.
*1.1 Form of Underwriting Agreement.
*3.1 Certificate of Incorporation of Merrill Lynch Mortgage Investors,
Inc.
*3.2 By-laws of Merrill Lynch Mortgage Investors, Inc. as currently in
effect.
*4.1 Form of Pooling and Servicing Agreement (including form of
Certificate as an exhibit thereto).
*4.2 Form of Pooling and Servicing Agreement (revolving home equity
loans)
(including form of Certificate as an exhibit thereto).
*4.3 Form of Trust Agreement (including form of Certificate as an exhibit
thereto).
*4.4 Form of Indenture (including form of Note as an exhibit thereto).
*5.1 Opinion of Brown & Wood LLP as to legality of the Certificates
(including consent of such firm).
*8.1 Opinion of Brown & Wood LLP as to certain tax matters (including
consent of such firm).
*23.1 Consent of Brown & Wood LLP (included in exhibits 5.1 and8.1 hereof).
*25 Statement of Eligibility under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 of ___
as Indenture Trustee.
*99 Form of Sale and Servicing Agreement.
- -----------
* To be filed by amendment.
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; and
(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.
(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 respect of incorporation of reference.
The undersigned 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 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (and, where applicable, each filing of an
employee benefit plan's annual report pursuant to Section 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934) that is incorporated by reference in the
registration 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.
The undersigned registrant hereby agrees to provide to the underwriter
at the closing specified in the underwriting agreement, securities in such
denominations and registered in such names as required by the underwriter to
permit prompt delivery to each purchaser.
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Act may be
permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrant
pursuant to the foregoing provisions, 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, 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 of
whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in
the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended,
the Registrant 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
Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned,
thereunto duly authorized, in New York, New York on the 28th day of February,
1997.
Merrill Lynch Mortgage Investors, Inc.
By:/s/ Michael M. McGovern
----------------------
Name: Michael M. McGovern
Title: Secretary
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears
below constitutes and appoints each of Michael M. McGovern, Richard M.
Fuscone, John C. Qua, Peter J. Cerwin and Bruce Ackerman, or any of them, his
true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power of substitution
and resubstitution, for him and his name, place and stead, in any and all
capacities, to sign any and all amendments (including 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, and each of them, 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 he might or could do in
person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and
agents, or any of them, or their or his substitutes, may lawfully do or cause
to be done by virtue hereof.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended,
this Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the
capacities indicated on February 28, 1997.
Signature Title
--------- -----
President and Chairman of the Board Director
(Chief Executive Officer)
/s/ Richard M. Fuscone
----------------------
(Richard M. Fuscone)
Treasurer and Director (Principal Financial
Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)
/s/ John C. Qua
----------------------
(John C. Qua)
Director
----------------------
(Donald J. Puglisi)
Director
/s/ Michael M. McGovern
-----------------------
(Michael M. McGovern)
Registration No. (333- )
==============================================================================
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
_____________________
FORM S-3
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
_____________________
MERRILL LYNCH MORTGAGE INVESTORS, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its governing instrument)
_____________________
EXHIBIT VOLUME
==============================================================================
EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit Description Page
- ----- --------- ---
*1.1 Form of Underwriting Agreement.
*3.1 Certificate of Incorporation of Merrill Lynch Mortgage Investors, Inc.
*3.2 By-laws of Merrill Lynch Mortgage Investors, Inc. as currently
in effect.
*4.1 Form of Pooling and Servicing Agreement (including form of Certificate
as an exhibit thereto).
*4.2 Form of Pooling and Servicing Agreement (revolving home equity loans)
(including form of Certificate as an exhibit thereto).
*4.3 Form of Trust Agreement (including form of Certificate as an exhibit
thereto).
*4.4 Form of Indenture (including form of Note as an exhibit thereto).
*5.1 Opinion of Brown & Wood LLP as to legality of the Certificates
(including consent of such firm).
*8.1 Opinion of Brown & Wood LLP as to certain tax matters (including
consent of such firm).
*23.1 Consent of Brown & Wood LLP (included in exhibits 5.1 and 8.1 hereof).
*25 Statement of Eligibility under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 of
______ as Indenture Trustee.
*99 Form of Sale and Servicing Agreement.
* To be filed by amendment.
